Baylor University Waco Campus Returns to Normal Operations at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
[UPDATE: 3 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2026]
Baylor Returns to Normal Operations
As the weather continues to improve in Waco and across Central Texas, the Baylor University Waco Campus has returned to normal operations as of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
We express our thanks to our students, faculty and staff for their patience, resilience and cooperation during a challenging period of cold and icy weather, and we share our gratitude for our public safety, dining and facilities personnel for their dedication to serving our campus community
Please continue to use extra caution on campus, especially as you walk on parking lots, sidewalks and stairs that may still be iced over or have slippery patches.
[UPDATE: 5:40 p.m. CT, Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026]
Baylor University Waco Campus to Delay Opening to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Conditions on campus roads, parking lots, sidewalks and exterior stairs are expected to improve sufficiently for Baylor University to return to normal operations beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
Staff should telework until 11 a.m. and then report to campus. Staff who have questions, or those who are still unable to safely make it to campus, consult your direct supervisor. Classes that are scheduled between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. should be held via virtual instruction.
- For the Dallas nursing campus: Please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Linda Plank.
- For Baylor Law School: Please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Jeremy Counseller.
The Baylor University Shuttle (BUS), which is operated by Waco Transit, will begin running routes from the Ferrell Center to campus at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.
Although we experienced some ice melt today on the Baylor campus, the moisture will refreeze overnight as temperatures drop into the mid-to-low 20s, making slippery spots even harder to see on roadways and sidewalks. Please use extra caution when you are on campus as some roads, parking lots, sidewalks and stairs may have slippery spots from today’s ice melt that will refreeze overnight before melting on Wednesday morning.
CURRENT FORECAST
The forecast from the National Weather Service includes a Cold Weather Advisory for Waco and Central Texas in effect from midnight until 9 a.m. CT Wednesday, Jan. 28. The forecast calls for wind chills in the single digits, as well as the possibility of freezing fog overnight, which could add another slippery sheen on existing ice.
Continue to monitor your Baylor email, Baylor social media @Baylor on X, @BaylorUniversity1845 on Facebook and @bayloruniversity on Instagram and the main Baylor website (www.baylor.edu) for the latest updates.
FACILITIES/BUILDING UPDATES FOR WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28, 2026
CAMPUS DINING HALL/RETAIL HOURS
Keep up with campus dining on their website (dineoncampus.com/baylor) and social media: Facebook (@baylor.eats) and Instagram (@Baylor.Eats).
Dining will have delayed opening with standard closing hours.
Dining Hall Hours:
- Penland: Open 9:30 a.m.
- Memorial: Open 9:30 a.m.
- East Village: Open 9:30 a.m.
- BANC: 10 a.m. – Noon
Retail hours:
- Penland Market: Open 10 a.m.
- SUB (Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Common Grounds, Oh My Juice, Sic'em Market): Open 11 a.m.
- Baylor Sciences Building (Starbucks, Copperhead Jack's, Rising Roll): Open 11 a.m.
- Foster Campus - Rising Roll: Open 11 a.m.
- Hurd Welcome Center - Varsity Coffee: Open 11 a.m.
- Moody Memorial Library - Starbucks: Open 9:30 a.m.
- McMullen-Connally Faculty Center: Closed
MCLANE STUDENT LIFE CENTER (SLC)
The McLane Student Life Center (SLC) will be open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, for recreation and Health Center appointments at 11 a.m.
BAYLOR LIBRARIES
Moody Memorial Library, Jones Library and Poage Library will operate regular hours with limited services until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, when full services will be available.
The Starbucks at Moody will open at 9:30 a.m.
All Special Libraries will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
BILL DANIEL STUDENT CENTER (SUB)
The Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB) will open at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.
[UPDATE: 2:00 p.m. CT, Monday, Jan 26, 2026]
Baylor University Waco Campus Continues Remote Instruction, Telework on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026
With already hazardous icy roads refreezing again overnight, the Baylor University Waco Campus will hold classes via virtual instruction and staff will telework on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
- For employees who are unable to telework, please consult your direct supervisor.
- For the Dallas nursing campus: Please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Linda Plank.
- For Baylor Law School: Please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Jeremy Counseller.
EXTREME COLD OVERNIGHT TO REFREEZE ROADS
Temperatures overnight are expected to drop into the mid- to lower teens, refreezing ice melt and further deteriorating road conditions. The Central Texas area continues under an Extreme Cold Warning through 9 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026), with temperatures not expected to rise above freezing until Tuesday afternoon. We strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Campus roads and sidewalks are iced over. Although Baylor facilities crews continue working to keep those areas as clear as possible, please use additional caution while walking on sidewalks and stairs. The top levels of parking garages remain closed and surface parking lots are untreated, with many still icy and/or inaccessible. In addition, the Baylor University Shuttle (BUS), which is operated by Waco Transit, will not run on Tuesday.
Information on campus dining, libraries and other campus facilities will be added below as that information becomes available.
FACILITIES/BUILDING UPDATES FOR TUESDAY, JAN. 27, 2026
Tuesday Campus Dining Hall/Retail Hours
Keep up with campus dining on their website (dineoncampus.com/baylor) and social media: Facebook (@baylor.eats) and Instagram (@Baylor.Eats).
Penland Dining Hall
- Lunch: 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 to 7:30 PM
Penland Market
- Open 10 AM to 6 PM
Memorial Dining Hall
- Continuous Dining: 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
East Village Dining Hall
- Dinner: 4:00 to 7:30 PM
BANC
- Breakfast/Lunch: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 to 8:00 PM
Moody Memorial Library
- Starbucks: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
MCLANE STUDENT LIFE CENTER (SLC)
The McLane Student Life Center (SLC) will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. The Health Center will reschedule appointments, but if students are in need of healthcare or counseling during this period, 24/7 access is available for on-demand urgent care and counseling services through Baylor Telehealth by AcademicLiveCare.
BAYLOR LIBRARIES
Moody Memorial Library and Jones Library will operate regular hours with limited services on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. Media and Maker Spaces, Book Arts and Letterpress Lab will be closed. Starbucks will be open in Moody from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
All Special Libraries will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
BILL DANIEL STUDENT CENTER (SUB)
The Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB) will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. All events in the SUB, including Dr Pepper Hour, have been canceled or rescheduled.
MAYBORN MUSEUM
The Mayborn Museum at Baylor University will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026.
BAYLOR WOMEN'S BASKETBALL AT FOSTER PAVILION
No. 14 Baylor Women's Basketball will play Houston in a rescheduled game on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Foster Pavilion.
[UPDATE: 2:00 p.m. CT, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026]
Baylor University Waco Campus to Shift to Remote Instruction, Telework on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
With extremely cold temperatures, freezing rain and sleet making road conditions hazardous throughout Central Texas, the Baylor University Waco Campus will hold classes via virtual instruction and staff will telework on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
- For employees who are unable to telework, please consult your direct supervisor.
- For the Dallas nursing campus: Please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Linda Plank.
- For Baylor Law School: Please watch your email for exam updates/instructions from Dean Jeremy Counseller.
WEATHER FORECAST/CAMPUS IMPACTS
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has extended the Extreme Cold Warning through 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, for Waco and the Central Texas area. No more precipitation is expected for our area, but the extremely low temperatures and windchills as low as 5 below zero will continue today and Monday, with temperatures not rising above freezing until Tuesday.
All roadways in the Waco area are iced over, but TxDOT crews are focused on Interstate-35 ONLY and secondary roads are not being treated at this time. We anticipate roads will deteriorate even further with a hard freeze tonight. We strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.
Campus roads and sidewalks are iced over. Although Baylor facilities crews continue working to keep those areas as clear as possible, please use additional caution while walking on sidewalks and stairs.
NEXT UPDATE
The University will communicate plans for Tuesday, Jan. 27, tomorrow (Monday) afternoon.
Continue to monitor your Baylor email, Baylor social media @Baylor on X, @BaylorUniversity1845 on Facebook and @bayloruniversity on Instagram and the main Baylor website (www.baylor.edu) for the latest updates.
Information on campus dining, libraries and other campus facilities will be added on this page as that information becomes available.
FACILITIES/BUILDING UPDATES FOR MONDAY, JAN. 26, 2026:
CAMPUS DINING HOURS ON MONDAY
- Memorial Dining Hall 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Penland Dining Hall 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Penland Market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
East Village Dining Commons and Starbucks in Moody Memorial Library will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE (BUS)
The Baylor University Shuttle (BUS) service will NOT be operating on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. The Parking / ID office also will be closed on Monday.
BAYLOR LIBRARIES
Moody Memorial Library and Jones Library will operate regular hours with limited services on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Starbucks, Media and Maker Spaces, Book Arts and Letterpress Lab will be closed.
All Special Libraries will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
BILL DANIEL STUDENT CENTER (SUB)/MCLANE STUDENT LIFE CENTER (SLC)/WACO HALL
With remote instruction/telework tomorrow, the Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB), McLane Student Life Center (SLC) and Waco Hall will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
MAYBORN MUSEUM
The Mayborn Museum at Baylor University will be closed on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.
[UPDATE: 10:00 a.m. CT, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026]
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has extended an Extreme Cold Warning through 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, for the Central Texas area, including the Baylor University Waco Campus.
PENLAND DINING HALL
Penland Crossroads Dining Hall has made some adjustments to its Sunday schedule:
- Starbucks at Moody Memorial Library will be closed so that staff can be reassigned to support Penland operations.
- Penland will be serving on disposables to allow staff to focus on meal service.
- Penland will offer a “Deep Freeze Discount,” allowing non–meal plan holders to dine for $9.
Keep up with campus dining on their website (dineoncampus.com/baylor) and social media: Facebook (@baylor.eats) and Instagram (@Baylor.Eats).
[UPDATE: 2:35 p.m. CT, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026]
NOTE: Microsoft reports that it has resolved Thursday's widespread degradation of services, including Teams, Outlook, Sharepoint and more, which may have delayed some email messages on Jan. 22, 2026. Baylor University employs multiple systems to communicate timely information - in addition to Baylor Alert text and email messages - such as Baylor's main website, official social media channels and through local media.
CAMPUS DINING UPDATE: RETAIL & RESIDENTIAL
Keep up with campus dining on their website (dineoncampus.com/baylor) and social media: Facebook (@baylor.eats) and Instagram (@Baylor.Eats).
Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB)
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
- Chick-fil-A: 1 to 5 p.m.
- Common Grounds: 1 to 5 p.m.
- Sushic: 1 to 5 p.m.
- CLOSED: Panda Express and Sic ‘Em Market
Moody Library
- Starbucks: Open Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, 1 to 5 p.m.
Varsity Coffee at the Hurd Welcome Center
- Closed Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, 2026
Penland Crossroads
- Friday night, Jan. 23, 2026
- Open regular hours. Breakfast boxes available for take out.
- Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026
- Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mid-day Limited Service 2 to 5 p.m.
- Pizza, Salad Bar, Grill as staffing allows
- Dinner 5 to 8 p.m.: Breakfast Boxes available for take out.
- Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026
- Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mid-day Limited Service 2 to 5 p.m.
- Pizza, Salad Bar, Grill as staffing allows
- Dinner 5 to 8 p.m.: Breakfast Boxes available for take out.
- Monday, Jan. 26, 2026
- Anticipate normal operating hours but will review based on weather conditions and update on Sunday.
- The Market at Penland Crossroads remains open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
East Village Dining Commons
- Closed for Sunday dinner service. Anticipate normal operating hours Monday but will review based on weather conditions and update on Sunday.
BANC
- Sunday dinner service and Monday Breakfast canceled. Current plan to resume with Dinner on Monday.
[UPDATE: 1:33 p.m. CT, Friday, Jan. 23, 2026]
CAMPUS PARKING GARAGES - MOVE CARS FROM TOP FLOORS AFTER 5 PM FRIDAY, JAN. 23, 2026:
Campus parking garages are open, but due to the anticipated icy weather this weekend, students who have parked on the top level of campus parking garages are requested to relocate their vehicles to lower levels or surface lots after 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, 2026.
HURD WELCOME CENTER
The Mark and Paula Hurd Welcome Center at Baylor University will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, 2026.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
Jones Library will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, 2026.
Moody Library will operate regular hours on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, 2026, with access limited to 24-hour spaces (Starbucks atrium, all elevator landings, Prichard Quiet Study Area (2nd floor) and the Garden Level).
BILL DANIEL STUDENT CENTER (SUB)
The Bill Daniel Student Center (SUB) has adjusted its hours for this weekend:
- Friday, Jan. 23, 2026: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026: Open 1 .p.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026: Closed
The Mail Center and Amazon locker areas will remain accessible to Baylor ID holders daily from 7 a.m. to midnight.
MCLANE STUDENT LIFE CENTER
The McLane Student Life Center will close at 8 p.m. tonight (Friday, Jan. 23) and intends to be closed all day Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, 2026.
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE
The Baylor University Shuttle (BUS), which runs on Sundays for residents of University Parks Apartments, will not operate on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026.
REMINDER ABOUT MONDAY CLASSES
Classes on the main Baylor campus in Waco will NOT be canceled on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. However, as we continue to monitor the weather, students should prepare for remote instruction and faculty and staff should prepare for remote work. University officials will make that final call on Sunday afternoon and notify campus via email and on Baylor social media channels if the weather dictates the shift online.
For the Dallas nursing campus, please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Linda Plank.
For Baylor Law School, please watch your email for exam updates/instructions from Associate Dean Patricia Wilson.
[UPDATE: 5:45 p.m. CT, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026]
Ahead of an Arctic cold front that will arrive in Texas on Friday, the National Weather Service in Fort Worth has issued a Winter Storm Warning for North and Central Texas, including the Baylor University Waco campus, from 6 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, until noon Sunday, Jan. 25. Central Texas also is under an Extreme Cold Warning from 6 p.m. Saturday to noon Monday, Jan. 26.
The main weather impact in the Waco/Central Texas area is expected to be ice-related, with freezing rain/sleet Saturday into Sunday, but we also will experience an extended period of below freezing temperatures and wind chills Saturday through Monday.
Here's what you need to know as of Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026:
MONDAY CLASSES:
Classes on the main Baylor campus in Waco will NOT be canceled on Monday, Jan. 26. As we continue to monitor the weather, students should prepare for remote instruction and faculty and staff should prepare for remote work. However, University officials will make that final call on Sunday afternoon and notify campus via email and on Baylor social media channels if the weather dictates the shift online.
For the Dallas nursing campus, please watch your email for updates/instructions from Dean Linda Plank.
For Baylor Law School, please watch your email for exam updates/instructions from Associate Dean Patricia Wilson.
WEEKEND UNIVERSITY OPERATIONS:
University operations will continue throughout the weekend, including dining services, libraries, McLane Student Life Center and some student activities, although services and hours of operation may be modified and events postponed or canceled. Jones Library will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. Moody Library will operate regular Saturday and Sunday, with access limited to 24-hour spaces (Starbucks atrium, all elevator landings, Prichard Quiet Study Area (2nd floor) and the Garden Level).
Saturday’s Baylor MBB game vs. TCU at 5 p.m. at Foster Pavilion will continue as scheduled. Saturday's Men’s Tennis match has been postponed. Sunday’s Baylor WBB game vs. Houston has been moved to Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. Check baylorbears.com and Baylor Athletics’ social media for any updates.
CAMPUS PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY:
Campus preparations by Baylor Facilities are already underway, such as adjusting building temperatures and airflow, prepping sidewalks and parking garages, draining water reservoirs and dripping faucets. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has begun treating area roadways in anticipation of icy conditions.
CAMPUS PARKING GARAGES:
Campus parking garages are open, but due to the anticipated icy weather this weekend, students who have parked on the top level of campus parking garages are requested to relocate their vehicles to lower levels or surface lots after 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PREPARE:
- Remember the Four P’s: Take care of People, Pets, Plants and Pipes.
- Off-campus residents: If you live off campus, keep the heat on and set to at least 68°F to prevent frozen pipes. Open cabinets below sinks and let faucets drip slowly to reduce the chance of pipes freezing during the hardest freeze. Close blinds and windows tightly to retain heat and avoid drafts.
- Charge your devices: Charge phones and essential devices in case of short-term power interruptions.
- Dress for the weather: Dress in layers and limit time outdoors due to wind chills that may fall to single digits or below.
- Slick surfaces: Be cautious on sidewalks and stairs, which may become slick. Report any hazards such as icy spots, fallen branches or damaged pipes to Baylor Facilities. If you experience an emergency, call BUPD at 254-710-2222.
- Avoid unnecessary travel: With freezing rain expected on Saturday and early Sunday, we strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. BUPD will have increased police and safety patrols across campus to assist students, monitor conditions and respond quickly to emergencies.
TELEHEALTH/COUNSELING:
- If students are in need of healthcare or counseling during this period, 24/7 access is available for on-demand urgent care and counseling services through Baylor Telehealth by AcademicLiveCare.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
For future updates, please continue to monitor your Baylor email, the main Baylor website and official University social media channels: @Baylor on X, @BaylorUniversity1845 on Facebook and @bayloruniversity on Instagram.
In addition, monitor local media outlets for the latest weather forecast and local conditions.
Waco TV
KWTX-TV Ch. 10 (CBS)
KCEN-TV Ch. 6 (NBC)
KXXV-TV Ch. 25 (ABC)
KWKT-TV Ch. 44 (FOX)
Newspaper
Radio
KBGO-FM 95.7
KWTX-FM 97.5
WACO-FM 99.9
KBRQ-FM 102.5
KWBU-FM 103.3
KWOW-FM 104.1
KBHT-FM 104.9
KIXT-FM 106.7
KWPW-FM 107.9
KRZI-AM 1660
KWTX-AM 1230
KBBW-AM 1010