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Hurricane Harvey is causing major damage in Texas, and it is affecting the Saint Leo community.
Hurricane Harvey has torn apart the southeastern side of Texas since it made landfall on Friday, Aug.26. About 30,000 residents were displaced from their homes into shelters, and as of Aug.30, authorities have reported that the death toll has risen to 30, according to The New York Times. Essentailly, The Saint Leo Corpus Christi Center has been closed from Aug. 28 until at least Sept. 1. On Friday, the University will reassess the status of the Center and disseminate information. This Center is located on Corpus Christi’s Naval Air Station. Also, there has been extended power outages and delays, and according to University Communication, the Center’s staff, faculty, and students evacuated their homes, with some of their residence suffering damages.
“Many of our students’, staff, and adjuncts’ lives were disrupted by Harvey,” said Sara Heydon, the director of Corpus Christi. “We’ve left our homes, and lost internet and cell phone service.”
The University is committed to all of their faculty, staff, and students, who have been affected by Hurricane Harvey.
In fact, Saint Leo has verified that their staff in Corpus Christi are safe, and noted that some have had significant loss during the hurricane.
“We are keeping our employees and students updated and encouraging them to stay in touch via email, our website, and social media,” said William J. Lennox Jr., president of Saint Leo University.
Also, according to the statement on the Saint Leo main website, the University is prepared to offer extensions to deadlines and flexibility with assignments due to Hurricane Harvey.
“Dr. Mary Spoto is working closely with Dr. Melanie Storms to be as accommodating as possible with each student’s academic situation, as the term is just beginning,” said Lennox.
The statement also expressed that the University’s thoughts are with all those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The University also included its concern for the Corpus Christi Center in its statement on the Saint Leo website: “Saint Leo University is aware of and concerned about the damage in your area that may have resulted from Hurricane Harvey. Our primary concern is for your safety and well-being and we sincerely hope you and your family are safe.”
In addition to the students impacted at the Center, students on campus and online have also been affected.
“We have many WorldWide students in coastal Texas and Louisiana who take courses online and have been affected by the storm,” said Lennox. “We have been in constant contact with both our staff and our students who have felt the impact. We will continue to communicate and be as flexible as possible to accommodate this unprecedented disruption in their personal and professional lives.”
Also, there are students on University Campus that who from the impacted area, whose families are affected from Hurricane Harvey. Saint Leo is actively trying to help these students.
“Student Affairs is being attentive in helping them get in touch with family, making travel arrangements, and assisting with other needs they may have,” said Lennox.
