Greater Boston, January 27, 2026
News Summary
As a powerful winter storm hit the Greater Boston area, local universities made critical decisions regarding closures and campus operations. Boston College, Emerson College, and Boston University closed their campuses, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. In contrast, Harvard College opted to remain open, offering flexible options for those unable to attend in person. This situation highlighted the varied responses among institutions to adverse weather and their commitment to community safety and educational continuity.
Boston, MA — As a significant winter storm blanketed the Greater Boston area on Monday, January 26, 2026, local universities faced critical decisions regarding campus operations, academic schedules, and the safety of their students, faculty, and staff. The storm, which brought over a foot of snow to many parts of the city and region, tested institutional resilience and highlighted the diverse approaches higher education leaders take when confronted with challenging environmental conditions. The varied responses from institutions such as Boston College, Emerson College, Boston University, and Harvard College underscored a collective commitment to safety while demonstrating different strategies for maintaining academic and operational continuity.
Navigating severe weather requires meticulous planning and decisive leadership to ensure the well-being of a university community. These decisions, made under the pressure of rapidly changing conditions, reflect each institution’s operational discipline and its dedication to the academic freedom and personal responsibility of its members. The events of January 26th offer a clear illustration of how Boston’s colleges and universities prioritize their communities while upholding their educational missions, contributing to the broader Massachusetts higher education landscape.
Boston College Prioritizes Safety with Full Campus Closure
Boston College announced its closure for Monday, January 26, 2026, as a direct result of the snowstorm that brought over a foot of snow to the campus. This decisive action led to the cancellation of all classes, a measure that had not been taken due to extreme weather in nearly eight years. To further ensure the safety of its community members, Boston College also suspended its shuttle services starting Sunday afternoon, citing concerns for both passengers and drivers amidst the hazardous conditions. The university’s clear communication and proactive steps underscored its commitment to student and staff welfare as the primary consideration during severe weather events.
Emerson College and Boston University Adopt Proactive Closures
Emerson College’s Boston campus implemented a winter storm closure, canceling Boston classes, virtual meetings, rehearsals, and campus activities from noon on Sunday, January 25, through all day Monday, January 26. This decision was made in anticipation of heavy snowfall, dangerous conditions, extreme cold, and the potential for power outages. For students whose classes were canceled on Monday, January 26, Emerson College designated April 16, 2026, as a makeup day to ensure academic progress. Essential employees were expected to report, while other staff were not required to work.
Similarly, Boston University closed all three of its campuses—Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses—starting at noon on Sunday, January 25, and remaining closed through Monday, January 26, 2026. University leaders cited significant snowfall, which dumped upwards of two feet of snow in some parts of Greater Boston, and single-digit temperatures as factors making travel “very difficult to impossible.” Boston University later announced that all three campuses would reopen on Tuesday, with classes, research, and work resuming. University leadership commended the facilities, dining, police, and public safety teams for their diligent work around the clock to clear the campus and ensure its safety for the return of the community.
Harvard College Maintains Operational Continuity with Flexibility
In contrast to other institutions, Harvard College made the determination to remain open on Monday, January 26, 2026. Classes within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) were scheduled to proceed as planned, “when possible.” While non-essential central administrative staff were encouraged to work remotely, faculty members who found themselves unable to safely reach campus were provided with options for remote teaching or rescheduling their classes. Harvard Law School, however, shifted to remote operations for its Monday classes to support community safety.
The decision to hold in-person classes at Harvard College prompted varied reactions among students, with some expressing concerns about treacherous road conditions and widespread travel delays impacting their ability to return to campus after the winter recess. This situation highlighted the delicate balance universities must strike between ensuring safety and upholding academic schedules, particularly for institutions that value in-person instruction and campus life.
Regional Snowfall and Logistical Efforts Across Boston Campuses
The winter storm delivered substantial snowfall across the Boston area. Boston itself recorded 18.6 inches of snow, while other parts of Massachusetts experienced upwards of 22 inches. Logan Airport also reported more than 20 inches of snow on Monday. The storm was described as the biggest snowfall event in the area in four years. This level of accumulation presented considerable logistical challenges for all institutions, regardless of their closure status. Essential personnel, including facilities staff, dining services, and public safety officers, played a crucial role in maintaining campus operations and clearing pathways. Boston University’s senior vice president of operations, Derek Howe, extended thanks to these teams for their “extraordinary work” in clearing snow, keeping buildings operational, and ensuring access to essential services. The efforts of these dedicated individuals underscore the personal responsibility and discipline required to keep university communities functioning during adverse weather conditions. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey had urged state residents to avoid unnecessary travel over the weekend due to the frigid temperatures and anticipated snowfall.
Institutional Responsibility and Community Impact
The responses of Boston’s higher education institutions to the January 26, 2026, snowstorm exemplify a critical aspect of their leadership within the community. While some prioritized a full closure for safety, others opted for operational continuity with flexibility, each approach reflecting a careful assessment of risks and responsibilities. These decisions, made with the well-being of thousands of students and employees in mind, highlight the disciplined management and resourcefulness embedded within the Massachusetts higher education system. Such events serve as reminders of the robust infrastructure and dedicated personnel that underpin these vibrant academic communities, enabling them to adapt and respond effectively to external challenges, fostering leadership and community impact.
The diverse strategies employed by Boston College, Emerson College, Boston University, and Harvard College in the face of significant snowfall underscore the unique challenges and priorities of each institution. Ultimately, these universities demonstrated a steadfast commitment to supporting their communities while upholding academic excellence, further solidifying Boston’s reputation as a hub of resilient and responsible higher education. We encourage our readers to explore the many programs and events offered by our local universities, and to stay updated on news from the dynamic Boston MA college news community.
Key University Responses to January 26, 2026, Snowstorm
| Institution | Closure/Operational Status (Monday, Jan 26, 2026) | Snowfall Impact (Boston Area) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston College | Campus closed, classes canceled. | Over a foot on campus. | First class cancellation in nearly eight years due to extreme weather. Shuttle services suspended. |
| Emerson College | Boston campus closed, classes and activities canceled. | Anticipated heavy snowfall, dangerous conditions. | Closure from noon Sunday through all day Monday. Makeup day scheduled for Monday’s classes (April 16, 2026). |
| Boston University | All three campuses (Charles River, Fenway, Medical) closed. | Upwards of two feet in some parts of Greater Boston. | Closed from noon Sunday through Monday. Reopened Tuesday. Essential staff praised for snow removal efforts. |
| Harvard College | Remained open for FAS and GSAS classes (when possible). | Significant snowfall in Cambridge. | Non-essential central administrative staff encouraged remote work. Harvard Law School shifted to remote operations. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the January 26, 2026, Snowstorm and Boston University Responses
Q: Which Boston universities closed their campuses on Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the snowstorm?
A: Boston College, Emerson College’s Boston campus, and Boston University’s Charles River, Fenway, and Medical Campuses all announced closures for Monday, January 26, 2026, due to the winter storm.
Q: Did Harvard College close its campus during the January 26, 2026, snowstorm?
A: Harvard College remained open on Monday, January 26, 2026, with classes in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) and Harvard Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) held as scheduled, “when possible.” Harvard Law School, however, shifted to remote operations.
Q: How much snow did the Boston area receive during the January 26, 2026, winter storm?
A: Boston received 18.6 inches of snow during the winter storm, with some parts of Massachusetts seeing upwards of 22 inches. Logan Airport also reported more than 20 inches of snow on Monday.
Q: What measures did Emerson College take for canceled classes on January 26, 2026?
A: Emerson College designated April 16, 2026, as a makeup day for classes that were canceled on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Q: When did Boston University reopen its campuses after the snowstorm closure?
A: Boston University reopened all three of its campuses on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with classes, research, and work resuming after the closure on Monday.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Boston Universities Adapt to Severe Winter Storm
Boston Colleges Navigate Winter Storm Impact, Resume Operations
Boston Universities React to Severe Winter Weather
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Boston Universities and Schools Respond to Winter Storm
Boston Universities Close Due to Severe Winter Storm
Boston Braves Winter: Community Resilience in Snowstorm
Wellesley College Closes Amid Severe Winter Storm
Tufts University Campuses Close Amid Winter Storm Warning
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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