Pre-Storm Frequently Asked Questions

Hurricane Dorian will likely affect our campus over the next several days. For some of our students and their families, a hurricane may be a new experience, so here are a few frequently asked questions.

University Operations

Are my classes canceled?

Classes are cancelled beginning Friday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. through Tuesday, September 3.

What about online classes?

Online classes are ongoing but flexible out of consideration for students and professors affected by the storm. Please check for messages on the online site, as well as messages from your professor.

What about my orthodontics appointment?

If you have an appointment scheduled with the JU School of Orthodontics during the campus closure, it will be rescheduled. Your doctor or patient representative will call you, or you can call your doctor. Contact information for the JU School of Orthodontics is available on their website, jusmiles.com.

Weather

What weather patterns can I expect?

Timing is difficult to pin down at this point, but we can probably expect heavy rains, high winds, and dangerous tides across northeast Florida from Sunday through Tuesday. Localized flooding due to heavy rain is very possible, particularly in low-lying areas.

With any tropical system, there is a risk of F1 and F2 tornadoes. These are tall but confined, fast-moving funnels easily hidden in heavy rain.

It is not unusual for intermittent periods of sunshine to occur, especially in the earliest and latest stages of the storm, but this is no indication that the danger of gusty winds or a tornado threat has passed.

Can I go outside?

Bands of severe weather, wind gusts, and the potential for tornadoes can pose great risks very quickly. For this reason, stay indoors as much as possible once the stormy weather begins. Arborists and maintenance staff have been working diligently all summer to make our campus ‘hurricane ready,’ but tree branches may fall in heavy wind and rain. Due to the hilly landscape of our campus, when we are preparing for a storm, you may also see sandbags placed in key places around campus to control rainwater in lower-lying areas.

How do I know if a tornado threat is imminent?

Any tropical cyclone does carry with it a risk of tornadoes. Alert notifications will be sent immediately via text and email. Students are encouraged to turn the volume up on their cell phones and turn off any ‘Do Not Disturb’ features they may have in place.

Before or after the storm passes, can I go to the beach?

As the storm moves through our area, varying weather patterns may not necessarily be an indication that all danger has passed. Should conditions improve and beaches re-open, students are strongly discouraged from getting in the water. Despite the presence or non-presence of lifeguards at area beaches, the danger of rip currents will make swimming a great risk even for experienced swimmers. The beaches will also probably be closed soon by the City of Jacksonville.

Staying On Campus & Evacuations

Should I prepare for evacuation?

Students may choose to leave, but the Jacksonville University residence halls are not in an evacuation zone, and we are equipped with back-up generators, additional water supply, and stores of food to ensure the continuation of normal residence hall and dining activity.

Either way, all residential students are required to fill out the Labor Day Weekend Roll Call form at www.ju.edu/laborday.

What about power outages?

JU is equipped with back-up generators (solely for food storage and emergency lighting), additional water supply, and stores of food to ensure the continuation of normal residence hall and dining activity.

Even after the all-clear has been given, students moving through campus are encouraged to exercise great caution, avoid standing water, and carrying a flashlight after dark. RAs will be on hand to assist with any specific needs.

What about my car or bike?

You may store your bike in your room, but you may not store them in the hallways.

If you're staying on campus, please move your car to the Oak Hall parking garage (Lot K), the high ground of River Road (near Oak and Botts), or, if necessary, the Gooding parking lot. You may also park in Lots A, B, C and O. Do not park under or near trees.

Ticketing will be suspended (within reason -- don’t park in the middle of the street or in a handicap spot without a permit) for the duration of the closure of the university.

Do I need to inform anyone if I have decided to leave campus?

Yes. All residential students are required to fill out the Labor Day Roll Call at www.ju.edu/laborday. Please also leave emergency contact information and details about your whereabouts with your RA and your family. While you are away, JU can respond to inquiries from parents and faculty who may be trying to reach their students.

Can you accommodate my special dietary needs if I stay on campus?

If you have special dietary needs, please communicate that with us in advance to ensure that we can meet those needs. Email housing@ju.edu.

I live off campus, and I want to evacuate. Can I stay on campus?

Undergraduate students who live off campus, have been asked to evacuate, and would like to move on campus should contact Residential Life staff at housing@ju.edu.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate pets, graduate students, online students, or students with families.

For Parents

I want my student to leave. Can they evacuate to another location?

Students are permitted to voluntarily evacuate campus. Please note that the campus facilities are extremely safe and have food as well as backup power and water. If your student is leaving campus, they must check out through the online form at www.ju.edu/laborday. If they have already left, have them contact their RA to let them know. Remember - your student should have a clear destination in mind as road conditions could be more hazardous than those presented by staying put.

Miscellaneous Questions

Is there insurance if any of our items on campus get damaged due to the storm?

We encourage students to purchase a renter's insurance policy to cover personal belongings. Your own auto insurance policy may cover damage to your vehicle, but coverage varies so you should check with your provider.

Will there be campus shuttles to the airport for students who choose to leave?

Because there’s such a broad range of times at which students might fly out, we are encouraging students to carpool with one another and use other resources like Lyft, Uber, and the Super Shuttle.

What if your son/daughter lives off campus? Best advice?

Undergraduate students who live off campus, have been asked to evacuate, and would like to move on campus should contact Residential Life staff at housing@ju.edu.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate pets, graduate students, online students, or students with families.

Additional Information

If you haven't reviewed the Information for Students on our Emergency Management page, please take some time to do that today.

Remember to fully charge your cell phone now in case of a power outage, and turn up the volume so you hear any important alerts.

Stay safe, Dolphins, and keep checking your email, text messages, social media, and the www.ju.edu/weather website for updates.