On Friday, Sept. 26, the first day of Homecoming, Utica University experienced a power outage in the Academic Quad, causing classes to be cancelled for the rest of the day.

According to Shad M. Crowe, the vice president of Emergency Management & Facilities Operations, a primary electrical wire delivering electrical power to the campus failed in an underground pathway between Lot C and the Academic Quad. 

At the time it occurred a loud crack was heard near the front of the Library, caused by the wire shorting out at the point of failure, Crowe said. A significant amount of smoke was visible near a terminal cover in the academic quad area. This was caused by the sheathing that encompasses the wire melting underground and traveling through the pathway to the nearest point of exit (the terminal cover). 

A message was sent out to the students, staff and faculty that all in-person classes were canceled for the remainder of the day. Buildings were swept so that only essential employees were to continue working.

The anticipated timeline for completion of the repairs is targeted for the end of this week. Repair crews are working to remove the damaged wire and clear the underground pathway to allow a new wire to be installed.  The pathway and wire run from Hubbard Hall to the front of the Library and power numerous buildings from that feed.

The academic quad area (between Hubbard, White, and Gordon Halls) is closed to everyone, except repair technicians due to the work being done. 

On Sunday, two emails and UAlert text were sent to the entire University Community advising of the need to avoid that area. 

Students walking to classes from the residential side of campus can access all buildings and classrooms through the Gordon Science Center. All entrances and exits remain open on the south side (Burrstone Rd. side) of campus.