HIGH POINT, N.C., Jan. 8, 2017 – About eight inches of snow fell on the High Point University campus on Jan. 7, just as students were headed back for the spring 2017 semester.
HPU’s promise to provide every student with an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people holds true in every situation, including inclement weather. Teams in Campus Enhancement, Student Life, Security, Food Services and more implemented a plan to keep all students safe and warm in their home away from home.
With more than 90 percent of students living on campus, HPU remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here’s a glimpse at how they have and continue to ensure safety for students.
Approximately 870 hours of manpower are dedicated to prepping and maintaining the physical campus. Depending on the amount of accumulation, HPU’s Campus Enhancement Team has access to 60 tons of rock salt and 120,000 pounds of ice melt.
“Our Campus Enhancement team cares about the safety of our students and continuously works to keep stairs and sidewalks clear,” says Steve Potter, vice president for facilities and operations. “Their dedication is second to none.”
For HPU dining locations, shelves are stocked in advance so operations will remain on schedule throughout a storm.
“Orders are increased to our vendors to ensure we have enough food on hand in case delivery issues arise,” said Pete Mandala, director of Aramark at HPU. “Dining locations remain committed to serving our students throughout campus.”
To ensure all food facilities remain open, managers of HPU dining operations may stay in local hotels near campus if commutes become dangerous. They also offer transportation to their employees who may not be able to drive due to weather.
HPU security and student life staff will also be on duty around the clock. If shuttle systems are delayed due to road safety concerns, students can call security at 336-841-9112 with special transportation needs.