The University announced at about 5:59 p.m. that all Monday classes would be canceled, about a half hour after the first drops fell in the District.

Daytime and evening activities on all GW campuses are canceled, with dining halls and “emergency support” offices staying open, according to a University email.

Administrators have been in close contact with the D.C. government and federal agencies throughout the weekend, keeping students glued to Twitter and GW’s campus advisory page to find out about class cancellations.

The University has designated shelters – the Marvin Center, the Smith Center and the Media and Public Affairs building – but the Senior Associate Vice President for Safety and Security Darrell Darnell said students would be safe in their residence halls and apartments.

Crews began battening down campus this weekend, clearing storm drains and preparing sandbags. The Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses are equipped with generators in preparation for power outages.

Darnell said if needed, essential staff like facilities workers and police officers would be housed on campus. He advised students to stay inside and shut their doors and windows. Campus dining halls have stocked up on food and will maintain normal operating hours in the face of Hurricane Sandy to feed students.

D.C.’s public schools and the University of Maryland will also remain closed Monday. As of Sunday at 5 p.m., American, Georgetown and Howard universities remained open for that day. The federal government also announced it will shut down Monday.