UNCW issues voluntary evacuation for students, classes, events canceled

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) – UNCW officials have issued a voluntary evacuation of students based on the latest predictions for the path of Hurricane Florence.

Effective noon Monday the university has canceled all university-sponsored events and athletics, including Fall Family and Alumni Weekend (Sept. 14-15), the women’s soccer match vs. ECU on Thursday (Sept. 13) and the Hampton Inn Seahawk Invitational women’s volleyball tournament (Sept. 14-15).

In a voluntary evacuation, students are encouraged, but not required, to leave campus for a safer location. According to the university’s evacuation policies, classes are officially canceled and the grading and attendance policies are suspended. At this point in time, Academic Affairs will reach out to faculty leadership to address the cancellation of classes.

The university will continue monitoring the situation in close collaboration with the National Weather Service and state and local agencies, and will share updates as they develop. Additional actions required may include a mandatory campus evacuation and/or campus closure.

The University releasing this statement:

When there is any new information available, we will share it with the university community as soon as authorities are confident in its accuracy. As always, you must make the best decision for you personally. Your safety is our primary concern, but you know your circumstances better than anyone. Students, consult with your families; employees, consult with your supervisors. Follow the course of action you believe is right for you.

It is imperative that students continue to monitor your UNCW inboxes, the UNCW homepage, the UNCW Alert site and social media feeds (Facebook and Twitter), as well as local weather reports. The weather hotline (888.657.5751) has been activated, but  remember the hotline features the information that has already been disseminated via these other channels; it is in operation for those who may not have internet service for access to the homepage, etc.

Student phone numbers are automatically registered to receive UNCW Alert emergency notifications by voice and text message. Students should follow these instructions to review or update their contact numbers. UNCW strongly encourages students to remain in the service to ensure they are always automatically contacted in the event of an emergency, but individuals may opt out by following these instructions.

Only faculty and staff who have voluntarily registered their cell phone numbers with the university will receive UNCW Alert emergency text messages and voicemails. UNCW strongly encourages faculty and staff to register for these alerts. Please see these instructions (PDF) to register for the service, change contact numbers or opt out.