Hurricane Dorian: Frequently Asked Questions

Hurricane FAQ

Is the university open?

FIU will reopen and resume regular operations on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019.

FIU is closed and all classes are canceled through Tuesday, Sept. 3. 2019, as parts of South Florida remain under tropical storm watches and warnings. For more detailed information regarding enrollment services, please scroll to the bottom of this FAQ.

The libraries and wellness and recreation centers at MMC and BBC will open from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesday to accommodate on-campus residents and other students who would like to come to use these facilities.

There are limited food venue operations: 8^th Street Campus Kitchen and Market at Breezeway will be open at MMC. Only essential personnel will need to report to work prior to the official reopening. 

Only essential personnel who have been contacted by their supervisor need to report to work on Tuesday. 

I work at FIU. Do I need to come to work when the university is closed?

If the university is closed and you are not essential personnel, you do not need to come to work. Please stay in touch with your supervisor. 

What about online classes?

Online classes follow the same schedule as in-person classes. 

What if I evacuated and can’t make my way back by Wednesday?

The safety of the university community is always the top priority. Anyone who left South Florida before the hurricane and is having trouble returning should reach out to their professors or supervisor to explain the situation. 

Professors and supervisors are asked to be flexible this week as we resume operations in an effort to continue with the term as planned.

What can I do to help those who may need it as a result of the storm?

Many members of the university community are looking for ways to help our friends and neighbors in the Bahamas who have been impacted by Hurricane Dorian. 

Here are some ways you can assist through FIU:

• FIU has activated FIUstrong to help assist FIU students, faculty and staff who may be experiencing hardship as a result of Dorian’s effects. To help members of the FIU family impacted by Hurricane Dorian, please visit https://fiustrong.fiu.edu/. If you are a member of the university community who has been impacted by Dorian please do not hesitate to ask for help. Write to FIUstrong@fiu.edu and let us know how FIU can help you.
• Donate to the FIU food pantries at BBC (WUC 353) and MMC (GC 319). Items donated to the pantries are for FIU students only.

Donation of hurricane relief items:

Please note that at this time FIU campuses are not drop-off sites for relief items. Please look for more information in the coming days.

• In Miami-Dade County, four county government locations will be open Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. accepting donations. County officials ask that donations be limited to items requested by the government of The Bahamas. For more information, click here.
• City of Miami fire stations are accepting donations. Please see complete list of locations here.
• The Bahamian consulate in Miami has set up three drop-off sites where they will be collecting donated goods:
  • Christ Episcopal Church, 3481 Hibiscus Street, Coconut Grove 
  • Global Empowerment Movement, 340 NE 59th Terrace, Miami
  • Shelter Aviation, 1100 SW 41st Ct., Ft. Lauderdale
• United Way of Miami-Dade and The Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald have activated Operation Helping Hands to support the response, relief and recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas and surrounding areas. 
• The American Red Cross is also collecting donations for response and relief efforts. 

Thank you for your interest and your efforts to assist our neighbors impacted by Hurricane Dorian. Please be mindful of making your donations to reputable organizations – such as the ones listed here – with a track record of getting the relief to those affected.

Enrollment Services Frequently Asked Questions

Have the add/drop and payment deadlines changed?

Yes. Add/Drop and other deadlines are being extended to the dates listed below:

Sept. 9, 2019Last day to add/drop courses or withdraw from the university without incurring financial liability for tuition and fees

Sept. 13, 2019 - Tuition payment due

Sept. 16, 2019 - Cancellation for nonpayment

Sept. 19, 2019 - Reinstatement after cancellation

Requests to add courses after September 9^th will need professor, advisor and dean’s approval, along with the department stamp and the Enrollment Adjustment form. 

How do I request an extension to add classes late?

Please submit an Enrollment Adjustment form to the OneStop department requesting to add a course late. You will need to get permission from the professor along with the department stamp in order to add the course.  

How do I request an extension to drop classes late without financial liability?

Please submit a student petition to the OneStop with a written statement explaining your extenuating circumstance. Additional information may be requested. 

How can I request an extension for tuition payment?

Payment plans are offered via your my.fiu.edu. The first installment is due September 13^th.  If the university needs to extend this deadline due to Hurricane Dorian, an email will be sent to your FIU email. 

How can I request an extension for housing payment?

Please reach out to the housing office for details. 

How will my financial aid, scholarships or other awards be affected if I need to add or drop a class late?

Please contact OneStop and they will be able to review your financial awards and provide guidance as to how adding or dropping classes at that said time will affect your awards. 

My family had extensive damage to my house and I can’t afford to pay for classes. Does FIU offer assistance?

You should write to FIUstrong@fiu.edu and let us know how FIU can help you. Please include your full name and Panther ID in the email. FIUstrong will work with OneStop and other professionals across campus to provide a holistic plans for your continued academic success.