Storm Report

10/03/2024 3:07 p.m

All campus facilities have power. Students have begun returning to campus in earnest. Faculty and staff are back to work.    

In preparation for a return to normal campus operations, let’s review where things stand. 

• In-person classes, activities, and events resume on Monday, October 7.  
  

• Fall Break is from Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13. The Culinary Center will remain open during break. 
  

• If you have tickets for this weekend’s previously scheduled home game, Catawba will honor those tickets. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. at Catawba on Sunday, October 6. 
  

• Homecoming and Family Weekend is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, November 9.   
  

Faculty are already working on adjusting course calendars and assignments in creative ways to meet course learning goals with fewer days in the semester. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we adapt, respond, and move forward.   

There are a few minor changes to the academic calendar as outlined below. If you have course-specific questions not addressed below, please reach out to your instructor.  

• Dates for the fall semester, including the final exam schedule, and Commencement have not changed.   
  

• Term 7A: The end of 7A has been extended; the last day of the term is Wednesday, October 16, with grades due on Friday, October 18. Instructors are adjusting 7A course(s) accordingly. 
  

• Term 7B: Dates for 7B have not changed.  
  

Finally, many have asked about how to assist those most directly impacted by this disaster. The University is coordinating a unified response, and we ask that you participate directly with those leading that effort. If you are interested in putting your faith into action, please email Maddy Woodford at mwoodford@andersonuniversity.edu.  

In addition, a fund has been established to support Campus Ministries in hurricane relief missions. If you or someone you know would like to contribute, please send the gift to the Office of Development designated for the “Hurricane Missions Fund.” All funds will be used for AU sponsored relief efforts now and in the future.  

Thank you again for your patience, your grace, and your understanding. Now, it’s time to take a deep breath, say a prayer of thanksgiving, and remain as unified during the rest of the semester as we have over these past several days.  

Please direct general questions to administration@andersonuniversity.edu. Those that cannot be answered immediately will be forwarded to the appropriate office.  

10/02/2024 3:41 p.m

Anderson University is returning to normal operations on Monday, October 7. That means all students who can safely return should return to campus and attend classes in person on Monday.    

However, normal is subjective. That’s why, as President Whitaker shared in his campus message yesterday, the University’s operational posture is one of maximum flexibility. We have asked for your grace. It stands to reason that we should extend a reasonable amount of grace in return.    

If you miss a class, a project, or a rehearsal (to cite a handful of examples), your instructors will outline the steps needed to make up that work—just as it would be if you missed classes for any other reason. Your instructors can provide details on course-specific policies.    

The bottom line? We are asking that you embrace personal responsibility—for your health, for your safety, and for your studies. If you are unable to return to campus next week, please contact your instructors. They can provide details on course-specific policies and amended class and exam schedules for the rest of the semester.     

Those updates announced yesterday are still in effect. In addition, we are pleased to announce that for the first time, the Culinary Center will be open and fully staffed during Fall Break. Students who choose to remain on campus during Fall Break (from Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13) may continue using meal swipes. Other activities will be available during the break.    

As a reminder:   

• Classes will resume Monday, October 7. Campus remains open and appropriate services are available.  
  

• All residence halls have been and remain open. The following currently have power: College Parke; Heritage; Kingsley; Village; North Rouse; South Rouse; Lawton; Pratt; Denmark; Stringer; and Clamp. In addition, academic buildings are open for use from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.   
  

• Fall Break will continue as scheduled. Fall Break is from Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13. The Culinary Center will remain open during break. 
  

• The football game this weekend has been moved to Sunday, October 6 at Catawba. Kickoff is at 2 p.m. Homecoming and Family Weekend is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, November 9. 
  

• Remember that decisions about campus operations will be announced through official Anderson University channels. All official news is delivered from an official AU email address and/or posted at andersonuniversity.edu/storm-report.
  

The Student Center (including the Culinary Center) remains open for student use and staff members are on hand and available to care for the students who remain on campus or those who choose to return.    

If you have any questions, please direct them to administration@andersonuniversity.edu. Please note that you may not receive an immediate response from that account. Rest assured that your inquiries are being forwarded to the appropriate office. All topics are being addressed in the daily Emergency Response Team meetings.  

10/01/2024 1:04 p.m

Dear Campus Family,   

Today’s campus operations update is as follows. Please read carefully and completely.    

Classes will resume Monday, October 7. Campus remains open and appropriate services are available. However, classes and South Carolina School of the Arts performances are canceled for the remainder of the week and will resume on Monday, October 7.  

Here’s why: while you may have electricity and internet service, many of our students, faculty, and staff do not. Likewise, campus electricity and internet service are not fully restored. We are working tirelessly to return to normal operations. Our goal is for you to safely return to campus when we can welcome you home with open arms. Those who are returning to campus are welcome. Others may choose to remain where they are. All residence halls have been and remain open. To help in your decision making, the following Residence Halls now have power currently: College Parke; Heritage; Kingsley; Village; North Rouse; South Rouse; Lawton; Pratt; Denmark; and Clamp. In addition, academic buildings are open for use from 8:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Fall Break will continue as scheduled. Fall Break is from Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13.    

This Saturday’s football game has been moved to Sunday, October 6 at Catawba. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.    

Homecoming and Family Weekend is tentatively rescheduled for Saturday, November 9.   

Keep in mind that any decision made about campus operations will be announced through official Anderson University channels. Rumors are just that: rumors. In short, unless a decision on University operations is delivered from an official AU email address and/or posted at andersonuniversity.edu/storm-report, it is not official. We cannot stress this strongly enough.    

The Student Center (including the Culinary Center) remains open for student use and staff are on hand and available to care for the students who remain on campus or those who choose to return.   

While electricity has been restored to several buildings on campus, some facilities are still without service. Some traffic lights are also inoperable. Further, many trees remain down across campus and clean up continues. To that end, we appreciate your prayers, your patience, and the grace you have so lovingly extended.    

If you have any questions, please direct them to administration@andersonuniversity.edu. Your inquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate office, and you will receive a response as soon as possible.

9/30/2024 7:20 p.m

While electricity has been partially restored to campus, it will take time for the system to be fully operational. Please be patient as our facilities team completes its work. We will notify campus tomorrow morning about when campus operations will return to normal. Decisions on classes and campus activities after Wednesday have not been finalized. Thank you for your patience and understanding

9/30/2024 1:11 p.m

Dear Campus Family, 

In addition to today’s announcement about postponing Homecoming and Family Weekend, the following is an update on Anderson University campus operations.

• In-person classes, activities, and events are canceled through Wednesday, October 2.
• Those students still on campus should be vigilant about their personal safety. Residence hall and exterior building doors should not be propped open. Please secure your valuables and keep doors closed and locked.

Today (Monday, September 30), most of campus remains without power and there is no clear timeline for restoration. We will make an official announcement when campus electricity is fully restored. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

While the Student Center (including the Culinary Center) remains open for student use, all other campus operations are suspended. Most residence halls are open but remain without electricity. Lights, hot water, and air conditioning remain unavailable until electricity is restored. The University has ample staff available to care for the approximately 300 students who remain on campus.

Please remain vigilant when moving about the area. Monitor official Anderson University communication channels—email, the AU website, and social media—for continued updates.

Students who need assistance should contact Campus Safety at 864-231-2060.

9/30/2024 1:04 p.m

Dear Campus Family, 

Because most of campus is without power, and with no clear timeline for its restoration, this Saturday’s home football game will not take place as previously scheduled. University officials are currently reviewing options for playing the game at an alternate location away from areas affected by Hurricane Helene.  

Further, Homecoming and Family Weekend activities are postponed. The updated date is rescheduled for Saturday, November 9. That date is subject to change. Details are being worked out and more information will be announced as they are available.   

In an effort to be sensitive to the impact of the storm and current needs of our local community, hosting a major event at this time did not feel appropriate. While some may be disappointed, the AU leadership feels this is the wisest and kindest course of action in support of our community. We are confident in our ability to host a game, but doing so would put undue pressure on our region’s already strained resources. Our decision was made in support of an exceptionally good community of which we are an integral part.  

Thank you for your grace, patience, and understanding. Most importantly, thank you for offering prayers on behalf of the millions of people struggling because of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath.

9/29/2024 11:52 a.m.

Dear Campus Family,

The campus continues to be without power. We still don’t have a clear indication of when power will be restored. 

No in-person classes, activities, or events will be held Tuesday, October 1. This change in operations includes all campus facilities. The Student Center remains open for all students, including the Culinary Center.

At this time the majority of residence halls remain open; however, they are without power. This means lights, hot water and air conditioning remain unavailable until power is restored. Residence halls remain supervised by AU personnel to ensure the safety of our remaining students.

Please continue to be cautious as you navigate campus and monitor your email for updates.

As always, contact Campus Safety at 864-231-2060 with any emergencies.

9/28/2024 10:52 a.m.

Dear Campus Family,

The campus continues to be without power. We still don’t have a clear indication of when power will be restored. Once again, students who can safely return home are encouraged to do so.

No in person classes, activities, or events will be held Tuesday, October 1. This change in operations include all campus facilities including the University Center Greenville. The Student Center remains open for all students, including the Culinary Center.

At this time majority of residence halls will remain open; however, they are without power. This means that lights, hot water and air conditioning will not be operational until power is restored. Resident halls will remain supervised by AU personnel to ensure the safety of our remaining students.

Please continue to be cautious as you navigate campus and monitor your email for updates.

As always, contact Campus Safety at 864-231-2060 with any emergencies.

Thank you.

9/27/2024 3:00 p.m.

Dear Students,

The AU Leadership team continues to closely monitor the conditions on our campus and in the surrounding areas. Currently, many roadways remain obstructed by downed trees and power lines. Due to these hazards, we strongly advise against traveling until further notice.

In the interest of safety, all classes will be cancelled on Monday. We anticipate that power outages will persist throughout the weekend. Our primary concern is your safety, and we believe this decision will facilitate the removal of hazards from our campus.

We have observed students in areas with dangerous conditions. We kindly request that you avoid areas affected by flooding, downed trees, and power lines. Please remember that emergency personnel are currently overwhelmed with demands across the upstate; therefore, it is crucial to avoid engaging in risky activities.

Additionally, please adhere to the student handbook policies regarding the use of candles and other prohibited items in residence halls. These policies are designed to ensure your safety.

The Intramural Gym has been equipped with generated power and will serve as an additional gathering area. We encourage each student to exercise good judgment while moving around campus. The Student Center will continue to operate as the primary facility during this period, providing meals and remaining open throughout the night.

As always, Campus Safety is available to assist you. Officers can be reached at 864-231-2060.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Sincerely,

AU Leadership

9/27/2024 10:39 a.m.

AU Alert:

Dear Students,

As you are aware, hurricane Helene has brought unprecedented rain and winds to the university. Thankfully, everyone is safe. We strongly advise all students to remain off the roadways due to downed trees and power lines all around our region. It is not safe to travel unless absolutely necessary.

At present, the university is experiencing total power failure, with a only a few minor exceptions. Anderson County Emergency Services and utility services are working diligently in our area; however, the damage to the area and state is extensive. We do not have an estimated time for power restoration.

The Student Center is currently our primary facility for refuge. This facility has power and will remain open indefinitely. Students may begin to use this building now.  The Culinary Center is open and has hot meals available.

Residence Life Staff are posting in all residential halls to monitor safety and address any questions.

According to weather reports, wind will continue to be an issue throughout the day. As you travel across the campus, please remain alert. The ground is saturated, and the winds continue to present a hazard with falling trees and limbs. Be mindful of and stay clear of downed powerlines, and other hazardous objects around campus.

We will provide updates as they become available.

Please call Campus Safety @ 864-231-2060 for any emergency

Thank you for your cooperation, and stay safe.

9/26/2024 9:45 a.m.

Anderson University is operating on a normal schedule today (Thursday, September 26.) However, out of an abundance of caution, Anderson University will convert to online classes and remote work for employees (Friday, September 27.)  

No in-person classes, activities, or events will be held tomorrow. This change in operations includes all campus facilities, including the University Center-Greenville.  

(Please note: some staff members may be asked to report to campus to support emergency operations. Work directly with your supervisor to determine if you are needed.) 

This morning’s briefing from the National Weather Service and the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) reported Hurricane Helene strengthened rapidly overnight, with its remnants expected to arrive in our area late this evening.  

Heavy rain will arrive around midnight, with revised overnight rain totals of six to eight inches expected. Sustained winds of 45 to 60 miles per hour are expected, with wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour. Downed trees, flooding, and power outages are all possible once the bulk of the storm arrives.  

While Anderson University is open and operating normally today (Thursday, September 26), faculty, staff, students, and their families should prioritize their personal health and safety.  

Travel plans to and from campus should be carefully evaluated in light of rapidly developing weather conditions. Faculty, staff, and students with the means to leave campus and arrive safely at home may do so at their discretion.  

• Faculty and staff should work with their supervisor to determine staffing needs and expectations.   
• Students should likewise communicate with their professors about class assignments and attendance today.  
• For those who choose to remain on campus or are unable to leave or arrive at their destination safely, essential services will be available. Keeping our campus community safe and secure is Anderson University’s top priority.  

Again, faculty, staff, and students should prioritize their own health and safety.  

Preparations have been made to ensure campus facilities are prepared to safely accommodate our students in the event of a power outage.  

Specifically, we have secured additional resources including, but not limited to, extra food and water for the G. Ross Anderson Jr. Student Center. The facility is equipped with generators to maintain electricity in the event of a power outage.  

As a reminder, the Student Center is equipped to provide shelter for students. Ample supplies of food and water are available, and the facility will be open and staffed throughout the duration of any emergency.   

Anderson University staff remain in regular and consistent contact with state emergency response officials, including the Anderson County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is providing specific consultation.  

More information will be released as it becomes available and in as timely a manner as possible. Please monitor all communication channels including, but not limited to, your email; the Anderson University website; official University social media channels; and local news reports. 

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