Michigan State University shifted to online instruction and remote work through Monday, Sept. 21, following a power outage that cut electricity and disrupted hot water service across the East Lansing campus, according to university officials. The operational shift affects only the East Lansing campus and aims to reduce strain on utility systems while repair crews work around the clock.
Power Outage and Plant Failure Details
Guskiewicz. While electricity has returned to most buildings, the heating and cooling system continues to impact hot water availability in residence halls, educational spaces, and dining facilities.
To manage the emergency, the university deployed generators across campus to prioritize safety, security, and emergency response. Crews from Infrastructure, Planning and Facilities, the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, Emergency Management, and the Office of Environmental Health and Safety worked through the afternoon and overnight to stabilize campus conditions.
Campus Operations and Remote Transition
The transition to remote operations remains in effect through 11 p.m. Monday. President Guskiewicz noted that the decision was necessary to reduce system strain while infrastructure teams assess damage and restore full service. Campus events and activities are experiencing disruptions and are being handled on a case-by-case basis.
Employees with questions regarding work responsibilities have been directed to contact their supervisors. For students living on campus, Residential and Hospitality Services adapted dining operations to maintain service during the outage and is issuing direct updates to housing residents about available resources.
Precautions for Research and Facilities
University leadership advised researchers to check temperature-sensitive samples, specialized equipment, long-running experiments, and data systems. Individuals who identify operational impacts or require assistance are instructed to contact their respective departments or the Office of Research and Innovation.
University leaders continue to collaborate with facilities teams, emergency management, public health officials, and utility partners to monitor infrastructure conditions and determine when standard campus operations can safely resume.
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