ISU cancels first day of classes for solar eclipse

Up against a rare, historic and busy day, Idaho State University has canceled the first day of fall classwork on Monday, August 21. The university will step aside to make room for hundreds of thousands of visitors expected in eastern Idaho fro the full solar eclipse. The closure will affect all four ISU campuses. Classes will start on August 22. The ISU-Idaho Falls campus will be closed to non-essential personnel since large crowds are expected to view the eclipse from Freeman Park, adjacent the University Place campus. The closure is mandatory for all Idaho Falls employees except special situations that require approval by a supervisor. In Pocatello, ISU is planning events and activities for students on August 21. The traditional “Welcome Back Orange and Black” event has been moved to Monday, August 28. A committee has been organized to evaluate the potential impact to University operations. The university has been advised the large number of visitors could impact travel, internet connectivity, cellular phone service, and supplies at grocery stores and gas stations.