This morning, my leadership team joined me as we engaged in conversation with leaders from Watauga County, the Town of Boone and the Boone Chamber regarding the timing of our resumption of classes.

During this meeting, together with the County, Town and Chamber, we determined that we can, with the improving infrastructure, thoughtfully, responsibly and respectfully resume classes after Fall Break, on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

As I shared last week, Academic Affairs is prepared to work with each and every student to ensure they are able to be successful, especially those on track to graduate in December. Provost Specht has been consulting with Deans and leadership of the Council of Chairs and Faculty Senate about this return to classes. Later this week, she will share information with students, faculty and staff about how we will provide support for teaching, learning, research and creative activities. As we end Condition 3 this Friday at 5 p.m., the university webpages will be updated and an announcement will be emailed to students, faculty and staff.

We recognize that students, faculty and staff are still managing the consequences of Hurricane Helene, which will continue for some time. As members of our university community are focusing their energy on adapting to a life situation that has changed dramatically, our counseling professionals tell us that a forward focus and routine are important.

We continue working to support the many students, faculty and staff who have been affected by the hurricane. Students, faculty and staff who need financial assistance due to missed work, lost or damaged housing, missing items, or other impacts of Hurricane Helene should visit the university’s Disaster Relief Hub in Room 324 of Plemmons Student Union, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Other services available at the resource hub include Counseling and Psychological Services, Case Management, Emergency Management, Financial Aid, Off-Campus Student Services, the Student Legal Clinic, and insurance guidance.

It is important to note that, while conditions have vastly improved in Boone and some adjacent areas, there are still parts of Watauga County and the surrounding areas that are without power, communications connectivity, and fully accessible roadways.

As you return to the Boone area, here’s how you can help:

• Limit the use of individual vehicles to the greatest extent possible.
  
  
• Take advantage of rideshare if you are able to do so. AppalCART has capacity for additional riders, especially for those who plan ahead and try to use it at non-peak times.
  
  
• Limit nonessential travel to areas outside the town limits, especially the western part of the county.
  
  
• Be mindful that the Town and County have a curfew in place to keep roads clear for repair work.
  
  
• Support local businesses. If you work at a local business, help share the message about the best way people can support the business.
  
  
• You can find the most updated information about donations needed by our community here.
  
  
• If you would like to support the university’s Disaster Relief Fund, you can find a link for the fund here.
  
  
• Participate in university-organized volunteer opportunities. We will share additional information about these opportunities soon.
  
  
• For parents and family members helping students return to the area, local leaders have asked that you make this a day trip, leaving local hotels available for essential personnel and those who have been displaced from their homes.

We feel fortunate we were able to provide immediate emergency resources to the community and serve as a bridge, as additional resources became operational. We remain committed to our community. We will continue to serve hot meals at no charge to anyone who needs them through 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. The number of people needing the emergency shelter at the Holmes Center continues to decrease as the Red Cross is successfully transitioning those who have been displaced from their homes into non-emergency housing.

Our continued and heartfelt thanks goes out to our university community, the many first responders, utility workers, law enforcement agencies and medical personnel, Town, County and Chamber leadership, our elected officials, federal, state and non-governmental agencies, the incredible volunteers and many donors who have been providing and will continue to provide support as we work together to get to the next step in our community’s recovery.

Heather Norris
Interim Chancellor