As we resume classes and return to our normal operating procedures following Hurricane Ian, I continue to reflect on last week’s events. While USF campuses did not suffer significant damage, our thoughts are with the members of our community and their loved ones who may not have been as fortunate, including those in parts of the state that were hit the hardest by the storm. Some of you may still be dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane, and it’s important that we continue to prioritize your health and well-being. USF HR offers resources for anyone who needs extra support, as well as guidance for supervisors and employees.
I would like to give a special shout-out to our dedicated employees who helped the university prepare for and respond to the hurricane. Many people worked long hours and were pulled away from their families to keep us safe and I truly appreciate their commitment.
I visited our emergency operations center on the Tampa campus to thank them personally and to get a closer look at everything that goes into our response. I also spent some time in the residence halls and saw the caring support our staff provided students during the storm, including for the small group of students from the St. Petersburg campus who were transported to the Tampa campus until the storm passed.
It was wonderful to see our faculty and staff come together – regardless of campus, department or unit – in pursuit of a shared goal. In times like these, I am reminded that it is our supportive Bulls community that makes USF a great place to learn, work and grow.
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