Ruskin Campus classes to remain remote following Hurricane Idalia

Posted: August 30, 2023

Classes will continue to be delivered remotely Thursday, Aug. 31 and Friday, Sep. 1. In-person classes on campus will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5. The Ruskin Campus will be re-opened tomorrow and Friday.

The impact that Hurricane Idalia has left along the Gulf Coast of Florida and especially the Big Bend region continues to be felt by many. Members of the Gannon community have been reaching out to our Ruskin faculty, staff and students and checking on the well-being of one another.

We are aware of significant flooding and debris blocking roadways and creating conditions that are making travel unsafe for many, as well as individuals who are still unable to return to their homes in locations where evacuation orders were issued.

Our hearts and our prayers are with you and all who have been affected in the areas impacted by the storm as you continue to assess next steps for yourselves as well as your friends, families and communities around you.

To best care for your well-being and safety, classes will continue to be delivered remotely tomorrow, Thursday, Aug. 31 and Friday, Sep. 1.

There will be no classes Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day as planned, and in-person classes on campus will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The Ruskin Campus will be re-opened tomorrow and Friday, but with limited operations as both the Fitness Center and knightBITES A Fresh Café will remain closed. Those who can safely travel to campus may access both buildings, which did not experience damage and will have power and internet access available.

Academic program directors are making their plans on how to best adjust from the changes needed this week while making sure we meet course and program objectives. Your patience and understanding are appreciated as these plans are developed and will be communicated to you in the days ahead.

We understand that this storm has affected many people in different ways. We will continue to work with you to best support prioritizing your safety and keep interruptions to your academic schedules as minimal as possible.

If you need assistance or hear that someone needs assistance, please contact Desi Herter or Lynzie Sauls for navigating support that is available.

Some have already begun asking how they can help those around them. As we continue to evaluate the damage from the storm, we will share more on plans for the Gannon family to come together to help with the needs of others and give back to our local communities.

We encourage you to remain diligent about your safety and well-being, to continue following local guidance on travel and next steps following the storm, and to check in on one another.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

For questions, please reach out through update.gannon.edu at: https://www.gannon.edu/Questions-or-Comments/.