Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The University of Iowa is reaching out to students whose families were affected by the severe weather that rolled across the Midwest this past weekend, destroying homes, killing at least six people and causing dozens of injuries.

The UI Office of Student Life and Provost’s Office are contacting students from areas of the 12 states impacted by Sunday’s violent weather, offering support, counseling services and flexibility for their academic work while they tend to matters at home.

Although there are no reports of UI students or their families being hurt by the storms, some are believed to have lost homes or suffered property damage, especially in Washington, Illinois. The tornado there cut a path about an eighth of a mile wide from one side of Washington to the other and damaged or destroyed as many as 500 homes.

The weather also battered parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and western New York.

Students affected by the storm and needing academic support are encouraged to contact their college or Michelle Cohenour, the UI’s director of student retention, at michelle-cohenour@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1497. Students seeking counseling services or other help may contact UI Dean of Students David Grady at dos@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1162.

“We know this is a difficult time and want you to know that we are here to support you,” Beth Ingram, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of University College, said in an email to students from storm-affected areas.