ATLANTA,None — The University of Alabama has canceled classes and suspended normal operations. Essential personnel should report to work as directed by their supervisors. Any UA employee who has experienced personal hardships as a result of the tornado should notify their supervisors.
Normal operations are suspended as recovery efforts continue. The University will not conduct final exams next week as scheduled.
Students will have the option of accepting their existing grades as of April 27, 2011, or they can take a final exam at a later date. For those students who request to take a final exam, faculty will have the option of scheduling the final exam on site when normal operations resume or via distance education means.
This schedule change includes all enrolled students except those in the School of Law and School of Medicine. Their academic calendars vary and they should be in touch with their faculty for confirmation of their exam schedule.
Faculty should communicate with their students via e-learning or their normal means as facilities are restored. Students should know that not all faculty will have communication capabilities immediately.
Commencement exercises scheduled for May 7, 2011, have been rescheduled for Aug. 6, 2011, when May and August graduates will be recognized.
These steps are being taken to allow students impacted by the storms to return to their homes while recovery efforts continue in the Tuscaloosa area.
These changes are in keeping with academic guidelines that are part of the emergency operations and recovery plans for the campus.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS:
How do I get in touch with my student/child?
Try the students' numbers, check Facebook and email.
Where can students find emergency housing?
Students whose homes have been damaged can go to the Rec Center for immediate housing. This is only for students whose homes have been damaged, not for those whose electricity is out. Call (205) 348-RIDE and Crimson Ride will pick up the students and take them to the Rec Center.
What's the best way for parents to get info?
The University of Alabama website: http://www.ua.edu
How long will University operations be suspended? What about classes this week? Exams next week?
We can't make that call until we assess the impact of the storm.
What damage was done to campus?
No structural damage was done to campus.
What damage was done to off-campus student housing?
To find out info on damage to the Tuscaloosa area, refer to media outlets.
Should parents come to Tuscaloosa?
Please stay away from community areas that have experienced damage. If you must travel in Tuscaloosa, please be extremely careful. Obey all commands of law enforcement.
Where can students eat on campus?
Lakeside Dining is open. It closes at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27 and all Bama Dining is expected to reopen Thursday, April 28 at 10:30 a.m. with normal operating hours.
Should my student contact their professors?
Please refer to www.ua.edu for updates on class and normal operations. Your student may want to email his/her professor to ask about classes or assignments. Keep in mind that many professors may have limited access to email and/or phones.
Will you be sending regular messages to parents with updates?
Please refer to the University's website, http://www.ua.edu, for the latest information.
Is on-campus housing safe?
Yes.
Are all the buildings on campus safe?
Yes.
WSBTV
