A message to the Southern University Community from SU President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton

This communication comes extending prayer to everyone affected by the historic flood event impacting residents of South Louisiana.

As you may be aware, large areas of Baton Rouge and some neighboring communities are experiencing devastating and record flooding as a result of an unusual tropical weather system that produced record amounts of rainfall last weekend. Therein, thousands of individuals and families are displaced due to serious flooding in their homes and neighborhoods. The devastation is extensive and widespread.

Moreover, many of our SU faculty, staff, and students have been impacted by flooding and are in distress. The Southern University System Foundation, in cooperation with the University administration, has established the Southern University Flood Relief Fund, to provide assistance to University students and employees that have been significantly impacted by historic area flooding. Donations may be made here. Also, the System-wide Emergency Response Team has been activated to provide assistance and to direct employees and students to services. All employees should contact their respective supervisors to report their status.

You will be pleased to know that the F.G. Clark Activity Center at SUBR is serving as a shelter housing approximately 400 evacuees, coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the American Red Cross.

Thanks to many volunteers including SU faculty, staff, students, and alumni, who have been volunteering at the SU shelter and providing supplies and donations.

Although the current situation is catastrophic and challenging, we are encouraged by the spirit of togetherness and compassion that is providing care and reinforcement for our community at this time and through the recovery ahead.

To that point, we are grateful to report that Southern University System campuses, including our main campus in Baton Rouge, remain unaffected as it relates to flooding, access, and utilities. SUBR continues to welcome on-campus students as scheduled. They are settling in and are being serviced through Residential Housing, Campus Dining, and Student Life. Full campus operations in Baton Rouge will resume Thursday, August 18, 2016.

Again, I would like to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to the many who have contributed to the plight of members of the entirety of the Southern University community.

While we continue to bring deliberate focus to the aftermath of the storm, we do so demonstrating evidence that much can be accomplished by working Together as a university system.

Sincerely

Ray L. Belton, Ph.D. President-Chancellor Southern University