Colleagues:
As we communicated earlier today, UCF will reopen for classes and normal operations on Monday, Oct. 3. Classes remain canceled through Saturday, Oct. 1, and no homework should be assigned or required to be submitted by any student until classes resume on Monday.
Your classes should resume as usual if possible. However, I know that Hurricane Ian has caused serious problems for some of you, your families and your neighborhoods. Some of our colleagues are dealing with severe damage and the need to focus on recovery from the storm. Others may not be able to reach campus due to flooded roads or other hazards. If you are unable to make it to your classes, please alert your department chair. I ask chairs to help deal with classes in these cases as though the faculty member was ill. In some cases, temporary remote teaching may be possible.
Please keep in mind that the storm has also severely impacted the ability of some students to resume their courses. Please demonstrate empathy and flexibility with your students regarding attendance policies and assignments. Encourage students who may need special consideration to contact Student Care Services by filling out this form or emailing CareManager@ucf.edu We will continue to provide updates and alerts through email and social media.
Finally, UCF’s Saturday football game against SMU will now be played on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m., with classes and university operations to continue as usual that day. Because of the late start, and only limited tailgating, classes will not be canceled.
For many of us, this storm is piling more difficulties on what has been a long period of stress. Please take care of yourselves and as you are able show compassion to one another, your students and our communities in the days and weeks ahead.
Michael D. Johnson, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs