Originally published on Dec. 17, 1968

University President John Toll has announced the cancellation of classes as of 5 o’clock this afternoon (Monday).

The decision was reached shortly past noon after a meeting in the President’s Office. Among those attending were Dr. John Dawson, Acting Director of University Health Services; Polity President Tom Drysdale, Academic Vice President Bentley Glass; Executive Vice President T. A. Pond; Acting VPSA Scott Rickard; and Dean of the Graduate School Herbert Weisinger.

Last night, Flu Center, organized and coordinated by Larry Levy and Fred Drucker, polled the 4400 resident students. They indicated that 1,342 students were ill. Early this morning, they met with R.A’s, Dr. Dawson and Tom Drysdale. The two organizers accompanied Dawson and Drysdale to Dr. Rickard’s office where they met until 10:45. The group then moved the to President’s office. Levy and Drucker remained in the waiting room while the meeting was in progress.

The remarks of those inside indicated that the President was against the cancellation. However, he was finally agreed after an hour-long discussion. It appears that Drs. Glass and Dawson were the administrators who convinced the President that the cancellation was necessary and acceptable.

The following is the official announcement released at 1 p.m.:

“Because of the rapid increase in the incidence of flu on the campus during the weekend, I am cancelling all University classes (other than Continuing Education courses) as of 5 p.m. today, Monday, December 16, for the remainder of the week. In effect, this advances the holiday recess originally scheduled to begin next Saturday. Classes will resume as previously scheduled after the holiday on January 6.

“Continuing Education courses scheduled for Monday evening will be held, but those for the remainder of the week are hereby cancelled.

“In the interest both of themselves and the University community, students (other than Resident Assistants) are asked to leave the campus for their homes as soon as practicable. Food service will continue on a limited basis and at least one of the dining areas to the remainder of the week for those few students who are unable to leave the campus. Resident Assistants will have further information and will assist any students with special problems caused by this change of schedule. (Resident Assistants are asked to remain until excused by their quad managers.)

“Students and faculty are urged to use every effort to make up the missed work, especially by review and independent study. In the view of the fact that the calendar is not being changed, work in the week after resumption of classes in January should be organized and intensified with the need both for completion of work and review in mind.

“University Offices will remain open during this week, but any employees who are ill with the flu are urged to remain at home on sick leave.

“Best wishes for a happy Holiday Season.”