Campus Life

Hurricane Laura Updates

August 27, 2020 | by Division of Marketing & Communications

Galveston Campus to Resume Operations
Aug. 27, 2020
10 a.m.

The Galveston Campus did not experience significant impacts from Hurricane Laura and is currently preparing to resume business operations on Friday, Aug. 28 and on-campus academic operations on Monday, Aug. 31. Please review the information below in its entirety.

  • All instruction activities (lectures and labs) will continue remotely through Friday, Aug. 28. All academic operations will fully resume on campus according to their regular schedule on Monday, Aug. 31. Students who experience difficulties completing their work assignments should communicate via their usual means to their faculty member. Students who need assistance from the impact of Hurricane Laura may email infoline@tamug.edu or call 1-877-322-4443.
  • Campus facilities remain closed to all personnel (including essential personnel) Thursday, Aug. 27 until 12 p.m. Essential personnel may return at 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27. Campus facility access is expected to resume as normal on Friday, Aug. 28 at 6 a.m. Residence Halls will open Friday, Aug. 28.
  • Normal business operations will resume Friday, Aug. 28. Remote business operations should continue through Thursday, Aug. 27. Faculty and staff who experience difficulties completing their duties, instruction or work assignments due to the impacts of Hurricane Laura may be eligible for emergency leave. Individuals who find themselves in this situation should submit a request in writing to their immediate supervisor indicating how much emergency leave is being requested and why. Supervisors will route the request through departmental leadership for coordination of final approval.
  • Galveston Campus students and staff will depart College Station for the Galveston Campus the evening of Thursday, Aug. 27. Campus officials will provide details on the check-out process to those who requested transportation and/or lodging assistance.

  • Road and travel conditions should be monitored via the Texas Department of Transportation at drivetexas.org or call toll free at 800-452-9292 prior to departure.

  • Up-to-date information will be available at tamug.edu and Texas A&M University at Galveston social media channels (@aggiesbythesea). Questions may be sent to infoline@tamug.edu .

August 26, 2020

The Bryan-College Station community has been incredibly accommodating to Galveston Campus students, staff and administrators who have evacuated the threat of Hurricane Laura. The Galveston Campus is currently housing 107 students and 14 administrators and staff in College Station, Texas. Staff from the Galveston Campus has also aided in securing accommodations for several University of Texas Medical Branch students who needed evacuation support.

Around four percent of the Galveston Campus’ student population have official residences in the areas significantly impacted by Hurricane Laura. As the impacts to the Texas Gulf Coast reside over the coming days, primary concerns associated with this system will shift to supporting and assisting those in our community who need aid. Students, faculty or staff who need help should contact the Galveston Campus at infoline@tamug.edu or 1-877-322-4443.

Statement from Col. Michael E. Fossum, Vice President of Texas A&M University, Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy:

“The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff remains our highest priority and we are here to support them in any way we are able. Our thoughts and concerns remain with our students, faculty, staff and supporters whose hometowns and families will be significantly impacted by this system. We remain here to support and provide assistance where possible. We stand with you all. Stay Sea Aggie strong.”

The timeline and access to campus is subject to change over the coming days based on weather conditions. Updated information will be published daily. Continue to monitor university email, the Sea Aggie alert system, Texas A&M University at Galveston website and social media channels (@aggiesbythesea) for additional information the plans for resumption of operations. Questions may be sent to infoline@tamug.edu .

August 25, 3pm

The forecast for Hurricane Laura continues to pose a significant threat to the Texas coast with expected impacts to the Galveston Campus. Therefore, additional decisions for the coming days have been made for the safety of our students, faculty and staff:

  • Classes and labs are canceled for Wednesday, Aug. 26 and will resume Thursday, Aug. 27 through Friday, Aug. 28 remotely.
  • Campus facilities are closed to all personnel (including essential personnel) Wednesday, Aug. 26 and may remain closed through Thursday. Please monitor communications for updates.
  • Staff are expected to work remotely during this time.

Significant uncertainty remains with the forecast of Hurricane Laura. The timeline and access to campus is subject to change over the coming days based on weather conditions. Updated information will be published daily.

Please continue to monitor university email, the Sea Aggie Alert system, Texas A&M University at Galveston website and social media channels (@aggiesbythesea) for additional information and the plans for resumption of operations.

Up-to-date information will be available at www.tamug.edu and Texas A&M University at Galveston social media channels (@aggiesbythesea). Questions may be sent to infoline@tamug.edu.

Sign-up for the Sea Aggie Alert system is available for registration here.

Road and travel conditions can also be monitored via the Texas Department of Transportation at drivetexas.org or call toll free at 800-452-9292.

Stay alert and weather aware.

Statement from Col. Michael E. Fossum, Vice President of Texas A&M University, Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy:

“We remain hopeful that Hurricane Laura will cause minimal impacts to our community. However, there is far too much uncertainty with the current forecast and we will always make decisions for the safety of our students, faculty and staff. If – at the end of this – we have over-responded, we will consider this effort a success.”

August 24, 4pm

Tropical Storm Laura continues to remain a threat to the Texas coast with limited forecast confidence. Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of the safety of our students, faculty and staff, Texas A&M University at Galveston is issuing a mandatory evacuation effective Tuesday, August 25. The timeline and access to campus is subject to change over the coming days based on weather conditions. Updated information will be published daily. All students, faculty and staff should monitor official communication channels for current information.

STUDENTS

Classes have been canceled for Tuesday to accommodate travel and will resume remotely Wednesday, August 26 through August 28.

Students should complete the Evacuation and Emergency Information form prior to evacuating.

Campus Living & Learning will provide additional information in the coming hours regarding evacuation procedures. Buses will be departing campus prior to 9 a.m. for those who request transportation and lodging accommodations via the Evacuation and Emergency Information form.

Those who need transportation and lodging accommodations will be expected to continue practicing selfless service by following COVID-19 safety guidelines, including wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing and limiting potential exposure sources.

FACULTY AND STAFF

All faculty and staff evacuating should complete the Evacuation and Emergency Information Form.

At this time, aside from preparing to shut down facilities, only essential personnel should plan to be on-campus Tuesday through Thursday. Please contact your supervisor to determine if you are designated as an essential employee.

Campus facilities will be closed Wednesday, August 26 through Thursday, August 27 to all non-essential employees. Those required to be on-campus should carry their university identification card.

On-campus business operations may resume on Friday, August 28 depending on weather conditions. Additional guidance for the week of August 31– September 4 will be provided based on conditions by Thursday. The timeline and access to campus facilities is subject to change based on weather conditions.

Please continue to monitor university email, the Sea Aggie Alert system, Texas A&M University at Galveston website and social media channels (@aggiesbythesea) for additional information and the plans for resumption of operations. Questions may be sent to infoline@tamug.edu

Sign-up for the Sea Aggie Alert system is available at https://www.getrave.com/login/tamug. Road and travel conditions can also be monitored via the Texas Department of Transportation at http://conditions.drivetexas.org/current/conditions.asp or call toll free at 800-452-9292.

August 23

Texas A&M University at Galveston officials continue to closely monitor tropical weather activity in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Marco does not appear to be a threat to the Texas coast, however, significant uncertainty remains with the forecast for Tropical Storm Laura.

Therefore, out of an abundance of caution academic operations will take place remotely beginning Monday, August 24 and will resume on-campus once it is safe to do so.Student and Corps activities have been suspended until Friday, August 28. Notice will be provided at least 24-hours prior to resuming on-campus activities.Business operations will continue as normal until otherwise communicated.

Students, faculty and staff should be prepared to shelter-in-placeOR evacuate should conditions warrant. The decision to evacuate campus will be madeMonday, August 24 in consultation with the National Weather Service and local emergency management.

Information will be communicated via university email, the Sea Aggie Alert system, and Texas A&M University at Galveston social media channels (@aggiesbythesea). Should forecasted conditions change significantly prior to Monday, additional updated information will be provided. To enroll in Sea Aggie Alert, please visit the TAMUG GetRave website, click “Register” and follow the provided directions to create your account.

Stay alert and weather aware.

Media Contact

Rebecca Watts
Director, Division of Marketing & Communications
rwatts@tamug.edu
409.740.4840