As UCF resumes classes and campus operations tomorrow, I urge you to actively support students who may be facing hardships from Ian that affect their ability to engage as usual with their courses.
Please consider postponing assignments, exams and due dates in your classes for a week or two to help those students most directly impacted by the storm stay on track.
Some faculty have been informed that students in their classes have reported to UCF Student Care Services that they and their families have suffered serious loss of belongings, vehicles and even homes. We will learn of others, including some who may lack internet access and have been unable to communicate with UCF. Many have told us that they are very worried about their classes, especially upcoming assignments and tests. I expect you to show these students the compassion they need to allow them to continue and succeed in your classes.
Supporting our students’ success in all circumstances is an important goal for all of us, and I know that you share my concern for students facing tough times. FCTL will send a follow-up message to help you think through alternatives for helping affected students meet course objectives.
Please advise students with outstanding needs that they can contact Student Care Services by filling out this form or emailing CareManager@ucf.edu.
This is an equally hard time for many of our faculty members. Some of our colleagues also are dealing with loss and pressing storm recovery challenges. Please alert your department chair if you are unable to make it to your classes. Departments should handle these absences as they do when a faculty member is ill.
As President Cartwright has noted, this is an extraordinary time for UCF students, faculty and staff and for people across our state. Recovery will happen sooner for some people than others. Thank you for your care and compassion that will greatly aid our campus community as we move forward together.
