Universities Offer Warming Stations to Those Without Power

  • By Matt Jones
  • 02/18/21

A series of winter storms blew through the U.S. this week, bringing record-breaking low temperatures and leaving millions without electricity. In response, many universities are setting up warming stations to give both students and the community at large a place to take refuge against the cold.

Texas A&M University welcomed individuals and families from College Station to Reed Arena, the home site of its men’s and women’s basketball teams. The university noted that, upon opening, there would be “minimal amenities” available—that is, no cots, food, or warm beverages. The facility was warmed to 70 degrees and was expected to remain open until at least noon on Friday, Feb. 19. The university strongly recommended bringing masks to wear while indoors, and they stated that social distancing procedures would still be put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Warming centers

The University of Texas at San Antonio offered up the JPL Library and the ground floor of its Main Building. It welcomed students, faculty, and staff to set up camp, recharge any necessary devices, and access the WiFi network between Wednesday, Feb. 17, and Friday, Feb. 19. The university did note that because of the campus closure and COVID-related concerns, the warming stations would not be available overnight.

Meanwhile, Texas State University made use of its campus shuttles as “warming buses” for students living on and off campus. They stationed the buses at various places on or near campus, cautioning students that the temporary shelters were for daytime use only. The university continued to deploy new buses at new locations into Wednesday evening. All campus COVID-19 protocols, including mask-wearing and physical distancing, remained mandatory.

Eastern Kentucky University opened the EKU Student Recreation Center to university employees, students, and their immediate family members from the same household. The warming station is available during normal hours of operation through at least Sunday, Feb. 21. Again, all coronavirus-related precautions remain in place.

More warming centers continue to open as the need arises. Check with your local college campus or local news stations if you and your family need a place to keep warm.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Texas K–12 District to Build New Elementary, High Schools

    The High Island Independent School District on the Bolivar Peninsula in Southeast Texas recently announced that construction on a new elementary school and a new high school will begin in January 2026, according to local news. Funding will come from a $27.9-million bond passed in May 2025.

  • New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

    Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

  • Tennant Company Launches Autonomous Floor Scrubber

    Cleaning equipment and solutions provider Tennant Company recently launched the new X6 ROVR, a mid-sized robotic scrubber designed for large commercial and light-industrial environments, according to a news release. The autonomous machine can clean up to 75,000 square feet peer cycle with minimal needs for manual assistance.

Digital Edition