August 29, 2021
11:30 p.m.
Dear Tulane Community:
We wanted to give you an update on Tulane’s response to Hurricane Ida, which continues to move over South Louisiana as a Category 2 Hurricane. While winds and rain have died down significantly in the New Orleans area, our students, both undergraduate and graduate, are still sheltered in place inside their residence halls under the care of our devoted campus personnel. We want to thank all of the dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the storm to keep our campus community safe.
Student housing, The Commons, LBC and other essential buildings have all been running on our emergency backup power system since the storm began. Many off-campus students are also sheltering at the LBC and students in isolation at the Hyatt and Jung hotel are being provided for, as well. Hurricane Ida also continues to impact our northshore campus as it moves further inland.
It is imperative that everyone continues to follow city restrictions and university instructions. All students, on or off-campus, and everyone in the Tulane community, must remain indoors until we are able to assess potential hazards and damage. Only designated essential personnel will be allowed to come to our campuses tomorrow to begin the damage assessment process. Once it is safe for people to move around campus and come to campus that will be communicated.
All classes – in person and online – are canceled on Monday, August 30, and Tuesday, August 31. The School of Medicine will communicate directly with their students, faculty, and staff regarding their plans. Students should not worry about academic obligations this week.
Due to catastrophic transmission damage, all of Orleans Parish is currently without power. We are in discussions with the city about how and when it might be restored. We will be communicating more about operations going forward tomorrow (Monday) after we are able to fully assess damages to campus buildings.
Please continue to monitor your email for daily updates from Tulane, which will also be posted at tulane.edu/emergency. For any questions, contact our Call Center at 504-865-5000. In addition, you can continue to stay updated with Nola Ready emergency alerts at ready.nola.gov/alerts.
Michael A. Fitts, President
Robin Forman, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Patrick Norton, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
