'Your Safety Is Our Primary Concern, But You Know Your Circumstances Better Than Anyone': UNCW's Evacuation Escalation for Florence

Based on National Weather Service forecasts indicating that Hurricane Florence has the potential to directly affect the UNCW area later this week, the university has issued a voluntary evacuation for students, starting at 12 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10. Classes are canceled after 12 p.m. Effective 12 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, the university has canceled all university-sponsored events and athletics, including Fall Family and Alumni Weekend (Sept. 14-15), the women's soccer match vs. ECU on Thursday (Sept. 13) and the Hampton Inn Seahawk Invitational women's volleyball tournament (Sept. 14-15). In a voluntary evacuation, students are encouraged, but not required, to leave campus for a safer location. According to the university's evacuation policies, classes are officially canceled and the grading and attendance policies are suspended.

Students must evacuate campus beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11, and must leave campus no later than 12 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 11. (A voluntary evacuation remains in place until then.) The university is collaborating with UNC Asheville to house those UNCW students who do not have other options for safe shelter. A shelter, with cots for students, is in place at UNC Asheville and meals will be made available to students housed there. To register for assistance, please contact the Dean of Students' Office at 910.962.3119, no later than 5 p.m. Monday. The university will not be able to provide assistance in securing a location after 5 p.m.

Your safety is our primary concern, but you know your circumstances better than anyone. Students, consult with your families; employees, consult with your supervisors. Follow the course of action you believe is right for you.