UF Campus Closure/Class Cancellation
TO: All UF Faculty, Staff and Students
FROM: Dr. Charles E. Lane, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
The University of Florida’s main campus in Gainesville will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 12 because of Tropical Storm Eta, and all face-to-face and online classes are canceled. Campus will re-open and classes will resume on Friday, Nov. 13.
Dining facilities on campus will continue operating as scheduled. Please visit gatordining.com for additional information. P.K. Yonge Developmental Research School is also closed Thursday, Nov. 12 and will re-open on Friday, Nov. 13.
RTS buses will not be in operation on Thursday, Nov. 12.
Alachua County is currently under a tropical storm warning. We ask UF Health clinical and core service personnel to check with their supervisors as to whether they should report to work and provide support to the academic health center for emergency operations.
UF/IFAS personnel outside Gainesville should adhere to their county government guidelines on closing. Personnel in other UF programs outside of Gainesville should consult their supervisors.
We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions in advance of the storm and monitor media reports.
INFORMATION SOURCES
- In addition to posting on the UF homepage, which should be the main resource for the latest information, and UF Alert, university officials will provide updates through the social media platforms of Twitter @UF, @UFPublicSafety and Facebook.
- Frequently monitor local media
- Updated weather briefings are available from the National Weather Service (NWS)-Jacksonville: https://www.weather.gov/media/jax/briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf
- Information will be updated daily on UF’s Rumor Control Line: 1-866-UF-FACTS.
- Please download the UF GATORSAFE safety mobile app for additional information (iOS App Store / Google Play).
- Updates from the UF Weather Center are available at ufweather.org. Statewide information from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network is available on the mobile app Florida Storms.
The university also encourages all students, faculty and staff to prepare at home for the possible storm by taking the following actions:
BEFORE THE STORM
- Ensure storm supply kit is stocked – checklist: https://updates.emergency.ufl.edu/what-to-do/emergency-supply-kit/
- Fuel vehicle
- Inform family and friends of the plan, especially if sheltering in a different location than usual
- Remove or secure outside items such as potted plants, grills and lawn furniture
DURING THE STORM
- Stay indoors and do not travel during the storm
- If winds become strong, stay away from doors and windows. Take refuge in an interior room, closet or hallway
- Do NOT use candles, which can increase fire risk
- Understand that emergency services and scheduled bus routes might not be able to respond or operate during the storm
Everyone is reminded to follow CDC guidance and UF policies regarding face coverings and social distancing before, during and after the storm. For more information, go to https://coronavirus.ufhealth.org/screen-test-protect-2/
As always, students and employees in need of immediate help should dial 911. Students may also contact U Matter We Care at umatter@ufl.edu or by calling (352) 294-CARE (2273). Employees may call the Employee Assistance Program at 833-306-0103 or go to eap.ufl.edu.
Stay safe.