Classes suspended, some employees asked to stay home

Flood updates from the University of Iowa:

--Sally Mason, president of the University of Iowa, said Friday that all UI employees designated as non-essential should not report to work for one week, starting tomorrow, Saturday, June 14. Employees should check with their supervisors to see if they are designated as essential. Those employees deemed essential who are unable to return to their homes will be provided accommodations by the university. All staff will be paid for the week whether they are designated as essential or non-essential.

She said those employees who will not be working in the office or from their home are encouraged to volunteer for community service projects.

--Lola Lopes, interim associate vice president and provost, said all classes will be suspended for one week starting tomorrow, Saturday, June 14.

--When employees leave for work today, they should travel on routes that will be designated by the city later today. A map of those routes is available at http://jccog.org/headlines.asp?ID=131.

--The university asks that all people who are not UI employees or who are volunteering to fill sandbags to stay away from campus. The river is very dangerous and rising rapidly, In addition, streets are congested and the additional traffic is interfering with the university’s efforts to protect campus and evacuate buildings. Streets can also be closed at a moment’s notice.

--Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said the university’s priorities in combating the flood are providing utilities to UI Hospitals and clinics, protecting data and information technology systems, and protecting utilities to the entire campus.

--Volunteers are still needed to fill sandbags and should report to the University Services Building at Prentiss and Capitol Streets. Volunteers should no longer report to sandbag duty at the IMU, as the university is shifting its focus to buildings and facilities south of Iowa Avenue.

--Employees and UI residents are asked to begin rationing water and electricity immediately. Please turn off all lights, computers and other electrical appliances, and use water only for drinking.

--Jean Robillard, vice president for medical affairs, said University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will remain open and providing power and water to the facilities will be a university priority.