Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Friday, Oct. 18, 12:15 p.m.

The following message was sent to the UTampa community from President Teresa Ab-Nader Dahlberg today at noon.

Dear Fellow Spartans--

Following our one-two punch from two historic, powerful hurricanes in as many weeks, I’ve learned an important lesson: It will take a whole lot more than that to keep the University of Tampa from fulfilling its educational mission and preparing students to be Spartan Ready.

I realize that many in our UTampa community have been upended by the back-to-back storms, and their personal lives will be in upheaval for weeks, months or years. The University is committed to supporting our community members through this period of recovery and helping them reach their goals as students, faculty or staff. My thoughts also go out to those in the broader Tampa Bay community who were impacted.

But as we finish our first week back from Hurricane Milton, I am pleased that we are moving forward toward normalcy, and returning to our routines. While we made some adjustments – whether they be in class schedules or housing relocations – they were implemented so we could assure students receive the top-notch educational experience that makes being a member of the UTampa community so appealing.

I’d first and foremost like to thank the UTampa community for its unparalleled response to the hurricanes and commitment to the University. Students’ evacuation of campus with less than 24 hours of notice, following county mandates, was outstanding. And my sincerest appreciation goes out to the many staff and faculty and campus partners who adjusted their own hurricane preparation and recovery activities to help facilitate the campus evacuation, harden the campus prior to the storm, and then return campus to operational status.

A part of studying and working in Florida is dealing with tropical weather. Each storm teaches us new lessons and provides opportunities to rise to the unique challenges presented. The following are a few new and established initiatives we implemented following Hurricane Milton:

• The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion used their Basic Needs Fund to assist students affected by the storms.
• With Sodexo’s help, the University was able to meet immediate food needs by offering a complimentary lunch last Sunday, our reopening date, and providing a comfort station this week in the Vaughn Center, so the UTampa community can grab a snack or light sandwich during the day.
• UTampa provided transportation for students to the evacuation shelter, and assigned staff to the shelters to ensure a positive experience for students. After the storm, the students in the shelter were offered housing in the Barrymore Hotel to await campus reopening.
• The Spartan Support Program has fielded dozens of inquiries from students in need of assistance after the hurricane.
• The Office of Residence Life worked with eight off-campus housing providers to offer special rates for UTampa community members needing short-term housing options.
• The Emergency Operations Team is establishing guidelines for community members to volunteer on campus after storms to expedite clean up and repairs.

I remain very proud of the UTampa community for its response to Hurricane Milton, demonstrating professionalism, patience and resolve while acknowledging the stress, anxiety and fear that goes along with these crises. As we face the aftermath of these storms, and move forward with our personal and professional lives, remember that the strength of our Spartan community lies in our resilience and support for one another.

Go Spartans!

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4:40 p.m.

The following message was sent to all Urso Hall residents by the Office of Residence Life today at 4:10 p.m.

Good afternoon Straz Hall Residents,

We are pleased to provide an update regarding the hot water in Straz Hall. The Office of Facilities Management has completed the necessary repairs. As of this afternoon at 4 p.m., hot water in the Straz community is operational. The system may require additional time to heat fully and will be fully operational this evening.

If you experience any issues regarding hot water or any other facilities concerns, please submit a work order through the Office of Facilities Management maintenance request website or email faciloffice@ut.edu. Staff will address concerns as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m.

The following message was sent to all Urso Hall residents by the Office of Residence Life today at 11:20 a.m.

Good morning Urso Residents,

The Office of Residence is pleased to share that the Urso community electricity has been restored and that students will be able to return to the space beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Please follow the instructions below regarding your transition back to the Urso community:

Please read the important information below to assist your return back to Urso Hall:

• If your room experienced any issues during the evacuation, please submit a work order through the Office of Facilities Management maintenance request website or email faciloffice@ut.edu. Staff will address concerns as quickly as possible. For urgent matters, such as problems with air conditioning, electricity or water, contact Facilities Management directly at (813) 253-6227 or reach out to Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777.

• Given the length of the power outage, we recommend discarding all perishable items from refrigerators for your safety. Facilities Management will clear trash from the trash rooms regularly. Residents may also use the dumpsters located outside the residence halls.

• While Residence Life does not anticipate any damage to residents’ personal items, any claims should be filed with your renter’s insurance provider. Residence Life staff is happy to assist you in submitting claims with your provider, however, the Office of Residence Life and the University are not responsible for reimbursement of personal items damaged by the storm.

• If you utilized temporary housing options at the Barrymore hotel, please remove all personal items from your Barrymore space and check out at the Barrymore Front Desk, including providing the keycard to Barrymore staff. All residents must vacate their hotel rooms by 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17.

If you have any questions regarding the return back into Urso Hall, including key and lockout needs, please visit the Vaughn Information Desk, located on the first floor of the Vaughn Center or contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@ut.edu. Resident assistants will also resume duty shifts in Urso Hall and staff the Urso community desk beginning at 8 p.m. on Oct. 17. Additionally, Campus Safety remains open and available to assist you 24/7 by calling (813) 257-7777.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout Hurricane Milton and the Urso power outage. We had a seamless residential closing due in large part to your cooperation. We hope to have a similar reopening as we welcome you back and wish you a safe return to Urso Hall.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Monday, Oct. 14, 2:29 p.m.

The following message was sent to all UTampa students by the Office of the Provost.

Dear UTampa Students, Faculty and Staff:
I’d like to provide some information about classes missed due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.  As you know, we have missed 8 class days and need to make-up work so that the learning outcomes can be met.  This is a requirement of SACSCOC, our accrediting body.  We have created Saturday schedules to facilitate faculty planning of their revised syllabi, since student course schedules and room assignments involve a complex orchestration.  However, faculty may choose many different paths to the end of the semester so not all make-up work will occur on Saturdays.  It’s important that students and faculty communicate clearly on how class work will be made up for each class.

The Saturday schedules are below and also on the academic calendar.

Classes missed on…	May meet at the same time in the usual classroom on…
September 25	October 19
September 26	October 26
September 27	November 2
October 7	November 9
October 8	November 16
October 9	November 23
October 10	December 7
October 11	December 8

 

Post Hurricane MIlton
Update: Oct. 13, 3:15 p.m.

The following message was sent to all UTampa students at 11 a.m. from Stephanie Russell Krebs, vice president, Student Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, and David Stern, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Dear UTampa Students,
We hope this message finds you safe though we know the entire UTampa community has been impacted by Hurricane Milton. We, along with the college deans and other University administrators, know that this has been an unsettling time and we write to provide some assurance given the anxiety you may be feeling. Though everyone of you has been impacted by the storm, you find yourselves in highly varied circumstances. Some of you are in Tampa, some are far away.  Some live on campus and some off campus. Some have power and internet where you are and some do not; some will have power and internet when you are back here, and some may not.

We are fortunate that UTampa’s campus is opening today and ready for classes to resume on Monday. You can count on faculty members to be flexible given your varied individual circumstances. I’d like to ask you to remember that your faculty members have also been affected in varying ways as you have. Kindness and patience from everyone will go far in enabling us to recover in the coming weeks.

We’d like to report that Facilities has done a tremendous job cleaning up campus, Dining Services is up and running, Campus Safety is fully staffed, and Residence Life staff is eager to help students get back into their residence hall rooms. We are fortunate that the University can contribute to student and employee recovery by being operational and providing resources.

Of course, returning to campus after a hurricane is never perfect. Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) has assured us that powering Urso Hall is a priority. Campus cleanup will be ongoing. We are working with vendors to restore hot water in Straz Hall as quickly as possible. Storm recoveries don’t have an end date, but we are eager to move – responsibly but resolutely -- toward normalcy.

We also realize that commuter students may be returning to a house or apartment without power, or that is unlivable. TECO is making significant progress restoring power, and it hopes to have 75 percent of its customers up and running by Tuesday. We hope those students without power will utilize campus as a place where they can charge devices, enjoy air conditioning, utilize Dining Services and attend classes. Students whose living situations are untenable should contact the Student Support Program at ssp@ut.edu.

We’re also aware that some nearby businesses are slowly reopening, including Publix on Bayshore Boulevard and Walgreens on Platt Street. Others are in the process of re-opening.

Please remember the University is hosting a complimentary lunch for all UTampa community members – and their families – today in the Vaughn Center from noon to 4 p.m. And this week, thank you to Dining Services for sponsoring the grab-and-go comfort station in the Vaughn Center lobby from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you back on campus.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3:20 p.m.

The following message was sent to all UTampa students by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Spartan Support Program, and Wellness Services at 2:30 p.m.

Dear Spartans,

As we face the aftermath of Hurricane Milton so soon after Hurricane Helene, we recognize the extraordinary resilience the UTampa community has shown in facing these back-to-back challenges. We understand that this repeated disruption may have compounded the difficulties you're experiencing, both personally and academically. The University of Tampa is committed to supporting you through this period of recovery. Below is a list of resources to assist you so you can continue your academic journey with confidence.

Campus Resources:

• Academic Support: We understand the hurricane's aftermath may disrupt your studies. Absences due to the storm are, by policy, excused absences. Students who miss classes due to the storm will not be penalized but must contact their faculty members as soon as possible to let them know they are delayed in resuming their studies. In addition, requests for flexible deadlines and make-up sessions should be discussed with your faculty directly. For additional academic assistance, please contact academicsuccess@ut.edu.
• Counseling Services: If you need emotional support, the 24/7 student support line is available at (833) 755-0484. Counseling services will reopen on Monday morning and is open for regular appointments and walk-ins as needed. 
• Financial Assistance: If you're facing financial difficulties due to the hurricane, you may be eligible for a UTampa emergency grant. Please complete the Emergency Grant Application or contact your financial aid counselor through email. Their contact information can be found in Workday.
• Food: If you have an emergency need for food, please contact Spartan Support at ssp@ut.edu.  Additional community food resources are listed below.
  • To assist the UTampa community during this challenging time, students, faculty and staff, and their families, are welcome to enjoy a complimentary hot lunch on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Ultimate Dining in the Vaughn Center. The complimentary lunch hours will be noon-4 p.m. Please bring your Spartan ID.

• In addition, Dining Services will sponsor a “grab-and-go” comfort station in the Vaughn Center lobby on Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., that will serve complimentary light sandwiches and snacks. This will be available for all members of the UTampa community, with Spartan ID.

• Health Services: Medical Services in the Dickey Health and Wellness Center will reopen on Monday morning to provide medical care for any health concerns you may have. 
• Housing: If you have been displaced from your off-campus residence and are interested in seeking on-campus housing for the remainder of the semester, contact the Office of Residence Life for options. Please note that moving into the residence halls also requires purchasing a pro-rated meal plan. 
• Personal Resources:  
  • Showers: If you do not have water or electricity, and need to shower, showers are available at the following locations during regular business hours: 
    • Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center 
    • Grand Center, Bike Storage area – one shower available
    • Ferman Center for the Arts, 3rd Floor Restrooms
    • Martinez Athletic Center
       
  • Personal Care Kits: Personal care items are also available through the Spartan Support Office. A few kits are also available at the front desks of the Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center if needed for showers. 
  • Charging Stations: Extra outlets to charge your devices will be available at the service desk on the 1st floor of the Jenkins Technology Building beginning tomorrow (Sunday) at 9 a.m. Users will need to provide their own charging cables.
  • Laundry: Tampa Laundry Company is offering a discount to all UTampa students, faculty, and staff. Please use the promotional code UTAMPA for 10% off any orders. This self -service facility is open 24/7 and is located at 4520 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa, FL 33611. Charging stations are available to charge phones while doing laundry. Starting Tuesday, student can schedule wash, dry, fold, pick-up and delivery services by visiting Tampa Laundry Company’s webpage, and the same promotional code applies.
• Renter’s Insurance: Most apartment complexes require renter’s insurance as a condition for finalizing a lease. If this applies to you and you experienced loss of items in your apartment due to the hurricane, we encourage you to contact your renter’s insurance provider to inquire about your coverage and the process for initiating a claim.
• Spartan Support Program: If you or a fellow Spartan need general support, resources or care, please complete the Spartan Support Program form or email SSP@ut.edu or CDO@ut.edu.
• Well-being Support: Please see the Wellness Service website for comprehensive resources to assist you with your overall well-being.

Community Resources

• Activate Hope Disaster Assistance Form: Activate Hope helps connect Floridians with resources to provide food, household goods, home repairs and more. Fill out the form to request help today.
   
• American Red Cross: The American Red Cross offers emergency assistance in the immediate aftermath of disasters. For more information, visit redcross.org.
   
• Crisis Support: The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers free, confidential crisis intervention and referrals to over 3,000 community resources. Call 211 or visit CrisisCenter.com. For additional recovery resources, visit the Hillsborough County Government Disaster Recovery page.

• Feeding Tampa Bay: Provides essential support during crises and provides food, water, and hygiene supplies to those in need. There are a variety of food assistance options available, including a list of local food resources and food pantry options. For more information, visit https://feedingtampabay.org/findfood. For additional assistance, you can also call the Neighbor Services helpline at (813) 710-9003. 
   
• FEMA Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance for those affected by Hurricane Helene. You can apply for help with employment, financial support, food, housing, legal, or medical needs by visiting FEMA.gov or disasterassistance.gov.

• Salvation Army: Salvation Army provides nutrition resources and emergency supplies at five locations across Tampa Bay to support impacted residents. These services will continue daily at the locations listed until announced. 
  • Salvation Army Tampa Corps, noon – 6 p.m.
    1100 West Sligh Ave. Tampa, FL 33604
  • Riverside Recovery, noon – 6 p.m.
    4004 N Riverside Dr., Tampa, FL 33603 
  • Plant City Fire Department, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m.
    604 E Alexander St, Plant City, FL 33563
  • New Life Tabernacle South Tampa, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m., 1002 S Church Ave Suite A, Tampa, FL 33629
  • Victory Tabernacle of Seminole Heights, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 6 p.m., 1010 E Busch Blvd #102, Tampa, FL 33612

Remember that the strength of our Spartan community lies in our resilience and support for one another. Your well-being is our priority, and we're here to support you every step of the way.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3:10 p.m.

The following message was sent to all Straz Hall residents by the Office of Residence Life at 11:50 a.m.

Good morning Straz Hall residents,

The University of Tampa will reopen on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. While Straz Hall did not sustain major damage, unfortunately, it is currently without hot water. Facilities staff are working diligently to ensure hot water is restored to the building as soon as possible.

As a Straz Hall resident, you have three options regarding Sunday’s return to campus:

1. If you are able to commute to campus for classes, we encourage you to remain off campus with friends or family who may have access to hot water and return to campus when notified the issue has been resolved.
2. You may access hot water for showers at the following locations during their normal hours of operation beginning Monday, Oct. 14:

• Riseman Fitness and Recreation Center
• Martinez Athletic Center
• Ferman Center of the Arts (3^rd floor restrooms)

        3. You may coordinate with a fellow residential student in another residence hall for access and escort to bathrooms with hot water for showers.

The Office of Residence Life will send confirmation to your Spartan email as soon as hot water is available in your Straz Hall assignment. Please also note that laundry facilities will be limited to cold water cycles only during this time.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and patience as we welcome you back to campus.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m.

The following message was sent to all Urso Hall residents by the Office of Residence Life at 11:40 a.m.

Good morning Urso Hall residents,

The University of Tampa will reopen on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 9 a.m. While Urso Hall did not sustain major damage, unfortunately, it is currently on limited generator power and cannot be occupied until full power is restored. Tampa Electric (TECO) continues to work diligently to restore power in the area.

As an Urso Hall resident, you have two options regarding Sunday’s return to campus:

1. If you are able to commute to campus for classes, we encourage you to remain off campus with friends or family and return to campus when Urso Hall reopens.
   
2. As a secondary option, you may complete the form below to reserve temporary housing at The Barrymore Hotel. If you select this option, please plan to meet Residence Life staff on Sunday, Oct. 13 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Vaughn Information Desk to assist you. Please note that students cannot move into The Barrymore Hotel until 4 p.m.

YOUR ACTION IS REQUIRED: Once you have determined your arrival plans, you must notify the Office of Residence Life by completing the “Urso Hall Resident Reassignment Form” by following this link:  https://utampa.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3ITV2wzoZ5qn7wi

It is imperative that you complete this form as soon as possible and by noon on Sunday, Oct. 13, at the very latest.

Residence Life staff will be available on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to escort students into Urso Hall to retrieve any items needed for relocation. Students seeking items from rooms will be expected to use the stairs, as elevators are not currently available. For any students with accessibility concerns, please contact the Office of Residence Life at (813) 253-6239 for assistance.  

Students Registering for the Barrymore Hotel 

If you register to stay at the Barrymore Hotel, please plan to pack an overnight bag with the suggested items below:

• Four or five changes of clothing;
• Items needed for classes;
• Room keys and Spartan ID;
• Layered clothing to adjust to cooler or warmer temperatures;
• Essential toiletries and medications;
• Personal identification, important documentation;
• Snacks; and
• Small entertainment items and device chargers.

The Office of Residence Life will send confirmation to your Spartan email as soon as it is safe for you to return to your Urso Hall assignment.

Students should communicate with their faculty regarding any missed coursework or classes as a result of the delayed reopening of Urso Hall.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and patience as we welcome you back to campus.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Saturday, Oct. 12, 3 p.m.

The following message was sent to all UTampa residential students by the Office of Residence Life at 11:20 a.m.

Good morning residential students,

We hope you had a safe evacuation experience during Hurricane Milton. The Emergency Operations Team has assessed campus facilities, including the residence halls, and found them to be safe for your return.

Facilities staff is working diligently to clear campus of debris and repair the minor damage. Please avoid any cordoned-off areas and active work zones, report any damage or obstacles and respect traffic rules. Campus cleanup will be on going. Plant Park should be avoided in the short-term, as it was impacted heavily with downed trees and debris.

Please find important information to assist your return back to the residence halls below:

• If your room experienced any issues during the evacuation, please submit a work order through the Office of Facilities Management’s maintenance request website or email faciloffice@ut.edu. Staff will address concerns as quickly as possible. For urgent matters, such as problems with air conditioning, electricity or water, contact Facilities Management directly at (813) 253-6227 or reach out to Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777.
• Given the length of the evacuation, we recommend discarding all perishable items from refrigerators for your safety. Facilities Management will clear trash from the trash rooms regularly. Residents may also use the dumpsters located outside the residence halls.
• For information about Dining Services, please visit ut.edu for updated hours of operation.
• While Residence Life does not anticipate any damage to residents’ personal items, any claims should be filed with your renter’s insurance provider. Residence Life staff is happy to assist you in submitting claims with your provider, however, the Office of Residence Life and the University are not responsible for reimbursement of personal items damaged by the storm.

If you have any questions regarding the return back into the residence halls, including key and lockout needs, please visit the Vaughn Information Desk, located on the first floor of the Vaughn Center. Residence Life staff will be available to assist you beginning at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. Resident assistants will also resume duty shifts and staff the community desks in each residence hall beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. Finally, Campus Safety remains open and available to assist you 24/7 by calling (813) 257-7777.

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout Hurricane Milton and the residential evacuation process. We had a seamless residential closing due in large part to your cooperation. We hope to have a similar reopening as we welcome you back and wish you a safe return to campus and your residence hall.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Saturday, Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.

Students, staff and faculty may return to campus beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 13). Residence halls will be open for occupancy at 9 a.m.

Residential students will receive a separate communication regarding details of their return.

Facilities staff is working diligently to clear campus of debris and repair the minor damage. Please avoid any cordoned-off areas and active work zones, report any damage or obstacles and respect traffic rules. Campus cleanup will be ongoing. Plant Park should be avoided in the short-term, as it was impacted heavily with downed trees and debris.

As a reminder, those traveling to and around the Tampa Bay region should use caution, particularly around downed trees, power lines, debris, inoperable traffic signals and standing water. There are still widespread power outages, localized flooding and debris throughout Tampa Bay communities.

To assist the UTampa community during this challenging time, students, faculty and staff, and their families, are welcome to enjoy a complimentary hot lunch on Sunday at Ultimate Dining in the Vaughn Center. The complimentary lunch hours will be noon-4 p.m. Please bring your Spartan ID.

In addition, Dining Services will sponsor a “grab-and-go” comfort station in the Vaughn Center lobby on Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., that will serve complimentary light sandwiches and snacks. This will be available for all members of the UTampa community, with Spartan ID.

Regular operations, including classes, are planned to resume Monday, Oct. 14. Student absences that are due to the storm are, by policy, excused absences. Students who miss classes will not be penalized but must contact their faculty members as soon as possible to let them know if they are delayed in returning due to the storm or travel issues. Faculty will work with them so they will not fall behind in content.

All students will receive another email today outlining resources and assistance opportunities to help with hurricane recovery.

If you are a staff or faculty member who has been affected by storm damage or travel delays, please contact your supervisor, department chair, or dean as soon as possible.

• If you experience technology issues, please submit an ITS Service Desk ticket.
• Campus Safety is open and available to assist you 24/7 by calling (813) 257-7777.
  
• Please monitor the dining website for dining hours and open locations.

We recognize that this is a difficult time for students and their families, as well as staff and faculty, as they recover from the storm. Thank you for your patience, understanding and flexibility as we return to campus from the storm evacuation and closure. We look to the entire UTampa community to help ensure a safe return. 

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Friday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m.

We are pleased to report that campus will be able to open to students, staff, and faculty beginning Sunday, Oct. 13, at 9 a.m., including the residence halls. Since the University is working to clear debris from campus and repairing minor damage you will receive a separate communication if your office or residence hall assignment is known to have been impacted.

Regular operations, including classes, are planned to resume Monday, Oct. 14. Students and their families should use their best judgement regarding travel and safety. Absences that are due to the storm are, by policy, excused absences. Students who miss classes will not be penalized but must contact their faculty members as soon as possible to let them know they are delayed in returning due to the storm. Faculty will work with them so they will not fall behind in content.

Faculty and staff who may have trouble returning to work on Monday should contact their supervisor. An additional communication will be distributed this weekend to all managers from Human Resources.

It’s important for those traveling in the Tampa Bay region to use caution, particularly around downed trees, power lines, debris, inoperable traffic signals and standing water. All inoperable traffic signals at intersections should be considered a four-way stop. There are also widespread power shortages in Tampa. Check the Tampa Electric Co. (TECO) power outage map for more information.

Please monitor the Dining Services website for dining hours and locations upon campus reopening.

Any facilities issues you encounter upon reentry to your residence hall room or office on Sunday should be directed to Facilities Management at (813) 253-6227 or faciloffice@ut.edu. Campus Safety is open and available to assist you 24/7 by calling (813) 257-7777.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this weather event. We had a seamless residential and campus closing due in large part to your cooperation. We hope to have a similar reopening as we welcome you back, and we wish you a safe return to campus.

Post Hurricane Milton
Update: Thursday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.

Hurricane Milton made landfall last night at 8:30 p.m. near Siesta Key, approximately 65 miles south of Tampa.

UTampa’s Emergency Operations Team is working with Campus Safety, Facilities Management and Information Technology and Security staff to assess the status of campus. The initial assessment has not detected any significant damage due to the storm, other than the expected impacts, including downed trees and signs. Campus never fully lost power.

However, campus remains under a mandatory evacuation order and critical staff have not been able to reach campus at this time. Until campus is inspected and deemed safe, and the mandatory order is lifted, we cannot reopen campus. Due to downed trees, power lines, debris, inoperable traffic signals and standing water throughout the Tampa Bay area, please use caution when traveling around the area.

The University will issue a global email message when campus community members are permitted to return. Residence halls will be reopened at that time as well as other facilities. Do not return to campus prior to that time. Please monitor University communications closely during this time as the situation is changing rapidly.

We plan to resume full campus normal operations, including classes, on Monday, Oct. 14. As of this time, all athletic events and campus activities are cancelled until Monday.

Monitor the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please dial 911.

The next update will be issued tomorrow (Friday) at 11 a.m.

Hurricane Milton
Update: Tuesday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m.

UTampa’s Emergency Operations Team is continuing to monitor the progress of Hurricane Milton.

Hurricane Milton is approximately 520 miles southwest of Tampa, and landfall is expected on Florida’s central west coast early Thursday morning. Milton is forecast to retain major hurricane status and expand in size while it approaches Florida. Tropical storm force winds are expected to impact Tampa Bay as early as midday tomorrow (Wednesday).

Tampa is currently under a hurricane warning, flood watch and storm surge warning. Tornado activity is also possible.

Given the expected high winds, rain and storm surge, the University campus has been evacuated and is closed. We appreciate everyone’s patience and expediency in vacating campus. Campus will be closed through Friday. The University will notify community members when Hillsborough County and the University have determined when it will be safe to re-open campus.

Classes have been cancelled until Monday. If there is any significant change, students, faculty and staff will be notified and provided additional instruction and advice.

We urge students, staff and faculty to check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. You may also want to follow conditions on campus using UTampa’s weather station page or webcams.

In the event of an emergency, dial 911.

Updates will resume after the storm passes and campus has been initially assessed.

Hurricane Milton
Update: Oct. 7, 2024, 6 p.m.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center called for a mandatory evacuation of Evacuation Zones A and B earlier today. The evacuation is currently in effect for all UTampa academic, administrative and athletic facilities, and campus access is restricted.

The University is working to evacuate all residential students by 6 a.m. tomorrow. The residence halls will be closed after the evacuation concludes, and there will be no entry allowed into residential buildings until they are reopened following the storm. All residential students have received specific communication about the evacuation procedure and timeline (see below). Non-residential students may also go the UTampa-designated emergency shelter at Jennings Middle School in Seffner. For those students needing transportation to the shelter, they must check in at the Vaughn Center Information Desk at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). Other shelter options can be found here.

Due to uncertainty in the forecasted hurricane track and landfall location, classes will be cancelled Thursday and Friday. Faculty may not conduct class, require assignments or administer exams through Friday, Oct. 11.

Hurricane Milton is currently 675 miles southwest of Tampa. The storm’s maximum winds have reached 180 mph. There is continued confidence this storm will be a powerful hurricane at landfall with life-threatening hazards and will affect portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of the week.

Tampa is currently under a storm surge warning, flood watch and a hurricane warning.

Please be vigilant about your personal safety during this time period. Be mindful of flooded streets and walkways. We strongly discourage risky activities, such as unnecessary travel and storm chasing. Students should avoid coastal waters due to potentially very strong tides and currents. 

Please check this site, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency on campus, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777. Otherwise, dial 911.

The next update will be issued tomorrow (Tuesday), by 1 p.m.

Hurricane Milton
Update: Oct. 7, 2024, 12:20 p.m.

The following message was sent to all UTampa residential students by the Office of Residence Life at 12:15 p.m.

Good afternoon Residential Students,

Hillsborough County has issued an order for a Zone A and B evacuation. This order was issued ahead of Hurricane Milton, a significant weather event that will bring high winds, storm surge, and heavy rain across the region. The University has closed to all activities, events, non-essential operations and classes from Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9.

All residence halls will close at 6 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. The residential evacuation timeline has been moved up to 6 a.m. to allow for larger campus preparations as a Zone B evacuation order has been called. All residential students must evacuate the residence halls by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. No one but essential personnel will be permitted on campus after 6 a.m. tomorrow until the conclusion of the storm. 

Please note this is a mandatory evacuation. As a residential student, you have two options:

1. We strongly encourage you to relocate off-campus with friends and family outside of Zones A and B for the entirety of the storm. Evacuation zone information can be found here.
2. As a secondary option, the university will provide transportation on Tuesday morning to UTampa’s assigned shelter location at Jennings Middle School in Seffner FL. Transportation will pick up students in front of the Vaughn Center on Poe Parkway, at 6 a.m. 
   1. You must register to reserve your space at the shelter by using the “Fall 2024 Hurricane Milton Weather Action Plan Form” below. This shelter site is managed by Hillsborough County and may be open to the general public. Residence Life staff will also be on site. See more information about shelter preparations below.

YOUR ACTION REQUIRED: Once you have determined your evacuation location, you must notify the Office of Residence Life by logging into Residence by Symplicity and completing the “Fall 2024 Hurricane Milton Weather Action Plan.” It is imperative that you complete this form as soon as possible and by 3 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7 to ensure that university staff are aware of your location and shelter needs. To access the form, visit MyUTampa and select Residence by Symplicity. The Fall 2024 Hurricane Milton Weather Action Plan is located in the application area.

All residential students must evacuate their residence hall rooms by 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Residence Life and Campus Safety staff will begin walk through the residence halls beginning at 6 a.m. They will physically enter all rooms to ensure students have evacuated and will secure and physically lock the residence halls after safety walkthroughs have been completed. You cannot remain in the residence hall. Animals of any kind cannot be left unattended in the residence halls.

Residence Life will offer a Zoom residential community meeting to address any questions residents may have regarding the storm. The meeting is voluntary and is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. The link to the meeting is below:

https://utampa.zoom.us/j/92541484127?pwd=nYx9mELwEaWnXR1zQsxeW9gUdDGlEi.1

Please note that the Student Code of Conduct applies on and off-campus. Referrals for behaviors violating the Student Code of Conduct that occur off-campus or at any Hillsborough County shelter will be adjudicated by the Office of Student Conduct.

A communication will be sent to all residential students to confirm residence hall reopening.

Students Registering for the Shelter 

If you register to stay at the evacuation shelter, transportation will be provided on Tuesday at 6 a.m. Students will meet in the front lobby of the Vaughn Center. Residence Life staff members will meet residents at that time, and they will proceed to Jennings Middle School. For students evacuating to Jennings Middle School, each student should plan to pack one overnight bag and bring any bedding needed for the shelter. Items should be small in size due to limited space. Suggested items include:

1. One or two changes of clothing;
2. Layered clothing to adjust to cooler or warmer temperatures;
3. Essential toiletries and medications;
4. A blanket/comforter and pillow;
5. Sleeping bags, cots, and/or twin air mattress
6. Personal identification, important documentation, and your room key;
7. Snacks and water (meals are provided by the shelter);
8. Small entertainment items, including chargers.

It is important to note that emotional support animals are not permitted in shelter locations. To learn more about shelter accommodations, please visit the Hillsborough County Shelter website. Service animals are permitted at the Jennings Middle School shelter.

The University of Tampa and the Office of Residence Life will provide updates via your Spartan email as they become available. Updates will also be posted on www.ut.edu/weather.

Once the residence halls close, card access will be disabled, and residents will not be able to enter the buildings until the halls reopen.

We sincerely appreciate your cooperation and wish you safety throughout the storm.

The Office of Residence Life

Hurricane Milton
Update: Oct. 7, 2024, 12:15 p.m.

The following message was sent to the UTampa community from Provost David Stern today at noon.  

I have heard questions from students and families about what whether students who have evacuated will be penalized if they are able to resume their studies promptly after the storm. We do not yet know what path the storm will take, what impact it may have on campus, or when we will be able to resume instruction, but I can assure you that absences due to the storm are, by policy, excused absences. Students who miss classes due to the storm will not be penalized but must contact their faculty members as soon as possible to let them know they are delayed in resuming their studies.

For now, please focus on preparing to be safe during the storm. Once the situation and impacts are clearer, we will of course communicate plans for resuming academic instruction.

Hurricane Milton
Update: Oct. 7, 2024, 11 a.m.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center has called for a mandatory evacuation of Evacuation Zone A and B, effective today. This evacuation encompasses the entirety of the UTampa campus.

The mandatory evacuation order will be enforced for academic and administrative buildings beginning at 3 p.m. today, and residential buildings beginning at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). The residential evacuation timeline has been moved up to 6 a.m. to allow for larger campus preparation as a Zone B evacuation order has been called.

The residence halls will be closed after the campus evacuation concludes, and there will be no entry allowed into residential buildings until they are reopened following the storm. All residential students will receive specific communication from the Office of Residence Life about the evacuation procedure and timeline.

Campus access will be restricted beginning at 3 p.m. today. until the conclusion of the storm. Shelter information may be found here for those needing an emergency evacuation site.

Hurricane Milton is currently 745 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm’s sustained winds have increased to over 150 mph, and further strengthening is expected. There is increasing confidence that this storm will be a powerful hurricane at landfall with life-threatening hazards and will affect portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of the week.

Tampa is currently under a storm surge watch, flood watch and a hurricane watch. 

We encourage all University community members to put their personal hurricane plans into action. Specific information about hurricane planning may be found here.

In summary the campus evacuation timeline is as follows:

• Faculty and staff may retrieve any needed items from campus prior to 3 p.m. today.
• Residential students must evacuate campus by 6 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday).

Please check this site, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued today (Monday), by 6 p.m.

Hurricane Milton
Oct. 6, 2024, 5:45 p.m.

The Emergency Operations Team continues to monitor Hurricane Milton, and is in regular communication with the Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center. Given the potential for high winds, storm surge and heavy rain across the region, the University will close to all activities, events, non-essential operations and classes from Monday, Oct. 7 through Wednesday, Oct. 9. As we monitor the track of the storm, plans for a Thursday or Friday return to operations will be communicated as soon as impacts of the storm become clearer.

The Hillsborough County Emergency Operations Center may call for mandatory evacuations starting as early as tomorrow. If an evacuation is ordered, residence halls will close Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. We encourage students to begin making evacuation plans. In the event of an evacuation, the Office of Residence Life will send a special communication to residential students.

Dining Services, Medical and Counseling Services will remain open until the residence halls are evacuated. Essential services, such as Campus Safety, Facilities and Mail Services, will continue to function.

Staff members should confer with their supervisors about the execution of their unit plans, as necessary, e.g., issuing out of office messages, and forwarding phones if applicable. For business continuity purposes, essential personnel will report to work as necessary. Since campus is closed, other employees are not expected to work from Monday to Wednesday.

Campus buildings will remain open on Monday, and faculty and staff who need to come to campus to prepare for the hurricane and the possibility of remote work after the hurricane should plan to do so tomorrow. In the event of an evacuation order, campus will close to all but essential personnel.

Hurricane Milton is currently 805 miles west-southwest of Tampa. The storm is forecast to rapidly intensify and become a major hurricane on Monday. There is increasing confidence that this storm will be a powerful hurricane with life-threatening hazards and will affect portions of the Florida west coast around the middle of the week.

We encourage all University community members to have their personal hurricane preparations made and their plans in place. Specific information about hurricane planning may be found here.

Please check the UTampa website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued Monday, Oct. 7 by 11 a.m.

Tropical Storm Milton
Oct. 6, 2024, 8:45 a.m.

The Emergency Operations Team is currently monitoring the progress of Tropical Storm Milton.

The University is working with National Weather Service, City of Tampa and Hillsborough County officials to determine possible impacts of the storm, including the potential for heavy rain, high winds and storm surge. The University is currently open and operating normally.

TS Milton is currently 860 miles west-southwest of Tampa, tracking east-northeastward. It is expected to reach hurricane strength later today and continue strengthening as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico. At this time the exact track and landfall of TS Milton remains uncertain.

We encourage all University community members to have their personal hurricane preparations made and their plans in place in case they are needed. Specific information about hurricane planning may be found here.

Please check this website, social media and the local media for updates. In the event of an emergency, please contact Campus Safety at (813) 257-7777, or dial 911.

The next update will be issued today (Sunday) by 7 p.m.

Tropical Depression 14
Oct. 5, 2024, 11 a.m.

The University of Tampa Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the weather activity in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico. Tropical Depression 14 is expected to develop, and a tropical depression or storm is likely to form in the next day or two as the system moves slowly eastward.

Uncertainty remains fairly high regarding the track but forecast confidence should begin to increase as the system develops. Regardless of development, locally heavy rains could occur over portions of much of Florida late this weekend through the middle of next week.

The City of Tampa has opened two sandbag sites, and Hillsborough County has opened three sandbag sites, on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for local residents and business owners.

At this time there are no plans for operational changes on campus.

Please check this site, social media and the local media for updates. 

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The Emergency Operations Team will announce closings and other weather-related communications via this section of the University's website, global emails, text messaging and voicemail messages.

The University offers a free emergency text messaging service to students, faculty and staff. This service will only be used in campus emergency situations. Details and frequently asked questions can be found at Spartan Mobile Alert (SMART).

The UT website is hosted at a remote location and will remain available in the event of a UT campus emergency. Information can be obtained by visiting the website or by calling UT’s toll-free number (888) 646-2738. Please remember to use these important resources for updated information.