President's Letter: Hurricane Florence Evacuation

September 12, 2018

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing to tell you that we safely evacuated campus, including roughly 5,000 students who live in our residence halls. We bused about 40 of them safely to a northerly location Tuesday evening. Most of these students live too far from their homes to escape the path of Hurricane Florence without university assistance. I am especially grateful to the staff members who accompanied them - another example of how we demonstrate our commitment to student success and welfare.

While storm predictions remain challenging for the region and our campus, a hearty group of staff, administrators and police will remain on duty throughout the threat. I also want to publicly thank those who will be housed on campus in the event action is required for facilities, technology or information. Aramark has also been a terrific partner by providing food to all who are securing the campus.

Information for reopening will be announced through normal university channels. The university website and social media will be updated as decisions are made.

I hope all of you remain safe during the storm. Regardless of some of the more optimistic weather forecasts released today, we will remain diligent and on high alert until we receive notification from our federal, state and local partners that the threat has subsided.

Lastly, I want to thank all of you for your concern. I received dozens of messages from students and parents throughout the night telling me that those of us here on campus remain in their thoughts and prayers. It is those types of notes that remind me what a caring community we have at Old Dominion.

John R. Broderick
President