Rowan University Houses Hurricane Evacuees, Moves Back Start Date For Fall Semester
Stephanie Stahl reports...
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Rowan University is feeling the impact of Hurricane Irene on many fronts. Not only is the university at capacity housing evacuees, it has now moved back the date that school starts for the semester.
Rowan has become a temporary shelter for more than 1,200 people. Evacuees are staying in the Esby Gym and Recreation Center and will remain on campus through the storm.
Though the Red Cross is on site with more than 50 volunteers providing assistance, the organization--along with the university--is urging volunteers to drop off supplies, as the shelter is running short on items like non-perishable foods, fruit, sandwiches and other items. They are also asking people to come out and volunteer their time.
"We need some additional food, and we need some volunteers to come down tonight and early tomorrow," Dr. Ali Houshmand, the president of Rowan University, said.
The campus itself closed at 5 p.m. on Friday until after the hurricane is over and any damage has been assessed.
Students who are staying on campus Saturday reported to the Information Desk in the Student Center, where they were being sheltered overnight through the storm.
Convocation has been canceled for Monday, August 29thand will not be rescheduled.
Classes were scheduled to begin on Thursday, September 1st and were pushed back to Tuesday, Sept. 6th due to the impact of the evacuees and the possible damage from the hurricane.
Reported By Stasia DeMarco, CBSPhilly
