It’s been six years since Kansas University canceled a full day of classes because of winter weather.

But the 5 inches of snow that fell in Lawrence by Wednesday morning was enough to shut down Mount Oread.

KU officials from the provost’s office and KU Facilities Operations walked and drove around the campus before 6 a.m. Wednesday.

“It was decided that conditions were not such that we could guarantee the safety of our students, staff and faculty in getting around campus,” KU spokeswoman Jill Jess said.

KU’s contract bus company also said it wasn’t sure drivers could handle all routes, she said.

The last time KU canceled classes was the day after a microburst in 2006. This is the 13th time since 1978 that classes were called off.

Those KU employees designated as emergency staff were required to report to work. And some students ventured up to campus.

“I thought I’d show up, just in case,” junior Laura Durham said.

Signs were posted in residence halls to let students know they had a day off.

“I ate breakfast and called my friends and said, ‘We have go to sledding,'” freshman Brooke Wilbur said.

Classes at KU’s Edwards Campus in Overland Park also were called off.

Lawrence public schools also canceled classes Wednesday, for the second time this year. District spokeswoman Julie Boyle said if administrators are forced to use another inclement weather day this year, school board members would have to decide how to make that day up.

Traditionally, they look at adding another full day to the school year or a few minutes to each school day, Boyle said.