University storm recovery updates

As of a few minutes ago, power has been fully restored to the Hickory campus. Every building should now have power and internet. In addition, internet is now available across the Columbia campus. 

We have learned that our Asheville Center facility received minimal damage and has power. However, the building does not have water or internet. We continue to identify options to support our students, faculty and staff in the Asheville area. 

On Thursday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m., the LR Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony Concert will perform its first concert of the year, “Skyward!” at P.E. Monroe Auditorium on the Hickory campus. This event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 1. If you can safely travel, we hope you can join us for a musical outlet for our community as we recover from Hurricane Helene. 

Thank you for your continued support.

We are pleased to announce that power has been fully restored to the Columbia campus. While internet service is still being restored, we anticipate full functionality later today.

On the Hickory campus, Duke Energy crews are diligently working to restore power to the few remaining buildings without service.

We are currently assessing conditions in Asheville.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue to address these campus-wide disruptions.

We are happy to share that power and internet have been restored to almost every building on the Hickory campus. The only buildings without power and internet are Morgan Hall and the Dassow University Commons. Based on reports from Duke Energy, we anticipate the power to return to those buildings tomorrow. Conditions in Columbia are slowly improving, and we are in the process of assessing the Asheville Center.

We know that the last few days have been challenging for many in our LR community. While we all want to return to normal operations as quickly as possible, we also understand that there are ongoing disruptions to internet, power and cellular service, as well as family and loved ones who are affected by the aftermath of the storm. You are encouraged to discuss any extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to work, teach or learn with your supervisor or Student Affairs.

As communicated previously, we will not hold classes on any campus on Monday. This means no in-person and no online classes. Undergraduate classes and in-person graduate classes on the Hickory campus will resume as normal on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Please note the following for graduate classes in Columbia, Asheville and online/hybrid.

Columbia

• There is power in the OT building and Hillcrest Apartments. Until power is restored throughout campus, LTSS faculty can work from the OT building. 
• Occupational Therapy (M.S): Classes will meet as scheduled beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1. 
• LTSS programs: All LTSS classes will be online only from Tuesday, Oct. 1 through Friday, Oct. 4. They will return to their regular format on Wednesday, Oct. 9, after fall break.

Asheville

• Because of the conditions in Asheville, the Asheville Center will be closed through Tuesday, Oct. 8. We anticipate reopening the Asheville Center on Wednesday, Oct. 9, after fall break. This includes the in-person Counseling (M.A.) program.
• As a result, the semester will be extended by one week to accommodate learning requirements. More information will follow after fall break.

Graduate Programs that are Online/Hybrid on Any Campus 

• As a result of the conditions in Western North Carolina and across the region due to power and internet outages, all classes are canceled from Tuesday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Oct. 4, for Creative Writing (MFA), Business Administration (MBA) and Leadership (M.A.). They will return to their regular format on Wednesday, Oct. 9, after fall break.
• The mini-term/semester will be extended by one week to accommodate learning requirements. The mini-2 term will begin a week later, following the mini-1 term extension, and end during the final exam week. More information will follow fall break.

Faculty

• If due to extenuating circumstances, you are not able to hold classes in the normal delivery mode, notify your dean and communicate alternative delivery mode and learning experiences to your students.
• Faculty needing support related to alternative assignments or remote learning should reach out to the Center for Teaching and Learning.
• Please be flexible with students regarding assignments and attendance. 

Students

• If due to extenuating circumstances, you are not able to attend classes, you must fill out a Student Concern Referral form on your own behalf through the Office of Student Support and Outreach. The Office of Student Support and Outreach will communicate to faculty.
• Check your email and Canvas sites for communication from your faculty. If you have none, assume that classes are scheduled as normal. 

Thank you for your continued patience. We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and www.lr.edu.

As of this morning, we still have power and internet outages affecting all three campuses, but progress is being made. 

Please note the following updates.

• As communicated previously, we will not hold classes on any campus on Monday. This means no in-person and no remote classes.
• A decision about classes on Tuesday will be made this evening.

Hickory Campus

• The Hickory campus will be open for business Monday, Sept. 30.
• Power is currently available in Rudisill Library, Minges Science Building, Cloninger House, Lohr Hall, Mauney-Schaeffer, Cromer Center, Cornerstone House and McCrorie Center. If a building is not listed, then it does not have power.
• Faculty/staff who work in a building with power and internet and can safely travel to work are encouraged to work on campus tomorrow.
• Faculty/staff who work in a building without power and internet and can safely travel to campus are welcome to work in an alternate campus location such as the library. 
• Faculty/staff who cannot travel to campus safely and can work remotely should discuss with your direct supervisor.
• Staff members: Please let your direct supervisor know your plans for Monday. 
• Duke Energy has told us that they anticipate power being restored to the rest of campus sometime on Monday. We will continue to provide updates as they are available. 
• Cromer Center dining hall hours:
  • Sunday: Breakfast 9-10:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dinner 4:30-6 p.m
  • Monday: Dining hall 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Chick-fil-A 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Joe’s Coffee 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Tonight at 7:30 p.m. there will be s’mores and hot dogs available at the firepit behind Grace Chapel.
• The Cromer Center, Minges Science Building, George Hall and the Rudisill Library will be open until midnight today. These buildings have power, air-conditioning and internet. You are welcome to go there to charge devices and gather. 
• Additional campus security will be patrolling campus to ensure the safety of our campus. Should you need to contact campus security, please call the Office of Public Safety at 828-328-7146 or if it’s an emergency call 911.

Columbia Campus

• Power is now available in the OT building. You are welcome to go there to charge devices and gather. 
• Staff members: Please contact your direct supervisor to discuss your specific plans for Monday.
• We do not yet have a timeline for power to be restored to the rest of campus but are actively working with local utility providers and will share updates as they are available. 

Asheville Campus

• As a result of the conditions in Asheville, the Asheville center is closed on Monday.

We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and www.lr.edu.

Our partners at the Hickory YMCA, located at 701 1st St NW, have agreed to extend their hours today for LR students. They will now be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The YMCA is a 20-25 minute walk from campus. You are welcome to use their workout facilities, gym, pool and shower facilities. Please present your LR ID at the desk and you will be asked to fill out a guest waiver. Thank you to the YMCA for their support!

Also, in addition to power now being available at the Cromer Center and McCrorie Center, the McGeachy Sports Performance Center, Bears Club Pavilion, Mauney-Schaeffer and Lohr Hall also have power. We do not yet have a timeline for the restoration of power to the rest of campus but continue to work with Duke Energy and will share information as it is available.

As a reminder, the dining hall will be open today for breakfast from 9-10:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and dinner from 4:30-6 p.m. Tonight at 7:30 p.m. there will be s’mores and hot dogs available at the firepit behind Grace Chapel.

We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and www.lr.edu.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

As of 7 p.m. the Cromer Center and McCrorie Center have power. The Cromer Center will be open until 12 a.m. tonight.

We continue to work closely with Duke Energy to get updates on the Hickory area. As of this afternoon, they are unable to provide a timeline for power to be restored to campus. We will continue to share updates from Duke Energy as we receive them.

Students who are on campus are encouraged to come to the Rudisill Library from 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. tonight for late-night programming. There will be food and drinks available. 

The Hickory YMCA, located at 701 1st St NW, will be open tomorrow from 1-5 p.m. Students are welcome to go there to shower. Please present your LR ID at the desk and you will be asked to fill out a guest waiver. Also, tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. there will be s’mores and hot dogs available at the firepit behind Grace Chapel.

We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and LR.edu. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The football game vs. Tusculum has been moved to Sunday, Sept. 29, at 3 p.m. at Catawba College. Read the update on LRBears.com.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate the effects of Hurricane Helene on our Hickory, Columbia and Asheville campuses and the surrounding areas.

As of this morning, we still have power and internet outages affecting all three campuses. In addition, many trees are down and many roads are impassable. We are working closely with local officials to determine when power will be restored and campus operations can return to normal.

Please note the following updates: 

We will not hold classes on any campus on Monday. This means no in-person and no remote classes. Additional information will follow this afternoon.

Hickory Campus

• Based on the latest information from Duke Energy, we still do not have a timeline yet for power being restored to campus. As a result, we continue to encourage students who can safely get home this weekend to do so.
• The Cromer Center dining hall will be open today and Sunday for the following: Breakfast 9-10:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dinner 4:30-6 p.m.
• Minges Science Building, George Hall and the Rudisill Library will be open from 8 a.m. until midnight Saturday and Sunday. These buildings have power, air-conditioning and internet. You are welcome to go there to charge devices and gather.
• From 9 p.m. until 12 a.m. tonight in the Rudisill Library there will be late-night programming with food and drinks available.
• Additional campus security will be patrolling campus to ensure the safety of our campus. Should you need to contact campus security, please call the Office of Public Safety at 828.328.7146 or if it’s an emergency call 911.
• Family Weekend - all scheduled Family Weekend events are canceled. Visit the athletics website for updates about athletic events.
• LR Athletics Event Updates [Sept. 27, 6:20 p.m.]: Visit the LR Athletics website for updates regarding athletic events scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. 

Columbia Campus

• The storm has caused significant power outages throughout the area. We are actively working with local utility providers to restore power as quickly as possible.
• In the meantime, please conserve any remaining power and keep your devices charged when possible.

Asheville Campus

• Conditions in Asheville and the surrounding area are treacherous with widespread power outages and significant flooding. We urge you to follow all local guidelines on restricting travel and observing the local curfew.

We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and www.lr.edu.

Based on the latest conversation with Duke Energy, we do not have a timeline yet for power being restored to campus.

As a result, we encourage students who can safely get home this weekend to do so.

For those students who remain on campus, please note the following:

• The Cromer Center dining hall will be open tonight for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for the following: Breakfast 9-10:30 a.m.; Lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Dinner 4:30-6 p.m.
• Minges Science Building, George Hall and the Rudisill Library will be open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. today, Saturday and Sunday. These buildings have power, air-conditioning and internet. You are welcome to go there to charge devices and gather.
• Students who have medication that requires refrigeration should contact their area coordinator or RA for options.
• Students are asked to be in their residence halls by 10 p.m.
• Additional campus security will be patrolling campus to ensure the safety of our campus. Should you need to contact campus security, please call the Office of Public Safety at 828.328.7146 or if it’s an emergency call 911.
• LR Athletics Event Updates [6:20 p.m.]: Visit the LR Athletics website for updates regarding athletics events scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28. 

We will continue to send regular updates so please monitor your email and www.lr.edu. If you have questions, please contact your area coordinator or RA.

We thank you for your patience and understanding.

As a result of Hurricane Helene, there are currently power outages on the Hickory campus affecting many campus buildings. Some buildings are completely without power and some have power in some locations. In addition, there are many trees down in Hickory and the surrounding areas as well as localized flooding.

We are working closely with Duke Energy to get a timeline on the restoration of power and will continue to share those updates via email and www.lr.edu.

In the meantime, please note the following:

• There is currently power and internet in George Hall and Minges Science Building. You are welcome to use these buildings to charge your devices, study and gather.
• Dinner will be served as scheduled in the Cromer Center Dining Hall.
• Family Weekend activities are canceled.

We will send another update in a few hours. Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

We wanted to share additional information as the weather continues to affect all three of our campus locations.

• We are aware of power and internet outages on our Columbia and Hickory campuses and are working with local utilities to get updates on our service. Please continue to monitor your email and www.lr.edu for updates.
• In Hickory, please note that the Cromer Center is without power, but the dining hall is open as scheduled.
• For classes on all three campuses, please refer to this morning’s email update on remote learning.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time. We will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. Please continue to monitor your email and www.lr.edu for further information.

We are aware of internet and power outages affecting parts of Hickory and the surrounding areas. This may cause difficulties for remote learning today.

For Faculty:

• If you are unable to conduct your online class as planned, please inform your students via Canvas as soon as possible.
• We ask that you provide flexibility in assignments and attendance for today's classes.

For Students:

• If you are unable to attend synchronous learning due to the outage, please inform your faculty as soon as possible.

Flexibility is key today. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this disruption.

Hurricane Helene will continue to affect North Carolina and South Carolina through this week, based on National Hurricane Center predictions. While the exact impact for our three locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville—is not certain, Helene may bring heavy rain and wind tonight and tomorrow. 

Our highest priority is always the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. As a result, we have the following information to share:

There are no changes to any events or classes today, Thursday, Sept. 26. 

• This includes the Visiting Writers Series event scheduled for 7 p.m. at P.E. Monroe, which will take place as scheduled. 

Friday, Sept. 27

On Friday, Sept. 27, we will reduce operations at the Hickory, Columbia and Asheville campuses. 

• There will no face-to-face classes on campus.
• Employees should plan to work remotely. 
• The dining hall on the Hickory campus will be open as usual on Friday. 
• Student athletes should be in contact with their coaches/staff regarding any revisions to practice schedules or workouts.
• The schedule for Family Weekend has been amended and is available at www.lr.edu/familyweekend.
• TimelyCare is available for health care needs. Information is available at www.lr.edu/student-life/health-and-wellness. 

The following information relates to classes on Friday, Sept 27:

• Students should check their email and monitor Canvas. If students can’t access remote learning, they are encouraged to reach out to their faculty directly and immediately. 
• Faculty are required to provide instruction equivalent to normal class time and are encouraged to minimize class delivery disruption to the greatest extent possible. Faculty can use Zoom for synchronous class meetings and Canvas resources for announcements and asynchronous discussions or alternative assignments to makeup class time. For any assistance with technology or pedagogy, please reach out to the Center for Teaching and Learning.

We expect to resume normal campus operations on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Should conditions change, we will communicate information on www.lr.edu, as well as through email, university social media and Rave Alert, our emergency notification system. Please take this opportunity to ensure your information is updated in Rave using the directions below. 

In preparation for any possible weather emergency, please consider the following:

• Make sure all of your devices are fully charged, in the event of a power outage.
• Follow weather conditions using the app or online site of your choosing.
• If you are commuting long distances to your campus, be sure to check safety conditions close to home. If weather conditions near your home differ from campus, follow safety recommendations where you are and alert your professors or supervisors.

Family Weekend Schedule Change (for Friday events)
Due to stormy weather related to Hurricane Helene, all Family Weekend events scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 are canceled. The Family Weekend check-in/registration process will now move to Saturday, Sept. 28. All Saturday and Sunday events will remain the same. Visit the Family Weekend website for updates.

Hurricane Helene is expected to continue to affect North Carolina and South Carolina through this week, based on National Hurricane Center predictions. While the exact impact for our three locations—Hickory, Columbia and Asheville—is not certain, Helene may bring heavy rain over the next few days.

At this time, there is no change to university operations or any scheduled events on the Hickory, Columbia or Asheville campuses. 

Should conditions change, we will communicate information on www.lr.edu, as well as through email, university social media, and Rave Alert, our emergency notification system. Please take this opportunity to ensure your information is updated in Rave using the directions below.

In preparation for any possible weather emergency, please consider the following:

• Make sure all of your devices are fully charged in the event of a power outage.
• Follow weather conditions using the app or website of your choosing.
• If you are commuting long distances to your campus, be sure to check safety conditions close to home. If weather conditions near your home differ from campus, follow safety recommendations where you are and alert your professors or supervisors.