(DES MOINES) - Today, Governor Chet Culver announced that three eastern Iowa community leaders - Aegon USA Chief Executive Officer Pat Baird, Rockwell Collins Chief Executive Officer Clay Jones, and University of Iowa President Sally Mason will represent Eastern Iowa in a new statewide private fundraising initiative designed to help the victims of this year's severe weather and historic flooding. Governor Culver announced the effort earlier this week, which will be spearheaded by civic leaders Barry Griswell and Fred Hubbell.
"This year's flooding has impacted tens of thousands of Iowans, and it will take the help of many to get all Iowans back on their feet," said Governor Chet Culver. "That is why I am proud that Cedar Rapids Business Leaders Pat Baird and Clay Jones, as well as University of Iowa President Sally Mason have agreed to join in this fundraising effort. Sally, Clay, and Pat have demonstrated their deep commitment to their communities and to Iowa as a whole. They will bring invaluable experience to this committee of business and community leaders, and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the committee as we begin to rebuild Iowa."
"This catastrophic event has affected the lives of thousands across our state, including many in my hometown of Cedar Rapids," said Clay Jones. "I look forward to joining this effort and doing whatever I can to rebuild, restore and revitalize our community and make it even better than before."
Clay Jones has served as Chairman, President, and CEO of Cedar Rapids-based Rockwell Collins since June of 2002. He had been president and chief executive officer of Rockwell Collins since 2001. Jones serves on the Board of Directors of Priority One (Cedar Rapids' economic development organization), the Tippie College of Business Board of Visitors at The University of Iowa, the Board of Trustees for the United Way of East Central Iowa (UWECI), and is a member of the Iowa Business Council.
"Rarely have our communities and our state been so tested, but working and standing together, we will get through this historic disaster," Sally Mason said. "The University community is deeply indebted to Governor Culver for his efforts on our behalf, and I look forward to marshaling the spirit of giving to return that favor for the benefit of all Iowans."
Sally Mason - who was selected by the Iowa Board of Regents exactly one year ago today -- became the 20th President of The University of Iowa on August 1, 2007. She holds a full professorship with tenure in the Department of Biological Sciences of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She served as Provost of Purdue University from 2001-2007. From 1995 to 2001, she was Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the largest academic unit on the University of Kansas campus. Mason is currently co-chair of the Chicago Council Task Force on National Energy Policy and Midwestern Competitiveness.
"Watching these historic floods overtake so many communities throughout Iowa was heartbreaking," said Aegon USA CEO Pat Baird. "But from this tragedy has come hope - hope for a stronger, brighter future for our state. I am honored to join in this effort, and know that together with the spirit and generosity of Iowans, we can return life to normal for those who have been affected."
Pat Baird has served as President and CEO of Aegon USA since 2002. A native of Vinton - which was also affected by this year's flooding - Baird serves on many boards for community organizations that share the common theme of making the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City corridor a better place to live.
Earlier this week, Governor Culver announced the creation of the new statewide private fundraising effort, which will be led by Principal Chairman Barry Griswell and former Equitable of Iowa President Fred Hubbell.
Governor Culver continues to reach out to eastern Iowa business leaders to ask for their assistance.
"I want to thank Clay, Pat, and Sally for agreeing to join in this unprecedented fundraising effort, and I look forward to working with him," said Barry Griswell. "Their years of service and expertise as civic and business leaders will be invaluable as we begin to direct financial help where it is needed most."
Contact: Troy Price, 515-281-0173
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Update issued on IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Dear IIHR Advisory Board Members,
I would like to update you on the status of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering and the massing flooding in Iowa and on the University of Iowa campus. Many parts of the state are experiencing unprecedented floods and widespread damage to roads and bridges, homes, businesses, and crops. The Cedar River and Iowa River recently crested many feet above their highest documented levels.
Our landmark building, the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory (SHL) located on the Iowa River was evacuated on Friday, June 13. At about noon, the building's exterior doors were chained and padlocked and power was turned off to the building. Soon after the evacuation, the SHL sub-basement flooded. Since then, IIHR staff have been manning pumps around the clock to remove water from the SHL sub-basement to prevent river water from entering the ship hydrodynamics tow tank or compromising the tow tank equipment. Pumps are also keeping the building transformer platform from flooding. So far, these efforts, in combination with all of the sandbags place by IIHR students and staff and local volunteers last week, have been successful. The towing tank equipment and the transformer remain dry.
I am pleased to report that the Iowa River crested in Iowa City on Sunday, June 15th - earlier and lower than expected. We will remain stationed by the building at the pumps for several days, perhaps even a couple weeks, until the river level drops significantly. I am optimistic that the critical towing tank and building transformer will be spared. IIHR's south campus buildings (East Annex, Model Annex, and Wind Tunnel Annex) are also flooded. We won't know the extent of the damage until we can re-enter them. Critical equipment in these building was placed well above anticipated flood levels too.
Many other buildings on The University of Iowa campus are far worse than SHL. Especially hard hit was the arts campus (the visual and performing arts buildings such as Hancher Auditorium and the Museum of Art). The University of Iowa home page has more information about the damage on campus (www.uiowa.edu). [Note: Also see the UI Flood Information blog here.] The IIHR web site (www.iihr.uiowa.edu ) has preliminary flood information, and will be updated as soon as we have full computer access again - hopefully by early next week.
I'll try to provide you with periodic updates in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please contact Carmen Langel (carmen-langel@uiowa.edu) or me (larry-weber@uiowa.edu) if you have any concerns.
Best Regards,
I would like to update you on the status of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering and the massing flooding in Iowa and on the University of Iowa campus. Many parts of the state are experiencing unprecedented floods and widespread damage to roads and bridges, homes, businesses, and crops. The Cedar River and Iowa River recently crested many feet above their highest documented levels.
Our landmark building, the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory (SHL) located on the Iowa River was evacuated on Friday, June 13. At about noon, the building's exterior doors were chained and padlocked and power was turned off to the building. Soon after the evacuation, the SHL sub-basement flooded. Since then, IIHR staff have been manning pumps around the clock to remove water from the SHL sub-basement to prevent river water from entering the ship hydrodynamics tow tank or compromising the tow tank equipment. Pumps are also keeping the building transformer platform from flooding. So far, these efforts, in combination with all of the sandbags place by IIHR students and staff and local volunteers last week, have been successful. The towing tank equipment and the transformer remain dry.
I am pleased to report that the Iowa River crested in Iowa City on Sunday, June 15th - earlier and lower than expected. We will remain stationed by the building at the pumps for several days, perhaps even a couple weeks, until the river level drops significantly. I am optimistic that the critical towing tank and building transformer will be spared. IIHR's south campus buildings (East Annex, Model Annex, and Wind Tunnel Annex) are also flooded. We won't know the extent of the damage until we can re-enter them. Critical equipment in these building was placed well above anticipated flood levels too.
The support of the local community has been outstanding, but I am especially proud of the efforts by IIHR students and staff to sandbag critical parts of the building to help safeguard the facility. In addition, the full evacuation of personnel, computers, and essential research materials from SHL in just a few short hours was amazing. Our people exemplified the true spirit of the IIHR family.
Until the flood waters completely recede and SHL is safe to reoccupy, our colleagues in the main UI engineering building (Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences) on the east side of the Iowa River graciously found office or desk space for all IIHR students, staff, and
faculty housed in SHL (about 100 people!). We will be able to continue most of our teaching and research activities there, but I look forward to the day when we all move back together into SHL.
faculty housed in SHL (about 100 people!). We will be able to continue most of our teaching and research activities there, but I look forward to the day when we all move back together into SHL.
Many other buildings on The University of Iowa campus are far worse than SHL. Especially hard hit was the arts campus (the visual and performing arts buildings such as Hancher Auditorium and the Museum of Art). The University of Iowa home page has more information about the damage on campus (www.uiowa.edu). [Note: Also see the UI Flood Information blog here.] The IIHR web site (www.iihr.uiowa.edu ) has preliminary flood information, and will be updated as soon as we have full computer access again - hopefully by early next week.
I'll try to provide you with periodic updates in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please contact Carmen Langel (carmen-langel@uiowa.edu) or me (larry-weber@uiowa.edu) if you have any concerns.
Best Regards,
Larry J. Weber
Director, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Director, IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering
Several parking lots reopen and Cambus routes resume Monday
Receding water will allow several University of Iowa parking lots to reopen Monday, June 23.
Cambus will resume its regular routes on Monday, once again servicing Madison Street and all other stops that are not on roads closed due to flooding. The shuttle service from the Sycamore Mall parking lot to campus will discontinue Monday.
On the east side of Iowa River, parking lots 8 and 11 (partial), 20, 51, 64 (partial), the IMU Parking Ramp and the North Campus Parking Ramp will reopen.
On the West side of the Iowa River, Lot 25, half of Lot 55 (Hancher Commuter) and the Hydraulics Lab parking meters will reopen.
Permit and public parking areas that remain closed are:
East side of Iowa River: Lot 3 (Library Lot), 7, 11 (partial), 18, 53, 56 (Mayflower), 64 (partial), Main Library parking meters, IMU parking meters and Mayflower parking meters.
West side of Iowa River: lots 16, 17, 19, 28, 42, half of Lot 55 (Hancher Commuter), Art Building parking meters, Theatre parking meters and Music parking meters.
Everyone assigned to a parking space that has flooded was offered an alternative – a new parking space, or a free transit pass. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Parking and Transportation Office at 319-335-1475
Students and employees are still encouraged to walk, bike or bus to campus if possible.
Also starting Monday, a special Cambus route will provide service from Parklawn Residence Hall to Hardin Library, where riders can transfer to the Pentacrest or Red Route. Stops will be made every 15 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cambus will make every effort to keep routes running on time, but riders are asked to remain patient when buses are delayed due to traffic congestion. Please contact the Cambus dispatcher at 319-335-8633 with questions.
Click here for further parking and transportation announcements.
Cambus will resume its regular routes on Monday, once again servicing Madison Street and all other stops that are not on roads closed due to flooding. The shuttle service from the Sycamore Mall parking lot to campus will discontinue Monday.
On the east side of Iowa River, parking lots 8 and 11 (partial), 20, 51, 64 (partial), the IMU Parking Ramp and the North Campus Parking Ramp will reopen.
On the West side of the Iowa River, Lot 25, half of Lot 55 (Hancher Commuter) and the Hydraulics Lab parking meters will reopen.
Permit and public parking areas that remain closed are:
East side of Iowa River: Lot 3 (Library Lot), 7, 11 (partial), 18, 53, 56 (Mayflower), 64 (partial), Main Library parking meters, IMU parking meters and Mayflower parking meters.
West side of Iowa River: lots 16, 17, 19, 28, 42, half of Lot 55 (Hancher Commuter), Art Building parking meters, Theatre parking meters and Music parking meters.
Everyone assigned to a parking space that has flooded was offered an alternative – a new parking space, or a free transit pass. Anyone with questions is encouraged to call the Parking and Transportation Office at 319-335-1475
Students and employees are still encouraged to walk, bike or bus to campus if possible.
Also starting Monday, a special Cambus route will provide service from Parklawn Residence Hall to Hardin Library, where riders can transfer to the Pentacrest or Red Route. Stops will be made every 15 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cambus will make every effort to keep routes running on time, but riders are asked to remain patient when buses are delayed due to traffic congestion. Please contact the Cambus dispatcher at 319-335-8633 with questions.
Click here for further parking and transportation announcements.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Regents to tour flood damage Monday
The following news release was issued Friday, June 20, 2008, by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robert Donley, Executive Director, Board of Regents, State of Iowa
(515) 281-3934
Board of Regents Representatives to Tour Flood Damage at University of Iowa
(URBANDALE, Iowa) – Board of Regents President David Miles, and President Pro Tem Jack Evans, will visit the University of Iowa on Monday, June 23, to observe the massive impact on the University from the historic flooding of the Iowa River. The Regents will be available to meet with the press at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2520D of the University Capitol Centre.
The visit will allow the Regents to view first-hand the significant damage to the University buildings, infrastructure and other property, as well as the results of the extraordinary University and volunteer efforts which protected the University from greater damage and disruption in response to this historic threat. The Regents will also observe the University’s efforts as it begins the massive clean-up and recovery work that will be ongoing in the months ahead.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robert Donley, Executive Director, Board of Regents, State of Iowa
(515) 281-3934
Board of Regents Representatives to Tour Flood Damage at University of Iowa
(URBANDALE, Iowa) – Board of Regents President David Miles, and President Pro Tem Jack Evans, will visit the University of Iowa on Monday, June 23, to observe the massive impact on the University from the historic flooding of the Iowa River. The Regents will be available to meet with the press at 2:30 p.m. in Room 2520D of the University Capitol Centre.
The visit will allow the Regents to view first-hand the significant damage to the University buildings, infrastructure and other property, as well as the results of the extraordinary University and volunteer efforts which protected the University from greater damage and disruption in response to this historic threat. The Regents will also observe the University’s efforts as it begins the massive clean-up and recovery work that will be ongoing in the months ahead.
Fox, Big Ten Network to launch 'Support the UI' Day Sunday
This Sunday, June 22, Fox and the Big Ten Network (BTN) will launch a daylong "Support the UI" day, running Public Service Announcements and a "screen crawl" sending TV viewers to our flood-fund giving page. The UI has also have received word that Fox's parent company, News Corporation, will match all gifts made during this one-day promotion.
UI President Sally Mason's first priority is to use the UI Flood Relief Fund to assist students, faculty, and staff who have been displaced as a result of the flooding, and thereafter, to address other flood-related needs throughout the campus.
Special Section: Health Issues During Flood Recovery
[Related: Public health experts at the University Hygienic Laboratory and the UI College of Public Health held a special media briefing today to discuss their initiative to develop and distribute information to aid Iowans as they face the daunting and protracted task of cleanup and recovery. Read about the briefing here. Listen to an mp3 audio file of the session here.]
The flood of 2008 that devastated more than 80 counties in Iowa now challenges the public health community to develop strategies that will help guide Iowans through the recovery process.
In many areas, we do not know the extent of damage to homes and businesses. We do know that the record flood levels isolated people from their normal routines and presents many health risks from contaminants in water that still flows through our communities.
Public health partners at the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) and the UI College of Public Health (CPH) collaborate on developing and distributing the following information that will aid Iowans as we face the daunting and protracted task of clean-up and recovery. We encourage you to send us your ideas and suggestions for other topics as we look for ways to protect the health of Iowans during this time of emergency.
Informational Topics
The University of Iowa College of Public Health and the University Hygienic Laboratory developed the following materials to inform you about potential health hazards you may face after the recent flood. Listed below are links to fact sheets about each topic and video clips that explain what you might encounter.
Links:
- University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water (June 25, 2008 news release) NEW
PDFs:
VIDEO: Coping with the stress of an emergency (Dr. Kathleen Staley)
VIDEO: Is water from my well safe to drink? (Nancy Hall)
Look for additional topics and videos in coming weeks. Meanwhile, here are a list of additional resources:
University Hygienic Laboratory – Water testing, environmental and public health concerns
Iowa Department of Public Health – Flood-related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Key Facts About Hurricane and Flood Recovery
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Floods
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies
Evacuation Considerations for Persons who are Elderly, Disabled or Have Special Medical Care Issues
University Hygienic Laboratory – Water testing, environmental and public health concerns
Iowa Department of Public Health – Flood-related Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Key Facts About Hurricane and Flood Recovery
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Floods
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies
Evacuation Considerations for Persons who are Elderly, Disabled or Have Special Medical Care Issues
UI Memo on Charging and Documenting Flood Related Costs
MEMORANDUM
TO: Deans, Directors, and Departmental Executive Officers
FROM: Terry Johnson, Associate Vice-President & Controller
RE: Charging and Documenting Flood Related Costs
DATE: June 19, 2008
The University has expended significant efforts to protect its employees, buildings, equipment, books, and other assets from flood-related loss or damage. We recognize that these efforts have taken place across various departments on campus. FEMA and the University’s flood-damage insurance carrier have very specific requirements for documenting flood-related costs. Costs must be identifiable to a University department and to a University building. As a result, we are asking departments to set up new WhoKeys utilizing the following centrally defined grant-program numbers which correspond to the disaster relief phases prescribed by the University’s insurance carrier and FEMA. A description of each phase is also included at the end of this memo.
Grant Program (Description)
50600001 (Flood Ph I – Preventative/Protective Measures)
50600002 (Flood Ph II – Clean-up/Debris Removal -- use limited primarily to Facilities Management)
50600003 (Flood Ph III – Repair/Replacement-Buildings, Contents & Equipment)
Clean-up/Debris Removal and Repair/Replacement-Buildings Services will be coordinated by Risk Management. Campus should not hire services to perform these tasks without contacting Risk Management. Such services may be denied from reimbursement by insurance or FEMA if the right process is not followed.
Each new WhoKey will be established in Fund 275 using your department’s unique org and department codes. If desired, you can also attribute costs to a sub-department. Grant-Program will be one or more of the codes listed above. Function code is 00. Accounting Services staff is available to set up Fund 275 WhoKeys for your unit. Please email all requests to your primary Org contact in Accounting Services (http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusas/contact.html#staff) and copy Steve Romont (steven-romont@uiowa.edu) and Amy Welter (amy-welter@uiowa.edu). As transactions are charged to one of these flood-related WhoKeys (accounts), it is important to assign the cost to the appropriate Institutional Account in order for costs to be properly categorized (e.g.: supplies, non-capitalized equipment, capitalized equipment, etc.). Costs charged elsewhere must be CV’d to one of these flood-related WhoKeys.
Expenditures charged to a flood account will be required to be accompanied by The UI Flood 2008 Justification Form (http://www.uiowa.edu/~purchase/purchase/P_Forms/
TO: Deans, Directors, and Departmental Executive Officers
FROM: Terry Johnson, Associate Vice-President & Controller
RE: Charging and Documenting Flood Related Costs
DATE: June 19, 2008
The University has expended significant efforts to protect its employees, buildings, equipment, books, and other assets from flood-related loss or damage. We recognize that these efforts have taken place across various departments on campus. FEMA and the University’s flood-damage insurance carrier have very specific requirements for documenting flood-related costs. Costs must be identifiable to a University department and to a University building. As a result, we are asking departments to set up new WhoKeys utilizing the following centrally defined grant-program numbers which correspond to the disaster relief phases prescribed by the University’s insurance carrier and FEMA. A description of each phase is also included at the end of this memo.
Grant Program (Description)
50600001 (Flood Ph I – Preventative/Protective Measures)
50600002 (Flood Ph II – Clean-up/Debris Removal -- use limited primarily to Facilities Management)
50600003 (Flood Ph III – Repair/Replacement-Buildings, Contents & Equipment)
Clean-up/Debris Removal and Repair/Replacement-Buildings Services will be coordinated by Risk Management. Campus should not hire services to perform these tasks without contacting Risk Management. Such services may be denied from reimbursement by insurance or FEMA if the right process is not followed.
Each new WhoKey will be established in Fund 275 using your department’s unique org and department codes. If desired, you can also attribute costs to a sub-department. Grant-Program will be one or more of the codes listed above. Function code is 00. Accounting Services staff is available to set up Fund 275 WhoKeys for your unit. Please email all requests to your primary Org contact in Accounting Services (http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusas/contact.html#staff) and copy Steve Romont (steven-romont@uiowa.edu) and Amy Welter (amy-welter@uiowa.edu). As transactions are charged to one of these flood-related WhoKeys (accounts), it is important to assign the cost to the appropriate Institutional Account in order for costs to be properly categorized (e.g.: supplies, non-capitalized equipment, capitalized equipment, etc.). Costs charged elsewhere must be CV’d to one of these flood-related WhoKeys.
Expenditures charged to a flood account will be required to be accompanied by The UI Flood 2008 Justification Form (http://www.uiowa.edu/~purchase/purchase/P_Forms/
UI_Flood_2008_Justification_Form.xls). This form details the nature of the flood-related costs, the room number and building location of the purchased items. The form must be attached to the transaction – requisition, e-Voucher or procurement card. A justification form must also be completed for all costs which are CV’d to a flood-related WhoKey. In this case, the justification form should be emailed to flood2008@uiowa.edu. Purchasing or Risk Management will perform an initial review of the justification to determine if it qualifies for insurance reimbursement. If not, the requisition or e-voucher claim will be denied and the department will have to record the transaction on a departmental MFK. If it is approved by Purchasing then the expense will be charged to the flood-related Account. Final settlement will be made with FEMA and the University’s flood insurance carrier in the future. At that point, the University will know how much of the flood expense will be funded from either insurance proceeds or FEMA. Options for expenses not covered include University or departmental funds as well as direct requests for support from the State.
Within the University’s accounting system, building codes are recorded in the Cost Center element of the MFK. You may find a list of buildings and related cost center codes that were affected by the flood in a document called Flood Related Costs - Allowable Building Codes in the following website: http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusrm/. If costs were incurred in protecting buildings that are not shown on this list please contact Donna Pearcy, Director of Risk Management, to see if these costs can be included in the flood damage insurance claim.
If you have questions related to charging of flood-related costs, please send an email to the following address: flood2008@uiowa.edu. Risk Management, Purchasing & Controllers Office will work together to respond to questions as promptly as possible.
Please pass on this memo to others in your unit as appropriate. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.
Description of Disaster Relief Phases:
Phase I – Preventative/Protective (Grant-Program 50600001). This includes resources expended for the purpose of protecting & safeguarding University assets (buildings, equipment, inventory, etc.). These measures are taken before, during, and after a disaster to save lives, protect health & safety and prevent damage to property. Such activities may include, but is not limited to, the following: sandbagging, provision of food, water, ice & other essential needs, provision of shelters, emergency care, packing boxes and supplies or cost to relocate employees and departments, temporary storage of furniture, equipment purchases and supplies.
Phase II – Clean-up/Debris Removal. (Grant-Program 50600002). This includes resources expended for the purpose of clean-up activities, including debris removal. Costs expended for efforts in Phase II will primarily be made by central Finance & Operations staff. Departments should not engage in any clean-up/debris removal activities as the University has hired two external firms, BMS and Cotton, to perform this work in collaboration with Risk Management & Facilities Management. For additional details, please read the document posted on the Risk Management website www.uiowa.edu/~fusrm.
Phase III – Repair/Replacement (Grant-Program 50600003). This includes resources expended for the purpose of repairing/replacing damaged buildings, equipment or supplies. Finance & Operations staff will be responsible for managing the repair and replacement of University facilities. Departmental staff may be responsible for ordering equipment and supplies damaged by the flood.
Within the University’s accounting system, building codes are recorded in the Cost Center element of the MFK. You may find a list of buildings and related cost center codes that were affected by the flood in a document called Flood Related Costs - Allowable Building Codes in the following website: http://www.uiowa.edu/~fusrm/. If costs were incurred in protecting buildings that are not shown on this list please contact Donna Pearcy, Director of Risk Management, to see if these costs can be included in the flood damage insurance claim.
If you have questions related to charging of flood-related costs, please send an email to the following address: flood2008@uiowa.edu. Risk Management, Purchasing & Controllers Office will work together to respond to questions as promptly as possible.
Please pass on this memo to others in your unit as appropriate. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience.
Description of Disaster Relief Phases:
Phase I – Preventative/Protective (Grant-Program 50600001). This includes resources expended for the purpose of protecting & safeguarding University assets (buildings, equipment, inventory, etc.). These measures are taken before, during, and after a disaster to save lives, protect health & safety and prevent damage to property. Such activities may include, but is not limited to, the following: sandbagging, provision of food, water, ice & other essential needs, provision of shelters, emergency care, packing boxes and supplies or cost to relocate employees and departments, temporary storage of furniture, equipment purchases and supplies.
Phase II – Clean-up/Debris Removal. (Grant-Program 50600002). This includes resources expended for the purpose of clean-up activities, including debris removal. Costs expended for efforts in Phase II will primarily be made by central Finance & Operations staff. Departments should not engage in any clean-up/debris removal activities as the University has hired two external firms, BMS and Cotton, to perform this work in collaboration with Risk Management & Facilities Management. For additional details, please read the document posted on the Risk Management website www.uiowa.edu/~fusrm.
Phase III – Repair/Replacement (Grant-Program 50600003). This includes resources expended for the purpose of repairing/replacing damaged buildings, equipment or supplies. Finance & Operations staff will be responsible for managing the repair and replacement of University facilities. Departmental staff may be responsible for ordering equipment and supplies damaged by the flood.
Hancher Auditorium Box Office Web server is back online
The Hancher Box Office Web server is back online. You now may go the usual site, https://boxoffice.hancher.uiowa.edu/, to purchase advance tickets for Iowa Summer Rep. The box office remains closed for telephone or walkup sales. However, both individual event and advance tickets will be on sale at the door, one hour before each Iowa Summer Rep performance in West High School. Go to the ArtsIowa calendar, http://www.uiowa.edu/artsiowa/index.html, for the full Iowa Summer Rep 08 schedule of performances.
An Update from the Provost on Returning to Somewhat More Normal Operations
The following message was sent Thursday to the University of Iowa community by UI Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Lola Lopes:
Dear Colleagues:
Although the worst part of the flood seems to be abating we are still in crisis mode regarding utilities (steam, chilled water, and electricity). This means that even though we are resuming classes, research, and other university operations on Monday, this is not a return to normal. We have beaten back a major catastrophe and should be proud of ourselves, but it will be many, many months before we return to full functioning. Until then, we need to continue to work as a team and always keep the functioning of the entire enterprise in mind.
From a utility point of view, the east and west sides of the campus are no longer connected. This means that conditions are different on the east and west sides of the river.
On the west, UIHC has been functioning throughout the crisis and classes will resume on Monday as scheduled. However, limits on availability of steam and chilled water mean that ramping research back up will need to be a controlled process in order to protect the system and prevent a set back. Interim VP for Research, Jordan Cohen, will oversee this process in consultation with deans and program directors.
The utility situation on the east side of the campus is even more fragile. As of this morning we were running at only 23% of normal chilled water capacity. If we are able to get the temporary chillers outside Old Music running, that will bring us to 40% which is probably the best we'll be able to do until steam is restored. Bottom line: we are all going to need to live gracefully with some discomfort. (Why steam is necessary for air conditioning is a whole other interesting story. I am going to try to get some information to you about this in the next few days.)
The strategy we discussed this morning involves running the chillers at night to bring down classroom and office building temperatures to a super-cooled state and then letting temperatures rise naturally during the day. In the daytime, the cooling capacity can be shifted to other areas such as labs that need air flow for hoods and other scientific apparatus. We also need to make sure that the IT infrastructure on this side of the river does not fail which means that IT areas need good cooling.
Many summer classes already meet in the morning when the buildings should be cool. If it become warm enough that afternoon classes are uncomfortable, faculty might try switching classes to early morning. (No, I am not joking, but I also appreciate that I might not get many takers on this idea!)
Parking is also in very short supply and some roads are still closed. Because of this, the university is encouraging faculty and staff to talk with their supervisors about flex-schedules or working from home. I am told that some researchers have found that forced time away from the lab is just right for writing grant proposals. That's an idea worth trying!
Before closing, let me recommend two web sites that provide information about the flood response that I found interesting. The company that has begun the "mucking out" operation in the flooded buildings is BMS CAT. We hope to have a story on the flood stories blog about BMS CAT soon, but in the meantime, you might enjoy looking at their web site (http://www.bmscat.com/). I was also fascinated to learn about the Hesco Barriers that were used at IATL and IMU. There is a big interesting web site for Hesco. I recommend browsing the section on applications at http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/apps.html. The section on flood control (http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/product.html#test) is particularly apt.
Keep watching the UI flood blog (http://uiflood.blogspot.com/ ) and the flood stories blog (http://uifloodstories.blogspot.com/). We are all in this together and we are all sharing in the loss and in the recovery.
Best wishes,
Lola Lopes
--
Lola L. Lopes
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Iowa
111 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319 335-3565
Dear Colleagues:
Although the worst part of the flood seems to be abating we are still in crisis mode regarding utilities (steam, chilled water, and electricity). This means that even though we are resuming classes, research, and other university operations on Monday, this is not a return to normal. We have beaten back a major catastrophe and should be proud of ourselves, but it will be many, many months before we return to full functioning. Until then, we need to continue to work as a team and always keep the functioning of the entire enterprise in mind.
From a utility point of view, the east and west sides of the campus are no longer connected. This means that conditions are different on the east and west sides of the river.
On the west, UIHC has been functioning throughout the crisis and classes will resume on Monday as scheduled. However, limits on availability of steam and chilled water mean that ramping research back up will need to be a controlled process in order to protect the system and prevent a set back. Interim VP for Research, Jordan Cohen, will oversee this process in consultation with deans and program directors.
The utility situation on the east side of the campus is even more fragile. As of this morning we were running at only 23% of normal chilled water capacity. If we are able to get the temporary chillers outside Old Music running, that will bring us to 40% which is probably the best we'll be able to do until steam is restored. Bottom line: we are all going to need to live gracefully with some discomfort. (Why steam is necessary for air conditioning is a whole other interesting story. I am going to try to get some information to you about this in the next few days.)
The strategy we discussed this morning involves running the chillers at night to bring down classroom and office building temperatures to a super-cooled state and then letting temperatures rise naturally during the day. In the daytime, the cooling capacity can be shifted to other areas such as labs that need air flow for hoods and other scientific apparatus. We also need to make sure that the IT infrastructure on this side of the river does not fail which means that IT areas need good cooling.
Many summer classes already meet in the morning when the buildings should be cool. If it become warm enough that afternoon classes are uncomfortable, faculty might try switching classes to early morning. (No, I am not joking, but I also appreciate that I might not get many takers on this idea!)
Parking is also in very short supply and some roads are still closed. Because of this, the university is encouraging faculty and staff to talk with their supervisors about flex-schedules or working from home. I am told that some researchers have found that forced time away from the lab is just right for writing grant proposals. That's an idea worth trying!
Before closing, let me recommend two web sites that provide information about the flood response that I found interesting. The company that has begun the "mucking out" operation in the flooded buildings is BMS CAT. We hope to have a story on the flood stories blog about BMS CAT soon, but in the meantime, you might enjoy looking at their web site (http://www.bmscat.com/). I was also fascinated to learn about the Hesco Barriers that were used at IATL and IMU. There is a big interesting web site for Hesco. I recommend browsing the section on applications at http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/apps.html. The section on flood control (http://www.hesco.com/US_CIVIL/product.html#test) is particularly apt.
Keep watching the UI flood blog (http://uiflood.blogspot.com/ ) and the flood stories blog (http://uifloodstories.blogspot.com/). We are all in this together and we are all sharing in the loss and in the recovery.
Best wishes,
Lola Lopes
--
Lola L. Lopes
Interim Executive Vice President and Provost
The University of Iowa
111 Jessup Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
319 335-3565
Thursday, June 19, 2008
UI optometrist Sindt offers eye safety tips
After the floods of 1993, the University of Iowa saw a record number of eye infections related to water-borne pathogens. These pathogens--including amoeba, parasites, bacteria, and virus--are extremely dangerous to the eye and may lead to corneal transplantation or loss of sight.
"We have already seen flood-related eye infections and we have every reason to believe they will be as prevalent, or more so, than after the last flood," said UI Hospitals and Clinics optometrist Christine Sindt in an interview with UI Health Care Today.
"We have already seen flood-related eye infections and we have every reason to believe they will be as prevalent, or more so, than after the last flood," said UI Hospitals and Clinics optometrist Christine Sindt in an interview with UI Health Care Today.
Read a transcript of the interview, and get access to an audio recording of her comments, here.
Cambus to resume normal routes Monday
Cambus will operate all of its normal routes as of Monday, June 23.
The Red Route & Blue Routes will be modified as they will not service the Arts/Hancher lot campus. They will service all other bus stops at approximately the scheduled times - every 15 minutes. The Pentacrest Route will not use Iowa Ave. but will service all other stops - approx. every 15 minutes. The Hawkeye-Interdorm Route will be modified as it will not service Mayflower (every 30 minutes).
All Hospital and Hawkeye routes will operate.
In addition, a special route (Parklawn "Shuttle") will operate between the Parklawn Residence Hall and Hardin Library. People from Parklawn can catch the bus (every 15 minutes) on Park Road and then transfer to a Pentacrest or Red Route bus at the Hardin Library. To return, they can catch a Blue Route from the downtown back to the Hardin Library and then transfer to the
Parklawn Shuttle.
The Oakdale route will continue to operate using Camp Cardinal Rd. It experiences significant delays due to this re-route.
People should expect some delays during the AM & PM peak periods.
One more thing - Cambus will NOT operate the special shuttle from the Sycamore Mall as of Monday.
Brian McClatchey
Cambus Manager
Parking & Transportation Dept.
The University of Iowa
100 Cambus Office
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
319-335-8632 FAX 319-335-6647
www.uiowa.edu/~cambus
The Red Route & Blue Routes will be modified as they will not service the Arts/Hancher lot campus. They will service all other bus stops at approximately the scheduled times - every 15 minutes. The Pentacrest Route will not use Iowa Ave. but will service all other stops - approx. every 15 minutes. The Hawkeye-Interdorm Route will be modified as it will not service Mayflower (every 30 minutes).
All Hospital and Hawkeye routes will operate.
In addition, a special route (Parklawn "Shuttle") will operate between the Parklawn Residence Hall and Hardin Library. People from Parklawn can catch the bus (every 15 minutes) on Park Road and then transfer to a Pentacrest or Red Route bus at the Hardin Library. To return, they can catch a Blue Route from the downtown back to the Hardin Library and then transfer to the
Parklawn Shuttle.
The Oakdale route will continue to operate using Camp Cardinal Rd. It experiences significant delays due to this re-route.
People should expect some delays during the AM & PM peak periods.
One more thing - Cambus will NOT operate the special shuttle from the Sycamore Mall as of Monday.
Brian McClatchey
Cambus Manager
Parking & Transportation Dept.
The University of Iowa
100 Cambus Office
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
319-335-8632 FAX 319-335-6647
www.uiowa.edu/~cambus
UI to discontinue housing essential staff
With the waters on the Iowa and Cedar Rivers receding and roads reopening for traffic flow, University Housing will be discontinuing housing for essential staff, beginning Friday, June 20. All staff who may need housing are asked to contact one of the following resources:
Short term housing options: http://www.iowacitycoralville.org/visitors_wheretostay.asp
If you have a short term need, please contact Cathy Fountain Cathrine-fountain@uiowa.edu. She will maintain a database of space.
Von Stange, Ed.D.
Director of University Housing
The University of Iowa
8 Burge Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
von-stange@uiowa.edu
phone: 319-335-3000
Short term housing options: http://www.iowacitycoralville.org/visitors_wheretostay.asp
If you have a short term need, please contact Cathy Fountain Cathrine-fountain@uiowa.edu. She will maintain a database of space.
Von Stange, Ed.D.
Director of University Housing
The University of Iowa
8 Burge Hall
Iowa City, IA 52242
von-stange@uiowa.edu
phone: 319-335-3000
Burge Marketplace re-opens to serve meals on Monday
Burge Market Place will re-open Monday, June 23 to serve three meals throughout the week. The cost for an all-you-can-eat meal is $5 for breakfast and $7.50 for lunch or dinner. Daily serving hours are: Breakfast, 7 to 9 a.m.; Lunch, 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Dinner, 4:45 to 6:15 p.m. Please note breakfast is not served on Sundays.
Burge Market Place is located on the first floor of Burge Residence Hall on North Clinton Street.
Hillcrest Market Place will be open on select days. More information is available online at the Residential Dining Web site: http://housing.uiowa.edu/departments/residentialdining/menus/SummerHours.pdf
Burge Market Place is located on the first floor of Burge Residence Hall on North Clinton Street.
Hillcrest Market Place will be open on select days. More information is available online at the Residential Dining Web site: http://housing.uiowa.edu/departments/residentialdining/menus/SummerHours.pdf
New information about building closures, parking, streets and bridges
Closed major buildings (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Maintenance Facility
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman/Clapp Music Building
Other closed facilities
1. Court Street Storage
2. Cretzmeyer Track
3. Fleet Services Fuel Pumps
4. Lagoon Shelter House
5. Softball Equipment Storage Building
6. Softball Stadium
7. Track Equipment Building
8. IMU and Hancher Footbridges
Additionally, Macbride Nature Recreation Area is closed
For information on closed parking lots and ramps, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~parking/
For information on closed streets and bridges in Iowa City and Coralville (updated 06/18/08), visit http://www.icgov.org/default/fs/?id=1874
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Maintenance Facility
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman/Clapp Music Building
Other closed facilities
1. Court Street Storage
2. Cretzmeyer Track
3. Fleet Services Fuel Pumps
4. Lagoon Shelter House
5. Softball Equipment Storage Building
6. Softball Stadium
7. Track Equipment Building
8. IMU and Hancher Footbridges
Additionally, Macbride Nature Recreation Area is closed
For information on closed parking lots and ramps, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~parking/
For information on closed streets and bridges in Iowa City and Coralville (updated 06/18/08), visit http://www.icgov.org/default/fs/?id=1874
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Public Health officials to hold special media briefing Friday
Public health experts at the University Hygienic Laboratory and the UI College of Public Health are collaborating to develop and distribute information that will aid Iowans as they face the daunting and protracted task of clean-up and recovery. As a first step, a special media briefing with selected UI experts will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 20, in Room 2520D of the University Capitol Centre. Those scheduled to participate include:
- Kathleen Staley, assistant director, University Counseling Service (mental health)
- Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology, University Hygienic Laboratory, (water quality)
- Wayne Sanderson, professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (environmental assessment, personal protective equipment, molds)
- Jim Merchant, dean of the UI College of Public Health (general public health issues related to recovery)
Prevention, early treatment key to avoiding flood-related eye infections
Vision specialists at UI Hospitals and Clinics have begun treating patients with flood-related eye infections, which suggests that the problem will be as prevalent as in 1993, when specialists treated a high number of eye infections related to water-borne pathogens. These pathogens, which include amoebae, parasites, bacteria and viruses, can be extremely dangerous to the eye, leading to vision loss and, in some cases, corneal transplantation.
Prevention and early detection and treatment are vital to maintaining eye health. Key symptoms include:
• A red, frequently painful eye
• Foreign-body sensation, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
• Red, irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after removal of contact lenses.
Tips for preventing eye infections:
• Avoid contact with floodwaters (and if you cannot, do not wear contact lenses at this time).
• Don't assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses.
• Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses.
• Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
• Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and use fresh solution each time the lens is placed in its case.
• Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.
• Do not sleep in contact lenses (unless prescribed by your doctor) and never after contact with water.
• Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.
• Never swap lenses with someone else.
• Never put contact lenses in your mouth.
• Sterilize your contact lens case, as this is a frequent source of infection.
If you experience redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain, contact your physician or eye care specialist immediately.
Prevention and early detection and treatment are vital to maintaining eye health. Key symptoms include:
• A red, frequently painful eye
• Foreign-body sensation, tearing, light sensitivity and blurred vision.
• Red, irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after removal of contact lenses.
Tips for preventing eye infections:
• Avoid contact with floodwaters (and if you cannot, do not wear contact lenses at this time).
• Don't assume treated tap water is safe. Avoid using tap water to wash or store contact lenses.
• Always wash and dry hands before touching the eye or handling contact lenses.
• Use only sterile products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.
• Contact lens solution must be discarded upon opening the case, and use fresh solution each time the lens is placed in its case.
• Rub and rinse the surface of the contact lens before storing.
• Do not sleep in contact lenses (unless prescribed by your doctor) and never after contact with water.
• Replace lenses using your doctor’s prescribed schedule.
• Never swap lenses with someone else.
• Never put contact lenses in your mouth.
• Sterilize your contact lens case, as this is a frequent source of infection.
If you experience redness, secretions, visual blurring or pain, contact your physician or eye care specialist immediately.
Law school summer session class update
Classes, exams, and other academic programs will resume in the Boyd Law Building on Monday, June 23. Students enrolled in first summer session classes interrupted by the closing of the law building should communicate directly with their instructors about arrangements for completing course work. Second summer session courses should begin on schedule on June 30.
Media briefing for June 18
(To listen to the briefing in mp3 audio format, click here.)
In addition, utilities will still not be returned to normal capacity for some time so some buildings will be too hot and some will be too cold. Students and employees should dress accordingly.
Students should check the Iowa Student Information System (ISIS) to see if their classes have been moved to a new location.
Students unable to return to campus for classes should check with the Registrar’s Office.
--Mason also said the university will be open for classes when the fall semester starts. Accommodations will have to be made for many classes, though, particularly on the arts campus, where some buildings will not be open in time for the start of the semester.
--Jean Robillard, vice president of medical affairs, said all parts of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics are open and maintaining a regular schedule. He said hours will be extended in the coming weeks to accommodate those patients whose appointments were cancelled in recent days because of the flooding.
--Mason also thanked many people for their work in helping the university through the crisis, including the thousands of volunteers who helped sandbag or move equipment, alumni, Hawkeye fans and people from other universities who have offered help, and to Gov. Chet Culver, Sens. Tom Harkin and Chuck Grassley and Rep. Dave Loebsack. She said 450 people have already given more than $75,000 to the university, gifts that will be used to help UI employees who have been affected by the flood.
UI building closure list for June 18
Note that restrictions have been lifted on campus buildings previously listed as being at-risk of flooding. These are: 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist); Hydraulics Annexes; and the Women’s Resource and Action Center.
A number of other buildings remain closed:
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
New aerial photos available
University Relations has posted new aerial photos of flooding on the University of Iowa campus. To view them, visit the University News Services Flickr site here.
Interim Provost Lopes issues statement on resumption of summer classes Monday
University of Iowa Interim Provost Lola Lopes issued the following statement today on the resumption of summer classes:
I am very happy to announce that as of Monday, June 23, summer school at the University of Iowa will resume. We expect that all 6-week and 8-week classes will be completed as planned. This includes classes that were scheduled to meet on the arts campus. Students who wish to drop one or more of the classes should refer to the message on this blog titled Information on Dropping Classes or Changing Registration.
The campus is nowhere near back to normal operations, but we know that many students depend on summer session to finish courses needed for graduation or for entry into selective programs. We are committed to supporting your academic plans.
Many classes have had to be re-located, even classes in buildings that were not affected by the flood. Be sure to check on ISIS before coming to class to make sure that you know where your class is meeting.
We lost a whole week of the 8-week session. Your professor will be talking with you about how that lost time can be made up. There are several different ways that this can be done, so you need to find out which plan your particular faculty member has chosen for your class.
The Memorial Union Bookstore has been relocated to the University Capitol Centre and will be open for business by Monday the 23rd at the latest. It is located on the first floor next to Marharishi. The University Housing Department is working directly with students who have been displaced.
In addition to flooded buildings, we also have suffered damage to utility systems. Although utilities have been restored to all classsroom buildings, the level of service is less than normal. This means that some rooms may be too warm and others too cool. Until you know what is happening in your building, wear layers so that you'll be as comfortable as possible.
On the east campus, university buildings on the east side of Madison are open for business. Buildings on the west side of Madison are closed to all extry except for the professionals who are beginning the job of cleaning up. This is dangerous work and everyone is urged to stay away so that the work can proceed as quickly and safely as possible.
All of us need to be patient and flexible as the recovery begins. Recovery will take time, in some cases a lot of time. But the most important thing is that we have survived a major catastrophe and can hold our heads high. There are many tales to be told of grace under pressure and heroic efforts, both physical and mental. I hope in the weeks and months to come that these tales will be told.
Welcome back to summer school!
Lola Lopes
The campus is nowhere near back to normal operations, but we know that many students depend on summer session to finish courses needed for graduation or for entry into selective programs. We are committed to supporting your academic plans.
Many classes have had to be re-located, even classes in buildings that were not affected by the flood. Be sure to check on ISIS before coming to class to make sure that you know where your class is meeting.
We lost a whole week of the 8-week session. Your professor will be talking with you about how that lost time can be made up. There are several different ways that this can be done, so you need to find out which plan your particular faculty member has chosen for your class.
The Memorial Union Bookstore has been relocated to the University Capitol Centre and will be open for business by Monday the 23rd at the latest. It is located on the first floor next to Marharishi. The University Housing Department is working directly with students who have been displaced.
In addition to flooded buildings, we also have suffered damage to utility systems. Although utilities have been restored to all classsroom buildings, the level of service is less than normal. This means that some rooms may be too warm and others too cool. Until you know what is happening in your building, wear layers so that you'll be as comfortable as possible.
On the east campus, university buildings on the east side of Madison are open for business. Buildings on the west side of Madison are closed to all extry except for the professionals who are beginning the job of cleaning up. This is dangerous work and everyone is urged to stay away so that the work can proceed as quickly and safely as possible.
All of us need to be patient and flexible as the recovery begins. Recovery will take time, in some cases a lot of time. But the most important thing is that we have survived a major catastrophe and can hold our heads high. There are many tales to be told of grace under pressure and heroic efforts, both physical and mental. I hope in the weeks and months to come that these tales will be told.
Welcome back to summer school!
Lola Lopes
Information on Dropping Classes or Changing Registration
The following message was issued today by Larry Lockwood, assistant provost and university registrar [to see detailed information about changes to the schedule for the eight-week summer session, view this PDF.]
We are pleased to announce that Summer Session classes will resume on Monday, June 23 and that UI faculty and staff are working to ensure that students will be able to complete their summer session courses. Students are encouraged to check their courses on ISIS to see if the meeting time and/or location has been change.
The university understands that some students already may have returned home and would prefer to withdraw from summer session. Students who withdraw their registration for the 6-week and/or 8-week summer sessions and who have been assessed tuition and fees for these sessions will have their tuition and fees fully refunded.
Students have until Friday, June 27 to make a decision as to whether to withdraw their registration for the 8-week summer session. Students who drop an 8-week session course by 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, will not be held responsible for the tuition and mandatory fees associated with that course.
We know students count on summer session courses for many reasons--four-year plan, meet prerequisites for admission into academic programs--and that withdrawing their registration or dropping a course can have an impact on their academic plans, fall semester registrations and/or financial aid. Because of the extraordinary circumstances of the flood, we ask students to follow the procedures outlined below to withdraw their registrations.
Students who have left the University campus and who do not plan to return to complete summer session.
Students who have remained in Iowa City or have returned to campus should follow standard procedures for dropping a course or withdrawing their registration.
Students who have questions about the impact of withdrawal on their financial aid should contact Cynthia Seyfer at 319-335-1444 or cynthia-seyfer@uiowa.edu
The Academic Advising Center will serve as a campus-wide resource for students who wish to discuss the potential impact of withdrawing on their academic programs. Students can send their questions to the Center's email addressadvising-center@uiowa.edu . The Academic Advising Center also will provide "Advisor on Call" hours during which students who have questions about withdrawing can meet individually with an advisor. Students who have questions about the impact of withdrawal on their financial aid should contact Cynthia Seyfer at 319-335-1444 or cynthia-seyfer@uiowa.edu
We are pleased to announce that Summer Session classes will resume on Monday, June 23 and that UI faculty and staff are working to ensure that students will be able to complete their summer session courses. Students are encouraged to check their courses on ISIS to see if the meeting time and/or location has been change.
The university understands that some students already may have returned home and would prefer to withdraw from summer session. Students who withdraw their registration for the 6-week and/or 8-week summer sessions and who have been assessed tuition and fees for these sessions will have their tuition and fees fully refunded.
Students have until Friday, June 27 to make a decision as to whether to withdraw their registration for the 8-week summer session. Students who drop an 8-week session course by 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 27, will not be held responsible for the tuition and mandatory fees associated with that course.
We know students count on summer session courses for many reasons--four-year plan, meet prerequisites for admission into academic programs--and that withdrawing their registration or dropping a course can have an impact on their academic plans, fall semester registrations and/or financial aid. Because of the extraordinary circumstances of the flood, we ask students to follow the procedures outlined below to withdraw their registrations.
Students who have left the University campus and who do not plan to return to complete summer session.
- Students advised by the Academic Advising Center should send an email to their advisor or to the AAC website (
The Academic Advising Center will serve as a campus-wide resource for students who wish to discuss the potential impact of withdrawing on their academic programs. Students can send their questions to the Center's email address
University Relations launches companion blog for UI flood stories
The University of Iowa Office of University Relations has launched a companion site to the UI Flood Information blog dedicated to posting flood stories—including those submitted by readers—from throughout the campus community. To share your account of preparing, evacuating, volunteering, or waiting out the waters, go to uifloodstories.blogspot.com or send an email here.
Information regarding UI employees and volunteers who suffer injuries
Richard G. Saunders, senior associate director of Human Resources at the University of Iowa, issued the following message today regarding UI employes and volunteers who are injured:
Non-employee Volunteers: The State of Iowa has determined that if a person who is not an employee volunteers for any activity at a state agency and is injured in the course of that volunteer activity, that person is not considered an employee and cannot file or participate in the State of Iowa's workers compensation program. The individual must file a State of Iowa tort claim through the Risk Management Office.
Employee Volunteers: This rule would also apply to hourly employees who participate in volunteer efforts outside of their regular work hours. Keeping in mind the current flood situation on campus, hourly employees participating in flood support efforts, while not in pay status, will not be covered by workers compensation unless specifically assigned by their supervisors.
Assigned Employees: FLSA exempt employees are considered to be on duty at all times so they will be covered by workers compensation for work place injuries. This will include support efforts related to the flooding on campus.
Non-employee Volunteers: The State of Iowa has determined that if a person who is not an employee volunteers for any activity at a state agency and is injured in the course of that volunteer activity, that person is not considered an employee and cannot file or participate in the State of Iowa's workers compensation program. The individual must file a State of Iowa tort claim through the Risk Management Office.
Employee Volunteers: This rule would also apply to hourly employees who participate in volunteer efforts outside of their regular work hours. Keeping in mind the current flood situation on campus, hourly employees participating in flood support efforts, while not in pay status, will not be covered by workers compensation unless specifically assigned by their supervisors.
Assigned Employees: FLSA exempt employees are considered to be on duty at all times so they will be covered by workers compensation for work place injuries. This will include support efforts related to the flooding on campus.
Iowa Summer Rep offers free preview June 25, in honor of flood efforts
Iowa Summer Rep, relocated from the flooded University of Iowa Theatre Building to Iowa City West High School, will recognize the courageous efforts by Iowa communities in the face of the disaster with a free preview of the first production, David Lindsay-Abaire’s adult comedy “Wonder of the World,” at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, in the West High Auditorium.
“A free performance of “Wonder of the World” is Iowa Summer Rep's gift to Iowa City, Coralville and the other flood-ravaged communities in Iowa,” said Alan MacVey, chair of the UI Department of Theatre Arts and director of the Division of Performing Arts. “After weeks of watching, sandbagging, moving and worrying, the entire community is invited to attend a free preview performance of David Lindsay-Abaire's wonderful comedy. Lets all laugh together and celebrate Iowa’s remarkable sense of community.”
West High Auditorium seats 800, and the audience will be admitted on a first come-first served basis.
“Wonder of the World” includes material that is not appropriate for small children. Potential audience members who are concerned about whether the play is appropriate for them should contact the Department of Theatre Arts, 319-335-2700, for additional information.
“A free performance of “Wonder of the World” is Iowa Summer Rep's gift to Iowa City, Coralville and the other flood-ravaged communities in Iowa,” said Alan MacVey, chair of the UI Department of Theatre Arts and director of the Division of Performing Arts. “After weeks of watching, sandbagging, moving and worrying, the entire community is invited to attend a free preview performance of David Lindsay-Abaire's wonderful comedy. Lets all laugh together and celebrate Iowa’s remarkable sense of community.”
West High Auditorium seats 800, and the audience will be admitted on a first come-first served basis.
“Wonder of the World” includes material that is not appropriate for small children. Potential audience members who are concerned about whether the play is appropriate for them should contact the Department of Theatre Arts, 319-335-2700, for additional information.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
UI calls for volunteers to gather at 8 a.m. Wednesday to help with sandbag redistribution
Rod Lehnertz with UI Facilities Management issued the following message to the campus community Tuesday evening:
As was announced at Tuesday's UI flood event press conference, we working to help those southeastern Iowa communities that are bracing for the floods that hit us. Thanks to all of the hard volunteer work during the last week and the currently dropping river levels, we are in a position to offer the sand bags we have available (on the east side of Madison - dry and above the highest flood level) to those communities in need.
Tuesday afternoon we assembled more great volunteers, along with the IDOT and the National Guar, and sent approximately 450 tons of sand bags to our southern neighbors.
We are planning to re-assemble the trucks tomorrow morning and finish off this meaningful task. President Mason announced today that we are asking for another army of volunteers to join this effort at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Please, if you are available, join us on Madison Street in front of the Lindquist Center.
Thank you for all of the inspiring work you have done to help our university, and now our friends struggling to the south of us.
Law school reschedules LSAT
The LSAT examination originally scheduled for June 16 has been rescheduled for Monday, June 30 in the Boyd Law Building. The Law School Admissions Council will contact those registered with additional information.
Daily flood briefing: Bush may visit Iowa; 'no doubt' UI to open for classes in fall
Following is a summary of issues discussed at the daily media briefing today, June 17 (listen to the briefing in an mp3 audio format here.)
Bush Visit: University of Iowa officials have been told that President George W. Bush is scheduled to tour areas in Iowa affected by the flooding on Thursday, June 19. With 83 of Iowa's 99 counties affected by the flood, UI officials don't know for certain whether Bush will visit campus, but UI President Sally Mason said, "We would certainly welcome the commander in chief."
Summer Classes to Resume: Lola Lopes, interim provost, announced that summer classes would resume Monday, June 23. Details about relocated classes, how students and faculty will make up for lost class time and how students can update registration information will be announced officially Wednesday, June 18. "Our academic programs and students are being cared for despite the extraordinary flooding on arts campus," Lopes said. "I know of only one class being cancelled as a result of the flooding. Everything else has remained online and I'm very proud of that."
Record Enrollment: Lopes said that despite the flood, the UI has seen record enrollment this summer, including for the next six-week summer session that begins next week. "The numbers are going up daily, hourly, even," Lopes said. "So I think people out there are seeing we're a class act."
Bush Visit: University of Iowa officials have been told that President George W. Bush is scheduled to tour areas in Iowa affected by the flooding on Thursday, June 19. With 83 of Iowa's 99 counties affected by the flood, UI officials don't know for certain whether Bush will visit campus, but UI President Sally Mason said, "We would certainly welcome the commander in chief."
Summer Classes to Resume: Lola Lopes, interim provost, announced that summer classes would resume Monday, June 23. Details about relocated classes, how students and faculty will make up for lost class time and how students can update registration information will be announced officially Wednesday, June 18. "Our academic programs and students are being cared for despite the extraordinary flooding on arts campus," Lopes said. "I know of only one class being cancelled as a result of the flooding. Everything else has remained online and I'm very proud of that."
Record Enrollment: Lopes said that despite the flood, the UI has seen record enrollment this summer, including for the next six-week summer session that begins next week. "The numbers are going up daily, hourly, even," Lopes said. "So I think people out there are seeing we're a class act."
'No Doubt' Fall Semester On: Lopes and Mason also made it clear that the fall session will go on as planned, although details about class assignments and other logistics won't be firmed up until later this summer. In any case, Lopes said, "The fall semester will not at all be affected in terms of academic content." Mason put it even more bluntly. "There is no doubt whatsoever that the University of Iowa will be open for classes in the fall."
New Student Orientation: Lopes said new, incoming freshman orientation, which was delayed by the flooding, would be rescheduled soon. A schedule for orientation should be ready by this Thursday.
Essential Versus Nonessential Employees: Mason said there's been some confusion about which UI employees are considered essential, and which are considered non-essential and should work from home this week. She said the designation simply refers to employees' skill sets as they relate to flood relief efforts. "This is not to imply that we have employees who are not essential to the university," Mason said. "We're talking about functions in a crisis. We're dealing with a flood to an extent we've not dealt with before.” Mason said the university continues to encourage employees who are not directly assisting with the flood relief effort or related tasks to work off-campus, especially since there are limited parking spots on campus and traffic congestion could hamper relief efforts. The current exceptions to this policy are employees of UI Hospitals and Clinics, College of Dentistry patient care clinics, and Oakdale employees who have been directed to return to work on campus. Mason strongly advised employees to contact their direct supervisors to determine their status, if they are uncertain, and to make arrangements to continue working off-campus if they are deemed nonessential. "After next Sunday, to stay in pay status, they need to be in touch with their supervisor to continue working from home," Mason said. [More details here.]
Entering Recovery Phase: UI officials said the campus is beginning to enter the recovery phase of the flood response operation. FEMA officials have already begun surveying the flood damage in Coralville, Iowa City and on the UI campus. Although full recovery is expected to take many months, water levels at the Coralville Reservoir are declining faster than anticipated.
Sandbag Donations: Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said that declining floodwaters, coupled with a favorable weather forecast for the next week, will permit the UI to donate unused sand bags to communities that are downstream and still coping with rising water. Both the UI and city of Iowa City have suspended new sandbagging operations. With the help of volunteers and the Iowa National Guard the UI plans to load some 250,000 unused sand bags on trucks for shipment to Burlington, Iowa and other southeast Iowa communities later today. Guckert said a portion of sandbags would be kept in reserve on campus. Volunteers are needed immediately (Tuesday afternoon and possibly into the evening) to help load the sandbags onto the trucks. They should report to the corner of Burlington and Madison streets.
Building Update: Guckert reported that the UI Main Library took on about 2 inches of water this week. While he said this didn’t cause any damage, the building was added to the flooded building list. Guckert also reported that on Monday, June 23 the UI would reopen the IMU parking lot. Despite this good news, he said the campus is still down 3,000 parking spots.
Floodwater Risks: Chris Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory at the UI, warned the public to avoid contact with floodwater, which he said is carrying raw sewage, agricultural runoff, fecal matter and industrial byproducts that can make both people and animals sick. He said the contaminated water could cause illness if it's ingested or enters the body through a scratch or puncture wound.
Atchison also said the UHL has distributed more than 695 test kits through county health departments in Iowa so private individuals can test their well water. He cautioned owners who receive the kits to postpone testing the wells until the water recedes. "Once that happens, wells need to be flushed, shock chlorinated and then tested," he said. He said people with public health questions may visit the UHL's Web site at www.uhl.uiowa.edu or by calling 319-335-4500.
Flood Relief Fund Update: Mason said that the UI Foundation has done a "fantastic job" getting out word about the UI flood relief fund. As of today, the fund has received more than 150 gifts totaling $60,000. Mason said the university would look for ways to use the money to assist members of the UI family most personally affected by the situation.
New Student Orientation: Lopes said new, incoming freshman orientation, which was delayed by the flooding, would be rescheduled soon. A schedule for orientation should be ready by this Thursday.
Essential Versus Nonessential Employees: Mason said there's been some confusion about which UI employees are considered essential, and which are considered non-essential and should work from home this week. She said the designation simply refers to employees' skill sets as they relate to flood relief efforts. "This is not to imply that we have employees who are not essential to the university," Mason said. "We're talking about functions in a crisis. We're dealing with a flood to an extent we've not dealt with before.” Mason said the university continues to encourage employees who are not directly assisting with the flood relief effort or related tasks to work off-campus, especially since there are limited parking spots on campus and traffic congestion could hamper relief efforts. The current exceptions to this policy are employees of UI Hospitals and Clinics, College of Dentistry patient care clinics, and Oakdale employees who have been directed to return to work on campus. Mason strongly advised employees to contact their direct supervisors to determine their status, if they are uncertain, and to make arrangements to continue working off-campus if they are deemed nonessential. "After next Sunday, to stay in pay status, they need to be in touch with their supervisor to continue working from home," Mason said. [More details here.]
Entering Recovery Phase: UI officials said the campus is beginning to enter the recovery phase of the flood response operation. FEMA officials have already begun surveying the flood damage in Coralville, Iowa City and on the UI campus. Although full recovery is expected to take many months, water levels at the Coralville Reservoir are declining faster than anticipated.
Sandbag Donations: Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said that declining floodwaters, coupled with a favorable weather forecast for the next week, will permit the UI to donate unused sand bags to communities that are downstream and still coping with rising water. Both the UI and city of Iowa City have suspended new sandbagging operations. With the help of volunteers and the Iowa National Guard the UI plans to load some 250,000 unused sand bags on trucks for shipment to Burlington, Iowa and other southeast Iowa communities later today. Guckert said a portion of sandbags would be kept in reserve on campus. Volunteers are needed immediately (Tuesday afternoon and possibly into the evening) to help load the sandbags onto the trucks. They should report to the corner of Burlington and Madison streets.
Building Update: Guckert reported that the UI Main Library took on about 2 inches of water this week. While he said this didn’t cause any damage, the building was added to the flooded building list. Guckert also reported that on Monday, June 23 the UI would reopen the IMU parking lot. Despite this good news, he said the campus is still down 3,000 parking spots.
Floodwater Risks: Chris Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory at the UI, warned the public to avoid contact with floodwater, which he said is carrying raw sewage, agricultural runoff, fecal matter and industrial byproducts that can make both people and animals sick. He said the contaminated water could cause illness if it's ingested or enters the body through a scratch or puncture wound.
Atchison also said the UHL has distributed more than 695 test kits through county health departments in Iowa so private individuals can test their well water. He cautioned owners who receive the kits to postpone testing the wells until the water recedes. "Once that happens, wells need to be flushed, shock chlorinated and then tested," he said. He said people with public health questions may visit the UHL's Web site at www.uhl.uiowa.edu or by calling 319-335-4500.
Flood Relief Fund Update: Mason said that the UI Foundation has done a "fantastic job" getting out word about the UI flood relief fund. As of today, the fund has received more than 150 gifts totaling $60,000. Mason said the university would look for ways to use the money to assist members of the UI family most personally affected by the situation.
Steam blow postponed
The steam blow from a temporary boiler installed near Kinnick Stadium that was scheduled for noon today has been postponed. The blow, which is needed before the boiler can come online, will be held later Tuesday or Wednesday. When it occurs, the blow will be loud.
Volunteers needed to help move sandbags to southeast Iowa
Volunteers are needed immediately to help the University of Iowa move 250,000 unused sandbags to other towns in southeast Iowa stricken by floods. The sandbags will be transported by Iowa National Guard trucks and volunteers are needed to load the bags onto the trucks. Volunteers should report to the corner of Burlington and Madison Streets, and will likely be needed into the evening.
Non-essential employees urged to stay home until Monday
University of Iowa faculty and staff are urged not to return to campus unless absolutely essential until Monday, June 23. This is necessary in order to continue the important work of protecting the campus, its faculty, staff and students, and to assist the protection and recovery assets. The University has lost to flooding 3,000 parking spaces and access to campus is very limited. The utility system is extremely stressed and lacks redundancy to the point where non-essential energy loads could jeopardize essential functions. During this period, it remains critical to minimize congestion on the campus, as well as the draw on campus utilities. The current exceptions to this policy are UIHC, College of Dentistry patient care clinics, and Oakdale employees who have been directed to return to work on campus.
Faculty and staff should be prepared to return to campus on Monday, June 23. Faculty and/or staff who normally work in buildings that have been compromised should contact their supervisors regarding whether they can work from another campus location, work at home, or perform some other activities of value to the University. If no work is available, employees will need to begin to use vacation, but the University is encouraging all units to find every opportunity to keep staff in pay status by finding activities of value they can perform. This is consistent with the University’s policy on disrupted workplaces:
http://www.uiowa.edu/~our/opmanual/v/16.htm#1611
Staggered start times or other flexible work arrangements should be considered for those who must work from campus.
Faculty and staff should be prepared to return to campus on Monday, June 23. Faculty and/or staff who normally work in buildings that have been compromised should contact their supervisors regarding whether they can work from another campus location, work at home, or perform some other activities of value to the University. If no work is available, employees will need to begin to use vacation, but the University is encouraging all units to find every opportunity to keep staff in pay status by finding activities of value they can perform. This is consistent with the University’s policy on disrupted workplaces:
http://www.uiowa.edu/~our/opmanual/v/16.htm#1611
Staggered start times or other flexible work arrangements should be considered for those who must work from campus.
Updated building status list for June 17
Two buildings were removed from the “At risk of flooding” buildings today: Communications Center and Engineering Research Facility. The four buildings that were listed as having no access off Madison Street because of sandbagging now have access: Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences, Chemistry Building, Lindquist Building and Halsey Hall. [NOTE: This list was updated at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday]
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
2. Hydraulics Annexes
3. Women’s Resource and Action Center
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Cambus Barn
6. Danforth Chapel
7. English Philosophy Building
8. Hancher Auditorium
9. Hawkeye Court Apartments
10. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
11. Iowa Memorial Union
12. Main Library
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Madison Street Services Building
15. Museum of Art
16. North Hall
17. Power Plant
18. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
19. Theatre Building
20. Voxman Music Building
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
2. Hydraulics Annexes
3. Women’s Resource and Action Center
University Book Store has temporary location, hours
University Book Store will open in its temporary location on the ground floor of University Capitol Centre on Monday, June 23 (in the former Stuff location). Hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays. Hours for the remainder of the week are to be determined.
Please check the University Book Store website at www.book.uiowa.edu for updates and more information.
Peggy Leichty, Marketing Manager
University Book Stores, Iowa Hawk Shops,
& Wild Rose Books
286 Iowa Memorial Union
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319.335.2744
www.hawkshop.com
www.book.uiowa.edu
Please check the University Book Store website at www.book.uiowa.edu for updates and more information.
Peggy Leichty, Marketing Manager
University Book Stores, Iowa Hawk Shops,
& Wild Rose Books
286 Iowa Memorial Union
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319.335.2744
www.hawkshop.com
www.book.uiowa.edu
University Counseling Service re-opens June 18
University Counseling Service (UCS) will have staff on duty daily beginning at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, for anyone in the university community experiencing difficulty coping with the Iowa City/Coralville flooding.
To schedule a consultation or talk to a counselor, call 319-335-7294.
In anticipation of the resumption of classes next week, UCS will offer additional consultation appointments to the regular appointment schedule, beginning Monday, June 23.
Offices that would like to discuss outreach or educational programs directed toward flood recovery, coping, and debriefing from the flood trauma may contact UCS to discuss their needs and schedule a program or presentation.
Contacts: Sam Cochran, Kathleen Staley, University Counseling Service, 319- 335-7294
To schedule a consultation or talk to a counselor, call 319-335-7294.
In anticipation of the resumption of classes next week, UCS will offer additional consultation appointments to the regular appointment schedule, beginning Monday, June 23.
Offices that would like to discuss outreach or educational programs directed toward flood recovery, coping, and debriefing from the flood trauma may contact UCS to discuss their needs and schedule a program or presentation.
Contacts: Sam Cochran, Kathleen Staley, University Counseling Service, 319- 335-7294
Student Health Service opens for limited hours
The UI Student Health Service will be open for limited hours on Wednesday, June 18, Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20. Students may call 319-335-8394 beginning at 8 a.m. June 18 to make an appointment for these days. A walk-in clinic for immunizations such as tetanus will be staffed 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday-Friday at Student Health Service in Westlawn.
The SHS Nurseline will be staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 17-20. Call 319-335-9704 to reach the Nurseline. Leave a message and a nurse will return your call.
Other resources students may consider for non-emergency medical questions or treatment are the UIQuickCare clinics (note that some hours have been modified) or UI Health Access at 1-800-777-8442. There may be charges related to these care options.
Students experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
Sarah Hansen, M.A., CHES
Associate Director for Education
Health Iowa Coordinator
UI Student Health Service
4189 WL, Iowa City, IA 52242
319.335.8387
The SHS Nurseline will be staffed from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 17-20. Call 319-335-9704 to reach the Nurseline. Leave a message and a nurse will return your call.
Other resources students may consider for non-emergency medical questions or treatment are the UIQuickCare clinics (note that s
Students experiencing a medical emergency should call 911.
Sarah Hansen, M.A., CHES
Associate Director for Education
Health Iowa Coordinator
UI Student Health Service
4189 WL, Iowa City, IA 52242
319.335.8387
Hancher Box Office reopens for online sales only
The Hancher Auditorium Box Office, which has been closed since it was displaced by the flood, has re-opened for online sales only. The new, temporary URL for the box office is http://hancher.tardiscomm.com/. Advance tickets may now be purchased through this online facility for all Iowa Summer Rep 08 performances. Summer Rep will continue as scheduled, with all performances at Iowa City West High School. (See http://www.uiowa.edu/artsiowa/index.html for a complete calendar of Summer Rep performances.)
Loud steam blow set for temporary boiler noon Tuesday
[NOTE: This is an updated posting. The steam blow will now start at noon today.]
Monday, June 16, 2008
More Summer Writing Festival sessions cancelled
The weekend session of the Iowa Summer Writing Festival scheduled for June 21 – 22 and the week-long session scheduled for the week of June 23 have been cancelled. The Iowa Summer Writing Festival will resume on July 6th. Updates regarding location changes for Summer Writing Festival events will be posted at http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/iswfest/ .
Arts Roundup for Monday, June 16
This week's readings in the "Live from Prairie Lights" series have been canceled due to travel difficulties for the writers. The events, all scheduled at 7 p.m. in Prairie Lights books, are:
- Tuesday, June 17: David Wroblinski
- Wednesday, June 18: Ben Taylor
- Thursday, June 19: Shannon Olson, Barrie Jean Borich and Morgan Grayce
The third and final week of Iowa Summer Music Camps—Jazz Camp, June 23–27— has also been canceled. Four public events during the week that have been canceled are:
- Monday, June 23: Jazz Faculty, 8 p.m., Halsey Hall Gym
- Tuesday, June 24: Sand-tet and Odd Tones Brass Band, 8 p.m., Halsey Hall Gym
- Thursday, June 26: Music Camp Jazz Combos, 8 p.m., Halsey Hall Gym
- Friday, June 27: Music Camp Jazz Combos at the Friday Night Concert Series, 7 p.m., Fountain Stage in downtown Iowa City. [Please note that this performance will take place with other performers.]
Iowa Summer Rep 2008 will take place as scheduled, with performances at West High School. The Hancher Auditorium box office is closed for advance sales in person or by telephone, but additional ticket information for Summer Rep will be posted soon.
UI media experts can discuss flood and recovery for stories
The following experts on the University of Iowa faculty and staff are available to discuss with the media the various aspects of the flood and flood cleanup. Please note that the university's TV studio is temporarily unavailable due to the flooding.
BIO-AEROSOLS
--Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu
--Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu
DOCUMENT AND MANUSCRIPT RESTORATION
--Nancy E. Kraft, head of preservation, University of Iowa Libraries, and co-editor of “The Flood Recovery Book.” Can discuss how to restore books, photos and other items that have been damaged in a flood. Phone: 319-360-5387 or 319-395-7418. Email: nancy-e-kraft@uiowa.edu
ECONOMIC IMPACT
--Charles Whiteman, professor of economics, former director of the Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss the impact of the flooding on the state and national economies. Phone: 319-335-0863. Email: whiteman@uiowa.edu
--Beth Ingram, professor of economics, former director of Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can also discuss economic impact of the flooding. Phone: 319-354-0077, or 319-331-9076. Email: beth-ingram@uiowa.edu
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Michael Wichman, Ph.D., associate director of environmental services, University Hygienic Laboratory; Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu
GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH TOPICS RELATED TO FLOOD RECOVERY OPERATIONS
--Christopher Atchison, M.P.A., director of the University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4259, chris-atchison@uiowa.edu
--James Merchant, M.D., Dr.P.H., dean of the UI College of Public Health, 319-384-5452, james-merchant@uiowa.edu
HEALTH CARE
--Kathleen Staley, assistant director of University Counseling Services and licensed psychologist. Can discuss mental health issues the impact of floods and post-flood recovery. Phone: 319-335-7294. Email: kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu
HYDROLOGY AND ENGINEERING
--Larry J. Weber, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering in the University of Iowa College of Engineering. Can comment on river hydraulics. Phone: 319-331-1135. Email: larry-weber@uiowa.edu
INFECTION RISKS
--Gregory Gray, M.D., professor of epidemiology and director of the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, 319-384-5008, gregory-gray@uiowa.edu
--Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu
INJURIES
--Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu
--Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu
INSURANCE AND FINANCE
--J. Tyler Leverty, assistant professor of finance in the Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss issues concerning flooding and its effects on property and homeowners insurance. Phone: 319-337-4447. Email: ty-leverty@uiowa.edu
MENTAL HEALTH
--Kathleen Staley, Ph.D., assistant director, University Counseling Service, 319-335 7294, kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu
--Michael Flaum, M.D., director, division of public and community psychiatry , 319-353-4340, michael-flaum@uiowa.edu
PUBLIC HEALTH
--Christopher Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory. Can discuss flooding-related issues such as water quality, water- and mosquito-borne illnesses, and public health practices during flood-recovery efforts. Phone: 310-335-4500. Email: chris-atchison@uiowa.edu
PUBLIC POLICY
--Jeffrey Schott, director of the College of Law's Institute of Public Affairs and adjunct professor of urban and regional planning. Can discuss public policy impacts of a flood. Jeff was also the long-time city manager of Marion, Iowa, where he dealt with frequent flood clean-ups. Phone: 319-329-6207. Email: jeff-schott@uiowa.edu
SURVEILLANCE (TRACKING ILLNESSES AND INJURIES AFTER THE FLOOD)
-- Infectious diseases: Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu
--Injuries: Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu; Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu
WATER QUALITY
--Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4331, nancy-hall@uiowa.edu
ALLERGIES/MOLD:
Antoine Azar, M.D., clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-4899, antoine-azar@uiowa.edu
Amy Dowden, M.D., associate in internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-2150, amy-dowden@uiowa.edu
Antoine Azar, M.D., clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-4899, antoine-azar@uiowa.edu
Amy Dowden, M.D., associate in internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-2150, amy-dowden@uiowa.edu
BIO-AEROSOLS
--Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu
--Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu
DOCUMENT AND MANUSCRIPT RESTORATION
--Nancy E. Kraft, head of preservation, University of Iowa Libraries, and co-editor of “The Flood Recovery Book.” Can discuss how to restore books, photos and other items that have been damaged in a flood. Phone: 319-360-5387 or 319-395-7418. Email: nancy-e-kraft@uiowa.edu
ECONOMIC IMPACT
--Charles Whiteman, professor of economics, former director of the Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss the impact of the flooding on the state and national economies. Phone: 319-335-0863. Email: whiteman@uiowa.edu
--Beth Ingram, professor of economics, former director of Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can also discuss economic impact of the flooding. Phone: 319-354-0077, or 319-331-9076. Email: beth-ingram@uiowa.edu
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Michael Wichman, Ph.D., associate director of environmental services, University Hygienic Laboratory; Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu
GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH TOPICS RELATED TO FLOOD RECOVERY OPERATIONS
--Christopher Atchison, M.P.A., director of the University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4259, chris-atchison@uiowa.edu
--James Merchant, M.D., Dr.P.H., dean of the UI College of Public Health, 319-384-5452, james-merchant@uiowa.edu
HEALTH CARE
--Kathleen Staley, assistant director of University Counseling Services and licensed psychologist. Can discuss mental health issues the impact of floods and post-flood recovery. Phone: 319-335-7294. Email: kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu
HYDROLOGY AND ENGINEERING
--Larry J. Weber, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering in the University of Iowa College of Engineering. Can comment on river hydraulics. Phone: 319-331-1135. Email: larry-weber@uiowa.edu
INFECTION RISKS
--Gregory Gray, M.D., professor of epidemiology and director of the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, 319-384-5008, gregory-gray@uiowa.edu
--Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu
INJURIES
--Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu
--Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu
INSURANCE AND FINANCE
--J. Tyler Leverty, assistant professor of finance in the Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss issues concerning flooding and its effects on property and homeowners insurance. Phone: 319-337-4447. Email: ty-leverty@uiowa.edu
MENTAL HEALTH
--Kathleen Staley, Ph.D., assistant director, University Counseling Service, 319-335 7294, kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu
--Michael Flaum, M.D., director, division of public and community psychiatry , 319-353-4340, michael-flaum@uiowa.edu
PUBLIC HEALTH
--Christopher Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory. Can discuss flooding-related issues such as water quality, water- and mosquito-borne illnesses, and public health practices during flood-recovery efforts. Phone: 310-335-4500. Email: chris-atchison@uiowa.edu
PUBLIC POLICY
--Jeffrey Schott, director of the College of Law's Institute of Public Affairs and adjunct professor of urban and regional planning. Can discuss public policy impacts of a flood. Jeff was also the long-time city manager of Marion, Iowa, where he dealt with frequent flood clean-ups. Phone: 319-329-6207. Email: jeff-schott@uiowa.edu
SURVEILLANCE (TRACKING ILLNESSES AND INJURIES AFTER THE FLOOD)
-- Infectious diseases: Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu
--Injuries: Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu; Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu
WATER QUALITY
--Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4331, nancy-hall@uiowa.edu
Highlights from Monday, June 16 media briefing
Here are highlights from the Monday, June 16 media briefing on the University of Iowa campus (Note: Some of the information is updated from a posting of highlights earlier today and available here.) Listen to an audio file of the briefing in WAV format here.
--Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said electrical power has been restored to all campus buildings that lost power yesterday (although some remain offline because of flood waters) and all data centers are back online so the university’s information technology system is much more stable.
--Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, said electrical power has been restored to all campus buildings that lost power yesterday (although some remain offline because of flood waters) and all data centers are back online so the university’s information technology system is much more stable.
Guckert also said the university has begun working with companies that specialize in restoration and reconstruction to begin the recovery effort. He praised the volunteers for the sandbagging they did, even on the levees that were breached, because their work means recovery operations are beginning earlier and damage will be minimized in the buildings that were flooded.
--Lola Lopes, interim vice president and provost, urged students who return when classes likely resume on Monday, June 23 to carpool, take public transit, or park in temporary remote lots and ride Cambus. She said many roads and parking lots on campus will still be closed when classes resume.
In addition, she said students who want to drop their summer class can do so without a mark appearing on their transcript and receive a full financial refund. However, she encouraged students to consider whether that would be appropriate, particularly those who need the summer credits to graduate or advance academically. She urged all students enrolled in summer classes to contact their advisors.
--Jean Robillard, vice president for medical affairs, said now that roads and highways to Iowa City are beginning to clear, transportation shuttles to bring University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics personnel from Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities will be phased out.
--Lola Lopes, interim vice president and provost, urged students who return when classes likely resume on Monday, June 23 to carpool, take public transit, or park in temporary remote lots and ride Cambus. She said many roads and parking lots on campus will still be closed when classes resume.
In addition, she said students who want to drop their summer class can do so without a mark appearing on their transcript and receive a full financial refund. However, she encouraged students to consider whether that would be appropriate, particularly those who need the summer credits to graduate or advance academically. She urged all students enrolled in summer classes to contact their advisors.
--Jean Robillard, vice president for medical affairs, said now that roads and highways to Iowa City are beginning to clear, transportation shuttles to bring University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics personnel from Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities will be phased out.
Send us your stories!
University Relations is looking for stories of students, faculty, staff, and others in the campus community affected by the flood. E-mail your accounts of preparing, evacuating, volunteering, and waiting out the waters here. With your permission, we’ll share your stories online or in print in the near future.
News Release: UI flood relief efforts focus on personal safety, recovery plans
June 16, 2008--With water levels on the Iowa River having already crested, University of Iowa flood relief efforts are focused on issues of public safety. UI officials request that all non-essential personnel continue to stay away from flood-affected areas.
UI officials also said that every effort is being made to resume classes beginning Monday, June 23. Lola Lopes, interim executive vice president and provost, stresses that the summer session has not been canceled.
"A rumor is circulating that all classes are canceled. That is not so. Classes are suspended and we are hoping to resume classes on Monday, June 23. Please stay tuned," she said.
UI officials also noted that the status of UI buildings remained stable over the weekend and noted that by Monday, power had been restored to a number of campus buildings that had temporarily lost power on Sunday. It was reported that at the Main Library, no collections are wet or in danger of water damage and that only an inch or two of water had gathered in various parts of the basement.
UI officials are scheduled to begin meeting today, Monday, June 16, to begin planning recovery activities. They emphasized that no volunteers are needed at this time.
STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500
MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Kettner, University News Services, 319-384-0030, linda-kettner@uiowa.edu
UI officials also said that every effort is being made to resume classes beginning Monday, June 23. Lola Lopes, interim executive vice president and provost, stresses that the summer session has not been canceled.
"A rumor is circulating that all classes are canceled. That is not so. Classes are suspended and we are hoping to resume classes on Monday, June 23. Please stay tuned," she said.
UI officials also noted that the status of UI buildings remained stable over the weekend and noted that by Monday, power had been restored to a number of campus buildings that had temporarily lost power on Sunday. It was reported that at the Main Library, no collections are wet or in danger of water damage and that only an inch or two of water had gathered in various parts of the basement.
UI officials are scheduled to begin meeting today, Monday, June 16, to begin planning recovery activities. They emphasized that no volunteers are needed at this time.
STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500
MEDIA CONTACT: Linda Kettner, University News Services, 319-384-0030, linda-kettner@uiowa.edu
Building update for Monday, June 16, 2008
As of this morning (Monday, June 16, 2008) power has been restored to the nine buildings listed in yesterday’s update as having lost power: Lindquist Center, Jessup Hall, Chemistry Building, Old Capitol, Currier Residence Hall, Burge Residence Hall, Stanley Residence Hall, MacBride Hall and Trowbridge Building (includes Department of Geology offices and Iowa Geological Survey– Department of Natural Resources).
No other buildings have been added to the closure list, which remains the same as yesterday’s and includes:
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Art Building
2. Art Building West
3. Museum of Art
4. Theatre Building
5. Hancher Auditorium
6. Voxman Music Building
7. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
8. Cambus barn
9. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
10. Iowa Memorial Union
11. North Hall
12. Hawkeye Court apartments
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Adler Journalism Building
15. English Philosophy Building
16. Danforth Chapel
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. Becker Communications Studies Building
2. Main Library
3. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
4. Communications Center
5. Engineering Research Facility
6. Women’s Resource and Action Center
7. Hydraulics Annexes
No Access off Madison Street (due to sandbagging)
1. Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences
2. Chemistry Building
3. Lindquist Building
4. Halsey Hall
No other buildings have been added to the closure list, which remains the same as yesterday’s and includes:
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Art Building
2. Art Building West
3. Museum of Art
4. Theatre Building
5. Hancher Auditorium
6. Voxman Music Building
7. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
8. Cambus barn
9. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
10. Iowa Memorial Union
11. North Hall
12. Hawkeye Court apartments
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Adler Journalism Building
15. English Philosophy Building
16. Danforth Chapel
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. Becker Communications Studies Building
2. Main Library
3. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
4. Communications Center
5. Engineering Research Facility
6. Women’s Resource and Action Center
7. Hydraulics Annexes
No Access off Madison Street (due to sandbagging)
1. Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences
2. Chemistry Building
3. Lindquist Building
4. Halsey Hall
Sunday, June 15, 2008
VP for Research sets up flood information blog
The University of Iowa Vice President for Research Office has set up a blog with information specifically for researchers affected by the flood. The site is available here.
Coralville Transit routes to operate all schedules starting Monday
Coralville Transit routes are operational and will operate all scheduled routes beginning Monday, June 16, according to Coralville city officials. However, in light of street closings, which include 1st Avenue and Highway 6, buses will be running late. Passengers are encouraged to take these delays in to account and allow extra time or take an earlier bus than normally planned.
Coralville Transit will travel to Iowa City via Camp Cardinal Boulevard. Buses will not travel east of 5th Avenue within Coralville. This plan will be in place until additional streets become accessible.
For more information, visit http://www.coralville.org/mod.php?mod=news&op=getArticle&sid=337
Coralville Transit will travel to Iowa City via Camp Cardinal Boulevard. Buses will not travel east of 5th Avenue within Coralville. This plan will be in place until additional streets become accessible.
For more information, visit http://www.coralville.org/mod.php?mod=news&op=getArticle&sid=337
Latest University of Iowa flood news
The following information was announced at the 1 p.m. flood news briefing on Sunday, June 15 (Note: because of technical difficulties, no audio file of the briefing will be available today):
-- UI President Sally Mason announced that the University of Iowa Foundation has established a flood relief fund, thanking alumni and friends who have already offered their support. Additional information is available at www.givetoiowa.org/floodfund. [To read a full press release on the fund, go here.]
-- Mason also noted that she has been in contact with the presidents of Iowa State University and the University of Illinois, who have offered their assistance. Don Guckert, UI vice president for facilities management, reported that technical and trades personnel from these schools are already en route to Iowa City.
-- Guckert added that thanks to a tremendous volunteer turnout, the university has completed its planned sandbagging operations. Two million square feet of facilities are threatened by the flood, and half of those have already taken on water. Officials expect the Iowa River to crest within the next couple of days at 1.5 feet above its current level, higher if the area experiences significant rainfall. Guckert noted that temporary dikes around at-risk facilities were built to sustain a 4-foot rise.
-- Utility systems remain the university’s greatest challenge. An underground electrical vault near the campus power plant was taken offline due to flooding, resulting in power outages at several east campus buildings. A pumping operation is under way to restore lost power, and some of the affected facilities or running off emergency generators.
-- Steve Fleagle, associate vice president and chief information officer, reported that the University’s core information technology services, including e-mail, web, phone, human resources systems, and others, are stable and operational. Some services are located in buildings affected by the power outage and are relying on generators.
-- Jean Robillard, vice president for medical affairs, noted that utilities at UI Hospitals and Clinics are stable and that the hospital continues to accept patients. Road closures have created transportation problems for some staff, but UIHC has arranged a shuttle bus from the Cedar Rapids area and airlifts from the Quad Cities to transport essential nursing, laboratory, and medical staff. Low-priority clinic visits set for next week are being rescheduled, but high-priority patients will be seen as scheduled. To avoid congestion in the hospital area, staff arriving from the west can park at the Hawkeye Campus lots west of Mormon Trek Blvd. and catch shuttles to UIHC. So long as the Burlington Street bridge remains open, staff arriving from the east can park at no charge in the Newton Road Parking Ramp.
-- Even after the river crests, flood conditions will persist for several weeks. Mason again thanked the thousands of volunteers that have offered their support, and acknowledged that waiting out the flood can be difficult. She urged the campus community to avoid dangerous floodwaters, remain calm in the face of uncertainty, and remember that the current crisis will pass.
-- UI President Sally Mason announced that the University of Iowa Foundation has established a flood relief fund, thanking alumni and friends who have already offered their support. Additional information is available at www.givetoiowa.org/floodfund. [To read a full press release on the fund, go here.]
-- Mason also noted that she has been in contact with the presidents of Iowa State University and the University of Illinois, who have offered their assistance. Don Guckert, UI vice president for facilities management, reported that technical and trades personnel from these schools are already en route to Iowa City.
-- Guckert added that thanks to a tremendous volunteer turnout, the university has completed its planned sandbagging operations. Two million square feet of facilities are threatened by the flood, and half of those have already taken on water. Officials expect the Iowa River to crest within the next couple of days at 1.5 feet above its current level, higher if the area experiences significant rainfall. Guckert noted that temporary dikes around at-risk facilities were built to sustain a 4-foot rise.
-- Utility systems remain the university’s greatest challenge. An underground electrical vault near the campus power plant was taken offline due to flooding, resulting in power outages at several east campus buildings. A pumping operation is under way to restore lost power, and some of the affected facilities or running off emergency generators.
-- Steve Fleagle, associate vice president and chief information officer, reported that the University’s core information technology services, including e-mail, web, phone, human resources systems, and others, are stable and operational. Some services are located in buildings affected by the power outage and are relying on generators.
-- Jean Robillard, vice president for medical affairs, noted that utilities at UI Hospitals and Clinics are stable and that the hospital continues to accept patients. Road closures have created transportation problems for some staff, but UIHC has arranged a shuttle bus from the Cedar Rapids area and airlifts from the Quad Cities to transport essential nursing, laboratory, and medical staff. Low-priority clinic visits set for next week are being rescheduled, but high-priority patients will be seen as scheduled. To avoid congestion in the hospital area, staff arriving from the west can park at the Hawkeye Campus lots west of Mormon Trek Blvd. and catch shuttles to UIHC. So long as the Burlington Street bridge remains open, staff arriving from the east can park at no charge in the Newton Road Parking Ramp.
-- Even after the river crests, flood conditions will persist for several weeks. Mason again thanked the thousands of volunteers that have offered their support, and acknowledged that waiting out the flood can be difficult. She urged the campus community to avoid dangerous floodwaters, remain calm in the face of uncertainty, and remember that the current crisis will pass.
Health and safety information roundup
Special Section: Health Issues During Flood Recovery -- includes videos, fact sheets and other helpful information for Iowans coping with flooding and recovery
UI issues strong warning for onlookers: University of Iowa officials are strongly urging people who are not directly involved with volunteer efforts to avoid the Iowa River, particularly east of the river.
City of Iowa City issues curfew: City of Iowa City Mayor Regenia D. Bailey has issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards (the length of a football field) of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks: Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provides information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. (Transcript and audio files available)
Free water test kits available: Private well owners in Iowa’s 49 flood-ravaged counties may receive a helping hand from University Hygienic Laboratory with free water testing.
General health and safety information related to the Iowa City flooding:
UI issues strong warning for onlookers: University of Iowa officials are strongly urging people who are not directly involved with volunteer efforts to avoid the Iowa River, particularly east of the river.
City of Iowa City issues curfew: City of Iowa City Mayor Regenia D. Bailey has issued a curfew restricting anyone except those authorized by law enforcement from being within 100 yards (the length of a football field) of any area affected by the flood between 8:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. until further notice.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks: Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provides information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. (Transcript and audio files available)
Free water test kits available: Private well owners in Iowa’s 49 flood-ravaged counties may receive a helping hand from University Hygienic Laboratory with free water testing.
Hygienic Lab offers tips on assessing floodwater health risks
Nancy Hall, a microbiologist with the University Hygienic Laboratory on the University of Campus, provided information about the health risks that may lurk in floodwaters in a recent interview with KXIC radio. A transcript of the interview is available here. An audio file (mp3) of the interview is available here.
Related: Free water test kits available
Related: Free water test kits available
Building closures update
The following university buildings are closed as a result of the flooding:
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Art Building
2. Art Building West
3. Museum of Art
4. Theatre Building
5. Hancher Auditorium
6. Voxman Music Building
7. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
8. Cambus barn
9. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
10. Iowa Memorial Union
11. North Hall
12. Hawkeye Court apartments
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Adler Journalism Building
15. English Philosophy Building
16. Danforth Chapel (NEW)
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. Becker Communications Studies Building
2. Main Library
3. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
4. Communications Center
5. Engineering Research Facility
6. Women’s Resource and Action Center
7. Hydraulics Annexes
No Access off Madison Street (due to sandbagging)
1. Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences
2. Chemistry Building
3. Lindquist Building
4. Halsey Hall
No Power
1. Lindquist Center
2. Jessup Hall
3. Chemistry Building
4. Old Capitol
5. Currier Residence Hall
6. Burge Residence Hall
7. Stanley Residence Hall
8. MacBride Hall
Flooded (buildings are locked down and no entry is allowed)
1. Art Building
2. Art Building West
3. Museum of Art
4. Theatre Building
5. Hancher Auditorium
6. Voxman Music Building
7. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
8. Cambus barn
9. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
10. Iowa Memorial Union
11. North Hall
12. Hawkeye Court apartments
13. Mayflower Residence Hall
14. Adler Journalism Building
15. English Philosophy Building
16. Danforth Chapel (NEW)
At risk of flooding (buildings are locked down and entry is restricted to authorized personnel only)
1. Becker Communications Studies Building
2. Main Library
3. 700 South Clinton Street (WSUI/KSUI radio, Office of State Archaeologist)
4. Communications Center
5. Engineering Research Facility
6. Women’s Resource and Action Center
7. Hydraulics Annexes
No Access off Madison Street (due to sandbagging)
1. Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts and Sciences
2. Chemistry Building
3. Lindquist Building
4. Halsey Hall
No Power
1. Lindquist Center
2. Jessup Hall
3. Chemistry Building
4. Old Capitol
5. Currier Residence Hall
6. Burge Residence Hall
7. Stanley Residence Hall
8. MacBride Hall
9. Trowbridge Building (includes Department of Geology offices and Iowa Geological Survey– Department of Natural Resources) (NEW-CORRECTED)
UI transportation, Oakdale employees should plan to report to work Monday
All University of Iowa employees (including student employees) who work on the Oakdale campus or in transportation services (parking, Cambus, etc.) should plan to report to work Monday, June 16 if they can safely do so , despite UI President Sally Mason's call that only non-essential employees come to campus the week of June 16-20.
UI officials indicate that facilities located on the Oakdale campus are not impacted by the flood and that operations there may continue as normal. David Ricketts, director of parking and transportation, said that parking and Cambus employees are considered essential and are needed to assist with transportation needs that are ongoing across campus.
Oakdale and transportation employees who have questions should contact their supervisors immediately.
UI officials indicate that facilities located on the Oakdale campus are not impacted by the flood and that operations there may continue as normal. David Ricketts, director of parking and transportation, said that parking and Cambus employees are considered essential and are needed to assist with transportation needs that are ongoing across campus.
Oakdale and transportation employees who have questions should contact their supervisors immediately.
UI officials: No more volunteers needed
The University of Iowa has suspended its volunteer operations, effective Saturday night, June 14, after sandbagging all possible areas on campus that are at risk of flooding. Volunteers should not report to campus today. Instead, the UI is encouraging people who want to assist with flood relief efforts to contact the City of Iowa City, which continues to need volunteer help with filling sandbags. To offer your assistance, call the Iowa City Hall Flood Hotline at 319-887-6202. The hotline is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, Sunday morning praised the work of the volunteers who assisted with sandbagging around campus over the past week.
"It was a huge success," Guckert said. "Through their efforts, they've saved a lot of university buildings. Even those buildings that did flood will be better off because they will sustain less damage and be returned to operation much sooner."
Don Guckert, associate vice president for facilities management, Sunday morning praised the work of the volunteers who assisted with sandbagging around campus over the past week.
"It was a huge success," Guckert said. "Through their efforts, they've saved a lot of university buildings. Even those buildings that did flood will be better off because they will sustain less damage and be returned to operation much sooner."
University of Iowa Foundation establishes campus flood relief fund
The University of Iowa Foundation has created a special flood relief fund that will accept gifts from UI alumni and friends who wish to support the university as it recovers from flood-related damage not covered by insurance or other resources.
Gifts may be made to the fund online by visiting www.uiowafoundation.org or www.givetoiowa.org/floodfund, or they may be sent by mail to the UI Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550.
In announcing the creation of the flood relief fund, UI Foundation and university officials said contributions will be used at UI President Sally Mason's discretion to address areas of greatest need throughout the campus.
Mason and UI Foundation President Lynette Marshall encourage all in the UI community and all Iowans to help –- whether through volunteering or through other sharing of resources -- with the flood-relief efforts throughout all parts of the state affected by the flooding.
[Note: On Saturday night, June 14, the UI suspended campus volunteer efforts after sandbagging as many flood-prone areas as possible. People wishing to volunteer are encouraged to contact the Iowa City Hall Flood Hotline at (319) 887-6202. The hotline is operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week.]
“Much of the eastern half of the state of Iowa, as well as the UI and the greater Iowa City-Coralville area, have suffered widespread and unprecedented damage as a result of the historic flood of 2008,” Mason said. “Alumni and friends who wish to help neighbors in need should contact the Red Cross and other local relief agencies.
“We do not yet know the extent of the damage to our campus, but we are certain that it will take multiple sources of support – from insurance, government resources and private gifts -- to recover and restore the university’s full ability to pursue its mission of teaching, research and service to all Iowans,” she added.
UI facilities either flooded or at risk of flooding include: Hancher Auditorium, the UI Museum of Art, Art Building West and Art Building East, the Iowa Memorial Union, the Theatre Building, Voxman Music Building, Stanley Hydraulics Lab, Iowa Advanced Technology Labs, North Hall, Hawkeye Court apartments, the Adler Journalism Building, the English-Philosophy Building, the Becker Communications Studies Building and the Main Library.
For links to photos of UI campus flooding, and for complete information about the UI and the Flood of 2008, visit the special UI News Services blog at http://uiflood.blogspot.com/
“The UI Foundation will gratefully receive contributions of all sizes to this and other important UI initiatives; however, due to the impact that flood conditions have had on our own operations, we may not be able to send gift receipts in our typically timely manner,” said UI Foundation President Lynette Marshall. “We thank our alumni and contributors for their generosity and patience during this challenging time.”
The UI acknowledges the UI Foundation as the preferred channel for private contributions that benefit all areas of the university. For more information about the UI Foundation, visit its web site at www.uiowafoundation.org.
STORY SOURCE: UI Foundation, P.O. Box 4550, Iowa City, Iowa 52244-4550
MEDIA CONTACT: Susan Shullaw, senior VP-strategic communications, the UI Foundation, call 319-351-2606 or 319-541-4288, susan-shullaw@uiowa.edu. Writer: Forrest Meyer.
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