Wilma Update #20, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 5 p.m.
In this Update: How and Where to File Insurance Claims for Office Equipment; Classroom Relocations; and Supervised Children's Activities

The entire Hurricane Wilma loss recovery process starts with filing an insurance claim with the required documents. Claims are filed by the department of Environmental Health & Safety per building and must be packaged separately for each building.

Hurricane preparation costs and losses which are not eligible for insurance are then bundled and submitted to FEMA using the same information submitted for insurance claims.  

FEMA will not accept claims from the University unless:
a)        It is crystal clear that there will be no insurance coverage
b)        The State Insurance Program has denied the claim
c)        The State Insurance Program has identified how much of the loss they will pay

The office of EH&S will have a mobile insurance claim stations to assist departments in preparing their claims. Each department will also receive a hardcopy of the required documents by mail by early next week.

  Please note that: BUILDING damage reports must be reported to Work Management; CONTENT and moveable EQUIPMENT claims must be prepared by departments and submitted to Environmental Health & Safety.  Facilities Management and Environmental Health & Safety work together to bundle and submit claims to the State Insurance Bureau and to FEMA

Building related issues please call x7-4600 for proper processing and documentation.
Content and equipment related claims, please call 7-7960

FIU MOBILE INSURANCE CLAIM PREPARATION ASSISTANCE SCHEDULE FOR  BUILDING CONTENTS:

Biscayne Bay Campus:

Wolfe University Center
Tuesday November 8th
Panther Square: 10:00 to Noon
Engineering Center: 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Location: First Floor Lobby Area

Engineering Center:

Tuesday, November 8th                
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
First Floor Lobby Area

University Park:

CP Building
Thursday, November 3rd
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and

Thursday, November 10th
10 a.m. to 12 noon
Location TBA

DM Building
Friday, November 4th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and

Thursday, November 10th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location TBA

ECS Building
Monday, November 7th
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: TBA

OE Building
Wednesday, November 9th  
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location TBA

Flu Vaccines and Blood Drives

Flu vaccines, which were delayed because of Hurricane Wilma, will be offered beginning Monday, Nov. 7 in the Health Clinic at Biscayne Bay Campus (305-919-5620) and the General Medical Clinic at University Park (305-348-2401). The cost for students is $12, and $16 for faculty and staff. Your Panther ID is required. For more information please visit www.fiu.edu/~health/flu_update .

University Health Services in conjunction with Community Blood Centers (CBC) and Florida's Blood Centers (FBC) will be held on both campuses on the following dates and times:
University Park – (between bookstore and Gold Parking Garage)
Biscayne Bay Campus – (bus loop in front of Academic I)

· Thurs. Nov. 3 (10AM – 9PM)    
· Fri. Nov. 4 (10AM - 6PM)        
· Mon. Nov. 7 (10AM – 6 PM)  
· Tues. Nov. 8 (10AM – 9 PM)

All donors will receive free sub sandwich, drinks, and movie tickets.

Call 305-348-3080 for more information.

Mall Modular Classroom Changes

Supervised Children's Activities

Continuing in the spirit of flexibility, the FIU University Centers will provide “Supervised Children's Activity Areas” for children of faculty and staff beginning Tuesday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while children are out of school due to Hurricane Wilma. Children four to eleven years old will be provided with activities and games within the University Centers. Parents should provide snacks and lunch.

University Park: Graham Center Atrium , Call Ruth Hamilton at 305-348-2297.

Biscayne Bay Campus: Wolfe University Center Ballroom , Call Jennifer Cooper at 305-919-5912 or 305-919-5800.

Counseling Services

For those of us who need someone to talk to confidentially, licensed and trained counselors are available.

Students: University Counseling and Psychological Services
http://www.fiu.edu/~psychser

University Park Campus - UHSC 270, 305-348-2434
Biscayne Bay Campus - WUC 320, 305-919-5305

Faculty/Staff: Office of Employee Assistance
http://www.fiu.edu/~oea
HWC 208, 305-348-2469

Future Updates

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage ( www.fiu.edu ) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage ( www.fiu.edu/~oem ) for further updates and more detailed information.

Wilma Update #19, Tuesday, Nov. 1, 11:30 a.m.
In this Update: Emergency Repairs and Clean Up Continue, Flu Vaccine Availability, Classroom Relocations and Supervised Children’s Activities

With nearly every roof at FIU officially listed as a construction site, the Office of Facilities Management has restricted roof access to the crews assigned to assess or repair damages only.

With debris removal and repairs continuing, crews are being mindful of access issues into and out of buildings. If you see or encounter any access issues, please notify immediately the Office of Equal Opportunity Programs at 305-348-2785 or Facilities Management at 305-348-4000.

Flu Vaccines and Blood Drives

Flu vaccines, which were delayed because of Hurricane Wilma, will be offered beginning Monday, Nov. 7 in the Health Clinic at Biscayne Bay Campus (305-919-5620) and the General Medical Clinic at University Park (305-348-2401). The cost for students is $12, and $16 for faculty and staff. Your Panther ID is required. For more information please visit www.fiu.edu/~health/flu_update .

University Health Services in conjunction with Community Blood Centers (CBC) and Florida's Blood Centers (FBC) will be held on both campuses on the following dates and times:
University Park – (between bookstore and Gold Parking Garage)
Biscayne Bay Campus – (bus loop in front of Academic I)

Mall Modular Classroom Changes

Supervised Children’s Activities

Continuing in the spirit of flexibility, the FIU University Centers will provide “Supervised Children’s Activity Areas” for children of faculty and staff beginning Tuesday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while children are out of school due to Hurricane Wilma. Children four to eleven years old will be provided with activities and games within the University Centers. Parents should provide snacks and lunch.

University Park: Graham Center Atrium, Call Ruth Hamilton at 305-348-2297.

Biscayne Bay Campus: Wolfe University Center Ballroom, Call Jennifer Cooper at 305-919-5912 or 305-919-5800.

Counseling Services

For those of us who need someone to talk to confidentially, licensed and trained counselors are available.

Students: University Counseling and Psychological Services
http://www.fiu.edu/~psychser

University Park Campus - UHSC 270, 305-348-2434
Biscayne Bay Campus - WUC 320, 305-919-5305

Faculty/Staff: Office of Employee Assistance
http://www.fiu.edu/~oea
HWC 208, 305-348-2469

UTS Support Center Info

Faculty and staff who experience problems with their computers and phone service in the office should contact the UTS Support Center via the On-line Service Request System at http://uts.fiu.edu or at (305) 348-2284.

Future Updates

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage (www.fiu.edu/~oem) for further updates and more detailed information.

Wilma Update #18, Monday, Oct. 31, 3:30 p.m.
Supervised Children’s Activities, ADA Accessibility, Grad Student Info

As critical roofing and other repairs continue – and FIU’s campuses finished their first day of operations since Hurricane Wilma – University Housing reports that power has been restored to the University Park Apartments. The only facility still without power is the Ecology Building (ECO) at Biscayne Bay Campus.

Supervised Children’s Activities

Continuing in the spirit of flexibility, the FIU University Centers will provide “Supervised Children’s Activity Areas” for children of faculty and staff beginning Tuesday, November 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while children are out of school due to Hurricane Wilma. Children four to eleven years old will be provided with activities and games within the University Centers. Parents should provide snacks and lunch.

University Park: Graham Center Atrium, Call Ruth Hamilton at 305-348-2297.

Biscayne Bay Campus: Wolfe University Center Ballroom, Call Jennifer Cooper at 305-919-5912 or 305-919-5800.

ADA Accessibility

This means that all FIU buildings, except the ECO Building, are now fully ADA accessible.

Graduate Student Thesis and Dissertation Information

The October 27 deadline for submitting Form M-3 “Preliminary Approval of Thesis and Request for Oral Defense” and Form D-5 “Preliminary Approval of Dissertation and Request for Oral Defense” has been postponed to Thursday 10 November 2005.

The last date to hold the defense has been postponed to Wednesday, November 23, 2005.

The last date to submit final copy of the thesis or dissertation remains December 8, 2005.

The November 10 deadline for submitting Form M-2 “Master’s Thesis Proposal” (for master’s students planning to graduate in Spring 2006) and Form D-3 “Doctoral Dissertation Proposal" (for doctoral students planning to graduate in Fall 2006) has been postponed to Wednesday, November 23, 2005.

Counseling Services

For those of us who need someone to talk to confidentially, licensed and trained counselors are available.

Students: University Counseling and Psychological Services
http://www.fiu.edu/~psychser

University Park Campus - UHSC 270, 305-348-2434
Biscayne Bay Campus - WUC 320, 305-919-5305

Faculty/Staff: Office of Employee Assistance
http://www.fiu.edu/~oea
HWC 208, 305-348-2469

UTS Help Desk Info

Faculty and staff who experience problems with their computers and phone service in the office tomorrow should call the UTS Help Desk at 7-2284.

Future Updates

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage (www.fiu.edu/~oem) for further updates and more detailed information.

Hurricane Wilma Update #17, Sunday, Oct. 30, 11:30 a.m.
FIU: Re-Opening Information

With power to nearly all of FIU's campuses and facilities restored, the university will re-open Monday and resume normal operations.

That said, the university is committed to remaining flexible and understanding to individual needs and concerns during this time of transition.

This update contains information on counseling services, campus conditions, human resources, payroll, compensation for working during the emergency, parking and shuttle services, and how to get help if your work computer and phone are not working when you return to the office.

Counseling Services

For those of us who need someone to talk to confidentially, licensed and trained counselors are available.

Students: University Counseling and Psychological Services
http://www.fiu.edu/~psychser
University Park Campus - UHSC 270, 305-348-2434
Biscayne Bay Campus - WUC 320, 305-919-5305

Faculty/Staff: Office of Employee Assistance
http://www.fiu.edu/~oea
HWC 208, 305-348-2469

University Park Apartments

University Park Apartments buildings A, F, G, H and J are still without power, and as such the entire complex is without phone or Internet connectivity. Staffs from Housing, Student Affairs and Facilities and Maintenance continue their efforts to restore power as well as provide for the needs of those students affected.

UTS Help Desk Info

Faculty and staff who experience problems with their computers and phone service in the office tomorrow should call the UTS Help Desk at 7-2284.

Campus Conditions and Safety

By the time you return to FIU?s campuses Monday, most of the debris and damage will be cleared from sight. Where dangerous conditions may still exist, or facilities remain unusable, there will be warning signs and instructions for alternatives.

Curfew Issues

With a curfew still in effect for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, operational and class schedules will be adjusted to give students, staff and faculty enough time to get home safely. Curfew in Miami-Dade runs from Midnight to 6 a.m. In Broward, curfew runs from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking and Shuttle Service

The FIU shuttle services will be up and running on their regular schedules beginning Monday morning. All of the FIU parking garages and lots are in good condition except for some areas of Lot #7, which is near the baseball and football stadiums. The areas of concern are clearly marked. Please use caution when using Lot 7.

Human Resources - Personnel Issues

Due to Hurricane Wilma, Florida International University suspended all operations and activities effective noon on Sunday, October 23rd until 7:00 am on Monday, October 31st. Employees in benefits-earning positions will be paid administrative leave during this time.

Realizing that essential personnel were asked to work during the University's emergency closing period, following please find guidelines on how these employees will be compensated.

AFSCME and SEIU Covered Employees

Non-exempt USPS staff considered essential personnel, who were required to work during this time, will either be paid or given compensatory time at one-and-a-half times the number of hours worked. The decision of whether the non-exempt USPS staff receives accrued compensatory time or is actually paid for the hours worked will be at the discretion of the Dean, Director, or Department Head and based on past practice of the respective units and on appropriate budgetary authorization.

Exempt USPS staff required to work during this time, will accrue compensatory time at one hour for each hour worked.

Any compensatory hours accrued as a result of working during the University's emergency closing needs be used within the next 30 days, regardless of whether the USPS staff member is exempt or non-exempt.

PBA Covered Employees

Non-exempt staff considered essential personnel who were required to work during this time will be paid or given compensatory time at one-and-a-half times the number of hours worked. The decision of whether the non-exempt USPS staff receives accrued compensatory time or is actually paid for the hours worked will be at the discretion of the Director and based on past practice of the unit and on appropriate budgetary authorization.

Any compensatory hours accrued as a result of working during the University's emergency closing needs be used within the next 30 days.

Temporary Employees (CWS and all OPS):
All exempt temporary employees who worked during the University's emergency closing, will be compensated according to the hours worked.
Non-exempt temporary employees who worked over 40 hours in a given work week will be eligible for overtime pay at one-and-a-half times their hourly rate.

Based on the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) guidelines, all other exempt personnel will be compensated at their regular salary.

Payroll Certifications

Payroll Certifications, which were due on Monday, October 24, are to be submitted to the Payroll and Employee Records Department no later than 5p.m. on Monday, October 31st. Any corrections indicated on certifications that were not turned in prior to the University's emergency closing, will be adjusted in future paychecks.

Time Card Submission

Due to the upcoming Veteran's Day Holiday the University's payroll will be processed early. Therefore, ALL time cards must be submitted to the Payroll and Employee Records Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31st. Failure to have time cards submitted by this deadline jeopardizes employees receiving a paycheck on Friday, November 10th. Time cards that have hours worked reflected during the University's emergency closing period must be accompanied by a memo from the supervisor substantiating that the employee was considered "essential personnel."

Distribution of Paychecks

The schedule for distribution of payroll checks has been extended as follows for University Park Campus in the PC Building, Second Floor Lobby and at Biscayne Bay Campus in LIB 322:

Monday, October 31st
9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, November 1st and
Wednesday, November 2nd
3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Distribution Of Paycheck Stubs For Employees On Direct Deposit

Pay stubs, leave balances and time cards for employees participating in the Direct Deposit Program will be available for pick up by each respective Department/Unit after 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31st in the Payroll and Employee Records Department, PC 221.

Employee Emergency Assistance Loans

Employees who have suffered hurricane related damages may apply for Emergency Assistance loans of up to $5,000 beginning Monday, Oct. 31ST in the Division of Human Resources located in PC 224 at University Park and LIB 322 at Biscayne Bay Campus.

The terms of these loans will be for 36 months at fixed prime plus 1.5 percent and will be repaid through payroll deduction. FIU has facilitated and coordinated these loans on behalf of employees, which are being provided through the University Credit Union.

At this time, employees eligible for the loans are those covered by the PBA bargaining unit agreement and those in benefits earning positions not covered by a bargaining unit. Discussions are underway to expand eligibility to other employees.

Flexibility in the Face of Scattered, Widespread Power Outages

With power outages and a lack of water, fuel and food still affecting many in the community, we are reminding Deans, Directors, and Department Heads to remain flexible to help ensure a smooth transition to normal operations, which begin Monday, Oct. 31st.

We need to be cognizant of the fact that some areas were badly hit and that some employees who live in these areas are still having a difficult time finding fuel. We, therefore, recommend that to the extent possible, employees be allowed to use a combination of a compressed work schedule and alternate worksite to alleviate this issue.

Employees who require additional time off should use compensatory time before they use accrued annual leave.

Extension of Benefits Open Enrollment:

The Division of State Group Insurance (DSGI) has extended the Open Enrollment period for an additional two weeks for areas affected by Hurricane Wilma. The new Open Enrollment deadline will be Thursday, November 10th.

Elections made during this period can only be done by calling the PeopleFirst Service Center at (866) 663-4735, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time. The PeopleFirst website and IVR systems will be unavailable for benefits enrollment during this time. The FIU Benefits Administration Department will not be able to make changes for employees during this extension period. Changes made during this extension will be effective January 1, 2006. However, delays in receiving enrollment materials and benefit identification cards can be expected.

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage (www.fiu.edu/~oem) for further updates and more detailed information.

Hurricane Wilma Update #16, Saturday, Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m.
FIU: Flexibility in the Face of Scattered, Widespread Power Outages

With power outages and a lack of water, fuel and food still affecting many in the community, Florida International University is reminding supervisors, managers and professors to remain flexible to help ensure a smooth transition to normal operations, which begin Monday, Oct. 31.

Campus Conditions and Safety

By the time you return to FIU?s campuses Monday, most of the debris and damage will be cleared from sight. Where dangerous conditions may still exist, or facilities remain unusable, there will be warning signs and instructions for alternatives.

Curfew Issues

With a curfew still in effect for Miami-Dade and Broward counties, operational and class schedules will be adjusted to give students, staff and faculty enough time to get home safely. Curfew in Miami-Dade runs from Midnight to 6 a.m. In Broward, curfew runs from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking and Shuttle Service

The FIU shuttle services will be up and running on their regular schedules beginning Monday morning. All of the FIU parking garages and lots are in good condition except for some areas of Lot #7, which is near the baseball and football stadiums. The areas of concern are clearly marked. Please use caution when using Lot 7.

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage (www.fiu.edu/~oem) for further updates and more detailed information.

Hurricane Wilma Update #15, Oct. 28, 6:30 p.m
Classroom Locations Changes for MM Buildings, More Personnel Issues

Classroom Location Changes >

Due to damage caused by Hurricane Wilma, classes held in the MM Buildings (Mall Modular) will be moved to the following new locations:

MM 2 120 (Mall Modular)

Personnel Issues >

Extension of Benefits Open Enrollment
The Division of State Group Insurance (DSGI) has extended the Open Enrollment period for state employees affected by Hurricane Wilma for two weeks. Open Enrollment for those employees will end Thursday, Nov. 10.

Elections made during this period can only be done by calling the PeopleFirst Service Center at (866) 663-4735, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm Eastern Time. The PeopleFirst website and IVR systems will be unavailable for benefits enrollment during this time. The FIU Benefits Department will not be able to make changes for employees during this extension period.

Changes made during this extension will be effective January 1, 2006. However, delays in receiving enrollment materials and benefit identification cards can be expected.

Emergency Loans
FIU employees covered in PBA bargaining unit agreement will be eligible for participation in the Emergency Assistance Loan Program. Please see earlier updates for more information on this program.

Distribution of Payroll Checks
Extended Hours: UP and BBC:
Monday 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage (http://www.fiu.edu/~oem) for further updates.

Hurricane Wilma Update #14, Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m.
FIU To Re-Open Monday, Open Enrollment Extended

Florida International University will re-open and resume normal operations on Monday, October 31.

Libraries
The main FIU libraries at Biscayne Bay Campus and University Park will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information as to the libraries' schedules for next week, please check for further updates on the FIU Homepage.

Campus Access
Access to all locations and campuses (except the libraries) remains limited to faculty
and staff needing to get into laboratories or offices. Students, staff and faculty will have access to the libraries beginning Saturday (see above).

Students
Students may begin returning to residence halls on Sunday. It is important to note that buildings A, F, G, H, J do not have power. Housing and Facilities staff are working together to solve this issue. Please check the FIU Homepage for updates on this situation.

Regular meal plan schedules and rules will be in effect beginning with Saturday morning's breakfast.

Personnel
The Open Enrollment period for staff and faculty to sign up for or change their benefits packages has been extended for FIU employees through Nov. 10.

Employees who have suffered hurricane related damages may begin applying for Emergency Assistance loans of up to $5,000 beginning Monday, Oct. 31. Employees will need to apply for these loans in person in the Human Resources Office, which is located in Room 224 of the PC Building.

The terms of these loans will be for 36 months at fixed prime plus 1.5 percent and will be repaid through payroll deduction. FIU has facilitated and coordinated these loans on behalf of employees, which are being provided through the University Credit Union.

At this time, employees eligible for the loans are non-temporary employees not covered by a bargaining unit. Discussions are underway to expand eligibility.

Please contact Human Resources beginning Monday, Oct. 31 for more information.

Counseling Services
University Counseling and Psychological Services will have licensed and trained counselors on hand for students, staff and faculty needing to talk confidentially during these difficult times.

Students: University Counseling and Psychological Services
http://www.fiu.edu/~psychserv
University Park Campus UHSC 270, 305-348-2434
Biscayne Bay Campus -WUC 320, 305-919-5305

Faculty/Staff: Office of Employee Assistance
http://www.fiu.edu/~oea
HWC 208, 305-348-2469

Office Insurance Claims

Here is the schedule of hours and locations for the Mobile Building Content Insurance Claim Assistance Team for those offices needing to file insurance claims for damaged equipment.

Tues., Nov. 1 : EC Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 2 : OE Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 3 : CP Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 4 : DM Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 7 : ECS Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 8 : EC Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 9 : OE Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thurs., Nov 10 : CP Building, 10 a.m. to Noon; and
DM Building, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fri. Nov. 11 : Veterans Day Holiday

Please continue to check the FIU Help Line (305-348-HELP, 4357), the FIU Homepage (www.fiu.edu ) and the FIU Office of Emergency Management's Homepage ( http://www.fiu.edu/~oem ) for further updates.

Hurricane Wilma Update #13 for Thursday, October 27, at 12 noon

FIU Payroll Systems Operational, Residence Halls Will Re-open Sunday, Emergency Loan Applications Available beginning Monday

As systems come back online and buildings are declared minimally safe, operations at Florida International University are moving toward normal. Classes and normal operations are scheduled to resume on Monday, October 31.

Human Resources and Employee Relations

FIU employees who are not part of the direct deposit payroll process can pick up their paychecks in the normal locations at the normal times, Friday from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.:

University Park: 2nd Floor Lobby of the PC Building (in front of Human Resources);
Biscayne Bay Campus: Human Resources Office, 3rd Floor of the Library Building.

FIU employees who receive their paychecks through the direct deposit program will receive their paychecks in their accounts by Friday morning, October 28.

Employees who have suffered hurricane related damages may begin applying for Emergency Assistance loans of up to $5,000 beginning Monday, October 31. Employees will need to apply for these loans in person in the Human Resources Office, which is located in Room 224 of the PC Building. For more information, please call 305-348-2190. The terms of these loans will be for 36 months at fixed prime plus 1.5 percent and will be repaid through payroll deduction. FIU has facilitated and coordinated these loans on behalf of employees, which are being provided through the University Credit Union. The FIU Credit Union will be open on Friday, Oct. 28.

At this time, employees eligible for the loans are non-temporary employees not covered by a bargaining unit. Discussions are underway to expand eligibility.

Communications

University Technology Services is working to bring all the communications and computing systems back on line. Currently the VOIP phone system is operational and staff, students and faculty can access their email through the Web Mail system. The regular mail servers are expected back online soon.

Access to Campus

Access to campus remains limited at this time. Faculty and staff who need to come to campus or any FIU location or facility should work through their deans or department heads to ensure safety.

Faculty and staff who do come to campus are asked to report any damage or unsafe conditions to the Facilities and Maintenance Office at 305-348-4600. All facilities have been assessed, but that does not mean every water breach or damage from the storm has been noted. Your help in this matter is much appreciated.

Students

Students who evacuated during the storm may begin returning to the residence halls Sunday morning. Student Meals continue to be provided to students in the FIU residence halls regardless of meal plan status.

Recovery Operations

Starting Monday, October 31, a recovery phone line will be operational for the FIU community to call with questions about the recovery process from how to process insurance claims with Environmental Health and Safety, to the status of classes and buildings, to how to apply for emergency assistance loans. That number is 305-348-STEP (7837). Beginning Monday, the phone will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please continue to monitor the FIU Help Line, 305-348-4357, the FIU Homepage, www.fiu.edu and its emergency back up, www.fiu911.org. for further updates.

Hurricane Wilma Update #12, Oct. 25, 12:00 p.m.
All FIU Campuses Remain Closed; Cleanup and Recovery Underway

To ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff, a thorough damage assessment of all FIU campuses and facilities are still under way. Some buildings have sustained major damage.

It is with this in mind that emergency management officials are urging the FIU community to stay off campus. Anyone needing access to any location is asked to work through their Dean, Department Head or Public Safety at 305-348-2626.

We remain confident that your University will reopen and resume mostly normal operations on Monday Oct. 31st.

Please continue to check the FIU helpline, 305-348-HELP (4357) or the backup website www.fiu911.org for updates regarding the University's operational status.