Canceled OU classes not tied to past decisions

OU's decision to cancel two and a half days of classes early this week because of inclement weather was not tied to its criticized decisions to cancel just one day of classes in December 2007 when Norman was hit by one of the most devastating ice storms in the city's history.

The university received criticism from some students when it decided to cancel the first day of finals week that month but not any others. That storm caused more than 600,000 homes to be without power for days and left 535,000 cubic yards of debris in its wake.

"Each storm is considered on a case-by-case basis," said OU Senior Vice President and Provost Nancy Mergler on Thursday, adding that the "safety is always our first concern." She also said the decision to cancel classes Monday afternoon was made rather quickly. "On Monday, people were slipping before it started sleeting." Her comments were echoed by the office of OU President David L. Boren.

Though existing in what many consider a radical weather environment, OU rarely cancels class because of inclement conditions, missing just six days since November 2002.