Dear Rice Community:

I write to you both to extend my thanks for the calm approach all have taken to dealing with Hurricane (now tropical storm) Harvey, and to reassure you that our Crisis Management Team (CMT) remains on the task of assuring your safety. Although the danger from high winds has largely receded, the risk of very substantial rainfall and flooding remains.

I hope you have been following the regular reports from the CMT on email and emergency.rice.edu. The team is meeting regularly to keep abreast of the developing storm and to ensure that we are prepared. Our facilities team has been locking things down to keep damage to a minimum, and the housing and dining team is making sure there are adequate supplies of food and water for students housed on campus.

The CMT closed the campus Friday afternoon and the closure has now been extended until 11:59 p.m. Sunday. We will update that status depending on developing weather conditions. Please read those updates so you are aware of the progress of the storm and any changes in the situation. Although there may be lulls in the wind and rainfall, the danger of flooding and tornadoes has not passed, so it is important you remain informed and follow the instructions and recommendations of the CMT. We are communicating with parents, but let me ask students to please let your parents and other close ones know that you are safe and comfortable. Especially given some of the news reports, you know they are worried.

We’ve also taken steps to provide medical care on campus, and the deans of undergraduates and of graduate and postdoctoral studies are working with their student groups to provide help as needed. Only employees deemed as essential during a storm like this are on campus, and we urge the rest of you to do what you need to protect your homes and your families.

This is a big storm and a big challenge, but I have full confidence that we are a strong community and will help each other through it. I want to extend my deep thanks to all who are helping ensure safety and services on campus during this challenge, and will continue to do so. If you have concerns, please be sure to let me or members of the CMT know so that we can try to address them. Your safety remains our highest priority.

President David Leebron