Web and Text Alerts at the Forefront of Snow Day News for University of Maryland Students

As the University of Maryland prepares for snow, students turn to the Web, mobile devices and social media to learn about school closures and delays.

A University of Maryland senior, who prefers to remain unnamed, uses Google and AccuWeather to find the latest news on school closures and delays. 

In light of the impending storm, Shannon, who works at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union assistance desk, explains that there is a chain of events that occur when snow sweeps campus.

Shannon is one student who uses the university's alert system to receive text alerts about school closures and delays. She also turns to social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook.

Despite Shannon's turn to social media for the latest news updates, the Pew Research Center reported that only 47 percent of adults turn to Facebook for news. However, 78 percent of the subgroup reported that they found news related information on Facebook unintentionally, when browsing the social media site for other reasons. 

Campus Recreation Services already reported that Ritchie Coliseum arena will close at 3 p.m. and the fitness center and multipurpose room will close at 7 p.m.

The University of Maryland urges students to check the university homepage, contact the "snow phone line" (301-405-7669) and listen to local radio and televisions statements for the latest updates on delays and cancellations.

Photo courtesy of National Weather Service