Cougar Alert: College moves to e-learning model for all classes from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30

By | August 29, 2023
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Dear Campus Community, 

Due to the expected impacts from Hurricane Idalia, the College of Charleston is moving to an e-learning model for all classes, effective from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30. After 1 p.m. Wednesday, all classes, events and activities are cancelled for the remainder of the day Wednesday and for all of Thursday, Aug. 31. 

Faculty will update students regarding instructional plans for individual classes for Wednesday through 1 p.m. Faculty members have discretion regarding online instruction and assignments and are encouraged to be flexible with students regarding class attendance and access to certain course materials in the event of possible power outages, internet connectivity issues and travel.   

College offices and services will close beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 30, through Thursday, Aug. 31. The College expects to resume normal operations and in-person academic schedules on Friday at 8 a.m. The campus community will be updated on re-opening details after a post-storm assessment of campus has been completed. 

Essential personnel should coordinate with their supervisors regarding their work schedules for Wednesday and Thursday. The College will maintain necessary operations to continue to house and support students on campus in our residence halls.

 Please see the labeled sections below for specific instructions for students, faculty and staff. 

 

STUDENTS 

  • Residence halls will remain open, and students will have access to on-campus dining/meal options. Campus Housing will communicate with residential students via CofC email to provide additional information, including tips for staying safe on campus during the storm. 
  • Students can use meal taps to pick up multiple Grab and Go meals at the Stern Center P.O.D. Express on Wednesday, Aug. 30, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. We expect dining locations to remain open on a modified schedule. Please visit our Dining Updates page for all operating hours, as times could change based on storm updates. 
  • Students are strongly encouraged to remain indoors in their residence halls and/or off-campus residences through the duration of the storm. 
  • Addlestone Library will remain open until 1 p.m. Wednesday and is expected to re-open on Thursday. Please check the library’s webpage for the updated hours. 
  • Essential services, such as Public Safety, Facilities Management, Dining Services, and Residence Life, will remain operational for the duration of the storm.
     
  • Please check the Campus Recreation Services’ website to see the revised schedule for different campus facilities and the George Street Fitness Center. 
  • Cougar Shuttle service will be suspended on Wednesday evening through Thursday morning, with plans to resume on Thursday evening. 
  • Some campus facilities may open on a limited basis Thursday afternoon. Please consult individual campus unit websites regarding schedules. 

 

FACULTY  

  • The cancelation of in-person instruction will follow the Office of Academic Affairs’ hurricane plan and provide faculty with wide discretion regarding online instruction and assignments. Faculty are encouraged to be flexible with students regarding class attendance and access to certain course materials in the event of possible power outages, internet connectivity issues and travel. 
  • If necessary, the Office of Academic Affairs will communicate directly with faculty about other guidelines for instruction in a subsequent message. 

 

STAFF 

  • Division/department heads and supervisors will communicate with essential staff regarding work schedules for Wednesday and Thursday. 
  • Supervisors and department heads are encouraged to be as flexible as possible on Wednesday morning with employees who are contending with varying school schedules and childcare issues due to closures. 

 

All CAMPUS MEMBERS  

  • Everyone should have a personal safety plan and be prepared for potential events such as power outages, flooding and downed tree limbs. Do not attempt to drive through high flood waters. Follow instructions from law enforcement, emergency responders and College officials. 
  • For emergencies on or off campus, dial 911. To contact CofC Public Safety for non-emergencies, dial 843.953.5609. 
  • The Information Technology Service Desk’s phone, email and chat support will remain available Check the IT website for hours and contact information. 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM HURRICANE IDALIA 

  • The College of Charleston’s Emergency Management Team continues to closely monitor Hurricane Idalia and remains in contact with city, county and state officials. 
  • According to the National Weather Service, the storm is expected to track across Florida, along the Georgia coast and into South Carolina the evening of Aug. 30. Idalia is expected to enter South Carolina as a tropical storm, bringing 4 to 6 inches of rain and high winds. Higher wind speeds could begin midday Aug. 30.  
  • The National Hurricane Center has issued a Storm Surge Watch for the entire South Carolina shoreline. A Tropical Storm Warning has been issued for the state’s coastal communities and some inland counties. A Tropical Storm Warning is issued when tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39-73 mph, are expected in a specified coastal area within 36 hours or less. 
  • A flood watch has been issued in Charleston, coastal Colleton, Beaufort and Jasper counties for Aug. 30 and into the morning of Aug. 31. Significant flooding in Charleston is possible as the storm’s arrival may coincide with the high tide the evening of Aug. 30. Travel may be impacted by road and bridge closures. Check the City of Charleston’s Tide Eye app for the latest tide forecasts.

Sincerely, 

CofC Emergency Management Team