After Hurricane Ike: Information and Resources

Although UH-Clear Lake has reopened, many of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and neighbors are still facing a range of challenges, from extended power outages to severely damaged homes. Below you’ll find various announcements and information to help answer questions and address concerns that may arise as we move toward full recovery after the effects of Hurricane Ike.  

UHCL status
UHCL reopened the campus and resumed classes on Monday, Sept. 22. In addition to the loss of electric power, university buildings sustained minimal damage due to Hurricane Ike; however, campus roads and parking lots were filled with tree branches, light poles and storm debris. Fortunately, UHCL staff quickly responded by clearing the roads, making minor repairs as needed and ensuring everything was operating properly to allow for a safe return to the university.

Off-campus classes
UHCL off-campus classes resumed on Monday, Sept. 22, with some exceptions because some locations won't reopen until later this month. Please check Updates for Off-Campus Classes regularly to ensure you have the most current information.

Individual circumstances
Hurricane Ike has disrupted the lives of many in this region; yet, individual circumstances vary depending on where you live and what has happened to your residence. Students who are unable to attend classes should contact their professors. Faculty and staff who are unable to report to work should contact their immediate supervisors.

Emergency contact information
During the days leading to Hurricane Ike’s landfall as well as the days following, UHCL sent updated information from the UHCL Emergency Information Web site (www.UHCLemergency.info); however, only those who keep their contact information updated in our database received the messages. Please take a moment now to check the accuracy of your emergency contact information to help ensure you receive vital information from UHCL in a timely and reliable manner during emergency situations or inclement weather. Follow the appropriate instructions for students and/or faculty and staff.

Postponed events
Hurricane Ike played havoc with an array of university events scheduled in September and into early October including UHCL's Fall Open House and UHCL's sponsorship of the Houston Latino Book and Family Festival. New dates and times will be announced for rescheduled events. Please contact the sponsoring office for details about postponed or cancelled events..

Housing and generators for UHCL employees

Are you a UHCL employee displaced by Hurricane Ike and seeking temporary housing? Or do you have an extra room or two in your home to offer to a UHCL employee who has been displaced? Many have been unable to find a hotel or apartment within our area. And even more are still without power. If you are in need or can provide assistance, please contact Nichole Eslinger in the Office of Human Resources at ext. 2163 or eslinger@uhcl.edu. (Housing forms have been e-mailed to UHCL accounts and posted to public folders.)

Community volunteer opportunities
The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership’s Space Center Volunteers compiled a list of many volunteer opportunities available in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Take a moment to explore the possibilities for lending a helping hand at http://www.bayareahouston.com/Home/AerospaceInitiatives/SpaceCenterVolunteers/

Other resources