Instructors encouraged to cancel afternoon classes for April 8 solar eclipse, invite students to participate in events

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will pass through the state. In West Lafayette we will witness a partial eclipse, and in Indianapolis, where Purdue University’s operation will launch 84 days later, we will witness a total eclipse during 3:06-3:09 p.m. — the first time for that area in nearly 820 years.

Many students have expressed a desire to participate in Purdue events on campus and in Indianapolis connected to the April 8 solar eclipse. Because of the rarity of the event and high level of interest, the Office of the Provost is encouraging (but not requiring) instructors on the Purdue West Lafayette campus to cancel afternoon class meetings on April 8 (12:30-5:20 p.m.). This may not be possible in all scenarios, such as when the class activity is essential for student licensure or degree completion and cannot be rescheduled or replaced with equivalent activities.

Instructors are asked to provide students with clear communication no later than March 23 about plans for class on this day and to encourage them to participate in this extraordinary event and learning opportunity.

Individuals can choose to watch safely, with eclipse glasses, in multiple ways:

1. Many events are being planned on the West Lafayette campus, including on Stadium Mall at 1:45 p.m. Free glasses will be distributed.
   
2. Purdue is partnering with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway — one of three official NASA total eclipse sites in the country — for a viewing event. It is a ticketed event as described on the IMS website with many educational activities organized by Purdue, IMS and NASA. Among the honored guests expected are Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, NASA Deputy Administrator Pamela Melroy and five members of Purdue’s Cradle of Astronauts.
   
3. Any other safe locations about 30 miles south of Greater Lafayette along the totality path.