Fairfield University officials announced Monday, a delay in the start of fall semester classes as well as move-in activities for all students. University administrative offices will resume operations on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

The revised schedule calls for classes to begin Tuesday, September 6. Move-in for freshmen will be on Sunday, September 4; all other students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) will move in on Monday, September 5 on a staggered schedule. Students living in beach residences have been asked to contact their landlords regarding conditions in the individual houses prior to moving in.

Administrative offices will re-open on Tuesday, August 30th.

The decision was made following meetings of the University's Emergency Management Team Monday morning during which it was reported that 64% of the Town of Fairfield was without power, and the beach area where several hundred students reside in private housing, remained closed. Many local restaurants and retail operations are also without power. Reports indicate power crews are surveying the damage from Irene and working to restoring power, but it may take several days.

While there was only minor damage on campus, currently, the University is operating with power provided by its own co-generation facility and additional generators. Four campus facilities (Townhouse residences, Pepsico Theatre, Early Learning Center and the Maintenance Barn) remain without power as they are independent of the co-gen facility and rely on the local utility.

"These changes are a result of continued uncertainty about full restoration of power to campus and the surrounding area as well as a concern for the many issues with which our students, employees and their families may be dealing," said University spokesperson Martha Milcarek.

Following is the updated University schedule:

Tuesday, August 30
Administrative offices open

Sunday, September 4
Freshmen move-in 8 a.m.-noon

Monday, September 5
Sophomore move-in 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Junior and Senior move-in 2 p.m.-6 p.m.

Tuesday, September 6
Undergraduate and Graduate classes begin for the College and all Schools

Media Contact: Meg McCaffrey, (203) 254-4000, ext. 2726, mmccaffrey@fairfield.edu

Posted On: 08-29-2011 11:08 AM

Volume: 44 Number: 22