2024

President's Office Seal; Golden version of Daemen University Seal

Daemen University
Students, Faculty, and Staff

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

After a long discussion, the Cabinet has decided to close the Amherst campus on Monday, April 8, 2024. All classes and events are canceled. We will treat this as if it were a snow day. Please note that some offices may need to remain open to ensure the safety of our students.

As you know, a total solar eclipse will cross North America on this day. Western New York and Daemen’s Amherst campus are in the direct path of totality, making our region a major destination for travelers.

Because there is an expected influx of up to a million visitors to the Buffalo-Niagara region, County Executive Mark Poloncarz has recommended area businesses close and people avoid non-essential travel.

The decision to close Daemen is based on a number of considerations, including:

  • The regional infrastructure will be heavily burdened. There is an expectation of extraordinarily heavy traffic on highways and across both Grand Island bridges. Doing our part to stay off roads can help ease the burden on first responders should emergency response be needed.
  • The regional cellular towers will be heavily taxed, and cellular service will likely be interrupted. It is recommended that you have a communication plan.
  • There are concerns we may not have Internet access due to these disruptions.
  • The potential overtaxing of the electric grid may result in rolling power outages.
  • Most P-12 schools in the area are closed, leading to childcare issues for our students, faculty, and staff.  
  • Other local universities, including UB and Buffalo State, have made similar plans to cancel classes.

While the university will be closed, Daemen community members will be able to view the eclipse from the Amherst campus if they wish. Our plan for the day is as follows:

  • All academic classes and activities will be canceled at the Amherst campus, and we ask that you not invite any visitors to campus.
  • The partial eclipse starts at 2:04 p.m. with the totality beginning at 3:18 p.m. and lasting nearly four minutes. You can safely view the sun during an eclipse by wearing certified protective eyewear. Eclipse glasses will be provided at a giveaway on April 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Yurtchuk Student Center’s Social Room for your use on April 8.

We hope that you enjoy this memorable event safely.

Cordially,
Gary A. Olson Signature
Gary A. Olson
President

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