Update for parents and families 9/16 at 1 pm

Dear parents and families,

Conditions in Winston-Salem continue to be mild as compared to the situation that has unfolded on the Coast. My family and I drove around Winston-Salem this morning and while it is rainy, the weather here is nowhere near as dire as what is being shown on TV in other parts of the state. While the impact here has been minimal, our thoughts and prayers continue for the families whose lives have been impacted by Florence. We hope that the worst of the storm will soon be over and the long journey back to normal life will begin. We are with you, Deac families in need.

As we have been communicating, the campus is in good shape and with more than 80% of the students here, the Administration plans to resume classes and normal operations tomorrow. The message sent to students (below) reiterates that if your student left the area, it is essential that they reach out to their faculty to discuss their return. We should be clear that we expect that each student only do what they feel is the safe thing to do. We encourage students to use resources available (news, information from their respective Department of Transportation websites, etc.) to make that determination.

The Dean of the College sent a message to all faculty yesterday that stressed the desire to work with students as they navigate travel challenges. Special resources are available to faculty to explore creative ways to ensure that each student can stay current on the material being covered in class and the Dean’s Office will work with faculty on any challenges that may emerge.

Unless weather conditions change significantly, we do not anticipate another update this evening and look forward to classes resuming as normal tomorrow.

I hope that you and yours are safe and dry and we look forward to returning to normal life again soon.

Betsy Chapman (‘92, MA ‘94)
Executive Director of Family Communication and Volunteer Management

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Wake Forest University continues to monitor the track of Tropical Depression Florence and its impact to the campus community. Florence was downgraded to a tropical depression last night as wind speeds continue to decrease. Still, we urge everyone to consider their safety and monitor local and regional weather forecasts and road condition reports as Wake Forest plans to resume classes and normal operations tomorrow.

The National Weather Service continues to forecast a total of 6-10 inches of rain in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County area. Winds of 15-20 mph with gusts up to 30-35 mph are possible this afternoon and are expected to diminish to less than 15 mph this evening. Local emergency managers are prepared for rain, potential flooding and possible power outages as the storm moves slowly through the Carolinas.

With the majority of students staying in town through the weekend, Wake Forest plans to resume classes and normal operations tomorrow as scheduled. Students who left the area may experience delays returning to campus because of travel conditions. Please monitor highway conditions and travel advisories. While all local airports are open and fully operational, it is best to check with the airlines for up-to-date flight information.

The safety of our students is our primary focus and each individual must make good decisions to ensure they can rejoin the campus at the earliest, safest time possible. Faculty are aware that some students may experience delays in returning to campus. It is important that students unable to make it back to campus communicate with their faculty today.

Unless weather conditions change significantly, we do not anticipate an additional update to the campus community. If weather conditions necessitate, all Hurricane Florence-related updates will be posted on the Wake Alert website (wakealert.wfu.edu). Please continue to monitor the Wake Alert website, follow @WakeAlert on Twitter and Facebook (facebook.com/WakeAlert), and add the Wake Forest Weather/Emergency line (336-758-5935) to phone contacts.

We know some within our campus community have been or have loved ones directly impacted by this storm. The University is prepared to provide support in a number of ways. Resident advisers and graduate hall directors are available to assist students who need to speak with someone here. The University Counseling Center’s 24/7 telephone crisis support is always available to students who need urgent mental health resources at 336-758-5273. Additionally, the Employee Assistance Program offers support resources for faculty and staff.

Wake Forest Communications and External Relations