MUNCIE, Ind. (The CI) - In an email sent to students on September 3, 2026, Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Mike Fowler said all Ball State University classes are going virtual tomorrow, September 4.
Fowler cites this is due to “another underground rupture in the University’s geothermal system Thursday evening—the third rupture in less than 24 hours.”
Fowler explained the first rupture was what caused the air conditioning and chilled water outage today. A second rupture reportedly happened “during the day and was quickly contained.” The third, according to several social media videos and a photo gallery from University media, happened outside the Teacher’s College near the Scramble Light—the intersection of McKinley and Riverside avenues.
“This latest rupture will again affect our ability to consistently cool buildings,” Fowler wrote.
Fowler also noted that the third rupture appeared “visibly different,” as water mixed with insulation materials, creating a “non-hazardous mixture.” Fowler said clean-up crews will address it, and people should avoid the area.
“The University’s Facilities, Planning and Management team is working diligently to understand why these three ruptures have occurred over the past 24 hours,” Fowler continued. “At this time, it is too early to provide a definitive assessment of the cause, and we cannot know with certainty whether additional ruptures may occur.”
Ball State students should keep an eye on their Outlook and Canvas pages for any messages from their professors regarding their classes.
University buildings, including residence halls, remain open. Employees may work remotely with supervisor approval, except for essential employees, who “must report to work in person.”