To: All Media
From: Fairfield University
Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Subject: Status of Operations at Fairfield University Due To Hurricane Sandy

Fairfield University officials announced today (Wednesday) that classes are cancelled for Thursday, November 1, but administrative offices will remain open and employees who can should report to work. A decision about classes on Friday, November 2, will be made by 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 1.

There were no injuries reported on campus and damage was moderate, and due to downed or damaged trees. There has been no damage reported to campus buildings however a few cars sustained damage.

While power is on at the University due to our co-generation heat and power plant, we are cognizant of the situation in the Town of Fairfield and access to area services due to the power outages and damage in residential areas. We also are taking into consideration the situation in the entire region that may impact our students ability to return to campus. Therefore we believe it in the best interest of our students to cancel classes on Thursday and continue to monitor the situation.

A limited number of University events may still take place through the weekend while others are cancelled or postponed.

• The Fairfield men's basketball team takes on the University of Bridgeport in an exhibition game at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeporton Friday, November 2. Game time is 7 p.m. For additional information on athletic event schedules, visit www.fairfieldstags.com

• The performance by the National Circus of the People's Republic of China Cirque Chinois will be held as scheduled at 8 p.m., Friday, November 2 in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are still available.

• A performance of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen presented by Theatre Fairfield will also be held at 8 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The performance is scheduled in the Black Box Theatre at the Quick Center for the Arts.

• The National Theatre Live presentation on Thursday, November 1 and the Young Artist performance on Sunday, November 4 are both being postponed to later dates yet to be determined.

A list of the status of other University events is available on the institution's website .

Additional helpful information:

Power is available to the majority of buildings on campus due to the University's construction in 2007 of a combined heat and power plant that permits the institution to produce its own electricity, and with the byproduct, heat and cool the majority of campus buildings. The University is currently operating independent of the power grid. Two areas of campus are not served by the co-gen plant and are currently without power: The Townhouse student residences and the Early Learning Center. Over 400 students residing in the townhouses were evacuated Monday and accommodated on campus.

Members of the public may used the facilities of the University's Quick Recreation Complex, but must provide their own towels and toiletries. The complex will be open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Currently (Wednesday, 31) approximately 900 students remain on campus in their residence halls and dining services are being provided in the Barone Campus Center. On Saturday, Oct. 27, classes scheduled for Monday and Tuesday were cancelled and students who could were encouraged to go home.

The approximately 300 students who reside at the beach were evacuated by Sunday, October 28 when the mandatory evacuation order was issued by the Town of Fairfield. Students either went home or were absorbed into University housing. Approximately 100 students who resided at the beach stayed on campus.

Based on information provided by the Town of Fairfield, it is likely that the beach area will be uninhabitable for an extended period of time. Students who reside at the beach are being provided with the following options:

1. If students can commute from home, they are being encouraged to do so
2. A limited number of students may take advantage of empty beds in campus residences or they may make arrangements to stay on campus with friends.
3. Students who need assistance for housing should contact the Office of Residence life.

The University will be asking faculty and staff, and area alumni who have space available for a student in their home to contact the Office of Residence Life.

Fairfield is also working with officials of the Town of Fairfield to accommodate their requests for assistance. The University has also opened its doors to assist the Sacred Heart men's and women's basketball teams who will be practicing on Fairfield's campus.

University officials will continue to monitor the situation.

For the latest Fairfield University updates on Hurricane Sandy, visit this website or follow Fairfield University on Twitter or on Facebook .

For further information, contact:

Martha Milcarek, asst. vice president for brand management and public relations at (203) 395-5149 or mmilcarek@fairfield.edu

or

Mike Horyczun, director of media relations at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2647 or mhoryczun@fairfield.edu

Posted On: 10-31-2012 11:10 AM

Volume: 45 Number: 101