Dear USF Community,
As we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Milton, we know that many in our community
are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, including a number of our students, faculty
and staff. With another major storm approaching the Tampa Bay region, we understand
that this may be a difficult time for you and your loved ones. Please know that USF
is here to support you as we navigate this situation together.
The safety of our students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority. While
the storm’s exact path is uncertain, it is projected to have a significant impact
on our area. We urge everyone to take this situation seriously. Please plan carefully,
monitor local weather reports and follow guidance from county and state emergency
management officials.
Our USF team members have been working diligently to prepare our facilities and help
our students stay safe throughout the storm, and I extend my thanks for their continued
hard work. Updates regarding changes to normal business operations will continue to
be shared via usf.edu, USF’s official social media channels, MyUSF and email. We continue to update our
list of FAQs found here. For those seeking additional guidance, I encourage you to review the USF Hurricane Guide, which serves as a valuable resource for hurricane planning and preparedness.
Given the current situation, many of us may be experiencing heightened stress and
anxiety and seeking additional support. I encourage you to access the resources available
to all USF students, such as professional mental health care and virtual support through TimelyCare and TogetherAll. Faculty and staff may access free counseling services and connections to local resources
through the Employee Assistance Program.
I am confident that in the days ahead, we will demonstrate the determination and resilience that define our institution. We are a strong and supportive community, and we will endure this challenge together.
Please stay safe and take care of each other.
Sincerely,
Rhea F. Law
President