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FAQ - As posted on www.umd.edu
What is the status of classes at the University of Maryland? Day and evening classes at the University of Maryland will resume on Wednesday, September 26. Commuting students are encouraged to allow extra time in getting to campus as conditions of roadways leading to the university may cause detours. Students are urged to listen to the radio for the latest information concerning road closures.
What is the extent of the injuries associated with the tornado?
An estimated other students were treated for minor cuts and bruises and released; approximately half of these were treated at the Student Health Center.
In light of the disaster, what support services are available to students at the university?
The university has counselors available in all of the dormitories on campus as well as the ongoing counseling services that have been offered since the September 11, 2001, terrorist strike. University Police are currently helping students locate their cars (about 300 cars were damaged), arrange for removal, and to gather information for insurance purposes.
What is the extent of damage to the university?
Estimate of damage to buildings and grounds is still being evaluated and university officials are unable to place a dollar estimate at this time. Governor Parris Glendening has declared Prince George's County, where the university is located, a federal disaster area, paving the way for Federal Disaster Relief funds.
No major damage was sustained by the main academic buildings; however an apartment complex for students, University Courtyards, opened one year ago, did sustain extensive damage and is uninhabitable at this time. The 704 students who live there will be relocated temporarily. At present, there is no power in the University Courtyard community.
University students who were evacuated from dormitories in the aftermath of last evening's tornado were able to return to their dorms by midnight. All buildings on the university's power grid have full power.
Much of the clean-up effort today involves the removal of downed trees and the identification of owners of the more than 300 cars in Lots 1 and 2 and Chesapeake lots that were damaged. In addition, the President's House sustained extensive damage as well as Veterinary Science facilities and the tennis bubble.
What is the status of living arrangements for students who reside in University Courtyards?
University Courtyards are uninhabitable and expected to remain so for the next couple of weeks. Currently, there are no phone, power, or data connections. University Police are handling security for the complex. Students who reside in other campus dormitories are being asked to share their space with those displaced. Resident Life is providing portable cots to accommodate. For those students still in need of housing, cots will be made available in the Campus Recreation Center this evening. Consideration is being given to offering a meal plan for students housed in University Courtyards, since it is an apartment complex with kitchens.
What about access roads into and out of the university?
Route 1 South to the main entrance is open, although traffic is being directed by State Police as traffic lights are still out. University Boulevard, from Rhode Island Avenue to Adelphi Road, is closed currently. It may reopen later this evening, September 25.
Resident Life is assisting the University Courtyard management staff by urgently requesting that you consider taking a University Courtyard resident into your apartment or suite for the next several days or possibly weeks. Damages to the University Courtyard apartments are such that it is not clear how soon the residents will be able to retrieve their belongings or move back in.
Last evening a tornado with lethal force touched down on campus and traveled beyond here wreaking havoc of a magnitude not seen before.
Seven staff members of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute were themselves rescued by fire and rescue teams from their totally demolished quarters. Students lost housing, automobiles, and personal belongings. The President's Residence was severely damaged.
Last week we pulled together to stand behind the nation. This week we come together even more strongly to support ourselves. I am deeply impressed by the immediate commitment of everyone to help the victims and get the campus back on its feet. From helping students to evaluating damage, removing debris, and finding emergency aid, there is much being done. Strength shows itself in times of crisis, and I am impressed by how strong we are. Many worked throughout the night and are determined to continue as necessary to put the campus back on track. It has steeled our determination to move forward together with perseverance and commitment.
Thank you all - I am very proud of our campus.
C. D. Mote Jr. President