Friday, January 23, 2026, 12 p.m. – All models indicate that the forecasted winter storm will bring a very challenging combination of snow, freezing rain, and ice that will have serious impacts on the region and on campus, starting Saturday evening. 

The Randolph-Macon Emergency Response Team has been preparing a series of contingency plans. A message was shared with the faculty, staff, and student community on Friday with many details. The following story summarizes some of the instructions provided. This news alert is not a substitute for that email, and students in particular are encouraged to read directly from the email in its entirety and to take the actions it outlines.

Randolph-Macon’s first concern is the safety of our community. Our preparations are focused on snow removal for safe travel on campus, the health and well-being of residential students, and the possibility of power outages, to which our tree-lined campus is susceptible.

Decisions about the academic schedule will be announced on Sunday; however, it is highly likely that classes will be virtual for at least part of next week.   

Saturday’s Events

Several events on campus will be held as scheduled on Saturday morning, in advance of the storm. Please check the College’s event calendar for more details.

Residential Students

Information was shared with all students in advance of the storm to allow time to travel before the storm begins Saturday evening. Campus will remain open, but all students have been asked to report in with their plans by completing a mandatory form (for residential students only). This completed form will serve as an “opt-in” to specific communications regarding food, heat, etc. for students who stay on campus. It is also an important safety measure for all students to return after the storm has passed. 

Staff and Faculty

Non-essential staff and teaching faculty should prepare for the possibility of remote work for a portion of next week before leaving the campus this week. We will send follow up messages about the status of remote work as we know more. 

Weekend Hours

At this time, anticipated hours for key locations are:
McGraw-Page Library: Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday: Closed

Brock Center: Saturday: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Sunday: TBD

Dining – Estes Only:
Saturday: Brunch 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (normal hours of operation for Brunch and serving Scholarship Days participants); Dinner 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday: Brunch 10 a.m. -2 p.m.; Dinner 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Smart Preparations

Everyone, regardless of where you ride out the storm, should plan ahead for snow, ice, and very cold temperatures with significant travel disruptions and the possibility of power failure. Good reminders for all include: 

•         Charge your phones, and any power banks you have 
•         Top off your gas tank 
•         Know where to find additional blankets and other options to stay warm 
•         Fill water bottles with potable water  
•         Have some additional non-perishable foods on hand. Of note: The Hull Closet will be open with extended hours today (Friday) from 12-4 pm. It is located behind Campus Safety.  

A Note About Internships 

Students completing J-term internships should plan to follow instructions for reporting to work from your on-site supervisor. If you will not complete 130 hours, as required for your internship, by the end of J-term because of a weather-related closure, please work with your faculty supervisor to develop a plan. 

Staying Informed 

Randolph-Macon will make announcements on relevant closures and hours for open facilities as that information is decided. Those updates will be sent via email and posted on an announcement on rmc.edu. Major updates will also be shared via social media. Please expect changes throughout Sunday and Monday in particular.  

If you have not yet signed up for campus alerts, now is the time to do so.

While we hope for a cozy snowstorm, we are preparing for many scenarios, and we know these are the times when Yellow Jackets come together. Thank you, in advance, for working together to support these plans and for your adaptability in the storm!