Ahead of Winter Storm, Lander Shifts to Virtual Instruction Monday, Tuesday

January 22, 2026

Lander University officials are continuing to monitor the weather conditions for the Upstate region of South Carolina, which remains under a Winter Storm Watch according to the National Weather Service. This brings the potential for significant ice accumulation leading to widespread power outages and treacherous travel conditions this weekend. Additionally, extremely cold temperatures during the overnight hours on Sunday and Monday will likely extend hazardous conditions into early next week. 

In light of these expected conditions, Lander announced Thursday evening (Jan. 22) the following operational changes:

The University will move to virtual, asynchronous instruction for Monday, Jan. 26, andTuesday, Jan. 27. Students should monitor their email and/or Blackboard for instructions from faculty regarding lessons and assignments for those days. 
Only essential employees should report to campus Monday and Tuesday. Employees should use discretion regarding travel and only travel if it is safe to do so. Non-essential employees should plan to work with their supervisors to utilize telecommuting or annual leave for those days.
It is possible that conditions could require a shift to virtual instruction for the remainder of next week. Decisions regarding classes and operations for Wednesday will be announced Tuesday. 

These operational changes are in addition to those announced by the University earlier in the day, which remain in effect:

Classes beginning at 12 p.m. or after for Friday, Jan. 23, are canceled. Students should look for instructions from their professors regarding any assignments for those courses.
o Campus offices will remain open Friday on a regular schedule.
o Campus transportation services (Lander Line/Shuttle) will be suspended Saturday and Sunday.

The University is also encouraging students to travel home Friday afternoon, as some campus services will be scaled back while the University focuses resources on storm preparation and response. Should Lander experience power outages, access to some campus services may be limited. Further instructions and guidance were provided to students, faculty and staff via Universityemail.

For the latest updates, please visit www.lander.edu/alert. For questions, email [email protected].