IU cancels class for 1st time since '78

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Indiana University declared a rarity Wednesday. Officials canceled class to keep students out of the snow.

The Indiana State Police told motorists to stay off the roads and they listened in Monroe County. Troopers reported no major accidents. On Indiana University's campus students didn't need much persuasion. Once word spread that class were canceled students began to celebrate.

"It's a chance to get a little outside of the classroom learning and become a well rounded student," said freshman Nicolas Stoffregen.

IU officials said they made the call to keep students safe and give crews a chance to clear the snow. IU canceled a half day of class two years ago, but this is the first time since 1978 students were told to stay home for the whole day.

"I'm not missing any tests but my professor e-mailed us and said your stuff is still due on Monday, but we are just going to move lecture," said Laura Ferguson, a sophomore.

"When we finally found out they were cancelled, it was really exciting. I'’s a nice break and people can catch up on work," Lauren Gelbard at the Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority.

Others used the time to just catch up on fun. Students got creative and used cafeteria lunch trays to sled down hills near the dorms and on Dunn Meadow.

"I went to breakfast, we decided not to return our trays and brought them out here to see how they do on the hill." said Stoffregen.

The university is expected to resume normal operations on Thursday. However, students, faculty and staff should watch <http://indianauniversity.info/> for updated advisories.

There were several other universities that decided to close for the day. The University of Southern Indiana in Evansville, Vincennes University, Ball State University and IUPUI in Indianapolis also closed for the day.