Valdosta State University is cancelling classes and ceasing normal business operations beginning at 5:30 p.m. today and continuing through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, due to the threat of inclement weather from Tropical Storm Hermine, which is expected to reach hurricane strength before it makes landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast tonight. This includes all online classes and classes held at Moody Air Force Base.
“With heavy rains, localized flooding, high winds, and the potential for tornadoes in the forecast, we feel like it is in the best interest of our students, faculty, and staff to cancel classes and encourage them to stay home and avoid traveling to and from the university,” said Dr. Kelli Brown, interim president of VSU. “Safety is always our No. 1 priority.”
Residence halls will remain open and staffed. Palms Dining will be open normal business hours during the closure period for students who live on campus.
All activities scheduled during the closure period have been cancelled.
Supervisors will notify any essential personnel required to report to work during the closure period.
The university will resume normal operations at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2, with Odum Library, the Student Union, and the Student Recreation Center opening and closing on their usual schedules. Activities scheduled for this weekend will continue as planned. This includes the VSU Blazers versus the Albany State Rams football game at 7 p.m. on Saturday and the VSU Blazers versus the Auburn University at Montgomery Warhawks soccer game at 5 p.m. on Sunday, as well as all pre-game festivities.
Classes will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6, following the Labor Day holiday weekend.
VSU Public Safety will continue to monitor the situation alongside the Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency and other area first responders. Any necessary safety-related information will be posted on Facebook (VStateNews) and Twitter (@VStateNews), shared with area news media, and sent directly to students, faculty, and staff through the Campus Alert System via text message, voice call, and email.
Students, faculty, staff, and parents with questions or concerns during this closure should call the VSU Police Department at (229) 333-7816.
