Editor’s note: The university canceled classes Jan. 28 after this article was originally published.

Vanderbilt announced that all in-person classes will resume on a normal, in-person schedule Wednesday Jan. 28, as all campus buildings have electricity, heat, water and internet access. The announcement advised students and staff to be cautious as they navigate campus and surrounding areas. 

The announcement also stated that primary pathways have been treated; however, students should still be aware of their surroundings while traversing campus.  

Following the announcement, students took to Fizz, an anonymous social media app, to call for students to mass email Public Safety and Chancellor Diermeier in response to campus conditions. Students reported concerns about unsalted pathways, below freezing temperatures, falling tree branches and unsafe travel conditions. 

Junior Aaryn Sherman shared concerns about students’ safety after falling earlier this week.  

“After falling outside on Saturday, to get to Rand, I have a pretty bad bruise on my leg. Out of fear and discomfort, I have left my room approximately five times since. For the times I did leave: One, I’ve struggled to walk safely due to thick sheets of ice, two I’ve had to take alternative paths due to fallen trees, or three I’ve braced myself as I watched large icicles and branches fall from above,” Sherman said.  

Sherman stated that Vanderbilt should be prioritizing student safety, and she said she believes they are ignoring it by resuming class tomorrow.  

“Belmont and Metro Nashville schools closing tomorrow was the sign that Vanderbilt needed to fall in line, but this institution chose to completely ignore it. Not to mention the many professors and off-campus students who still have no power,” Sherman said. “And if canceling in-person classes feels completely impossible (which it shouldn’t), there is nothing wrong with moving classes online for a day or two.” 

Belmont University declared Jan. 28 an Administrative Day due to current weather conditions. Metro Nashville Public Schools additionally closed schools Jan. 28 and 29 due to the weather.  

First-year Dwayne Woodard shared similar concerns. 

“I think that it’s a big responsibility of campus to make sure that students go back to their classes, but the safety of our students needs to come first. All of the paths, definitely here in Commons for freshmen, are still completely filled with solid blocks of ice,” Woodard said. 

Woodard also shared concern about the accessibility of campus in its current condition. 

“A very big concern that I have is those with mobility issues or those that are in wheelchairs or cannot walk very far distances. How are they going to get to class?” Woodard said. 

Additionally, Vanderbilt Student Government created a form for students to share their thoughts on administration’s decision to hold class tomorrow.