10/05/2024
University officials have continued to monitor conditions in our region. Although recovery efforts continue to gain momentum in Jackson County, other communities still face significant challenges, especially regarding food, water, and fuel availability.
After much deliberation and considering the many ways Hurricane Helene has affected our students, faculty, and staff in Cullowhee and at our Biltmore Park instructional site, we have decided to continue suspending all classes—including distance courses—through Friday, Oct. 11.
Fall Break, scheduled for Oct. 14 – 18, will continue as planned. This will allow our faculty and staff - many of whom have experienced and continue to experience significant life disruptions - time to recover in their personal lives, revise course syllabi, and prepare to resume normal university operations.
At this time, classes will resume in Cullowhee, Biltmore Park, and online on Monday, Oct. 21. We will let you know as soon as possible if conditions dictate the need to extend class suspensions.
Considerations and resources for students:
While classes are canceled and all non-mandatory offices are closed, administration, university public safety, dining, health services, counseling and psychological services, residential services, the recreation center, and the university center will remain operational in a limited capacity.
This extended closure will not affect course credits and fall commencement is still on schedule for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.
Please frequently check your student email, as important information and updates from the university offices and faculty will be communicated through this channel.
We are aware with this extended closure students may want to leave earlier than Fall Break. Before leaving the area we strongly encourage students to visit https://drivenc.gov/ for up-to-date road conditions to ensure you can reach your destination safely. For information about fueling stations on your route, visit gasbuddy.com or download the app.
We understand that every student’s circumstances may be different, and we advise students to make a travel plan and take all precautions to ensure their safety.
