August 25, 2011 | Combined Reports - UConn Communications

Hurricane Irene: Information for UConn Students & Families

Changes to the scheduled student move-in process, and other preparations in light of anticipated severe weather this weekend.

storm warning icon

To the University Community:

As you know, Hurricane Irene is currently forecast to move up the East coast and possibly arrive in Southern New England Saturday evening, then move over the region Sunday and into Monday.

In light of this, the University is making changes to the scheduled student move-in process this weekend in Storrs, in order to help ensure the safety of students and families.

Freshmen move-in will proceed as scheduled on Friday, Aug. 26 until 4 p.m. and Convocation will take place as scheduled that day, beginning at 5 p.m., with a program for parents beginning at 4 p.m.

However, all returning students should note the following information:

  • Students are strongly encouraged NOT to return to campus on Sunday, Aug. 28, due to anticipated storm conditions. However, if a student absolutely must move in on Sunday, the University will try to accommodate them, depending on conditions at that time. Parents dropping off students – particularly from out of state – should avoid traveling to UConn on Sunday because roads may be hazardous.
  • In addition to freshmen move-in on Friday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., upperclassmen – sophomores, juniors, and seniors – may also move in on Friday evening between the hours of 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. Upperclassman should not arrive before 7 p.m. on Friday. There is no charge associated with this. Upperclassmen may also move in as scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 27. Expect heavy traffic on Saturday.
  • All students at the Storrs and regional campuses should be aware that classes remain scheduled for Monday, Aug. 29. We are continuing to evaluate weather and other information. Should the first day of classes be delayed, the University will make that announcement no later than Sunday evening.

The University began planning for the anticipated hurricane earlier this week. Please note the following:

  • Any messages related to the weather will be sent through the University’s Emergency Alert System, which may include email, text message, web-postings on alert.uconn.edu, today.uconn.edu, UConn Today’s Facebook page, and public address announcements over the campus-wide siren system.
  • In the event of a power loss on campus, dining halls will remain open and food service will continue. Residence halls are equipped with emergency lighting that will remain on if power is lost. The campus Public Safety complex, as well as the Infirmary, are also equipped with generators, and power will remain on in those locations.
  • PLEASE ENSURE CELL PHONES ARE FULLY CHARGED as Sunday approaches. In the event of a power loss, text messages from the University sent via cell phone may be the only available electronic method of communication with students, faculty, and staff on campus until power is restored. Students, faculty, and staff who have not yet registered their cell phone number through the University’s Emergency Alert System can do so now by visiting http://alert.uconn.edu/ – today if possible. Students who do not have a cell phone should stay in touch with their RA for information.
  • While students should plan to speak with their parents to let them know they are fine, students should try to avoid using their cell phone unnecessarily during the day on Sunday, as mass simultaneous use can overwhelm local service provider cell towers and slow the delivery of text messages from the University.
  • The UConn Police and Fire Departments, including emergency medical services, will remain fully operational and at maximum staffing throughout the weekend.
  • Students may NOT burn candles in any campus building; please plan on bringing a flashlight and batteries.
  • In hurricane conditions, students are advised to remain in their residence halls.
  • During hurricane conditions, students should close and lock their windows and draw the blinds.
  • Students should ensure they have an amount of cash on-hand in the event electronic payment or ATM service is unavailable.
  • Please ensure that all medical prescriptions have been filled prior to the storm.

The University is in close contact with state emergency management offices through the Connecticut Department of Public Protection and Emergency Management. We will provide students, faculty, and staff with any updates as they become available. Please continue to check email, text message, and alert.uconn.edu for further information. For general information on hurricane preparedness, please visit: http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html

Barry Feldman
Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

John Saddlemire
Vice President for Student Affairs