When a record-setting 26 inches of snow pounded the New York metropolitan area overnight in January 1996, New York City was nearly paralyzed.
The entire New York City Public Schools system as well as Columbia University, New York University and surrounding colleges shut down completely for the first time since February 1978 -- when the last record high snowfall hit the area.
But in Hanover, the show went on.
In New Hampshire, snow is a common occurrence that rarely cripples the Dartmouth community. In the 229 years, the College has never suspended operation completely because of inclement weather. Classes were officially suspended only twice -- both for political reasons.
"I have been here 22 years -- I have seen tons of snow, but I have never seen classes canceled because of it," Dean of Faculty Edward Berger said.
According to the College's inclement weather policy, Dartmouth must remain in regular operation even during snow storms and power outages because Dartmouth is primarily a residential community with the majority of students and employees living on or near campus.
"The students here rely on the College's services and we have to provide it regardless of the weather," Director of Human Services Brock said. "The College can't just refuse food and hot water to the 4,000 students on this campus."
All College buildings such as Baker Library, Thayer Dining Hall, Alumni Gymnasium as well as administrative offices must remain in full operation, and employees are expected to report to work regardless of the weather, Brock said.
Brock said inclement weather conditions should not interfere with commuting since most students as well as most faculty members and other College employees are within walking distance to campus.
"Students need to use the library, the gym, and eat in Thayer," Brock said. "We can't just tell them, 'You can't do that because it's snowing outside.'"
Although individual professors may cancel or postpone their classes, the weather has never played a role the College's decision to officially suspend all classes, Berger said.
"Unless it's something of catastrophic proportions, weather really won't be an issue," Berger said.
The last time classes were canceled was back in January 1986, after more than 100 students and faculty members piled into Parkhurst Hall to protest the administration's lack of response over the destruction of shanties erected on the Green. The shanties were built to protest apartheid in South Africa, and their destruction was considered racist by many members of the College community.
McLaughlin decided to suspend classes for one day and instead scheduled day-long series of discussions on intolerance.
College President John Sloan Dickey canceled classes on Nov. 25, 1963 to mark the funeral service of President John F. Kennedy.
