Updated at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6

Posted Thursday, September 7, 2017 @ 7:16 PM

Updated at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6

In anticipation of Hurricane Irma’s impact, all academic programs and classes are cancelled starting Thursday, Sept. 7, to allow for sufficient preparations and travel needs. Faculty and staff should report as usual on Thursday to secure their offices, research and to take care of other issues.

The campus will close on Friday, Sept. 8 and remain closed through the weekend and on Monday, Sept. 11. University facilities will be inaccessible, with the exception of Spectrum Stadium for Friday night’s football game.

This decision — which affects all classes, including those conducted online – will allow time for students, faculty and staff to make safety preparations.

This closure includes the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Health Sciences at Lake Nona campus and Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando, all of which follow main campus closure protocols. UCF regional locations will follow the decisions made by their respective host state college.

Essential university employees may be required to work while the university is closed. Please discuss your schedule with your supervisor.

UCF will monitor the hurricane and share more information about campus closures and openings as information is available. Regular updates about Hurricane Irma will be shared through email, on UCF’s website and through the university’s official social media accounts, primarily Facebook and Twitter.

Now is the time to put your hurricane safety plan into action. Whether that plan entails evacuating or riding out the storm, Hurricane Irma — and your safety — must not be ignored.

Students in On-Campus Housing

Although university housing remains open at this time, UCF urges students who live on campus to move to safe off-campus locations by noon on Friday, Sept. 8.

Should Hurricane Irma threaten Central Florida, students who live on campus may not be able to stay in their on-campus locations and may be required to relocate to designated ride-out locations.

Students with special needs should make plans now to relocate off campus.

During a storm like Irma, the university cannot guarantee that power and water won’t be interrupted at ride-out locations. Additionally, food, water and medical assistance will be limited.

UCF will share more information about ride-out options should it be required. As a reminder, the university does not serve as a public shelter during hurricanes.

Football Game Will Be Played

The Knights’ football game against the University of Memphis will be played at its previously announced new time of 6:30 p.m. Friday. Parking, and Spectrum Stadium, will open at 5 p.m. and no tailgating will be permitted on campus.

Please visit UCF Athletics for more game information: http://ucfknights.com/index.aspx?path=football

With the unknowns surrounding Hurricane Irma, the best option for ensuring the game is played was to move it to Friday.

All Family Weekend activities have been cancelled, and refunds for special events will be automatically issued. More information is available at www.fye.sdes.ucf.edu/familyweekend

Hurricane Irma Frequently Asked Questions

When will UCF be closed?

Classes are cancelled Thursday, Sept. 7. Unless directed otherwise by supervisors, employees should still report to work and prepare their workspaces for Hurricane Irma’s potential impact.

With the exception of Friday’s 6:30 p.m. football game and 2 p.m. women’s soccer game, campus will be closed Friday, Sept. 8, through Monday, Sept. 11. This includes all classes and programs.

Essential university employees may be required to work while the university is closed. Please discuss your schedule with your supervisor.

Will academic assignment due dates be enforced?

The closure affects all classes, including those conducted online. Students with specific questions should reach out to their faculty members.

Where should students who live on campus go?

Although university housing remains open at this time, UCF urges students who live on campus to move to safe off-campus locations by noon on Friday, Sept. 8. Students with special needs should make plans now to relocate off campus.

Should Hurricane Irma threaten Central Florida, students who live on campus may not be able to stay in their on-campus locations and may be required to relocate to designated ride-out locations.

UCF will share more information about ride-out options should it be required.

What about UCF’s other campus locations?

The closure includes the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Health Sciences at Lake Nona campus and Center for Emerging Media in downtown Orlando, all of which follow main campus closure protocols.

UCF regional locations will follow the decisions made by their respective host state college.

Eastern State Florida College announced that campus will be closed and all classes and programs will be cancelled Thursday through Sunday. Daytona State College will close at 2 p.m., Sept. 7, until further notice.

UCF will provide updates from other state colleges as soon as they are available.

Will UCF be a shelter location?

UCF does not serve as a public shelter during hurricanes.

What should on-campus residents be prepared to bring to ride-out locations?

During a storm like Irma, the university cannot guarantee that power and water won’t be interrupted at ride-out locations. Additionally, food, water and medical assistance will be limited.

Students should pack enough water, food, medication, etc. to sustain them for 72 hours. Students also should bring practical comforts such as pillows, blankets, games, cell phone chargers, etc.

Will students be allowed to leave their vehicles on campus?

Students who live on campus may leave their vehicle parked on campus as their permit allows.

Will the library be open?

John C. Hitt Library, the Curriculum Materials Center, and the Library at Rosen College will all be open until 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

Will counseling services be available to students?

Yes, Counseling and Psychological Services’ 24/7 crisis line can be reached at 407-823-2811. CAPS’ office will be open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.

NOTE: For the most up-to-date information, please visit our Hurricane Irma website: https://today.ucf.edu/ucf-monitoring-hurricane-irma/