University statement regarding operations during Hurricane Ian

Classes and all academic and student-related activities, including online classes, at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville will be canceled Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30.

An announcement regarding other university operations and campus closures, as well as Family Weekend activities, will be made by Tuesday evening. A determination regarding the resumption of classes will be announced at a later date.

Information on student services during the hurricane will be announced Tuesday evening.

Additional university guidance regarding safety and sheltering will be forthcoming.

UF/IFAS personnel outside Gainesville should adhere to their county government guidelines on closing. Personnel in other UF programs outside of Gainesville should consult their supervisors.

Notices of any other scheduling changes can be found through a link on the UF home page.

As always, students and employees in need of immediate help should dial 911. Students may also contact U Matter We Care at umatter@ufl.edu or by calling (352) 294-CARE (2273). Employees may call the Employee Assistance Program at (352) 392-5787.

Dr. Charles E. Lane, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Joseph Glover, Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs

What about scheduled exams and assignments?

Classes and all academic and student-related activities, including online classes, at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville will be canceled Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30. Students with specific questions about their course and/or assignment deadlines should reach out to their faculty members.

Where is my student? Are they safe?

Family members are encouraged to make a communication plan with their student and discuss plans to stay connected and/or re-connect in the event power loss. As always, if there is an immediate concern for student safety, or if a student needs immediate help, you are encouraged to dial 9-1-1. Campus Assistance and Resources for Empowerment (CARE) can also provide support to students experiencing anticipated challenges and unexpected events that impact wellness or academic success. Case managers connect with students through personalized outreach following self-report or referrals from campus community members. Individuals can connect with CARE by emailing umatter@ufl.edu or by submitting a referral here. CARE will reply within 24 hours if possible.  

Are events on campus canceled?

Classes and all academic and student-related activities and events, including online classes, at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville have been canceled from Wednesday, Sept. 28 through Friday, Sept. 30.

Student events are being cancelled through at least Friday. The university expects to re-open on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Is food being provided to on-campus students?

Florida Fresh Dining will continue to serve the campus community during Hurricane Ian.   Specific dining information can be found at https://dineoncampus.com/uf.

Are residence halls open?

Yes, Housing and Residence Life facilities will remain open to current residents. Students who live on campus should shelter in place.

Are mental health services available?

Students experiencing a crisis can consult with a crisis counselor who will assess needs and determine what services would be helpful. The 24/7 line for students to connect with a crisis counselor is 352-392-1575. Students can also connect with national crisis resources by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Do residence halls have impact-resistant glass or are there shutters over the windows?

No, residence hall windows do not have shutters, and most are not impact resistant. Details regarding storm preparation for residents, including emergency instructions for residents, preparations for tropical weather, and procedures for residents during tropical weather can be found here: https://housing.ufl.edu/resources/storm-preparation/

What happens if the residence halls lose power?

Residence halls are equipped with emergency generators to keep critical life safety systems (emergency lighting and fire alarms) fully operational during a power outage.

Is there still a possibility of evacuating the UF residence halls?

There are no current plans to evacuate residence halls. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place in their residence hall. Housing staff will communicate any updated guidance for residence halls with residents. Housing and Residence Life will have employees on-campus and a 24-hour on-call phone will be monitored by staff.

Will students be placed in shelters?

The Southwest Recreation Center will open as a shelter at 6 p.m. Wednesday for UF students, faculty and staff and their families. UF affiliates must bring their Gator 1 card for identification.
Your decision to go to a shelter should be based on the construction and location of your home. On campus residents may stay in their building. Off-campus students and employees generally should shelter in their residence unless in manufactured housing or flood-prone areas.

UF News September 26, 2022