Hurricane Florence

September 14, 2018 ——————————

September 11, 2018 ——————————

Dear Shenandoah Community,

As hurricane season arrives once again, we are preparing for a storm system and its potential impact on our students, faculty and Shenandoah family. With Hurricane Florence moving up the East Coast, all departments across campuses in Winchester, Loudoun and Fairfax are prepared for potential high winds and flooding from heavy rains. Forecasters have made varied predictions about where the storm will track. Current estimates show that Shenandoah University campuses will likely be feeling the effects of wind and rain beginning the early morning of Friday, Sept. 14. We are maintaining communication with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and local police and will be continuing to monitor the forecast now and into the weekend as conditions change.

University personnel are prepared for the anticipated storm by:

• Coordinating with all campuses for individualized weather preparations   
• Keeping the Brandt Student Center and residence halls operational with water and food
• Running shuttles for student transportation throughout the weekend
• Public Safety will continue to patrol campus throughout the storm to ensure student safety

Students and their families can prepare by:

• Being signed up to receive SU alerts as storm-related emergency information will be sent from the alert system. Family members: to receive alerts, your student can add one additional mobile number and up to five email addresses to the alert system when they sign up
• Checking real-time updates regarding campus closures and events at www.su.edu
• Keeping mobile devices charged, and keeping your car’s gas tank full
• Using the parking garages, which provide protection from flooding and trees that could fall
• Using caution around Abrams Creek, which runs through main campus
• Making sure you have rain gear, boots, an umbrella and a working flashlight
• Turning headlights on if your windshield wipers are on — it’s a Virginia law
• Not driving through standing water — even if it’s only a few inches deep
• Reach the Department of Public Safety at (540) 678-4444 or (540) 665-4614 at any time

For off-campus students:

• We urge you to administer best judgment when traveling; your safety is our primary concern
• Students who live in off-campus residences should check with their management offices and landlords for storm preparations

If classes are ever canceled, the Brandt Student Center, residence halls and the Allen Dining Hall will remain open and well-staffed. Other buildings may be open, and announcements will be made via social media and signs on the doors.

We want everyone in our Shenandoah Family to remain safe and watch out for each other as we prepare for Hurricane Florence.  

Rev. Dr. Rhonda VanDyke
Shenandoah University
Vice President for Student Life