Recent Incidents
Power Outage Resolved, Normal Operations Resume
9/28/24 12:30 p.m. Update - Issue Resolved
To: Campus Community
From: President Steve Perez
Subject: Power Restored—Classes & Campus Operations Resume Monday
I’m happy to announce that Facilities Management and Services, with help from a contractor, was able to fix the issue that caused the campuswide power outage. The University will be open Monday, September 30, and all scheduled classes and events are expected to take place as normal in their regular locations. Regular weekend card access for employees should be restored to all buildings, and University Police is available for those who encounter issues. Students, please be sure to check your email and Canvas for any updates from your faculty to be prepared for Monday’s classes.
That said, the impacts of such a prolonged outage on our campus were significant, and it’s taking time to ensure all building operations and technology are running properly. Staff are working throughout the weekend, and their evaluations are ongoing. I ask for your patience as we adjust to buildings being back online and navigate any issues that may have been created by the outage. If you experience something not operating normally on Monday, please report it to FMS at 530-898-6222 or fmscustomersupport@csuchico.edu.
I’m grateful for your patience last week and want to thank FMS, Environmental Health and Safety, and the Division of Information Technology for getting us up and running. I also commend the staff and faculty who worked to ensure our most critical needs were met amid the disruption. From a pop-up pantry via Basic Needs to staffing the WellCat Health Center to conducting fire checks of buildings through the night, we united once again to take care of our students and our campus during the unexpected. My pride in being a Wildcat only continues to grow. Have a great week!
9/26/24 5:30 p.m. Update
To: Campus Community
From: President Steve Perez
Subject: Friday Classes Canceled—Campus in Modified Operations Through Sunday
Due to the ongoing power outage, University building closures will continue through the weekend and all Friday classes are canceled. Students should check Canvas and email frequently for updates from your professors regarding any changes to class meetings.
The power outage today has created significant impacts on classes, plans, events, and individuals. We are working as fast as possible to get power back to parts of campus and eventually all of campus. In the meantime, some activities and services are canceled or closed through the weekend.
For safety reasons, including ventilation and the ability to see emergency exits, only authorized personnel are designated to work in campus buildings that are without power.
Employees who can work remotely, should with the approval of their supervisor. If you do not have the ability to work remotely, please connect with your supervisor to determine the appropriate work directive. Employees will not be required to utilize leave for any possible hours that they were not able to work on Thursday and Friday, unless you already had planned paid time off (vacation, personal holiday, etc.). If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor. While we anticipate returning to regular operations by Monday, employees should check your campus email on Sunday evening to confirm.
The modified operations will impact:
- All Friday classes are canceled. Check email and Canvas for updates.
- The WREC will be closed until power is restored.
- Chico State Athletics: Alternate locations and times are being pursued for volleyball matches on Friday and Saturday, and women’s and men’s soccer on Saturday. Check chicowildcats.com for updates.
- Performances scheduled for Friday and Saturday: The Magic of Kevin Spencer: "Magic for Everyone!" are moving to Faith Lutheran Church. Performances of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical, have been moved to the Center for the Arts located on the Pleasant Valley High School campus. Check chicoperformances.com for more information.
- All other events scheduled in campus buildings have been canceled.
- Eduroam Wi-Fi is only available in and around the residence halls and other campus buildings that have power.
Some campus operations and services remain open as usual:
- Canvas, email, and other systems
- University Housing’s residence halls and Éstom Jámani Dining
- WellCat Health Center
- WellCat Counseling Center 24/7 telehealth
- University Farm
- Shipping & Receiving
- Chico State Enterprises
- Basic Needs will hold a pop-up pantry from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at its location at the Student Services Center
Students who need assistance with technology should contact the Center for Technology Equity or IT Support Services.
For safety reasons—including ventilation and the ability to see emergency exits—campus buildings that are without power must remain closed. Langdon Engineering Center, the Wildcat Recreation Center, and the parking structure at First and Cherry Streets may remain without power beyond Sunday. We are working to identify alternate classroom locations for classes scheduled in Langdon. Some classes may switch to virtual. Students should continue to check Canvas and their email for updates.
Thank you for your patience today. We are working with a private contractor to fix the issue that caused today’s power outage, but there is no estimated time for restoration. We appreciate your understanding during this challenging situation.
9/26/24 3 p.m. Update
A private contractor severed a power line near First and Cherry Streets while working on a project not affiliated with the University. We are working with a high-voltage electrician and our emergency contractor to get campus back online as soon as possible. We don’t have an estimate for when that will happen at this time. All buildings without power are closed.
University Housing is powered by a separate grid, so residence halls and Éstom Jámani Dining are operating as usual.
9/26/24 11:25 a.m. Initial Alert
To: Campus Community
From: Facilities Management and Services
The University is currently experiencing a widespread power outage affecting the entire campus. PG&E has identified the cause of the outage, but unfortunately, there is no projected time for restoration today.
As such, campus buildings are closing for the remainder of the day.
Students who have classes scheduled today should look for instructions from their professors for any changes in assignments prior to the next meeting.
Employees should check in with their managers for any updated assignments and work-from-home options. Employees will not need to use leave for this time.
Remote employees will be able to continue working because the data centers are still operational.
Residence halls still have power and will continue to operate as normal.
We will send a message by 8 p.m. with an update about campus operations for tomorrow, Friday, September 27.