Hurricane/Evacuation Preparedness Frequently Asked Questions

Information for Parents

How does Loyola prepare its students for the possibility of hurricanes?

All Loyola students are required to file a Personal Evacuation Plan with the university indicating an evacuation location and emergency contact information. The form should be updated if plans change. It is available through The Housing Director. Students are urged to provide their parents with the same information. Students should also update their emergency contact information through LORA Self-Service.

Loyola has an Office of Risk Management and Loyola University Police Department directing all campus preparedness activities. The university’s website serves as a resource for parents/students/faculty/staff: emergency.loyno.edu. 

If a hurricane threatens New Orleans, Loyola University will keep you informed of the status of operations on campus, including shifts to virtual classes, class cancellations and evacuations. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, on social media, and the Loyola home page, www.loyno.edu. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, and its digital media outlets, as well as the media, to help share emergency information. 

How can I contact my student?

Parents can, in the event of an emergency, call the Loyola police department at 504-865-3434. However, we cannot stress enough the need to plan ahead. Parents should insist that students file and continually update their personal evacuation plan and share this information with them. Also, we encourage students prior to hurricane season to coordinate with their parents and give numerous possible contact numbers for places they may go in an emergency and to share friends’ names and cell phone numbers. 

I have exhausted all other means but can’t reach my student—who can help me?

In the event of an emergency, parents may call the Loyola police department at 504-865-3434. 

Where have students been evacuated?

Students who are unable to evacuate the area on their own will be taken to a predetermined emergency evacuation location (for example, Spring Hill College in Mobile, Ala., or other similar facility.) The evacuation information will be shared with students and parents via the Office of Student Affairs in advance of evacuation. Once students depart campus, information will continue to be shared publicly via ongoing emergency communications and the Office of the President. 

How long will this evacuation last?

Please check the emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

How long will operations on the campus be suspended?

Please check the emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

How will I know when it is safe for my student to return to Loyola?

Before any students will be allowed back on campus, Loyola officials will have deemed it safe to return to the city and to campus. Please check the emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information.  

When will classes resume?

Please check the Loyola emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

Is there any physical damage to the university?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Students, including students who live on campus, will not be allowed to return to any area of university that has not been determined to be safe for return.

Are student records safe?

Yes. University records are backed up daily and the backups are stored offsite and on the cloud. In the event of disaster (i.e. fire, hurricane, etc.), we have a backup site and are able to restore backup to an offsite location.

Am I due a refund for costs associated with tuition, student fees, or campus meals and lodging?

Outside of Loyola’s standard tuition refund policy, we do not offer tuition and fee refunds for weather events. We maintain flexibility in our academic calendar in anticipation of potential short-term closures and are able to pivot academic operations online when needed. Students and parents will be informed of changes to the mode of instruction as soon as they become available. Please check the Loyola emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

Will the university reimburse my student for any items that have been damaged or destroyed?

The university will not be responsible for any damage to personal items damaged in inclement weather and cannot assist students with the insurance claim process. Students who have incurred damage to personal items should refer to their home or renters insurance policies for information on the claims process and report the damage along with photographs with their policy carrier.

Will the university assist my off-campus student in getting food, water, and emergency supplies if local stores are closed?

Loyola will resume its on-campus retail services as soon as it is safe to do so. We welcome off campus students to come to campus buildings that are open to charge devices and enjoy the air conditioning.

Why are there multiple evacuation sites? When will students know what evacuation site they will be going to?

Loyola makes arrangements with a number of potential evacuation sites each year. The path of storms can be unpredictable and we will do our best to send students to a location that will not be impacted by the storm.

What are you doing to help students who live off-campus prepare for future emergencies?

We encourage all students living off-campus to review the emergency website and file their own emergency preparedness plan. Also, as in the case of on-campus students, we cannot stress enough the importance of planning ahead and ensuring that parents have all necessary contact information.

How does temporarily closing campus impact the holiday schedule?

As part of our contingency planning, the university has built flexibility into the academic calendar to ensure that, in the case of a severe weather event (or any other emergency that requires temporary campus closure), academic needs can be met without impacting the overall academic calendar.

In the case of a prolonged closure due to an emergency event, the university may opt to make up class time during a break, such as fall break. Other options may be implemented as needed to ensure the university meets federal requirements and students receive the education they deserve.  

Information for Students

How long will this evacuation last?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

How long will operations on the campus be suspended?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

How will I know when it is safe to return to Loyola?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

When will classes resume?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

What do I do about my class assignments?

This will likely depend upon the circumstances and timing of the suspension of university operations. Faculty will be in touch with their students about their courses. Please email us at [storm_name@loyno.edu] to let us know if you are currently without either a laptop or reliable internet access.

How will this evacuation affect my ability to graduate on time?  

It will have no effect on your graduation status.

Is there any damage to the university?

Please check the Loyola emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

Are my records safe?

Yes. University records are backed up daily and the backups are stored offsite. In the event of disaster (i.e. fire, hurricane, etc.) we have a backup site and are able to restore backup to an offsite location. 

Am I due a refund for costs associated with tuition, student fees, or campus meals and lodging?

Outside of Loyola’s standard tuition refund policy, we do not offer tuition and fee refunds for weather events. We maintain flexibility in our academic calendar in anticipation of potential short-term closures and are able to pivot academic operations online when needed. Students and parents will be informed of changes to the mode of instruction as soon as they become available. Please check the Loyola emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information.  

I left personal items in my Residence Hall. When can I retrieve them?

Please check the emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

Will the university reimburse me for any items that have been damaged or destroyed?

The university will not be responsible for any damage to personal items damaged in inclement weather and cannot assist students with the insurance claim process. Students who have incurred damage to personal items should refer to their home or renters insurance policies for information on the claims process and report the damage along with photographs with their policy carrier.

I live off campus. Will the university assist me in getting food, water, and emergency supplies if local stores are closed?

Loyola will resume its on-campus retail services as soon as it is safe to do so. We welcome off campus students to come to campus buildings that are open to charge devices and enjoy the air conditioning.

Why are there multiple evacuation sites? When will we know what evacuation site we will be going to?

Loyola makes arrangements with a number of potential evacuation sites each year. The path of storms can be unpredictable and we will do our best to send students to a location that will not be impacted by the storm.

How does temporarily closing campus impact the holiday schedule?

As part of our contingency planning, the university has built flexibility into the academic calendar to ensure that, in the case of a severe weather event (or any other emergency that requires temporary campus closure), academic needs can be met without impacting the overall academic calendar.

In the case of a prolonged closure due to an emergency event, the university may opt to make up class time during a break, such as fall break. Other options may be implemented as needed to ensure the university meets federal requirements and students receive the education they deserve.  

Information for Faculty and Staff

NOTE: All faculty and staff members are reminded to continually check the Loyola website, (emergency.loyno.edu), for all updated information.   

Where have students been evacuated?

Students who are unable to evacuate the area on their own will be taken to a predetermined alternate location (for example, Spring Hill College in Mobile or other similar facility.)

How will I know when it is safe to return to work?

Please check the emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Information will also be shared via emergency text alerts and notifications on all platforms, including email and social media channels.

When will classes resume?

Please check the emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Information will also be shared via emergency text alerts and notifications on all platforms, including email and social media channels.

Who is making decisions about the university while operations are suspended?

The president, along with university leaders and the Emergency Management Team, will continue to make any and all decisions that affect the institution.  

How long will this evacuation last?

Please check the emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Information will also be shared via emergency text alerts and notifications on all platforms, including email and social media channels.

How long will operations on the campus be suspended?

Please check the emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Information will also be shared via emergency text alerts and notifications on all platforms, including email and social media channels.

Will I be paid, and my benefits continue, while the university is closed?

Depending on the duration of the evacuation, a decision will be made as to the continuation of salary and benefits. Any changes to salary and/or benefits as a result of the disaster and suspension of campus operations will be communicated via email and the university website. 

I need help shifting my course online. Who do I call?

The Center for Teaching, Research, and Learning can help. See their contact list to find the appropriate person to assist you.

Is there any damage to the university?

Please check the emergency website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Information will also be shared via emergency text alerts and notifications on all platforms, including email and social media channels.

Are personnel and student records safe?

Yes. University records are backed up daily and the backups are stored offsite. In the event of disaster (i.e. fire, hurricane, etc.) we have a backup site and are able to restore backup to an offsite location. 

Is there  a place to stay for Faculty and Staff at the evacuation location?

Loyola makes emergency evacuation facilities available for students in need, while faculty and staff typically arrange their own evacuations. During a prolonged emergency or evacuation, if the situation permits and space is available, Loyola may extend evacuation accommodation opportunities to essential personnel who have been displaced by damage or weather. Generally speaking, it is incumbent upon faculty and staff to plan their own evacuations and be responsible for their own safety and that of their families. 

How does temporarily closing campus impact the holiday schedule?

As part of our contingency planning, the university has built flexibility into the academic calendar to ensure that, in the case of a severe weather event (or any other emergency that requires temporary campus closure), academic needs can be met without impacting the overall academic calendar.

In the case of a prolonged closure due to an emergency event, the university may opt to make up class time during a break, such as fall break. Other options may be implemented as needed to ensure the university meets federal requirements and students receive the education they deserve. 

General Information and Media Inquiries

Have all students living on campus been accounted for?

All students are required to submit a personal emergency evacuation plan with the university before moving into the residence halls. Students with special needs will be evacuated by the university. 

Have all university employees been accounted for?

The university will work to ensure that both student and employee safety is the first concern during any emergency situation. All university employees are asked to contact their immediate supervisor to notify them of their whereabouts during an evacuation.  

Who is in charge of the university, and where are they?

The Loyola University New Orleans President along with the university cabinet, will continue to make any and all decisions that affect the institution.  

Where have students been evacuated?

Students who are unable to evacuate the area on their own will be taken to a predetermined alternate evacuation location, (such as Spring Hill College in Mobile or or other similar facility.) The evacuation information will be shared with students and parents via the Office of Student Affairs in advance of evacuation. Once students depart campus information will continue to be shared publicly via ongoing emergency communications and Office of the President. 

Have there been any injuries?

Please contact the Associate Director of Loyola’s Office of Public Affairs, 1-504-352-8775, and/or refer to the Loyola website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

How long will this evacuation last?

Please refer to the Loyola website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

How long will operations on the campus be suspended?

Please refer to the Loyola website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

When will you make a decision about when the university will resume operations?

Please refer to the Loyola website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

Is there any damage to the university? If so, how much?

Please refer to the Loyola website, emergency.loyno.edu, for all updated information. Complete official information is communicated via the Emergency website. Loyola also employs emergency text alerts, email, social media, as well as the media, to help share emergency information.

Are student records safe?

Yes. University records are backed up daily and the backups are stored offsite and on the cloud. In the event of disaster (i.e. fire, hurricane, etc.) we have a backup site and are able to restore backup to an offsite location.  

Will refunds be offered for costs associated with tuition, student fees, or campus meals and lodging?

Outside of Loyola’s standard tuition refund policy, we do not offer tuition and fee refunds for weather events. We maintain flexibility in our academic calendar in anticipation of potential short-term closures and are able to pivot academic operations online when needed. Please check the Loyola emergency website at emergency.loyno.edu for all updated information. 

How does temporarily closing campus impact the holiday schedule?

As part of our contingency planning, the university has built flexibility into the academic calendar to ensure that, in the case of a severe weather event (or any other emergency that requires temporary campus closure), academic needs can be met without impacting the overall academic calendar.

In the case of a prolonged closure due to an emergency event, the university may opt to make up class time during a break, such as fall break. Other options may be implemented as needed to ensure the university meets federal requirements and students receive the education they deserve.