Campus Alerts

The University's responses to campus security issues, health situations, natural disasters, weather, and national or international emergencies.

2023-24 Alerts

December 11: Earthquake

December 11, 2023

The U.S. Geological Survey is reporting a 2.8 magnitude earthquake near Canton today.

Some of you may have felt some rumbling and heard a boom from this event here on campus.

St. Lawrence’s Safety and Security office requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

February 24, 2022

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for all of northern New York and Vermont due to predicted moderate to heavy snow.

The warning goes into effect tomorrow morning, Feb. 25, at 1 a.m., and extends through 10 p.m. Friday.

Heavy snow is likely with one to two inches per hour, mainly between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with total accumulations of 6 to 12 inches. A period of reduced visibility and difficult travel is likely, especially for the Friday morning and evening commutes.

Slippery travel is expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Please allow extra time to reach your destination safely.

While on the St. Lawrence University campus, please use extra caution on roadways, walkways, parking lots, and stairs. Also, please be aware of where you walk and park in relation to trees that have the potential for falling limbs and ice.

St. Lawrence’s Safety and Security office requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

During an extreme weather event, there are often questions related to the campus-closure policy. As a residential campus, we have a responsibility to provide services to our students at all times. St. Lawrence plans to remain open. When the University is open, individual employees, for whatever reason, who are unable to arrive at work or stay at work are asked to notify their supervisor or manager as early as possible to plan for their absence.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

February 21, 2022

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for northern New York and northern Vermont for a light glaze of ice accumulation.

The advisory goes into effect tomorrow morning, Feb. 21, at 5 a.m., and extends through 1 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22.

The National Weather Service says Monday will bring ice accumulation primarily in the higher terrain of the northern Adirondacks and the northern Green Mountains. Areas of freezing drizzle will expand into the St. Lawrence and northern Champlain Valleys by Monday evening.

Slippery travel is expected. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Please allow extra time to reach your destination safely.

St. Lawrence’s Safety and Security office requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

February 19, 2022

Dear campus community,

Last evening there was a fatal shooting in Potsdam adjacent to the SUNY Potsdam campus.

While there was not a direct threat to our campus community last evening the St. Lawrence University Safety and Security office increased patrols on campus. Overnight the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Office asked the public “within St. Lawrence County and Franklin County to be safe and vigilant as there may be an active threat to the public.”

Please make sure to be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to Safety and Security at (315) 229-5555.

Our 24/7 Crisis and Counseling helpline is available for all enrolled St. Lawrence University Students. If you or a friend are experiencing a mental health crisis or need in-the-moment support, please contact (315) 229-1914.

Sincerely,

Pat Gagnon
Assistant VP of Safety & Security & Emergency Management

February 17, 2022

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Canton, the North Country, and much of Upstate New York. The warning goes into effect this evening, Thursday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m., and extends through 1 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 18.

The National Weather Service says heavy precipitation is expected. Today’s rain will turn to snow this evening with possible accumulations of 4 to 10 inches. We may also see a build up of up to one-tenth of an inch of ice. Isolated power outages are possible.

Driving could be very difficult. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Please allow extra time to reach your destination safely.

St. Lawrence’s Safety and Security office requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

February 2, 2022

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Canton, the North Country, and much of Upstate New York. The warning goes into effect on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 1 a.m., and extends through 7 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 4.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected with total snow accumulations of 8 to 12 inches likely. Travel could be very difficult. It will snow throughout the day Thursday and increase in intensity Thursday evening with moderate to heavy snow expected before tapering off early Friday morning.

St. Lawrence’s Safety and Security office requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

January 28, 2022

A Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Canton and much of the North Country. The warning goes into effect on Friday, Jan. 28, at 10 p.m., and extends through 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerously cold wind chills—as low as -45°F—are expected. These wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The coldest wind chill values will occur between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. on Saturday.

Actual air temperatures will be between -5°F and -15°F during this period. Similar cold temperatures are expected Saturday night and into Sunday morning.

During the warning period, avoid outside activities if possible. If you need to go outside, please make sure you are dressed for extreme cold:

Warm hat and gloves
Multiple layers of clothing
A warm coat or jacket to protect against wind
Face covering
Waterproof boots

If precautions are not taken, these weather conditions can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

Frostbite mostly affects small, exposed areas of the body such as fingers and toes. Your skin might feel like pins and needles, a stinging sensation, or a reduced sensation to touch. It might change color from poor circulation, stinging, or redness. While it can often be rectified by going inside and warming the skin, if you encounter blistering, cold-feeling, or waxy skin, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.
Symptoms of hypothermia may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you or another campus community member experiences any of these symptoms following prolonged time outside on Monday or Tuesday, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

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January 16, 2022

A Winter Storm Warning has been issued for Canton and the rest of Northern New York. The warning goes into effect on Monday, Jan. 17, at 1 a.m., and extends through 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

According to the National Weather Service, heavy snow is expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 13 inches are likely. Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute. In combination with gusty winds, isolated to scattered power outages are possible.

A period of 1 to 2 inch per hour snowfall rates are expected Monday morning. In the St. Lawrence Valley, where Canton is located, snowfall rates may reach 3 inches per hour. These intense snowfall rates will subside during the afternoon.

Safety and Security requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines, or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

Monday’s Arrival Testing Clinic for the spring 2022 semester will continue as planned.

For Laurentians Traveling on Monday

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are in place throughout much of the Northeast. Please look at forecasts for places along your travel route to understand how the weather will impact your return. Residence Life sent a message to students on Friday, Jan. 14, with instructions on how to change their scheduled arrival time if needed.

Transportation Services has notified students that Break Buses from Boston and New York City have both been postponed one day and will now travel to campus on Tuesday, January 18, to ensure everyone’s safety. Pick-up schedules for each bus will remain the same.

Transportation Services will make every attempt to travel to and from airports, train, and bus stations, for previously-scheduled shuttles, but if travel becomes too hazardous and unsafe due to the winter storm, we will let students know so they can make arrangements to be safe until Transportations Services can safely get there to pick them up.

We will keep the campus community updated via email and on the St. Lawrence University website. Emergency notices, if needed, will be sent through text message, email, and voicemail.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

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January 14, 2022

A Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Canton and the rest of the St. Lawrence Valley. The warning goes into effect on Friday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m., and extends through 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerously cold wind chills—as low as 30 to 45 below zero—are expected. These wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The coldest wind chill values will occur between 11 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday.

Actual air temperatures will be between 0 and 15 degrees below zero during this period. More cold temperatures are expected Saturday night and Sunday morning.

During the warning period, avoid outside activities if possible. If you need to go outside, please make sure you wear appropriate clothing such as a hat and gloves. If precautions are not taken, these weather conditions can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

Frostbite mostly affects small, exposed areas of the body such as fingers and toes. Your skin might feel like pins and needles, a stinging sensation, or a reduced sensation to touch. It might change color from poor circulation, stinging, or redness. While it can often be rectified by going inside and warming the skin, if you encounter blistering, cold-feeling, or waxy skin, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.
Symptoms of hypothermia may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you or another campus community member experiences any of these symptoms following prolonged time outside on Monday or Tuesday, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

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January 10, 2022

A Wind Chill Warning has been issued for Canton and the rest of the St. Lawrence Valley. The warning goes into effect on Monday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., and extends through 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11.

According to the National Weather Service, dangerously cold wind chills—as low as 35 below zero—are expected. These wind chills could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. The coldest wind chill values will occur between 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Avoid outside activities if possible. If you need to go outside, please make sure you wear appropriate clothing such as a hat and gloves. If precautions are not taken, these weather conditions can lead to frostbite or hypothermia.

Frostbite mostly affects small, exposed areas of the body such as fingers and toes. Your skin might feel like pins and needles, a stinging sensation, or a reduced sensation to touch. It might change color from poor circulation, stinging, or redness. While it can often be rectified by going inside and warming the skin, if you encounter blistering, cold-feeling, or waxy skin, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.
Symptoms of hypothermia may include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness. If you or another campus community member experiences any of these symptoms following prolonged time outside on Monday or Tuesday, please contact Safety and Security at 315-229-5555.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

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December 17, 2021

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for portions of northern New York, including Canton, beginning Saturday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m., and extending through 7 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19.

The National Weather Service is calling for 4 to 6 inches of snow to fall in Canton. Snow will develop across the region from south to north beginning mid-day Saturday and may become briefly heavy at times into the early overnight hours before ending around sunrise Sunday. Some localized pockets of light freezing drizzle are possible early Sunday morning, which could make surfaces slick.

While on the St. Lawrence University campus, please use extra caution on roadways, walkways, parking lots and stairs. Also, please be aware of where you walk and park in relation to trees that have the potential for falling limbs and ice.

Safety and Security requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

For Laurentians traveling this weekend: Winter Weather Advisories are in effect throughout much of New York State, into the Burlington, Vermont, area, and into western and central Massachusetts. Winter Storm Warning alerts warn that 6-8 inches of snow or more are predicted for much of Vermont, New Hampshire, and southern Maine.

When winter weather significantly affects the area, there are often questions related to the campus-closure policy. St. Lawrence plans to remain open. When the University is open, individual employees, for whatever reason, who are unable to arrive at work or stay at work are asked to notify their supervisor or manager as early as possible to plan for their absence.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date weather advisories.

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December 10, 2021

The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for St. Lawrence County, which includes Canton. The warning will be in effect beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, through 4 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12.

The National Weather Service says winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected. Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. Travel will be difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles.

Please use extra caution while on the St. Lawrence University campus. Also, please be aware of where you walk and park in relation to trees that have the potential for falling limbs. Safety and Security requests that you report any unsafe conditions that need immediate attention (fallen limbs, utility lines or accidents) by calling 315-229-5555.

For Laurentians traveling over the weekend: High Wind Warnings are also in effect for commonly traveled routes east and south of campus that take you through places like Malone or Watertown.

Visit the National Weather Service for up-to-date information on local weather.

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October 12, 2021

Dear Campus Community Member,

This Campus Safety Alert is being distributed in accordance with the “Timely Warning” provision of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998. Campus Safety Alerts are distributed to the campus community when a Clery Act crime is reported to have occurred on or within a University-owned or -controlled facility, or property that may represent a serious or continuing threat to the safety of the campus community. Even if St. Lawrence does not have all of the facts surrounding a reported criminal incident, distribution is required when pertinent details of a crime are reported to have occurred and an assessment of those details conclude the possibility of a serious or continuing threat. This message is intended to heighten your awareness, to enable you to take actions which can help increase your safety, and to aid in the prevention of similar crimes.

REPORTED OFFENSE:

The St. Lawrence University Office of Safety and Security has received a report of sexual assault in Jencks Hall by a heavy-set male on Saturday, October 9. The victim was medically treated for their injuries and released. Safety and Security is investigating.

SUSPECT(S):

The suspect is unknown to the victim.

CRIME CLASSIFICATION/DEFINITION:

Sexual Assault is defined as an offense that meets the definition of Rape, Fondling, Incest or Statutory Rape as used in the FBI’s UCR program and included in Appendix A of 34 CFR Part 668.

REPORTING:

St. Lawrence Safety and Security can be contacted by calling 315-229-5555. Additionally, criminal incidents can be reported to the Canton Police by calling 911 or 315-386-4561.

REMEMBER:

It’s up to each of us, collectively and individually, to create a campus environment that is safe, respectful, and nurturing, helping all students and employees fulfill their promise. Because harassment and discrimination are contrary to that environment, St. Lawrence prohibits any form of harassment and discrimination. Learn more about the University’s Title IX policies and protocols.

Victims of sexual misconduct can reach out to confidential resources or officially report the incident.
Any crime can be reported 24/7 to Safety and Security or the Canton Police. Timely reports can aid in the identification of responsible parties.
Notify Safety and Security immediately if you have any information or questions.

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