Message from Chancellor Cummings September 26, 2018
BraveNation:
I am pleased to report classes at UNC Pembroke resumed yesterday morning. While we have returned to standard operations, we know many in our community are still feeling the devastating effects of Hurricane Florence.
In its wake, this storm has left many in our community with damaged homes, destroyed businesses and uncertain livelihoods. This past week has been challenging, to say the least. Despite it all, our university and community are moving forward to fulfill our vision for the future with passion and determination. Because this is what it means to be a Brave.
Every day our students, faculty and staff inspire me. The resiliency and grit of our campus community is truly remarkable. It is why we thrive, even in the face of adversity.
We owe a debt of gratitude to the incredibly dedicated facilities team who brought our campus back to life in record time, to the safety officers who were vigilant throughout the storm to ensure everyone on campus was out of harm’s way, and to the many leaders across campus who were tireless in their efforts to communicate and collaborate in service to our campus community.
We would not be where we are today without the unwavering support of President Spellings and the UNC System, along with our sister institutions who selflessly offered critical resources in the days after the storm.
While classes have resumed, this university will not forget what we have endured together. For those of you experiencing unimaginable loss, please know we will remain by your side. I encourage you to reach out and let us know how we can help.
For your convenience, we have listed assistance resources below. If you are in a position to do so, links to donate to the student or employee emergency relief fund are also available at uncp.edu/relief.
As we did following Hurricane Matthew, BraveNation will prove its strength, rising to meet the needs of our region and to be the driver of change in southeastern North Carolina.
Go Braves!
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
ASSISTANCE RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
North Carolina residents in the following counties may apply for disaster assistance: Beaufort, Bladen, Brunswick, Carteret, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, Wayne County.
- Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can visit disasterassistance.gov to check eligibility for federal, state, local, and voluntary organizations in their community that best meet their specific needs.
- Survivors without internet access can check their eligibility for disaster assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362 (Multilingual operators are available press 2 for Spanish).
- Disaster assistance applicants who use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EDT) daily.
- Individual Assistance Fact Sheets
VOLUNTER OPPORTUNITIES:
DONATE SUPPLIES:
CARE Resource Center, Wellons Hall on UNCP Campus
RELIEF FUND:
Donate to the UNCP student or employee emergency relief fund at uncp.edu/relief.
Students and employees can apply for assistance at uncp.edu/relief.
EMPLOYEE EAP PROGRAM:
Some faculty and staff may be experiencing storm-related anxiety. We want to encourage faculty and staff to utilize the university's EAP licensed counselors providing services all day (24/7) at no cost to employees for the first few sessions. Employees process incidents/events very differently and should utilize this confidential service before, during and after the hurricane. Confidential assistance from consultants is available at: 877-848-2851. More information about EAP services can be found at the link below.
CRISIS COUNSELING RESOURCE:
A resource available to all campus members through phone or text is the Disaster Distress Helpline. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
UPDATED: Friday, September 21, 2018 3:30 p.m.
Message from Chancellor Cummings
BraveNation:
Today, I am pleased to report to you the campus recovery efforts have moved along rapidly thanks to the hard work of our dedicated teams. With the extraordinary help from around the UNC System, the transformation has been truly amazing.
In addition, I was able to ride around this morning, and many roads that were closed yesterday are open. It is likely more will become navigable within the next 24 hours. We are monitoring the second crest of the Lumber River on Sunday as it is predicted to crest lower than previously reported. We will also continue to monitor weather forecasts as there is a moderate chance of rain on Monday with thunderstorms the rest of next week.
Throughout this time, the university’s primary concern has been for the safety of our staff, faculty and students.
We are now ready to move to the next step in the recovery process. Students, after much deliberation with campus leadership, I am pleased to announce you will be able to return beginning Sunday, September 23, 2018 at noon (12 p.m.), and classes will resume on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at 8 a.m.
For our employees, UNC Pembroke will remain on condition 3 (closure) status through Friday, September 21, 2018. The university will then move to Condition 2 for Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, September 24, 2018, the university move to Condition 1 and remain at this status through Tuesday, September 25, 2018.
Should conditions warrant a change to this schedule, we will inform you immediately.
We know some of you may still be facing challenges with your personal property, travel or other storm-related circumstances. If you have no safe route to campus or you have serious and significant obstacles preventing you from your safe return, please let us know. Students should contact the Office of Academic Affairs. Employees should contact their department chair, supervisor or manager.
Do not attempt to return to campus unless you are certain of a safe pathway. We will work with you to mitigate any academic or work-related issues.
We understand those of you most severely affected may need additional time. Know your Brave family will be there to support you throughout your journey.
Within the next 24 hours, the Provost, SGA President, and Chair of the Faculty Senate will announce a joint plan for the make-up of instruction time lost during the closure. Together, they have looked at a variety of options and sought input from both faculty and students to develop a strong approach that minimizes further disruption to your plans.
We encourage you to make the best decision for your own personal safety. Some roads throughout the region or in your area may remain closed and conditions can change daily. Before traveling, please check driveNC.gov for latest on road closures. For additional information, do not hesitate to send an email to askUNCP@uncp.edu and we will do our best to offer advice and support.
Information about return shuttle service for students will be announced shortly. Students who are interested in accessing shuttle service, will need to register to reserve their space.
Our campus may continue to serve as a staging area for emergency operations personnel and first responders while they serve our community. We believe in their mission and will continue to be of service to them as long as there is a need.
This past week, I have seen first responders from as far away as Colorado who rescued our neighbors from flooding homes. I have witnessed our staff members comfort one another in their time of loss. I have heard about students stepping up, ready to rebuild their campus home. I continue to see the generosity of our friends and partners through our relief fund efforts. I am in awe of how BraveNation came together in these days and united like never before. This is how we rebuild—together.
As we did after Matthew, we will come back stronger. We will show our community what it means to be strong, what it means to be a Brave. Our university has much to be proud of and much yet to accomplish. We will not forget this experience; it will make us ever more determined to fulfill our mission and be the economic engine for southeastern North Carolina.
To our Brave family still suffering, our heart and prayers are still with you, please let us know how we can help. A relief fund exists for students and employees. If you are in need of assistance from the fund, instructions on how to apply and the policy regarding the fund are available at uncp.edu/relief.
In the weeks ahead, support will be needed as our neighbors begin to rebuild. I encourage you to seek the opportunities to be of service to others. Volunteer, participate in food drives or help any way you can. Opportunities will be posted at UNCP Serve as they are made available.
Those of you in a position to financially support are needed. You can help students and employees by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu and we will respond to you in less than 24 hours.
Again, I ask you to make decisions and choices that ensure your safety.
We will continue to update the campus as information becomes available and should conditions change. I look forward to seeing you again next week.
Black and Gold Float on Forever, Go BRAVES!
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Thursday, September 20, 2018 5:30 p.m.
BraveNation:
We are working hard to repair and restore campus and are making great progress with the hard work of our Facilities Operations team and the assistance from across the state.
Today we received information the Lumber River will crest for the second time between now and Sunday. In many areas of Robeson County, flooding continues to be a challenge. Presently, only one road is available to access campus from any direction.
Because of this new development, we are concerned about your safe travel given present conditions. We will continue to gather additional information prior to making a final determination on the date we will open campus. Conditions are changing daily. We remain committed to giving you at least 48 hours’ notice prior to resuming classes.
We understand our students are eager to return to campus and resume classes. Please know your safety is our utmost priority. As soon as we know you can return safely, we will immediately inform you.
UNC Pembroke will remain on a condition 3 (closure) status for employees through Friday, September 21, 2018.
If you have not done so already and are in a position to complete this survey, please take a moment to do so. Knowing your individual circumstances is important as we work to help you address your needs.
A relief fund exists for students and employees. If you are in need of assistance from the fund, instructions on how to apply and the policy regarding the fund are available at uncp.edu/relief.
Those of you in a position to financially support will be needed. You can help students and employees by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu and we will respond to you in less than 24 hours.
We will continue to update the campus community daily as additional information is available.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Wednesday, September 19, 2018 5:30 p.m.
BraveNation:
I am pleased to report campus clean-up efforts are well underway. UNC Pembroke has received support from our friends across the UNC System to expedite the process and assist our staff. Today I had the opportunity to interact with a number of these individuals from NC State, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill and many other campuses who are dedicated and committed to helping us rebuild. This is the power of collaboration and partnership.
We are working hard to repair and restore campus and hope to announce our plans for reopening tomorrow. For now, all classes and activities, including online classes, remain cancelled at UNC Pembroke until further notice and will not resume before Monday, September 24. Students are NOT allowed to return to campus until university officials have authorized you to do so. This is for your safety and the safety of personnel working on campus recovery efforts.
UNC Pembroke will remain on a condition 3 (closure) status for employees through Friday, September 21, 2018. A status update for employees will be communicated when conditions change.
We continue to host emergency operations personnel and first responders on campus including FEMA, FBI, Colorado and Oklahoma Search and Rescue Units, among others while they address the immediate safety needs of our friends and neighbors.
While the situation in Robeson County continues to be critical, our campus has rallied around the relief efforts. Alumni, students, faculty and staff have begun volunteering, donating to the UNCP relief funds, collecting donations, and helping one another in their time of need. This is our community. This is our university. These are our people, and we will be there for one another every step of the way.
Many of you may be facing devastating loss. Please know that all of BraveNation remains with you today and on your road ahead.
If you have not done so already and are in a position to complete this survey, please take a moment to do so. Knowing your individual circumstances is important as we work to help you address your needs.
A relief fund exists for students and employees. If you are in need of assistance from the fund, instructions on how to apply and the policy regarding the fund are available at uncp.edu/relief.
Those of you in a position to financially support will be needed. You can help students and employees by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
If you have any additional questions or concerns, please send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu and we will respond to you in less than 24 hours.
We will continue to update the campus community daily as additional information is available.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 4:45 p.m.
BraveNation:
I want to take this opportunity to provide you an update on the status of campus. The majority of the water has receded and facilities crews from around the state are working hard to assess and begin the recovery efforts.
All classes and activities, including online classes, remain cancelled at UNC Pembroke until further notice. Students are NOT allowed to return to campus until university officials have authorized you to do so. This is for your safety and the safety of personnel working on campus recovery efforts.
UNC Pembroke remains on a condition 3 (closure) status for employees. A status update for employees will be communicated when conditions change.
We understand many of you are ready to return to campus. Classes will not resume prior to Monday, September 24, 2018. We hope to make a determination on a return date by Thursday, September 20, 2018 to provide you ample time to make your personal travel plans.
Be assured, as soon as it is safe to do so, we will reopen and resume classes.
We have received tremendous assistance from other UNC institutions in the form of relief police officers, facilities crews and infrastructure support. Their generous support allows us to expedite recovery and ensures our staff can address their own personal situations at home as needed.
Despite their own personal circumstances, some of our dedicated staff have been working to keep you safe and informed about what’s happening on campus. I would like to take a moment to recognize their efforts. They truly embody our core value of service.
I am moved and humbled by the outpouring of support from our friends, community, students, families, faculty and staff. Your encouragement and dedication is what makes our Brave family truly special.
We want to keep our attention on ensuring every member of this university community remains safe and has the support necessary throughout the recovery process.
Many of you are experiencing devastating loss, or continue to face challenges from floodwaters and storm damage. Know that all of BraveNation remains with you today and on your road ahead.
If you have not done so already and are in a position to complete this survey, please take a moment to do so. Knowing your individual circumstances will be important in determining our return plan and helping you address your needs.
A relief fund exists for students and employees. If you are in need of assistance from the fund, instructions on how to apply and the policy regarding the fund are available at uncp.edu/relief.
Those of you in a position to financially support will also be needed. You can help students and employees at the university experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Florence during their time of need by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
We will continue to update the campus community daily as additional information is available.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Monday, September 17, 2018 4:00 p.m.
BraveNation:
This morning facilities crews have begun our campus cleanup efforts. Water remains standing across a large part of campus, but is thankfully slowly receding. Thank you all for your continued support of our university and our community.
All classes and activities, including online classes, remain cancelled at UNC Pembroke until further notice. Students are NOT allowed to return to campus until university officials have authorized you to do so. This is for your safety and the safety of personnel working on campus recovery efforts.
UNC Pembroke remains on a condition 3 (closure) status for employees through Wednesday. A status update for employees will be communicated when conditions change.
We understand many of you are ready to return to campus. Classes will not resume prior to Monday, September 24, 2018. We hope to make a determination on a return date by Thursday, September 20, 2018 to provide you ample time to make your personal travel plans.
Students, be assured your assignment deadlines have been extended until classes resume. If you have specific concerns about assignments or coursework, email askUNCP@uncp.edu.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this process. Your safety is our top priority.
Emergency personnel and first responders remain on campus and are appreciative of the hospitality of BraveNation. They are working hard to rescue our friends and neighbors throughout the county who remain in critical circumstances. While the sun may be shining today, the dangers are still imminent for so many along the Lumber and Cape Fear Rivers and throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Today, we turn our attention to focusing on every member of this university community remaining safe and beginning the recovery process. This road to recovery will be long, and no doubt challenging at times, but working together, we will see it through.
Many of our students, faculty and staff are experiencing devastating loss, or continue to face challenges from rising floodwaters. Know that all of BraveNation remains with you today and on your road ahead.
If you have not done so already and are in a position to complete this survey, please take a moment to do so. Knowing your individual circumstances will be important in determining our return plan.
Those of you looking for ways to help in the cleanup process, thank you. We are working on an inventory of what the needs are and will reach out with volunteer opportunities when ready. I assure you, there will be plenty to do to assist.
Those of you in a position to financially support will also be needed. You can help students and employees at the university experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Florence during their time of need by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
If you are in need of assistance from the fund, instructions on how to apply and the policy regarding the fund are available at uncp.edu/relief.
We will continue to update the campus community daily as additional information is available.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Sunday, September 16, 2018 4:00 p.m.
BraveNation:
I would like to take the opportunity to provide you with an update on the status of our campus as the extent of the impacts from Florence become more clear.
First, thank you all for your continued support throughout this situation and your patience as we continue to provide updates as quickly as possible while facing power and connectivity challenges.
All classes and activities, including online classes, remain cancelled at UNC Pembroke through Wednesday, September 19 and until further notice. Students, please remember this does NOT mean you should return to campus on Wednesday. You should not make plans to return until you are instructed to do so as we are still in the process of conducting a thorough assessment of campus infrastructure.
UNC Pembroke remains on a condition 3 closure for employees through Monday. A status update for employees will be communicated when conditions change.
Preliminary reports indicate that standing water remains in many areas of campus and water has breached some buildings across campus. Power also remains out on campus. At this time, it does not appear any residence halls have flooded, but a complete assessment will be available in the coming 24 hours. Once the rains have stopped and the waters begin to recede, cleanup efforts will begin.
More than 160 first responders from Colorado, Oklahoma and North Carolina are staging on UNCP’s campus to help our friends and neighbors throughout the region. Their service is greatly appreciated, and we are honored to host them on our campus.
Many of our sister institutions across the UNC System and other organizations have already generously offered their assistance throughout our recovery process. We are grateful for the many strong partnerships we have in place throughout the region that will ensure our university and community comes back stronger than before.
Today, our thoughts and prayers are with our students, faculty, staff, families and all residents of our region who have suffered loss and continue to experience hardships as the situation in Lumberton and Robeson County becomes critical.
Know that all of BraveNation stands with you today and on your road ahead. We will rebuild together.
Understanding what you are facing is important to us. If you are in a position to do so, please complete the brief form so we can accurately assess what the needs of our university community will be.
We are impressed by the resiliency of our university community as we are coming together to help each other through this very difficult time. We will forever be changed by this experience, and we will be forever stronger as a result.
Some of you are already asking how you can help. In the days ahead, those of you in a position to support will be needed. Volunteer opportunities will be communicated as they are determined. You can also help students and employees at the university experiencing the devastating impacts of Hurricane Florence during their time of need by making a financial contribution to the Student or Employee Emergency Relief Fund. Many people are displaced with limited resources and would be greatly assisted by your kind contribution. If you would like to make a contribution, please visit uncp.edu/relief.
We will continue to update the campus community as additional information is available. Safety and security remains our top priority.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
UPDATED: Saturday, September 15, 2018 2:30 p.m.
BraveNation:
Hurricane Florence continues to produce high winds and heavy rainfall in our area. Because it is an extremely slow-moving, expansive storm, a thorough assessment of campus may not be likely until Sunday.
STUDENTS: All classes and scheduled activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke remain cancelled. This cancellation will continue through Wednesday, September 19, 2018.
We understand many of you are concerned about timing for your return to campus. We are committed to providing ample time for you to plan appropriately. Students should not make plans to return to campus until instructed to do so.
FACULTY AND STAFF: The university will operate on condition 3 (closed) status for faculty and staff. University officials will continue to monitor status and update you with changes accordingly.
If you live in a flood-prone area, we strongly encourage you to seek higher ground or shelter immediately and heed the voluntary or mandatory evacuation orders. Shelters open and available in Robeson County include the following:
- Purnell Swett High School
- Lumberton High School (at capacity)
- St. Pauls High School
- Fairmont Middle School (at capacity)
- South Robeson High School
We encourage faculty, staff and students to make the best decisions for your own personal safety. Please continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area.
- WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov or https://www.weather.gov/
- TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
We will continue to monitor the situation and remain committed to the safety of our university community. Please continue to follow university channels for updates.
Power outages, phone and internet service is limited, so we appreciate you bearing with us as we work to communicate with you about the campus updates.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the weather event, you may send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at uncp.edu/AskUNCP.
The next update will be issued Sunday, September 16, 2018.
UPDATED Friday, September 14, 2018 11:30 a.m.
BraveNation:
Hurricane Florence has made landfall near Wrightsville Beach, NC. It is moving slowly through southeastern North Carolina and will continue traveling into South Carolina before heading northeast. This is an extremely slow-moving, expansive storm with a wind field extending 250 + miles.
The university has begun to experience strong winds and rainfall but anticipates the most severe weather beginning this afternoon into Saturday evening. The National Weather Service has indicated Robeson County should expect extreme rainfall amounts and subsequent Matthew-like flooding.
All classes and scheduled activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke remain cancelled until further notice.
By now, you should have made your preparations, but if you live in an area that has previously experienced flooding or you are unsure, we strongly encourage you to seek higher ground or shelter immediately. Shelters open and available in Robeson County include the following:
- Purnell Swett High School
- Lumberton High School (at capacity)
- St. Pauls High School
- Fairmont Middle School (at capacity)
- South Robeson High School
We encourage faculty, staff and students to make the best decisions for your own personal safety. Please review emergency resources at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area.
WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov or https://www.weather.gov/
TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
The public can reach the Robeson County Emergency Operations Center at the following numbers:
910.671.3836
910.272.5864
910.272.5871
910.272.5867
We will continue to monitor the situation along with weather and local officials and will remain committed to the safety of our university community. Please continue to follow the university on social media, at uncp.edu, through your Bravemail, and ensure contact information is updated for the BraveAlert system. You may also download the LiveSafe App for messaging.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the weather event, you may send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at uncp.edu/AskUNCP.
The next update will be issued Saturday, September 15, 2018.
For Students:
For students remaining on campus, Sodexo will deliver non-perishable items and boxed meals and beverages to you in Cypress Hall through Sunday. Due to conditions, the dining hall will be closed through the weekend. Students living off campus who were planning to use the dining hall should email askUNCP@uncp.edu to request assistance.
The Counseling and Psychological Services office will remain closed during the weather event. Students on campus experiencing a mental health crisis can reach CAPS through Campus Police at 910.521.6235. Students off campus experiencing a mental health crisis can reach a counselor by calling 910.521.6202 and selecting option 1 for the on-call nurse.
Due to Hurricane Florence, Student Health Services is currently closed. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Students on or off campus who would like to speak with a registered nurse about a medical problem please call our office number 910.521.6219 and select option 1.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
A resource available to all campus members through phone or text is the Disaster Distress Helpline:
The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
For Faculty and Staff:
The university is on Condition 3 (closure) status for faculty and staff. University officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the campus community with any changes.
Due to significant and sustained emergency conditions, the university is under Condition 3 (closure) status, and all but the most critical mandatory operations have ceased. Mandatory/critical employees must report to or remain at work; all other non-mandatory employees SHOULD NOT report to work. Employees will be paid for the closure time under condition 3 and will not be required to use their available paid leave or make up the time.
This is what Condition 3 status means for you:
• The university is closed. Only select mandatory operations will operate at a reduced or altered schedule.
• Essential/critical employees must report to or remain at work unless otherwise notified by their supervisors.
SHRA employees are reminded of the UNC system-wide Adverse Weather and Emergency Closing Policy, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Visit https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-10/Adverse_Weather_and_Emergency_Event_Policy-.pdf to view the policy, which describes details of conditions and reporting to work.
EHRA employees are included in the memorandum from UNC system office and you may view the principal provisions at the following link:http://old.northcarolina.edu/hr/policies/AW-EHRA-President_Memo-02_12_2016.pdf.
Some faculty and staff may be experiencing storm-related anxiety. We want to encourage faculty and staff to utilize the university's EAP licensed counselors providing services all
day (24/7) at no cost to employees for the first few sessions. Employees process incidents/events very differently and should utilize this confidential service before, during and after the hurricane. Confidential assistance from consultants is available at: 877-848-2851. More information about EAP services can be found here: https://www.uncp.edu/facultystaff/human-resources/employee-relations/employee-assistance-program-eap
Updated Thursday, September 13, 2018 4:30 p.m.
MESSAGE FROM CHANCELLOR CUMMINGS (UNIVERSITY UPDATE FOLLOWS BELOW)
BraveNation:
As we prepare for the impending landfall of Hurricane Florence, I want to take the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for our Brave family.
Our community, staff, faculty and my Cabinet have worked tirelessly this week to prepare our campus to withstand this powerful storm. I am proud of their efforts. I know there are long days ahead during the storm and as we return to our normal operations.
It was nearly two years ago we suffered the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. Many in our community have yet to fully recover and rebuild. And, you may be understandably anxious facing yet another major hurricane. Know that I share your fears and concern. We should all remember, and as inclined pray, for the safety and security of everyone impacted by Florence.
But what I know with certainty is the resilience and strength that lies within BraveNation. After Matthew, our university and community came together like never before to support one another and begin rebuilding. That long, and sometimes painful, process showed us what we are made of.
We are your BraveNation family and we will support one another just as we have done in the past.
I am proud of the way our faculty, staff, students and families have handled this week. You have assisted each other, offering rides to airports or bus stations, supplies shelter and moral support. That is changing lives at its most real level.
As your chancellor, I could not be more proud of each of you throughout this preparation.
I urge you to complete your preparations now, and remain safe. Below you will find an additional update from the university with important information about operational status and preparations.
We will remain committed to over-communicating with you throughout the storm.
Sincerely,
Robin Gary Cummings, MD
Chancellor
**************************************************************************************************************
UPDATE ON HURRICANE FLORENCE
BraveNation:
Hurricane Florence is making its approach to the Carolinas within the next 24 hours. The university is preparing for a sustained period of hurricane force winds, extreme flooding, long-term power outages, and heavy rainfall in Pembroke beginning today.
All classes and scheduled activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke remain cancelled until further notice.
We encourage faculty, staff and students to make the best decisions for your own personal safety. Please review emergency preparedness resources at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area throughout the week.
WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov
TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
If you have an emergency, please call 911.
Should you need to seek shelter, several are open in Robeson County at the following locations:
- Purnell Swett High School
- Lumberton High School
- St. Pauls High School
- Fairmont Middle School
We will continue to monitor the situation along with weather and local officials and will remain committed to the safety of our university community. Please continue to follow the university on social media, at uncp.edu, through your Bravemail, and ensure contact information is updated for the BraveAlert system. You may also download the LiveSafe App for messaging.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the weather event, you may send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at uncp.edu/AskUNCP.
The next update will be issued Friday, September 14, 2018.
For Students:
For students remaining on campus, Sodexo has delivered non-perishable items and boxed meals and beverages to you in Cypress Hall through Sunday. The dining hall will be closing this afternoon through Sunday. Due to conditions, the dining hall will now be closed through the weekend. Students living off campus who were planning to use the dining hall should email askUNCP@uncp.edu to request assistance.
The Counseling and Psychological Services office will remain closed during the weather event. Students on campus experiencing a mental health crisis can reach CAPS through Campus Police at 910.521.6235. Students off campus experiencing a mental health crisis can reach a counselor by calling 910.521.6202 and selecting option 1 for the on-call nurse.
Due to Hurricane Florence, Student Health Services is currently closed. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. Students on or off campus who would like to speak with a registered nurse about a medical problem please call our office number 910.521.6219 and select option 1. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
A resource available to all campus members through phone or text is the Disaster Distress Helpline. The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
For Faculty and Staff:
Beginning Friday at 12 a.m., the university will move to Condition 3 (closure) status for faculty and staff. University officials will continue to monitor the situation and update the campus community with any changes.
Due to significant and sustained emergency conditions, the university is under Condition 3 (closure) status, and all but the most critical mandatory operations have ceased. Mandatory/critical employees must report to or remain at work; all other non-mandatory employees SHOULD NOT report to work. Employees will be paid for the closure time under condition 3 and will not be required to use their available paid leave or make up the time.
This is what Condition 3 status means for you:
• The university is closed. Only select mandatory operations will operate at a reduced or altered schedule.
• Essential/critical employees must report to or remain at work unless otherwise notified by their supervisors.
SHRA employees are reminded of the UNC system-wide Adverse Weather and Emergency Closing Policy, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Visit https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-10/Adverse_Weather_and_Emergency_Event_Policy-.pdf to view the policy, which describes details of conditions and reporting to work.
EHRA employees are included in the memorandum from UNC system office and you may view the principal provisions at the following link:http://old.northcarolina.edu/hr/policies/AW-EHRA-President_Memo-02_12_2016.pdf.
Some faculty and staff may be experiencing storm-related anxiety. We want to encourage faculty and staff to utilize the university's EAP licensed counselors providing services all day (24/7) at no cost to employees for the first few sessions. Employees process incidents/events very differently and should utilize this confidential service before, during and after the hurricane. Confidential assistance from consultants is available at: 877-848-2851. More information about EAP services can be found here: https://www.uncp.edu/facultystaff/human-resources/employee-relations/employee-assistance-program-eap
Updated Wednesday, September 12, 2018
BraveNation:
The current forecasted track for Hurricane Florence indicates a possible catastrophic impact for Robeson County and southeastern North Carolina. The university is preparing for hurricane force winds, extreme flooding, long-term power outages, and heavy rainfall in Pembroke beginning Wednesday evening, possibly into Sunday.
All classes and scheduled activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke remain cancelled until further notice.
Because we are in an area that will likely receive significant impacts from Hurricane Florence, students should leave campus today. If you have no safe place to go, you must notify Housing and Residence Life by 12 p.m. today.
If you need assistance traveling to the airport or a bus station, please contact your Community Director.
We encourage faculty, staff and students to make the best decisions for your own personal safety. Please review emergency preparedness resources at www.ready.gov/hurricanes and continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area throughout the week.
WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov
TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
- Shelter locations in Robeson County will open at 12 p.m. on Thursday at the following locations:
- Purnell Swett High School
- Lumberton High School
- St. Paul’s High School
- Fairmont Middle School
Before you leave campus, please remember to power down and unplug computers, televisions and other electronics.
We will continue to monitor the situation along with weather and local officials and will remain committed to the safety of our university community throughout the event. Please continue to follow the university on social media, at uncp.edu, through your Bravemail, and ensure contact information is updated for the BraveAlert system. You may also download the LiveSafe App for messaging.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the weather event, you may send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at uncp.edu/AskUNCP.
The next update will be issued Thursday, September 13, 2018.
For Faculty and Staff:
Today, Wednesday, September 12 at 5 p.m., the university will be operating on Condition 2 (suspended operations) status for faculty and staff.
CONDITION 2 means the university will remain open on a very limited basis, but has formally suspended all but mandatory operations due to minimal staffing levels. Employees designated or temporarily assigned as mandatory must report to work as directed; all other employees may not report to work or must leave the workplace when this status takes effect. Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 2 unless the supervisor authorized off-site work arrangements or the Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay (Condition 3) for any missed work time.
For safety reasons, non-essential employees should remain home. Employees who are deemed essential (scheduled to work during the adverse weather event) will receive communication from their managers or supervisors.
You may review the university’s adverse weather and emergency events policy at https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-10/Adverse_Weather_and_Emergency_Event_Policy-.pdf for specific details.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 11:30 a.m.
BraveNation:
Forecasters are increasingly certain of Hurricane Florence having a direct impact on the Carolinas. The university is preparing for hurricane force winds and heavy rainfall in Pembroke beginning Wednesday evening, possibly into Sunday.
All classes and scheduled activities at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke remain cancelled beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2018, until further notice.
Because we are in an area that will likely receive significant impacts from Hurricane Florence, we strongly encourage students to leave campus when your classes end today for your own safety. If you must remain on campus, please notify your Community Director immediately, so we can ensure your safety.
Sodexo will be offering continuous dining from 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, through Saturday, September 15, in the dining hall. Please check dining location operating hours through today as some may alter their schedules.
An additional airport shuttle will operate from Pembroke to RDU tomorrow, September 12 at 11:30 a.m. Return service is tentatively scheduled on Monday, September 17, at 3 p.m., dependent upon conditions. You can register for the shuttle at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uncp-special-airport-shuttle-for-hurricane-florence-tickets-50088723721.
We encourage faculty, staff and students to make the best decisions for your own personal safety and communicate with professors, your department chair, managers and/or supervisors. Please review emergency preparedness resources at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Please continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area throughout the week.
WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov
TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
Before you leave campus today, please remember to power down and unplug computers, televisions and other electronics.
We will continue to monitor the situation along with weather and local officials and will remain committed to the safety of our university community throughout this weather event. Please continue to follow the university on social media, at uncp.edu, through your Bravemail, and ensure contact information is updated for the BraveAlert system. You may also download the LiveSafe App for messaging.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the weather event, you may send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Answers to frequently asked questions will be posted at uncp.edu/AskUNCP.
The next update will be issued Wednesday, September 12, 2018.
For Faculty and Staff:
Beginning Wednesday, September 12 at 5 p.m., the university will be operating on Condition 2 (suspended operations) status for faculty and staff.
CONDITION 2 means the university will remain open on a very limited basis, but has formally suspended all but mandatory operations due to minimal staffing levels. Employees designated or temporarily assigned as mandatory must report to work as directed; all other employees may not report to work or must leave the workplace when this status takes effect. Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 2 unless the supervisor authorized off-site work arrangements or the Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay (Condition 3) for any missed work time.
For safety reasons, non-essential employees should remain home. Employees who are deemed essential (scheduled to work during the adverse weather event) will receive communication from their managers or supervisors.
You may review the university’s adverse weather and emergency events policy at https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-10/Adverse_Weather_and_Emergency_Event_Policy-.pdf for specific details.
Monday, September 10, 2018 11:30 a.m.
BraveNation:
As we anticipate the potential impacts from Hurricane Florence, The University of North Carolina at Pembroke will be cancelling classes and scheduled activities beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, September, 12, 2018, through Saturday, September 15, 2018.
We strongly encourage students to leave campus when your classes end on Tuesday.
The university will be operating on Condition 1 (reduced operations) status for faculty and staff beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, September 11, 2018. Under Condition 1, classes are in session and the university is open, but some operations may be reduced. Employees should make a good faith effort to report to work; however, the university recognizes that factors such as transportation, school closings and other arrangements are considerations.
CONDITION 1: Non-mandatory employees have the option to report late, leave early, or not work at all based on their own personal circumstances. However, employees are responsible for informing their supervisors in a timely manner of all such decisions. Employees must code available leave for any work time missed during a Condition 1 status, unless their supervisor authorizes off-site work (e.g., teleworking) or the Governor issues an Executive Order permitting leave with pay for any missed time.
You may review the university’s adverse weather and emergency events policy at https://www.uncp.edu/sites/default/files/2017-10/Adverse_Weather_and_Emergency_Event_Policy-.pdf for specific details.
We encourage all faculty, staff and students to review emergency preparedness measures and ensure their personal safety. Information on hurricane preparedness is available at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.
Please continue to monitor weather and travel conditions in your area throughout the week.
WEATHER: www.nhc.noaa.gov
TRAVEL: https://tims.ncdot.gov/tims/regionsummary.aspx
As the storm system continues to develop, the university will monitor the situation with weather and local officials. We will remain committed to the safety of our university community and ensuring you are fully informed. Please continue to follow the university on social media, at uncp.edu, through your Bravemail, and ensure contact information is updated for the BraveAlert system. You may also download the LiveSafe App for messaging.
The next update will be issued tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 11, 2018.