Western officials announced this morning that the university will operate on a delayed schedule today because of inclement weather.

All classes that meet before 9:30 a.m. have been canceled, said Gene Tice, vice president of Student Affairs and Campus Services. All classes meeting at 9:30 a.m. and later will meet as scheduled.

Tice said all essential staff will arrive at Western around 8 a.m. to clear sidewalks of snow and ice left by a snowstorm that hit Bowling Green yesterday.

Tice said he, Dean of Student Life Howard Bailey, campus police officials, Facilities Management personnel and President Gary Ransdell met early today to discuss the status of today’s campus schedule.

He said the group felt a delay was the best option.

“Just because of the condition of the campus, trying to give us enough time to get things cleared up so people wouldn’t get hurt trying to get to campus,” Tice said. “We were looking at the weather map. It looks like the storm is over. We think conditions will improve as the day goes on.”