Message from the interim president: FIU ready to assist those impacted by Hurricane Ian

Dear FIU family,

Hurricane Ian’s path through Florida’s west coast on Wednesday has left so many communities devastated and in need of help. Early reports indicate historic flooding with entire neighborhoods underwater, more than 2.7 million residents without electricity, people trapped inside their homes, and severe damage to bridges, roadways, and residential and commercial properties.

Our hearts are with all of those impacted by this devastating hurricane, including our students, faculty, staff, and alumni who live or have family and friends living on the west coast. FIU stands ready to help however we can.

For now, we are working with local and state government leaders, as well as with colleagues at our sister State University System institutions, to understand their needs and identify how FIU can be most helpful. We have been reaching out to FIU students who live or have relatives on the west coast and providing them with support and resources.   

In the short term, we have activated FIU Strong, a fund to support Panthers impacted during this difficult time. Please consider making a donation to help our more than 1,800 students, as well as faculty and staff from the impacted area.

If you are a student in need of help, please reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services or email eaid@FIU.edu to request financial assistance. Faculty, staff and retirees can reach out to our Office of Employee Assistance (OEA) at 305-348-2469 or email at oea@fiu.edu.

In the coming days, we will provide additional details about how the FIU community can help our friends and neighbors on the west coast.  

Thank you for your support and for doing your part to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Kenneth A. Jessell
Interim President