Dear AU Community,

The National Weather Service has forecasted a severe storm in the Washington, DC area this afternoon. Warnings for the immediate AU area have been escalated and the storm could bring heavy rains, flooding, and extreme high winds. The timing of the storm is expected to have the most immediate impact between 4-8 p.m. We encourage all community members to be weather-aware for the remainder of the day. 

To support the safety of the community, we encourage anyone on campus to stay indoors once the storms begin. Community members working on campus may choose to travel home beginning at 2:30 p.m. Please consult with your managers before departing. All managers and supervisors are asked to be flexible in arrangements (e.g. flex work, remote work, etc.) with their teams and also to allow for unscheduled leave.  

The Jacobs Fitness Center and Bender Library will close at 4 p.m. The first-floor study area in Bender Library will remain accessible after 4 p.m. for student use. The AU shuttle will continue to operate unless the road conditions deteriorate, and travel is no longer possible. Should emergency information need to be shared, alerts will be sent via the RAVE Guardian app and text message system. Community members should download the app. 

Please be safe and well.

Sincerely,

Bronté Burleigh-Jones, Ph.D. 
CFO, Vice President, and Treasurer 

Seth Grossman 
Vice President of People and External Affairs