This is my third year as a professor at Temple University. I’ve heard stories that our heritage includes many years with a reputation as a commuter school–one that has been more recently shed with year-round classes and a vastly increased amount of on-campus and near-campus housing.

Yesterday, Philadelphia was hit with a snow, sleet, snow storm. As the weather worsened Temple University cancelled all evening classes (after 5pm). Overnight, there was another 12-15 inches of snow.

When I left my house about 9am, Temple University was open despite SEPTA bus service being suspended and the SEPTA trains running an average of 30+ minutes late (if at all). Many cities street–including Broad Street–are poorly plowed as well.

I’m quite surprised that no classes are cancelled today. All I can conclude is that on main campus of Temple University, at least, that the majority of students must now live within walking distance of campus.

Update: Then again, maybe not. Just saw a message on a faculty email list saying that only “4 out of 40 students made it to an 8am class” this morning.

Another Update: Or, maybe so… another anecdote: “started my class as usual at 8 am today. 7 students were there (out of 9).”

I’ve had a handful of students (out of 45) let me know ahead of this evening’s class that they have transportation challenges.

Final Update: Last night I had the lightest attendance I’ve ever had for a class at Temple — only about 1/2 the students where there. This morning Temple is opening 2 hours late (10am)–pretty much acknowledging a blown call yesterday.