Please return to this page throughout the day for updates related to Hurricane Irene.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 7:30 p.m.
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: Deborah McLaughlin, Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
RE: Storm update #4
We currently expect UMass Dartmouth and its satellite locations to be open Monday. Because the potential for power outages remains, we ask that students, staff, and faculty continue to watch for updates related to closures and cancellations on the campus home pages and in your email.
We recognize that some staff may be dealing with difficult storm-related challenges at home, but all staff should report to work Monday unless requests for vacation or personal time are approved by supervisors. In addition, as local communities continue to remove debris and fallen trees from roadways, please use extra caution when driving to campus.
With 500 students already on campus, the School of Law having already started classes, and thousands of students preparing to begin their classes next week, we are working to normalize campus operations as quickly as possible. University crews have been hard at work since the storm began, removing hazards and obstacles and conducting general cleanup duties. They will likely be continuing that work over the next couple days so we ask all students, faculty, and staff on campus to exercise patience and caution as the cleanup process continues.
For official Massachusetts information regarding the hurricane and emergency planning, please visit mass.gov. Please be reminded that UMass Dartmouth is not subject to state closure orders with regard to inclement weather and bases its closure and cancellation decisions on regional factors.
Please visit umassd.edu for updates. The University will also be posting updates to its Facebook and Twitter pages.
*****
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 11:30 a.m.
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: Deborah McLaughlin, Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
RE: Storm update #3
While we welcome recent news from the National Weather Service that Irene has been downgraded to a tropical storm, it remains important that we are all vigilant about our safety on campus and at home. The most recent forecast for Dartmouth indicates that tropical storm conditions are expected throughout the day with hurricane conditions still possible. Rain will continue through the afternoon as will sustained winds of 45 to 55 mph, with gusts as high as 75 mph. Clearing is expected this evening and we are planning for a sunny day tomorrow.
There remains a threat of power outages in our region so all are urged to keep your cell phones charged. In the event of an emergency call X9191 from a campus phone or 508.999.9191 from your cell phone. If we do lose power be sure to unplug your computers and peripherals to protect against damage when power is restored.
The campus remains closed today, but for the 500 resident students and staff already on campus, brunch is being served in the Campus Center until 2 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. If you are outside, please watch for falling limbs and downed trees and power lines and report those to the Department of Public Safety immediately.
For official Massachusetts information regarding the hurricane and emergency planning, please visit mass.gov. Please be reminded that UMass Dartmouth is not subject to state closure orders with regard to inclement weather and bases its closure and cancellation decisions on regional factors.
Please visit umassd.edu for updates. The University will also be posting updates to its Facebook and Twitter pages.
We look forward to clear skies tomorrow and a return to normal operations as we prepare for the opening of the academic year. Until then, please stay save and dry.
*****
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 4:58 p.m.
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Deborah McLaughlin
RE: Hurricane planning update #2 -- University closed Sunday
On Sunday, August 28 the University will be closed and all activities, including athletics practices, will be canceled. The main campus and School of Law libraries will be closed.
On Sunday, food service will be provided for resident students and staff already moved onto campus. Brunch will be served in the Campus Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner will be served from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For official Massachusetts information regarding the hurricane and emergency preparation, visit www.mass.gov. Please be reminded that UMass Dartmouth is not subject to state closure orders with regard to inclement weather and bases its closure and cancellation decisions on regional factors.
Please visit umassd.edu throughout the weekend for updates. The University will also be posting updates to its Facebook and Twitter pages.
*****
FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 12:50 p.m.
TO: The Campus Community
FROM: Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Deborah McLaughlin
RE: Hurricane planning update
University officials have been planning for Hurricane Irene's arrival on the SouthCoast this weekend. All faculty, staff and students are urged to visit umassd.edu throughout the weekend for updates. Several measures have been taken, including the following:
POSTPONEMENT OF MONDAY STUDENT ORIENTATION
The Late Summer Orientation scheduled for Monday has been re-scheduled to Thursday, September 1. All 380-plus students expected for the event have been notified.
SMAST STORM PREPARATION
Due to the proximity of the School for Marine Sciences and Technology to the ocean, the Clark's Cove facility will be closed as of 5 p.m. today, Friday, August 26 and remain closed through the weekend. All networks and servers will be shut down, and employees are asked to back up data. Windows have been boarded up; sensitive equipment has been moved to safe areas; and the school's research vessel has been moved to Fairhaven. Access to the facility will be restricted to essential personnel ONLY after 5 pm today.
MAIN CAMPUS FACILITY AND GROUNDS
On the main campus, facility crews have cleared storm drains, tested back-up power sources, and checked the grounds and roofs for loose objects.
PRIOR TO LEAVING CAMPUS TODAY
All staff and students should unplug their computers and peripherals such as printers, docking stations, etc. prior to leaving campus Friday afternoon. This will eliminate potential danger to your system when power is restored.
In addition, you are urged to back up computer files; remove valuable paperwork, books, journals, etc., from window sills; and secure any research data and specialized equipment.
If connectivity problems persist after power is restored please call the IT Service Center at x8790.
HOUSING AND DINING
The main campus has completed preparations to house and feed the 500-plus students and residence staff who have already arrived on campus.
All students scheduled to arrive on Sunday and Monday will be contacted by their coaches, supervisors, etc. to stay away from campus until Tuesday.
MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY PLANNING
For official Massachusetts information regarding the hurricane and emergency planning, please visit mass.gov.
Please be reminded that UMass Dartmouth is not subject to state closure orders with regard to inclement weather and bases its closure and cancellation decisions on regional factors.
Visit umassd.edu for campus status updates.
STAY UPDATED
Please visit umassd.edu throughout the weekend for updates. The University will also be posting updates to its Facebook and Twitter pages.