University of South Florida Reopens After Hurricane Disruption

News Summary

The University of South Florida (USF) is set to reopen its Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses on October 14, 2024, following disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton. Students can expect a gradual return to classes and services, with most operations normalizing by October 21. While some facilities remain closed for repairs, USF is focused on supporting its community during this recovery phase.

University of South Florida Set to Reopen After Hurricane Milton’s Disruption

Hello, Tampa! Great news is on the horizon for students and faculty at the University of South Florida (USF) as they prepare to reopen their campuses following the recent chaos caused by Hurricane Milton. After a tough week of dealing with the effects of this Category 3 storm, which left a staggering 250,000 people without power in the Hillsborough County area, the entire USF community is ready to bounce back.

Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee Campuses Ready for Action

Mark your calendars! The Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses will officially reopen on Monday, October 14, 2024. Students can expect their classes to be held virtually that day, except for those at the USF downtown/MDD location. So, take it easy while you settle back into your routines. It’s still a bit of a transition! For those on the St. Petersburg campus, you’ll be welcomed back on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.

Back to Business as Usual

Classes across all campuses will return to normal operation starting Tuesday. However, faculty members will have the flexibility to choose virtual formats for their classes if that works better for them and their students. On Monday, business operations will also shift back to remote work, with all facilities reopening on Tuesday, embracing a hybrid approach. Full in-person classes and regular business operations are on track to resume by Monday, October 21, 2024.

Residence Halls and Dining Services

In terms of living arrangements, the residence halls, along with dining services at the Tampa and Sarasota-Manatee campuses, will commence operations on Sunday, October 13, 2024. However, there is one small hiccup: Juniper-Poplar Halls in Tampa won’t reopen just yet due to an electrical issue. Over at the St. Petersburg campus, residence and dining facilities will be back in action at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, though Pelican Hall will remain closed for now.

Campus Facilities Still in Recovery

While some buildings are getting ready to welcome students back, there are still a few that remain off-limits. The athletic facilities on the Tampa campus and the Mote Marine Labs in Sarasota are currently closed while assessments and repairs are made. For those looking to get back into their fitness routines, the Campus Recreation Center (The Rec) and WELL will remain closed for the time being, yet the FIT and FIT pool are expected to reopen on Monday afternoon. It’s all about finding that balance as we ease back into campus life!

Support for Students and Staff

USF is keeping its community at the forefront during this recovery. After the hurricane left many students and staff in challenging circumstances trying to return to campus, the first floor of the Marshall Student Center has been opened for those needing electricity and air conditioning. If anyone is dealing with difficulties getting back to campus, they are encouraged to reach out to their instructors and supervisors for immediate assistance. We’re all in this together!

Drive Safely!

As students and faculty gear up to return to campus, it is essential to drive carefully. Hurricane Milton has left lots of debris, malfunctioning traffic lights, and instances of flooding behind. Keep an eye out while navigating the roads and ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy.

Ready to Move Forward

The reopening of USF campuses marks the end of a challenging week-long closure, an unfortunate necessity brought on by the impact of Hurricane Milton. This has been a tough two weeks for the university, as this is the second closure due to back-to-back hurricane events. But now, with a reshaped vision for the future, the USF community is excited to welcome everyone back and revitalize campus life!