As recovery efforts continue across the Southeast, our thoughts are with everyone dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. The health, safety and security of our friends and neighbors in the affected areas is top of mind.
I am writing today to share information regarding on-campus recovery efforts and recent decision-making. Before I answer some questions that you may have, I first want to acknowledge the Emergency Management Team and our colleagues across the divisions because some have been working almost non-stop since even before the storm. They are in the difficult position of making recommendations that are in the best interest of the entire university community, and I appreciate their efforts and guidance.
Why are we not just pivoting to remote like we did for Covid?
A large area of our state is still without power, and connectivity in those areas and others remains spotty. Just yesterday Governor McMaster announced that the state's request for an Expedited Major Presidential Disaster Declaration to provide federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts was approved. We have identified approximately 580 Winthrop students who are from areas highly impacted by the storm and its aftermath. We have reached out to those students to provide support and resources, but in some cases, we don't even know if our messages are reaching them. Likewise, we do not know if virtual learning would be possible for them and all of our other students wherever they are this week. We also have colleagues with ties to the areas hardest hit by the storm who don't know the status of family members, are participating in humanitarian efforts, etc. We care about all of those dealing with this unprecedented situation.
If faculty and staff are working and students can come back to campus, why are we cancelling?
In addition to the above, we currently have a large residence hall (housing approximately 300 students) and our primary dining facility still without power. It is imperative to get Thomson back online as quickly as possible, and I am pleased to report that we are making progress on that front. A transformer is being shipped from northern Pennsylvania today and will arrive tomorrow. By Thursday, we hope to begin installation. Our goal is to have power restored in the coming days, and I plan to send an update on this aspect of our recovery on Friday, October 4.
What if I have plans for fall break?
Missed classes must be made up, per our accrediting body, and with limited days available in the academic calendar, fall break—in essence, a long weekend—was a better choice than impacting Thanksgiving or pushing the semester farther into December. Academic Affairs is finalizing the alternate schedule, with more to be announced by the Provost, but we will be holding virtual learning days on five designated days before final exams. Classes will be made up virtually in a synchronous format (or asynchronously as an alternative if necessary).
Faculty also are being encouraged to be understanding and flexible wherever possible. If students have previously scheduled trips that will prevent them from participating in a synchronous class during designated make-up days, they should communicate with faculty members and provide verification of flights booked/travel arrangements.
I hope this additional insight helps you understand the recommendations and actions taken to date. Again, expect more from the Provost today and an update on Thomson from me on Friday. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Edward
Edward A. Serna
President
