Commonly asked questions regarding UF campus closure
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- What about scheduled exams and assignments?
The University of Florida will return to normal operating status on Thursday, Aug. 31. Classes and all academic and student-related activities, including online classes, will resume as well.
UF faculty have been asked to remain flexible with students who may have been affected by Hurricane Idalia. Students who need to help family in hard-hit areas are encouraged to immediately contact their instructors to discuss whether special accommodations can be made.
- 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 of 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 911.
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-reports 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?
The University of Florida will return to normal operating status on Thursday, Aug. 31. Classes and all academic and student-related activities, including online classes, will resume as well.
- Is food being provided to on-campus students?
Florida Fresh Dining continues to serve the campus community. Specific dining information can be found at https://dineoncampus.com/UF/hurricane-hours.
- Are residence halls open?
Housing and Residence Life facilities remain open to current residents during Hurricane Idalia. While the wind threat from the storm may have passed in Gainesville, hazards such as fallen trees or branches, and downed power lines may still be present. Do not walk in standing water.
Students who live off campus should follow local and state guidance for preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane.
- Are mental health services available?
Students experiencing a crisis can consult with a crisis counselor who will assess their 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.
- 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. Students who live in residence halls on campus should plan to stay in them. 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.
- Is a shelter available for students, faculty, staff, and their families?
The Southwest Recreation Center, which opened as a shelter on Tuesday for UF students, faculty and staff, and their families, shortly after 12 p.m. Wednesday.