Post Hurricane Helene
Update: Monday, Sept. 30

The following is a message to the campus community from President Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg that was sent today at noon.

Dear Fellow Spartans--

We have just experienced what many experts are calling a historic storm, and one that will impact the citizens of Tampa, the Tampa Bay region and Florida for many years, and in many different ways. My deepest sympathy and concern go out to all those who endured – and will continue to endure – the hardships brought by Hurricane Helene.

I would like to thank Facilities Management, Campus Safety, the Emergency Operations Team, Residence Life and other essential personnel who worked tirelessly to keep students and campus safe throughout the storm. While the full campus power outage delayed our return to campus and challenged some campus systems, UTampa was fortunate to have been spared from any significant damage. I am pleased that classes resumed today, and we are on the way back to normalcy.

However, I recognize that for some students, faculty and staff, the return to normalcy in their personal lives may take days, months or years. There are without doubt alumni and other University friends who were among those impacted by the storm. For students who have been affected by Hurricane Helene physically, mentally or financially, please contact the Spartan Support Program. Faculty and staff in a similar predicament should contact their supervisor, dean or the Office of Human Resources.

I am very proud of the UTampa community for its response to the crisis, demonstrating  professionalism, patience and resolve. As we know, natural disasters don’t offer a playbook. We learned many lessons from Hurricane Helene, and our emergency preparedness and response will continue to be better because of it.

Thank you again for your unwavering commitment to the University of Tampa, and to each other.

Post Hurricane Helene
Update: Sunday, Sept. 29

The following message was sent to all UTampa students today at 10:42 a.m.

Dear Spartans,

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we recognize that many of you could be facing ongoing challenges. The University of Tampa is here to provide the support and resources you may need during this difficult time.

Campus Resources:

• Counseling Services: If you need emotional support, our 24/7 student support line is available at (833) 755-0484. Counseling services will reopen on Monday morning and is open for regular appointments and walk-ins as needed.  
• Academic Support: We understand the hurricane's aftermath may disrupt your studies. Your professors are aware of the situation, and requests for flexible deadlines and make-up sessions should be discussed with your faculty directly. You are encouraged to contact your individual professors as needed. For additional academic assistance, please contact academicsuccess@ut.edu.
• Spartan Support: If you or a fellow Spartan need general support or care, please complete the Spartan Support Program form or email SSP@ut.edu or CDO@ut.edu.
• Financial Assistance: If you're facing financial difficulties due to the hurricane, you may be eligible for an emergency grant. Please complete the Emergency Grant Application or contact your financial aid counselor through email. Their contact information can be found in Workday.
• Housing: If you have been displaced from your residence and are interested in seeking on-campus housing, please contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@ut.edu for options.
• Health Services: Medical Services in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center will reopen on Monday morning to provide medical care for any health concerns you may have.

Community Resources:

• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross offers emergency assistance in the immediate aftermath of disasters. For more information, visit redcross.org.
  
• Crisis Support: The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers free, confidential crisis intervention and referrals to over 3,000 community resources. Call 211 or visit CrisisCenter.com. For additional recovery resources, visit the Hillsborough County Government Disaster Recovery page.
  
• FEMA Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance for those affected by Hurricane Helene. You can apply for help with employment, financial support, food, housing, legal, or medical needs by visiting FEMA.gov or disasterassistance.gov.
  
• Nutritional Resources: For a list of local food resources and pantry information, visit Feeding Tampa Bay. For additional assistance, you can also call the Neighbor Services helpline at (813) 710-9003.

We are here for you, and we encourage you to reach out for assistance. We will navigate these challenges together as Spartans.

Spartan Support Program
Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Wellness Services

Post Hurricane Helene
Update: Sunday, Sept. 29

The following message was sent to all residential students today at 8:30 a.m. by the Office of Residence Life

Good morning Residential Students,

Welcome back to campus! We hope you had a safe evacuation experience during Hurricane Helene. As you transition back into the residence halls, please find important information below:

• If your room experienced any issues during the evacuation, please submit a work order through the Office of Facilities Management’s maintenance request website or email faciloffice@ut.edu. Their staff will address concerns as quickly as possible. For urgent matters, such as issues with air conditioning, electricity, or water, contact Facilities Management directly at (813) 253-6227 or reach out to Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777. 

• Over the past 24 hours, the campus experienced a power outage. For your safety, we recommend discarding all perishable items from your refrigerators. Facilities Management will clear trash from the trash rooms soon. Residents are also welcome to use the dumpsters located outside the residence halls. 

• Please note, the Office of Residence Life and The University of Tampa are not responsible for reimbursement of items damaged by the storm. However, Residence Life is happy to assist you in filing claims with your renter’s insurance provider.

The Residence Life team, including Resident Assistants, will be available to support students, both in person and at community desks. If you have any questions regarding the transition back into the residence halls, please to reach out to a member of the Residence Life team. The Information Desk, located on the first floor of the Vaughn Center, will also be available tomorrow starting at 9 a.m. to assist with student needs, including key and lock out needs.

Thank you for your understanding,

The Office of Residence Life

Post Hurricane Helene
Update: Saturday, Sept. 28, 5 p.m.

We are pleased to announce that students, staff and faculty may return to campus, beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday, Sept. 29). Residence halls will be open for occupancy at 9 a.m.

Facilities Management staff are completing their final safety inspections of campus buildings. It’s important for those traveling to and around the Tampa Bay region to use caution, particularly around downed trees, power lines, debris, inoperable traffic signals and standing water.

Regular operations, including classes, are planned to resume Monday, Sept. 30. Students and their families should use their best judgement regarding travel and safety. Absences that are due to the storm are, by policy, excused absences. Students who miss classes will not be penalized but must contact their faculty members as soon as possible to let them know if they are delayed in returning due to the storm or travel issues. Faculty will work with them so they will not fall behind in content.

If you are a staff or faculty member who has been affected by storm damage or travel delays, please contact your supervisor, department chair, or dean as soon as possible. Please see the global message forthcoming from the Office of Human Resources regarding resources for those who may have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Any facilities issues you encounter upon reentry to your room or office should be directed to Facilities Management at faciloffice@ut.edu or (813) 253-6227. Residential student lock outs can be directed to resident assistants. The Vaughn Center information desk will open on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 9 a.m. If you experience technology issues, please submit an ITS Service Desk ticket. Campus Safety is open and available to assist you 24/7 by calling (813) 257-7777. Please monitor the dining website for dining hours and open locations.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this weather event. We had a seamless residential and campus closing due in large part to your cooperation. We hope to have a similar reopening as we welcome you back, and we wish you a safe return to campus. 

Post Hurricane Helene
Update: Saturday, Sept. 28, 11:30 a.m.

We’re pleased to report that power has been restored on campus. Due to the complete loss of power during the storm, Facilities Management is now assessing and verifying the functionality of campus systems, including air conditioning, elevators, computer networks, hot water, fire detection, card access, and others. Our top priority is the safety of the University community, and we are unable to welcome everyone back to campus today.

Please monitor your UTampa email today for campus reopening information. We will send another message about campus reopening today by 6 p.m., after additional system checks.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we work to ready the campus for your safe return.

Post Hurricane Helene
Friday, Sept. 27, 5 p.m.

Campus is not expected to reopen today, Friday, Sept. 27. 

The University’s Emergency Operations Team continues to work and assess the impacts of Hurricane Helene on campus. Campus is not ready to be reopened at this time, as it remains without power.

Once power is restored, the University needs time to thoroughly inspect campus and prepare it to accept students.

The University will notify our campus community members when power has been restored, inspections have been completed, and it is determined safe to return to campus. Please monitor your UTampa email on Saturday, Sept 28, for campus reopening information.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation while we work to ready the campus for your return.

Tropical Storm Helene
Friday, Sept. 27, 1 p.m.

Hillsborough County has lifted the mandatory evacuation order for Zone A.

The UTampa campus is still without power so is not yet ready to be reopened. We are in close communication with Tampa Electric Company on the restoration. Once power is restored, we will be able to conduct a thorough inspection of the campus for a safe reopening.

We appreciate your cooperation with our continued closure and will notify you via global email as soon as the campus has been deemed safe to return.

Thank you.

Hurricane Helene
Update: Friday, Sept. 27, 9:30 a.m.

UT’s Emergency Operations Team is working with Campus Safety and Facilities Management staff to assess the status of campus following Hurricane Helene. The initial assessment of campus has not detected any significant damage due to the storm. However, currently there is no power on campus, which is hampering further campus inspections.

Campus remains under a mandatory evacuation order. Until the mandatory order is lifted, and power is restored, we cannot reopen campus. We are unclear when the order will be lifted and power restored.

When the county does lift the mandatory evacuation order, the University will issue a global email message when campus community members are permitted to return. Residence halls will be reopened at that time as well as other facilities. Please do not return to campus prior to that time.

We plan to resume campus normal operations, including classes, on Monday, Sept. 30.

Monitor the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. The next update will be issued when campus has been cleared for re-entry.

Hurricane Helene
Update: Thursday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.

UTampa’s Emergency Operations Team is continuing to monitor the progress of Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene is currently 320 miles southwest of Tampa Bay, and the eye is expected to reach the Big Bend coast of Florida on Thursday evening. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.

Tampa is currently under a hurricane watch, tropical storm warning, tornado watch and a storm surge warning.

The University remains closed to all but essential University personnel and expects to resume full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30.

Please be vigilant about your personal safety during this time period. Be mindful of flooded streets and walkways. We strongly discourage risky activities, such as unnecessary travel and storm chasing. Students should avoid coastal waters due to potentially very strong tides and currents.

The University will notify community members when Hillsborough County and the University have determined it is safe to return to campus.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. You may also want to follow conditions on campus using UTampa’s weather station page or webcams.

The University will regularly post updates to this page. The next anticipated update will be tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m.

Hurricane Helene
Update: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m.

UT’s Emergency Operations Team is continuing to monitor the progress of Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene is approximately 480 miles south-southwest of Tampa Bay, and landfall is expected in the Florida Panhandle region on Thursday evening. Forecasters expect Hurricane Helene to become a Category 3 storm as it approaches Florida tomorrow. Tampa is currently under a flood watch, tropical storm warning and a storm surge warning. Tornado activity is also possible.

Given the expected high winds, rain and potential storm surge, the University campus has been evacuated and is closed to all but essential University personnel. We appreciate everyone’s patience and expediency in vacating campus. The University expects to resume full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30.

The University will notify community members when Hillsborough County and the University have determined it is safe to return to campus.

We urge students, staff and faculty to check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. You may also want to follow conditions on campus using UTampa’s weather station page or webcams.

The University will regularly post updates to this page. The next update will be tomorrow by 10 a.m.

Tropical Storm Helene
Update: Wednesday, Sept. 25, 9:45 a.m.

The UTampa Emergency Operations Team is continuing to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Helene.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center has called for a mandatory evacuation of Evacuation Zone A. The University is working to evacuate all residential students by 1 p.m. today. The residence halls will be closed after the evacuation concludes, and there will be no entry allowed into residential buildings until they are reopened following the storm. All residential students have received specific communication about the evacuation procedure and timeline (see below).

The mandatory evacuation order will be enforced on campus, beginning at 1 p.m. today. Please plan to retrieve any items from campus prior to that time. Only Campus Safety and Facilities Management personnel will be permitted on campus after 1 p.m. today until the conclusion of the storm. Shelter information may be found here for those needing an emergency evacuation site.

Tropical Storm Helene is currently 100 miles west-southwest of Cuba, and is forecast to become a Category 3 hurricane with expected landfall tomorrow (Thursday). Tampa is currently under a hurricane watch, tropical storm warning and storm surge warning.

Given the expected high winds across the region and potential storm surge that may occur along Tampa Bay’s coastal areas due to the storm, the University remains closed for all classes, activities, events and non-essential services with the expectation of resuming full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30.

Please be vigilant about your personal safety during this time period. Be mindful of flooded streets and walkways. We strongly discourage risky activities, such as unnecessary travel and storm chasing. Students should avoid coastal waters due to potentially very strong tides and currents.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates.

The University will regularly post updates to the tropical weather page, which also has a variety of weather-related links. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911. The next update will be at 6:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Helene
Update: Sept. 25, 9:30 a.m.

The following message was sent to residential students at 9:30 a.m. by the Office of Residence Life.

Good morning Residential Students,

Hillsborough County has issued an order for a Zone A Evacuation. This order was issued ahead of Tropical Storm Helene, a significant weather event that will bring high winds across the city and potential storm surge that may occur along the city’s coastal areas.

Since the majority of UTampa’s residential campus is located within Zone A, all residence halls will close at 1 p.m. today, Wednesday, Sept. 25. All residential students must evacuate the residence halls by that time. 

Please note this is a mandatory evacuation. As a residential student, you have two options:

1. We strongly encourage you to relocate off-campus with friends and family outside of Zone A for the entirety of the storm. It is anticipated students may return to campus when the residence halls reopen on Friday, Sept. 27. Evacuation zone information can be found here.
2. As a secondary option, the University will provide transportation on Tuesday morning to UTampa’s assigned shelter location at Burnett Middle School in Seffner, FL. Transportation will pick up students in front of the Vaughn Center on Poe Parkway, at 1 p.m. 

You must register to reserve your space at the shelter by using the “Fall 2024 Weather Action Plan Form” below.This shelter site is managed by Hillsborough County and may be open to the general public. Residence Life staff will also be on site. See more information about this option below.

YOUR ACTION REQUIRED: Once you have determined your evacuation location, you must notify the Office of Residence Life by logging into Residence by Symplicity and completing the “Fall 2024 Weather Action Plan” located in the application area. It is imperative you complete this form as soon as possible and by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to ensure University staff are aware of your evacuation location and shelter needs.

All residential students must evacuate their residence hall rooms by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Residence Life and Campus Safety staff will begin residence hall walkthroughs at 1 p.m. They will physically enter all rooms to ensure students have evacuated and will secure and physically lock the residence halls. You cannot remain in the residence hall. Animals of any kind cannot be left unattended in the residence halls.

Please note that the Student Code of Conduct applies on and off-campus. Referrals for behaviors violating the Student Code of Conduct that occur off campus or at any Hillsborough County shelter will be adjudicated by the Office of Student Conduct.

A communication will be sent to all residential students to confirm residence hall reopening, which is anticipated for Friday, Sept. 27. Please do not return to the residence halls before receiving the communication that they have reopened.  

Additionally, Residence Life will offer a Zoom residential community meeting to address any questions residents may have regarding the storm. The meeting is voluntary and is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. The link to the meeting is below:

https://utampa.zoom.us/j/98673218891?pwd=hjpFBrab9AU8pSD848TxoLzlHzQagb.1

Students Registering for the Shelter

If you register to stay at the evacuation shelter, transportation will be provided on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Students will meet in the front lobby of the Vaughn Center. Residence Life staff members will meet residents at that time, and they will proceed to Burnett Middle School. For students evacuating to Burnett Middle School, each student should plan to pack one overnight bag and bring any bedding needed for the shelter. Items should be small in size due to limited space. Suggested items include:

• One or two changes of clothing;

• Layered clothing to adjust to cooler or warmer temperatures;

• Essential toiletries and medications;

• A blanket/comforter and pillow;

• Sleeping bags, cots, and/or twin air mattress

• Personal identification, important documentation, and your room key;

• Snacks and water (meals are provided by the shelter);

• Small entertainment items, including chargers.

It is important to note that emotional support animals and pets are not permitted in shelter locations. Service animals are allowed. To learn more about shelter accommodations, please visit the Hillsborough County Shelter website.  

The University of Tampa and the Office of Residence Life will provide updates via your Spartan email as they become available. Updates will also be posted on www.ut.edu/weather.

Once the residence halls close, card access will be disabled, and residents will not be able to enter the buildings until the halls reopen.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and wish you safety throughout the storm.

The Office of Residence Life

Tropical Storm Helene
Update: Sept. 24, 7 p.m.

The following message was sent to residential students at 7 p.m. by the Office of Residence Life.

Good Evening Residential Students,

The University of Tampa Emergency Operations Team (EOT) continues to track Tropical Storm Helene. Given the expected high winds across the region and potential storm surge that may occur along Tampa Bay’s coastal areas, the University will be closed to all classes, activities, events and non-essential services beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25. Limited activities and services will be available beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 with the expectation of resuming full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30. 

In consultation with Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center, all residence halls will remain open at this time. If an evacuation is ordered by Hillsborough County, residence halls will close tomorrow at 1 p.m. We encourage students to begin making evacuation plans. 

Additional information to assist your preparations:

1. Residence Life will offer a Zoom residential community meeting to address any questions residents may have regarding the storm. The meeting is voluntary and is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. The link to the meeting is below:

              https://utampa.zoom.us/j/98673218891?pwd=hjpFBrab9AU8pSD848TxoLzlHzQagb.1

1. Students should check the Dining Services website for hours of operation during the University closure. Limited dining options will be available in Vaughn Center and Morsani residence halls.

1. For your personal preparation, you may want to have items such as a flashlight with batteries, portable cell phone charger, photo ID, cash and prescription medications. For more information, click here.

Please note the Student Code of Conduct applies on and off-campus. Referrals for behaviors violating the Student Code of Conduct that occur on and off-campus will be adjudicated by the Office of Student Conduct.

The university will continue to track the tropical storm and will post periodic advisories atwww.ut.edu/weather, which also has a variety of weather-related links. 

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and wish you safety throughout the storm.

Tropical Storm Helene
Sept. 24, 4:30 p.m.

The Emergency Operations Team continues to monitor Tropical Storm Helene, and is in regular communication with the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center. Given the potential for heavy rain, high winds and storm surge across the region, the University will close to all activities, events, non-essential operations and classes from Wednesday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 27. Limited activities and services will be available beginning Saturday, Sept. 28 with the expectation of resuming full campus operations on Monday, Sept. 30.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center may call for a mandatory Zone A evacuation starting as early as tomorrow morning. If an evacuation is ordered, residence halls will close tomorrow at 1 p.m. We encourage students to begin making evacuation plans. Residential students will receive a separate communication from the Office of Residence Life with information specifically related to this storm.

Staff members should confer with their supervisors about the execution of their unit plans, as necessary, e.g., issuing out of office messages, and forwarding phones if applicable.

Tropical Storm Helene is currently 175 miles south of Cuba. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday and continue strengthening on Thursday as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. Due to the continuing development of Tropical Storm Helene, confidence continues to be low regarding location of impacts.

We encourage all University community members to have their personal hurricane preparations made and their plans in place. Specific information about hurricane planning may be found here.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued Wednesday, Sept. 25 by 10 a.m. If an evacuation order is issued by Hillsborough County officials, a communication will be issued earlier.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9
Update: Sept. 24, 9:30 a.m.

The Emergency Operations Team is currently monitoring the progress of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9.

The University is working with National Weather Service, City of Tampa and Hillsborough County officials to determine impacts of the storm, including the potential for heavy rain, high winds and storm surge. The University is currently open and operating normally and will announce any operational changes this afternoon by 4 p.m.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 is currently 205 miles south-southeast of Cuba. The storm is forecast to become a hurricane on Wednesday and continue strengthening on Thursday as it moves across the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and storm surge watches have been issued for portions of the Gulf Coast of Florida, including the Tampa Bay area. Due to uncertainty with the track of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9, confidence continues to be low regarding location of impacts.

We encourage all University community members to have their personal hurricane preparations made and their plans in place in case they are needed. Specific information about hurricane planning may be found here.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued Tuesday, Sept. 24 by 4 p.m.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9
Sept. 23, 5 p.m.

The Emergency Operations Team is currently monitoring the progress of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9.

Potential Tropical Cyclone 9 is currently approximately 315 miles southeast of Cuba. The storm is forecast to strengthen during the next few days and could become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico. There is still uncertainty regarding the track and intensity of Potential Tropical Cyclone 9.

There are no operational changes planned at this time.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m.

AL97
Sept. 23, 2024, 9:30 a.m.

UT’s Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the weather activity in the Northwest Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. AL97 is expected to gradually develop, and a tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the next day or two as the system moves northward.

Uncertainty remains fairly high regarding the track but forecast confidence should begin to increase as the system develops.

At this time there are no plans for operational changes at UT.

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The Emergency Operations Team will announce closings and other weather-related communications via this section of the University's website, global emails, text messaging and voicemail messages.

The University offers a free emergency text messaging service to students, faculty and staff. This service will only be used in campus emergency situations. Details and frequently asked questions can be found at Spartan Mobile Alert (SMART).

The UT website is hosted at a remote location and will remain available in the event of a UT campus emergency. Information can be obtained by visiting the website or by calling UT’s toll-free number (888) 646-2738. Please remember to use these important resources for updated information.