Winter storms and frigid temperatures have put SFU’s snow removal efforts in the spotlight.
While some students applauded the Physical Plant for their hard work under difficult circumstances, others expressed concerns and offered ideas for improvement.
“The roads are mostly clear; sidewalks not so much,” one student said. “This afternoon, the sidewalks were half-cleared, and the other half was still covered in snow and slush.
“The slush is what I have been slipping on.”
Some students reported dangerous conditions during their early morning commutes. One student described sliding on an unplowed road and nearly hitting a pedestrian.
Other students defended the efforts of the SFU Physical Plant, acknowledging the challenges of clearing sidewalks in heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.
“It’s as good as can be expected,” said one student. “The people accusing them of not doing enough aren’t locals and don’t understand that this is just a fact of life around here.”
Several students suggested that the Physical Plant consider hiring additional workers during the winter months.
“It would be nice if they hired more seasonal help,” one student said.
“It’s understandable that the people that they have (working) right now aren’t enough to take care of the snow, but it is scary to walk to the dining halls and be slipping every two seconds.”
“They’re overworked and understaffed,” another student said. “For campus upkeep, we need more people on the team – it’s been falling behind.”
Some students believe snow removal is only part of the problem and called for the administration to delay or cancel classes during severe weather.
“They can’t stop the snow, but they could cancel or delay classes until the snow is cleared to a safer level,” a student said.
“I think the main issue is an administrative one.”
Director of Residence Life Don Miles explained the University’s approach to weather-related class cancellations and campus operations.
“The decision to cancel or alter classes due to weather is made thoughtfully, balancing student safety, maintaining essential services, and preserving an optimal learning environment,” said Miles in a statement.
“Our process begins at 4 a.m., with a team assessing conditions using information from the Pennsylvania State Police, road warnings, radar maps, webcams and real-time reports from staff commuting to campus.
“We focus on travel safety during key commuting hours and adjust schedules if necessary.”
Miles said that campus operations never fully close because of the number of students who live on campus and rely on essential services.
“Essential services like Dining, Physical Plant, Police, Residence Life and Health Services must remain operational to support our students,” he said.
“Faculty always have the discretion to cancel individual classes, and students are encouraged to prioritize their safety when deciding whether to attend.”
Director of Physical Plant Dave Williams praised the work and dedication of his staff.
“Due to the persistent snow and winter weather here in Loretto so far in 2025, these men and women have been on campus plowing, shoveling and spreading de-icing and anti-skid materials for all but two days in January,” Williams said.
The crew starts at 4 a.m. on snowy days, prioritizing high-traffic areas before moving to other parts of campus. So far this winter, Williams said that they have used 95 tons of road salt and 500 bags of de-icing material.
According to Williams, Physical Plant staff have logged more than 1,000 hours of labor.
“The staff mentioned how encouraging it is when students thank them for their hard work,” said Williams.
“I think they should be commended for their work and dedication.”
