Hurricane Florence
Hurricane Florence Update (Message 6)
September 14, 2018, 4:10 pm
Dear William & Mary Community –
While Hurricane Florence has had a major impact on the Carolina coasts, thankfully impacts in Williamsburg and the William & Mary campus were not severe. Therefore, classes will be in session and university offices will open on Monday, Sept. 17. At that time, classes and university services will be on a normal operating schedule.
Residence halls will re-open on Sunday, Sept. 16 at noon. Students will not have access to their rooms prior to that time. Residents should be certain to pack their room keys. All doors have been locked and keys and IDs will be necessary for entrance into residence halls.
For transportation resources, including information about shuttle service from Northern Virginia, visit www.wm.edu/auxiliary.
Dining Services will re-open Commons from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday for dinner. On Monday, Sadler and Commons will open at 8 a.m. and all remaining dining operations will open at 11 a.m. on Monday and resume normal hours.
We realize it will take some time for all of our students to return to campus. As we always do in these situations, the Provost is asking faculty to be as accommodating as possible if students are delayed from returning to campus by Monday. The Provost has also determined there is no need at this time to make additional changes to the academic calendar.
Because of operations related to the state-operated shelter at the McCormack-Negelsen Tennis Center, parking may be limited in the vicinity of the Law School and Grad Complex.
There is some additional information below, and the Call Center will be open today from 4 to 7 p.m., if you have any questions.
Sam Jones, chair
Emergency Management Team
Information for Students Returning to Campus:
Call Center
We have opened the University Call Center for anyone with questions. The center will be open today from 4 to 7 p.m. The Call Center number is 757-221-1565.
Residence Halls
All Residence Halls (including Graduate Housing, Tribe Square and CW House) will be open at noon on Sunday, Sept. 16. Residents should be certain to pack their room keys. All doors have been locked and you will need your keys and ID to enter your halls.
If you have housing-related questions, please contact living@wm.edu.
Dining Services
Dining Services will re-open Commons from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday for dinner. On Monday, Sadler and Commons will open at 8 a.m. and all remaining dining operations will open at 11 a.m. on Monday and resume normal hours.
Please check www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
Transportation
For transportation resources, including information about shuttle service from Northern Virginia, visit www.wm.edu/auxiliary. Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.
For the latest information on Williamsburg Area Transit Authority bus lines, please call WATA's weather line at 757-220-5493. The William & Mary Green Bus line ( http://gowata.org/DocumentCenter/View/331/2018-Info-Card_rt08?bidId) will resume at 2 p.m. on Sunday and will run until 8 p.m.
Please check www.wm.edu/auxiliary for more transportation information.
Child Care Center
The William & Mary Child Care Center will be open normal hours on Monday.
Athletics
For information about athletic events, visit the athletics website - http://www.tribeathletics.com, the various teams' schedule links as well as the athletic department’s Twitter page - http://www.twitter.com/tribeathletics.
Swem Library
Swem Library will open at noon Sunday and will be open regular operating hours on Monday.
Student Recreation Center
The Rec Center will not be open Sunday but will re-open under its regular operating schedule Monday.
Hurricane Florence Update (Message 5)
September 12, 2018, 5:29 pm
Dear William & Mary community –
This is a reminder that the William & Mary campus is closed through at least Sunday due to the pending storm. The only building that is open is the state-operated emergency shelter at the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center. Unless you are authorized essential personnel for this event, you should not be on campus. If you have an emergency operation need, contact WMPD at 757.221.4596. Updates will be available on the university’s website http://www.wm.edu. Notifications about re-opening will be made through the university’s emergency alert notification system.
Questions about the state-operated shelter should call 2-1-1.
Thank you for your assistance as we prepare and secure our campus.
Sam Jones, Chair
William & Mary Emergency Management Team
Hurricane Florence Update (Message 4)
September 12, 2018, 2:22 pm
Dear William & Mary community –
While this morning’s weather forecast related to Hurricane Florence are more favorable to Virginia and Hampton Roads, please remain vigilant as wind, rain and storm impacts are unpredictable.
As a reminder, there are no classes today, Sept. 12, through at least Sunday, Sept. 16. Residence halls will close today at 5 p.m. and all residential students should be off campus by that time. All university events are canceled or postponed through Sunday, and the home football game scheduled for Saturday has been postponed.
University offices are open today but will close at 5 p.m. Once the university is closed only essential personnel are authorized to be on campus. We will make a determination about when campus will reopen after the storm.
If you have any questions, the university is staffing a Call Center (757-221-1565) today until 5 p.m.
Before leaving campus, residential students are reminded to prepare their rooms as outlined in these guidelines, https://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/documents/hurricane.pdf. Also, be sure to contact your family and provide them with information about when you are leaving campus and where you will be staying. Off-campus students are encouraged to leave the area if possible.
ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING AND PLANNING RESOURCES:
Call Center
We have opened a Call Center for anyone with questions. The center will be open today until 5 p.m. The Call Center number is 757-221-1565.
Residence Halls
All residence halls (including Graduate Housing, Tribe Square and CW House) close Wednesday at 5 p.m. This is a mandatory evacuation and no residents will be permitted to remain in their building – ID access will be deactivated for the duration of the evacuation period.
Residents are reminded before they leave to please close and secure all windows, pull down blinds and we recommend that all personal items be removed from the floor. Residents should take all valuables and medication with them when they depart.
We encourage all residential students who have not already evacuated to leave as early as possible on Wednesday due to traffic and other anticipated travel delays. If you have housing-related questions please contact living@wm.edu.
Dining Services
W&M Dining locations will operate on a normal schedule through 2 p.m. on Wednesday. From 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sadler and Commons will remain open. All dining operations will cease at 5 p.m. Wednesday until further notice.
Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
Transportation
The last Oleta shuttles to the Springfield-Franconia Metro Station left campus this morning. For other transportation options, visit http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary.
If you will be traveling by car, prepare your vehicle for travel. Top off fuel, washer fluid and check systems. Also be sure to stock emergency supplies in your vehicle: water, toiletries, toilet tissue, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, and nonperishable food.
Child Care Center
The William & Mary Child Care Center will close at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday until further notice. Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
W&M Bookstore
The W&M Bookstore will follow the schedule communicated by Colonial Williamsburg. Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
Athletics
Saturday’s football game is postponed. Details about the rescheduling of that game and information about other upcoming William & Mary athletic events will be communicated on the athletics website —- http://www.tribeathletics.com/ — through the various teams' schedule links as well as through the athletic department’s Twitter page http://www.twitter.com/TribeAthletics.
International Students
International students should implement their personal evacuation plans. If you do not have one, or you are not able to find a friend to go home with, we recommend finding a hotel in Richmond or further west. The Reves Center will be open today from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for international students who have questions.
Exchange Students:
There are currently 23 exchange students at William & Mary; they should contact their advisor in the Global Education Office (Nasha Lewis).
Off-Campus Students
Please monitor your city’s or county’s emergency management channels for instructions and resources. If you can, leave.
Swem Library
The library will be open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. It will remain closed through the weekend while the university is closed. The library's electronic resources — databases, e-books and e-journals — are accessible off-campus through user ID. Special Collections will be closed Wednesday to prepare for the storm and will also remain closed through the weekend while the university is closed.
Student Recreation Center
The Rec Center will be open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday and will be closed through the weekend.
REMINDERS:
Computers
If you are leaving your computer on campus, be sure to lock your room, back up your hard drive and turn off your computer.
Medicine
Please remember to renew prescriptions and pick up medicine before you leave campus. If you have medicine that requires refrigeration, please make sure to take it with you.
Hurricane Florence Update (Message 3)
September 11, 2018, 2:33 pm
Dear William & Mary community -
As we informed you earlier, due to the likelihood of power outages on campus the president canceled classes today through at least Sunday, Sept. 16. We will make a determination about when campus will reopen after the storm. Residence halls will be closed as of 5 p.m. Wednesday.
The Law School only is holding classes today until 5 p.m. Athletic events after tonight’s men’s soccer game and through the weekend are also canceled. Saturday’s football game is postponed. All other sporting events through the weekend are either canceled or postponed. All other university events and activities scheduled after 5 p.m. Wednesday and through the weekend are canceled.
All residential students (graduate and undergraduate) must be off of campus no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday. After that time, the residence halls will be closed. Before leaving campus, residential students need to prepare their rooms as outlined in these guidelines. https://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/documents/hurricane.pdf
Students should implement their personal evacuation plan (this should be on file in your Banner personal service - https://personalinfo.wm.edu/ - account). If you need assistance, contact your RA or other Residence Life staff. Also, be sure to contact your family and provide them with information about when you are leaving campus and where you will be staying. Off-campus students are encouraged to leave the area if possible.
University offices will remain open on a regular schedule today and through 5 p.m. Wednesday. Campus will be closed from 5 p.m. Wednesday through at least Sunday. During that time, only essential personnel should report. Hurricane event preparations should be implemented. Supervisors should work with employees to grant liberal leave as necessary based on personal circumstances.
Westbound traffic will intensify throughout the region as more areas to our east evacuate, so we are urging students to leave as soon as you can once your classes are complete. Please contact your family before you leave and let them know where you will be staying and how they may contact you while the residence halls are closed.
Also, as members of a close community please reach out to each other and assist any classmate who may need a place to stay or help evacuating.
Students who are having difficulty implementing their personal evacuation plans, should contact their RA. If you are an international student needing assistance, The Reves Center will be open today until 5 p.m. and tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist international students and scholars with questions or help with personal evacuation plan.
ADDITIONAL SCHEDULING AND PLANNING RESOURCES:
Call Center
We have opened a Call Center for anyone with questions. The center will be open today from 2 to 8 p.m. and from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The Call Center number is 757-221-1565.
Residence Halls
All Residence Halls (including Graduate Housing, Tribe Square and CW House) will be closed as of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, 9/12. This is a mandatory evacuation and no residents will be permitted to remain in their building – ID access will be deactivated for the duration of the evacuation period. As residents leave please close and secure all windows, pull down blinds and we recommend that all personal items be removed from the floor. Residents should take all valuables and medication with them when they depart.
We encourage all residents to evacuate on Tuesday or early Wednesday due to traffic and other anticipated travel delays. If you have housing related questions please contact living@wm.edu.
Dining Services
W&M Dining locations will operate on a normal schedule through 2 pm on Wednesday, September 12. From 2 – 5 pm on Wednesday Sadler and Commons will remain open. All dining operations will cease at 5 pm, Wednesday, September 12th until further notice.
Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
Transportation
Oleta will provide shuttle service on Wednesday, September 12 to the Springfield-Franconia Metro Station. Shuttles will depart Kaplan Arena and Sadler Center at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Pre-registration is REQUIRED registrations will open later this afternoon, visit Oleta directly, http://www.oleta.com/ to reserve a space.
If you will be traveling by car, prepare your vehicle for travel. Top off fuel, washer fluid and check systems. Also be sure to stock emergency supplies in your vehicle: water, toiletries, toilet tissue, blankets, flashlight, first aid kit, and nonperishable food.
For the latest information on Williamsburg Area Transit Authority bus lines, please call WATA's weather line at 757-220-5493.
For students trying to get to Richmond, we recommend Uber, Lyft and Taxis.
Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for more transportation information.
Child Care Center
The William & Mary Child Care Center will close at 5:30 pm on Wednesday until further notice. Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
W&M Bookstore
The W&M Bookstore will follow the schedule communicated by Colonial Williamsburg. As of Tues., Sept 11, the store maintains normal business hours. Please check http://www.wm.edu/auxiliary for updates to the operation schedule.
Athletics
Athletics events after tonight’s men’s soccer game and through the weekend are also canceled. Saturday’s football game is postponed. Details about the rescheduling of that game and information about other upcoming William & Mary athletic events will be communicated on the Athletics’ website, - http://www.tribeathletics.com/ - through the various teams' schedule links as well as through the athletic department’s Twitter page. http://www.twitter.com/TribeAthletics
International Students
International students should implement their personal evacuation plans. If you do not have one, or you are not able to find a friend to go home with, we recommend finding a hotel in Richmond or further west. If you have questions or need assistance, Reves Center will be open today from 2 – 5 and tomorrow form 8 – 5 for international student who have questions.
Exchange students:
There are currently 23 exchange students at William & Mary, they should contact their advisor in the Global Education Office (Nasha Lewis). Their advisor has already contacted them and will be in touch later today with additional information about their mandatory evacuation plan.
Off-Campus Students
Please monitor your city’s or county’s emergency management channels for instructions and resources. If you can, leave.
Swem Library
Will be closing early Tuesday, closing at 8 p.m. And will be open normal hours until 5 p.m. on Wednesday. They remain closed through the weekend while the university is closed. The library's electronic resources -- databases, e-books and e-journals – may or may not be accessible off-campus through user ID depending on the availability of power. Special Collections will be closed Wednesday to prepare for the storm and will remain closed through the weekend while the university is closed.
Student Recreation Center
The Rec Center will close early Tuesday, closing at 8 p.m. and then will be open from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Wednesday. The Rec Center will be closed through the end of the week.
REMINDERS:
Computers
If you are leaving your computer on campus be sure to lock your room, back up your hard drive and turn off your computer.
Medicine
Please remember to renew prescriptions and pick-up medicine before you leave campus. If you have medicine that requires refrigeration, please make sure to take it with you.
Hurricane Florence Update (Message 2)
September 11, 2018, 10:52 am
Dear William & Mary community:
Hurricane Florence continues to make its way toward the North Carolina coast and remains a strong Category 4 system. Because of the strength and speed of the storm, forecasters are predicting significant wind and rain impact that is likely to cause widespread power outages in our area.
Due to the likelihood of power outages on campus the President has canceled all classes after 12:30 p.m. today and continuing through at least Sunday, Sept. 16. We will make a determination about when campus will reopen after the storm. Residence halls will be closed as of 5 p.m. Wednesday. Athletics events after tonight’s men’s soccer game and through the weekend are also canceled. Saturday’s football game will be rescheduled. All other university events and activities scheduled after 5 p.m. Wednesday and through the weekend will also be canceled.
Students should implement their personal evacuation plan (this should be on file in your Banner personal service account - https://personalinfo.wm.edu/). If you need assistance, contact your RA or other Residence Life staff. Also, be sure to contact your family and provide them with information about when you are leaving campus and where you will be staying.
All residential students must be off of campus no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday. After that time, the residence halls will be closed. Before leaving campus, residential students need to prepare their rooms as outlined in these guidelines - https://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/documents/hurricane.pdf.
University offices will remain open on a regular schedule today and through 5 p.m. tomorrow. Campus will be closed from 5 p.m. Wednesday through at least Sunday. During that time, only essential personnel should report. Hurricane event preparations should be implemented. Supervisors should work with employees to grant liberal leave as necessary based on personal circumstances.
This afternoon you will receive additional information from the EMT regarding planning resources, transportation information and campus dining schedules.
If you have additional questions, the university’s Call Center (757.221.1565) will be open today from 2 to 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sam Jones, Chair
William & Mary Emergency Management Team
Hurricane Florence (Message 1)
September 10, 2018, 2:20 pm
Dear William & Mary community:
We have the first major storm of the hurricane season threatening to make landfall on the East Coast later this week. The National Hurricane Center is advising that Hurricane Florence – currently approximately 1,300 miles east/southeast off of Cape Hatteras, N.C. – will likely make landfall along the Carolina coastline late Thursday. The latest reports indicate the system is a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 mph. The storm is forecast to likely make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane.
While it is still too early to be confident in the storm’s projected path, impact or strength, there is enough information to warrant caution and initial planning, including:
1) It is a priority for all residential students to review your personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (this should be on file in your Banner personal service - https://personalinfo.wm.edu - account). Your plan should include both a planned destination in the event campus must close and arrangements for how to get there. If you have not yet made a plan, please do so. If you need assistance, contact your RA or other Residence Life staff.
2) Department heads should move forward with necessary planning and preliminary steps within their Department that may be needed for a possible Hurricane event.
3) Please familiarize yourself with the numerous ways William & Mary has to communicate to the campus community during an emergency. In addition to the emergency notifications received through RAVE – text, phone call, email, siren and Alertus (a notification to your computer screen) – you may also receive notifications by following W&M News on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wmnews/ - or Twitter, - https://www.twitter.com/wmnews - or by using the W&M mobile app - https://www.wm.edu/mobileapps/.
4) If you have not yet enrolled in the university's mass notification system - https://personalinfo.wm.edu/ -, you should immediately do so in Banner personal service.
5) It is also important for students living on campus to review these guidelines - https://www.wm.edu/offices/residencelife/documents/hurricane.pdf - from residence life for storm and possible power outage preparations. For students living off campus, please review this checklist - https://bit.ly/1hn6yoZ.
Should you be planning to travel anywhere south along the east coast this week please check the weather forecast and use extreme care.
In the event that the university should need to close, the EMT will communicate with the campus community via William & Mary’s Emergency Alert System. Any updates about dining services will be available through the W&M Dining Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/wmdining/ - and updates regarding athletic events through the Tribe Athletics’ website - https://www.tribeathletics.com and Twitter page - https://www.twitter.com/tribeathletics.
We will know more in coming days about the storm’s path and impact in relation to Hampton Roads and the Williamsburg area. William & Mary’s Emergency Management Team will continue to watch the storm closely and update the campus community by noon tomorrow.
Sam Jones, Chair
William & Mary Emergency Management Team