The university has issued a text advisory urging students and faculty to “STAY PUT” and avoid travel from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a winter storm approaches — but that doesn’t mean classes are canceled.

Weather-related absences will be excused, but NIU’s campuses and their offices will remain open. NIU spokesman Brad Hoey said the university made the decision based on the increasing intensity of the storm and concerns it would affect travel in the area. He said if that changes, NIU will update its text advisory.

Hoey said students should contact their instructors asking if classes are canceled.

Kishwaukee College closed its campus and canceled classes earlier today due to the weather.