University of Iowa President Sally Mason sent the following flood update to the campus community Thursday, July 3, 2014.

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Once again the University of Iowa is facing the prospect of serious flooding and once again our campus community is rising to the occasion. I have full confidence in our team who are putting protective measures in place and taking other actions to keep our people and facilities safe.

The university, including University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, is operating normally, and all classes, camps, and activities are continuing as scheduled. As in the case of all weather related events, faculty and staff are expected to make every reasonable effort to work as scheduled, using good judgment to avoid serious risks.

I encourage everyone to monitor local road conditions and closures, and allow extra travel time. Conditions can change quickly, and we are continually monitoring them. We are also in close communication with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our own Flood Center, Johnson County, the City of Iowa City, and the City of Coralville to remain nimble and prepared for any situation. For the latest news and information, I urge you to visit the flood information page on the Iowa Now website at now.uiowa.edu/flood2014.

Here's what we have done so far:

• Mayflower Residence Hall was closed and is now protected by HESCO barriers that are 12 feet high. Dubuque Street is now closed as water levels from the rising river will cause the road to flood.
• The Beckwith boathouse has been closed. This building was built to flood.
• We are constructing 4-foot high HESCO barriers all along the east and west sides of campus along the Iowa River. This level of protection prepares us for water levels comparable to 2008.
• Construction of the invisible wall around Art Building West is underway. Classes have been moved from this building and occupants have been evacuated.
• Sandbagging and HESCO barriers are being placed around the Water Plant and the Power Plant. These are critical facilities that need to be protected for us to continue to function.
• Construction at the Memorial Union and the Advanced Technology Lab has been halted in order for those sites to be stabilized and to be protected by HESCO barriers. Substantial effort is being made to keep these buildings dry and functioning.
• Shutting down storm sewers and setting pumps to keep ahead of projected river levels and local rainfall is underway.

Thank you, once again, for making the best of a challenging situation.

Sally Mason
President