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Campus Emergency Updates

Friday, October 4, 2024
Update for Western Carolina University faculty and staff
 
Beginning Friday, Oct. 4 at 11:59 p.m. Western Carolina University offices will begin operating under Condition Level 1 Reduced Operations (University is Open) and will continue operating under this condition until Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11:59 p.m. On Monday, Oct. 21, the campus will resume normal operations, unless conditions warrant an extension of reduced operations.
 
Under Condition Level 1, the University is open, but certain non-mandatory operations may be reduced due to more limited staffing. Mandatory employees (whose presence has been designated as mandatory to university operations during adverse weather or emergency events) are expected to report to work or remain on the job. Non-mandatory employees, after informing their supervisors in a timely manner, have the option to report to work late, leave early, or not report to work. Note that employees must use available personal leave time (compensatory, vacation or bonus) to cover any time away from regular work hours. 
 
All WCU employees should be familiar with the Adverse Weather Policy, Policy #41. Commuting faculty and staff should exercise discretion and good judgment in deciding whether to attempt travel during hazardous conditions. Questions about the policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at HumanResources@wcu.edu
 
We understand that many of our faculty and staff do not reside in Jackson County where the recovery efforts continue to gain momentum, and this transition to Condition Level 1 allows employees in the immediate area to return to campus and not have to use personal leave time. WCU faculty and staff living in impacted areas, those who have been displaced due to Hurricane Helene, or are continuing to experience difficult living situations related to the storm should communicate with their supervisors about their personal circumstances. Supervisors with affected employees are encouraged to communicate with the Office of Human Resources and Payroll about potential leave flexibility.
 
Full-time employees in leave-earning capacity receive 24 hours of community service leave annually (pro-rated for part time) from the State.  This week the Office of State Human Resources offered a temporary expansion of up to 40 hours of the Community Service Leave for full time employees—an additional 16 total hours. The additional hours expire on December 31, 2024, and must be used for storm-related activities coordinated by a local government (county or municipality) as well as established non-profits.
 
The hours can be applied in the same way the current community service leave works. Employees can volunteer on their own during the time the university is closed (under Condition Level 3) without documenting it as community service leave; the additional hours only apply when we are operating normally and, as usual, are subject to supervisor approval.
 
A reminder for students and the rest of our community that classes will resume on Monday, Oct. 21 at all locations and in all modalities.

  

Thursday, October 3, 2024
Important Update: Class Resumption and Fall Break Schedule

University officials have continued to monitor conditions in our region. Although recovery efforts continue to gain momentum in Jackson County, other communities still face significant challenges, especially regarding food, water, and fuel availability.

After much deliberation and considering the many ways Hurricane Helene has affected our students, faculty, and staff in Cullowhee and at our Biltmore Park instructional site, we have decided to continue suspending all classes—including distance courses—through Friday, Oct. 11.

Fall Break, scheduled for Oct. 14 – 18, will continue as planned. This will allow our faculty and staff - many of whom have experienced and continue to experience significant life disruptions - time to recover in their personal lives, revise course syllabi, and prepare to resume normal university operations.

At this time, classes will resume in Cullowhee, Biltmore Park, and online on Monday, Oct. 21. We will let you know as soon as possible if conditions dictate the need to extend class suspensions.

Considerations and resources for students:

  • While classes are canceled and all non-mandatory offices are closed, administration, university public safety, dining, health services, counseling and psychological services, residential services, the recreation center, and the university center will remain operational in a limited capacity.
  • This extended closure will not affect course credits and fall commencement is still on schedule for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024.
  • Please frequently check your student email, as important information and updates from the university offices and faculty will be communicated through this channel.
  • We are aware with this extended closure students may want to leave earlier than Fall Break. Before leaving the area we strongly encourage students to visit https://drivenc.gov/ for up-to-date road conditions to ensure you can reach your destination safely.
  • For information about fueling stations on your route, visit gasbuddy.com or download the app.
  • We understand that every student’s circumstances may be different, and we advise students to make a travel plan and take all precautions to ensure your own safety. Please consider notifying parents, friends or loved ones of your travel plans.

  

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

WCU Alert - The boil water advisory issued for off-campus locations in Cullowhee has been lifted.
Water on campus remains safe to drink.

Hunter Library will be open Thursday, October 3rd and Friday, October 4th, 10am-4pm both days.

  

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

On-campus food options:

Chilis 11am-4pm
Brown Dining Hall closed
Starbucks (Brown) closed
Einsteins Bagels normal hours
Chick-Fil-A closed (may be open Wednesday)
Moe's 10:30am-8pm
Panda Express 10:30am-8pm
Café 7am-8pm

C-Store 8am-8pm
BRB closed
Starbucks (Courtyard) 7am-8pm
Java City closed
Freshens 10:30am-8pm
Papa Johns 10:30am-8pm (limited menu)
WhichWich 10:30am-2:30pm
Food Truck closed

Monday, September 30, 2024

Health Services - Open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm
CAPS - Open Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm
After Hours Mental Health Emergencies - 855.759.1787
Mobile Crisis Line - 888.315.2880

  

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Off-campus housing near and around Western Carolina University is accessible and students living in those areas are being made aware of the services offered on campus, including dining options and the availability of landlines in the University Center for student use.  

Safety of students, faculty, and staff is WCU's highest priority and WCU officials are working around the clock to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students during the aftermath of this historic storm.

  

Sunday, September 29, 2024

The communities surrounding the university have experienced significant adverse impacts from the previous storm event.  As a result, retroactive from Thursday, September 26, through Friday, October 4, 2024, Western Carolina University will operate under Condition Level 3 (Closed), as defined in the Adverse Weather Policy.
Non-mandatory employees should not report to work but are asked to try to establish daily communication with their supervisor to the greatest extent possible.

Classes are canceled, and all non-mandatory offices are closed. However, administration, university public safety, dining, and residential services will remain operational.

Non-mandatory employees must not report to work and must leave campus. In Condition 3, employees are not required to use personal leave time when absent from work.

  

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Due to widespread internet and cellular outages, as well as regional road closures, Western Carolina University is suspending classes through Friday, October 4th for Cullowhee, Biltmore Park, and distance learning.

For their safety, we advise students not to leave the area due to major interstate closures in multiple areas. For similar reasons, we advise concerned parents and loved ones not to attempt to travel to campus.

Emergency services and essential student services will remain operational. Campus Dining is operating with limited options. Students may make landline calls from the University Center from 9 AM – 6 PM. We are working to distribute this information to off-campus housing and in the community.

We will continue to make updates via our social media channels and website to the best of our ability. We appreciate your understanding and encourage everyone to stay safe.

  

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Western NC is experiencing widespread internet and cellular disruptions, affecting our campus as well. Despite this, Cullowhee campus has power, water, and food. Courtyard Cafeteria open until 8 PM. Please travel only if necessary and stay safe.

  

Saturday, September 28, 2024
Campus Alert: Mass Outage of Internet and Cellular Service

Due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene throughout Western North Carolina, we are currently experiencing a widespread outage of both internet and cellular services. The safety of our students and community remains our top priority and we want to assure everyone that the campus and surrounding areas are secure at this time. We strongly encourage all students and community members to stay indoors and avoid any unnecessary travel until conditions improve. Please remain vigilant and follow updates from campus authorities as they become available. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Stay safe.

  

Friday, September 27, 2024

Due to the continued hazardous weather conditions, the Mountain Heritage Day 50th anniversary evening concert featuring Old Crow Medicine Show and Lindsay Lou has been canceled. In order to deliver the desired experience and avoid issues related to problematic travel for both the performers and our audience, we have elected to reschedule the concert for the spring.
A specific date will be announced in the near future. Please hold onto your tickets, as they will be honored for the rescheduled date. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to celebrating with you in the spring. Stay safe, and thank you for your continued support.

  

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Out of an abundance of caution, beginning at 4:00 p.m. today and ending Friday at 11:59 p.m., Western Carolina University will operate under Condition Level 2 (Suspension of Non-Mandatory Operations) as defined in the Adverse Weather Policy.

All non-mandatory operations are suspended, and only those employees designated as mandatory should report to or remain at work. Non-mandatory employees are directed not to report to campus until Condition Level 2 is lifted. Non-mandatory employees are permitted to work remotely if productive work that can be performed remotely is available and if authorized by their supervisors. Employees should code leave if not working or may make up the time within 90 days.

Cat-Tran services will end today at 5pm. Evening and night shuttles have been canceled. We will reevaluate tomorrow morning to decide schedule for tomorrow and the days following.
The Walmart shuttle will be rescheduled today for 4pm-6pm Instead of 5:30pm-7pm.

For a list of up-to-date service schedules and closures, please visit www.wcu.edu.

We regret to announce that the 50th Anniversary of Mountain Heritage Day daytime festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 28th, is canceled due to hazardous weather from Hurricane Helene.
The evening concert by Old Crow Medicine Show at the Ramsey Activity Center is still on for now. We’ll update ticket holders on its status by Friday, September 27th.
This decision, made after nearly a year of planning, prioritizes everyone’s safety. The festival site, bordered by Cullowhee Creek, is too saturated to ensure safe conditions.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Stay safe!

  

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Tropical Storm Helene is expected to cause significant adverse weather in our region tomorrow through Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, classes at Western Carolina University’s main campus and the Biltmore Instructional site have been suspended for Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27, 2024. Decisions on other campus events and activities will also be made as conditions evolve throughout the day on Thursday and Friday.

University offices will be open on a normal schedule and will operate under Condition Level 1—Reduced Operations (University is Open) until 5:00 pm Friday. If traveling, please use abundant caution, as road conditions may deteriorate quickly. 

All WCU employees should be familiar with the Adverse Weather Policy, Policy #41. Questions about the policy may be directed to the Office of Human Resources at HumanResources@wcu.edu.  Commuting faculty and staff should exercise discretion and good judgment in deciding whether to attempt travel during hazardous conditions. Employees with concerns about being able to safely come to work should consult with their supervisor.

University officials will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates at www.wcu.edu.

Office of the Provost


National Weather Forecast for Cullowhee

National Weather Forecast for Asheville

DOT Road Conditions

University officials will continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates at www.wcu.edu.

Office of Web Services