January 23, 2026
SUNY Potsdam Alert
SUNY Potsdam will switch to remote learning on Monday, Jan. 26, due to anticipated severe weather conditions. Classes should be conducted remotely or online that day. More information on remote classes is below.
Additionally, with severe weather conditions anticipated to impact all of New York State on Monday, Jan. 26, New York State agencies have been instructed to have non-essential employees telecommute for the entire workday where possible that day. Those non-essential employees who cannot telecommute are subject to a directed absence for Monday, Jan. 26 without charge to leave accruals.
Essential staff should still report to work as directed, including for the following areas: College Counseling Center, College Libraries, PACES, Physical Plant, Residence Life, Student Health Services and University Police.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for all of Northern New York, as follows:
Extreme cold warning
An extreme cold warning will be in effect from 7 p.m. tonight, Friday, Jan. 23, through 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. Dangerously cold wind chills of 20 to 40 degrees below zero are anticipated. This period of cold temperatures is particularly dangerous and well outside of typically experienced temperature conditions. Risk of hypothermia and frostbite is unusually high.
Precautions/preparedness actions
- Dress in layers, including a hat, face mask and gloves if you must go outside.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Persons are urged to stay indoors until conditions improve. If you must go outside, dress in layers. Several layers of clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Cover exposed skin to reduce your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Plan on staying in a location with adequate heating and limit your time outdoors.
Winter storm watch
A winter storm watch will then be in effect from Sunday afternoon, Jan. 25, through late Monday night, Jan. 26. Heavy snow is possible, with total forecasted accumulations of 7 inches or more.
Precautions/preparedness actions
- Travel could be very difficult, including hazardous conditions.
Remote instruction information
- Students: Please attend your classes if they are scheduled online and/or complete assignments as instructed. Check your email and Brightspace for information from your instructors.
- Faculty: Please establish clear and open lines of communication with your students by notifying your students as soon as you are able on whether you are switching to remote instruction or canceling class. View the Faculty guidelines.
- Staff: Essential Services personnel should adhere to their regular reporting schedule on campus. Supervisors must communicate expectations and roles to all other non-essential employees to ensure the adequate coverage of our offices and services.
Fully online classes may proceed as scheduled on Monday, at the instructor’s discretion. Students at our Watertown extension site are advised to check with their instructors.
To check on the status of other events and activities, please contact campus departments directly.
Please prioritize your safety and take necessary precautions in these weather conditions. If you are in need of emergency assistance, please call University Police at (315) 267-2222.
For more information, refer to the severe weather policy.
This message was issued using Potsdam Rave Alert, our emergency alert system. You can also add the Rave Guardian campus safety app to your smartphone to receive push notifications, along with other safety features.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
General News