Familiar Messages in Unfamiliar Environments: Winter Storm Still Affects ESU in Remote Learning

Photo Credit/ESU Facebook

Max Augugliaro

News Editor

On the first two days of February, Monroe County experienced a snowstorm unlike any in recent years!

According to the National Weather Service, Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg have experienced 20.3 inches and 19.2 inches of snow, respectively.  Wind speeds have also clocked in at 47 miles-per-hour in Mount Pocono, and 34 miles-per-hour in the Pocono Pines.

These conditions left hazardous conditions for transportation and made many schools in the area move to remote learning on the Monday, before completely closing operation on Tuesday.

ESU did not go through this winter storm unscathed.

As ESU remains primarily in remote learning, the effects of a normal snow day are still felt by students digitally.

“Face-to-face on-campus classes will revert to remote instruction at the scheduled class time and virtual classes to continue as scheduled,” ESU stated in a weather alert spanning across ESU’s student emails and social media accounts on Jan. 31.

“Dansbury Commons, Kemp Library, and the Mattioli Recreation Center will be open (check esu.edu for more information).  Office personnel available via phone and e-mail during normal business hours.  Non-essential operations will be virtual.”

So, for anyone wanting that oh-so familiar meal at our beloved Dansbury Commons, get in leg day at Mattioli, or just study in bliss at Kemp, it was open for those living on campus, as well as those living within a safe walking distance.

In an update on Feb. 2, another update was given, as the storm was beginning to die down, around face-to-face classes and COVID-19 testing.

“All classes will remain virtual on Wednesday, February 3, 2021,” the weather alert added before sharing that face-to-face classes would resume the following day.

“COVID testing for Wednesday is canceled,” the update continued.

In another update on Feb. 3, it was announced that COVID testing would resume on Friday, Feb. 5.

Email Max at:

maugugliar@live.esu.edu