Because of the extreme cold, St. Bonaventure University will be closed today (Thursday, Jan. 31), President Dr. Dennis DePerro announced early this morning.

Only essential personnel — dining services, maintenance staff, Safety & Security and other individuals designated by their supervisors — should report.

Dining services will remain open, but the Richter Center, Friedsam Library and most other offices and campus facilities will be closed for the day.

"If you do go outside to go to the dining hall, please dress warmly for the few minutes you are outside. Stay indoors when at all possible," said DePerro.

Safety & Security officers will be happy to give students rides to the dining hall as they make their rounds of campus.

Temperatures this morning were much lower than Wednesday morning, with weather forecasts calling for wind chills to possibly dip as low as 30 to 35 below zero.

Temperatures are expected to moderate beginning tomorrow with an expected high of 17 and weekend highs of around 40 degrees.