Rock Hill Faces Aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene
Rock Hill, SC — The recent impact of Tropical Storm Helene has led to significant changes at Winthrop University, as classes were canceled for an entire week due to the storm’s aftermath. The storm recently swept through York County, causing considerable damage and disruption in the area.
Classes Canceled for a Week
In a surprising announcement, Winthrop University officials have declared that classes will remain suspended from September 30 to October 4. Normally, students would expect their regularly scheduled fall break around October 11-14. Instead of enjoying that scheduled long weekend, the administration has decided to hold classes on those dates to make up for the lost time.
Why the Change?
Winthrop President Edward Serna explained the rationale behind this decision. He stated that the university is obliged to make up missed classes to comply with accreditation requirements. “With limited days available in the academic calendar, fall break was a better choice than impacting Thanksgiving or pushing the semester farther into December,” Serna said.
Concerns Over Connectivity
Authorities pointed out their decision to avoid remote learning was due to widespread power outages and unreliable internet access in many affected areas. “A large area of our state is still without power, and connectivity in those areas and others remains spotty,” Serna added. Approximately 580 students from areas heavily impacted by the storm have been identified, and the university is reaching out to offer support during this challenging time.
Campus Conditions
As a result of Tropical Storm Helene, the university’s campus suffered from downed trees and power lines. Much of the campus was left without electricity from September 27 to September 29. Specifically, one dormitory, Thomson Hall, remained without power as of October 1, necessitating the arrival of a replacement transformer to restore services.
Family Day Cancelled
In addition to academic adjustments, the university has canceled its annual Family Day event, which was scheduled for October 5. Plans for rescheduling the event are under consideration as the university continues to assess the impact of the storm on the community.
Other Colleges in the Area
While Winthrop University is making significant adjustments due to the storm, other local institutions have returned to their regular schedules. Both York Technical College and Clinton College resumed classes by October 1, indicating a smoother recovery process compared to Winthrop.
Conclusion
The impact of Tropical Storm Helene has been profound on Winthrop University’s operations, leading to unexpected changes to the academic calendar. With recovery efforts ongoing, both faculty and students are focusing on familiarizing themselves with these adjustments while providing support to those still feeling the storm’s impact.
As the situation continues to develop, the university remains committed to ensuring that students receive the education they have been working hard for, even amidst the challenges. Community efforts are also underway to assist those who have suffered losses due to the storm.
