Cleveland State University made a public announcement to all of CSU on Monday that despite inclement weather conditions, campus would be open on Tuesday and classes would be “conducted as scheduled.” The university added that it would monitor weather conditions and share updates based on the available “weather information at that time.”

These announcements were made via email and on Cleveland State's social media accounts across multiple platforms, one being Instagram. While the Instragram post received hundreds of likes, it also received over 250 comments from unhappy students. 

Many criticized the university for staying open while nearby schools, businesses and the local government were closing. 

“City hall is closed tomorrow, alongside other places in downtown Cleveland (businesses, schools, etc.,). Being so close to the lake with such cold temperatures cannot be safe,” one Instagram user wrote.

Others mentioned the heating conditions of the buildings on campus.

“I work in the union building and we haven’t had heat since Thanksgiving. Not only are you not closing campus but you’re not fixing the heat either (crying emoji). I literally work in my winter coat, gloves and a hat @csu_president,” another user wrote. Multiple students mentioned the heating problem in the Union building on campus.

Along with closures and building issues, many students were concerned for others and their own well being getting to and from campus. Many users pointed out that students, faculty and staff who take public transportation to school would have to wait outside in the below zero temperatures, increasing their chances of suffering from the extreme weather. 

The National Weather Service issued a severe cold warning for Cuyahoga County beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. until 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. Wind chill temperature in the area was expected to drop as low as 25 below zero, with the risk of frostbite for exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. 

While the NWS warning did not go into effect until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, the temperature for the entire day in Cleveland felt like below zero. Many schools in the NE Ohio area closed Tuesday and Wednesday, including Cuyahoga Community College, Youngstown State University and Akron University. 

CSU updated its advisory at lunchtime Tuesday, announing the university would close at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday and reopen on Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. for scheduled classes.

If you must go outside, the National Weather Service advises people to layer up and cover any exposed skin that is at risk.