Stay informed. UNC Asheville will continue to update Bulldog Alert and circulate updates via email and social media. Call our Helene hotline at 828-251-6600, or email helene@unca.edu with your questions and needs.

On this page:

Chancellor’s Updates Helene faq UNC Asheville Disaster Relief Fund Relief Resources in the news

As we continue to recover from the devastating effects of Helene, our focus remains on the comfort and care of our entire campus community as we endeavor to regain a sense of normalcy. Essential personnel are working tirelessly on campus and along with city, county, and System Office partners to ensure the safety of our University and manage the hundreds of details to keep us running as efficiently and effectively as possible.

This page is dedicated to UNC Asheville’s recovery efforts and will serve as a resource for our campus community and Bulldog allies. It will be updated as new information becomes available. 

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones. Stay strong, stay in contact, and know how grateful we are to the many of you volunteering to help our community during this difficult and challenging time.

Chancellor’s Updates

Chancellor's updates

Dear UNC Asheville Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am pleased to provide several important updates that highlight recent progress and upcoming events at UNC Asheville.

First and foremost, I am so delighted to report that safe drinking water has been restored across our campus! This monumental step in the University’s recovery efforts would not be possible without the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and numerous campus staff who have devoted their time and energy for over a month to make this possible. 

Personally, I view this tremendous endeavor as exactly the type of scientifically-informed, creative problem solving that UNC Asheville can and should pride itself on — in the classroom, in laboratories, across campus, and in our community. Many thanks also to Jeff Wilcox, professor of environmental science, for organizing tours and serving as an expert sounding board.

Spring Registration Starts Monday 
Registration for Spring 2025 classes begins next Monday, November 18. We are excited to return to in-person instruction next semester and encourage students to register on the day that their registration opens. Registration is a critically important step in each student’s academic journey each semester. I encourage all members of our campus community — faculty, staff, and student peers — to emphasize the importance of class registration and motivate our students to promptly complete Spring 2025 registration…

Read the Full Update

Dear Students,

UNC Asheville is pleased to announce that all UNC Asheville students are eligible to apply for the Hurricane Helene Emergency Grant Program for Postsecondary Students. This funding was provided to the UNC System from the North Carolina General Assembly to support students affected by Helene.

Please review all of the below information carefully and submit your grant application materials by the priority consideration deadline of Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Applications submitted by this date will receive an email confirmation regarding the determination of their application by Wednesday, December 4, 2024. 

Applications received after the priority consideration deadline will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The final deadline for applications is Monday, December 2, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance filling out the application, reach out directly to the Dean of Students Office by phone at 828-251-6585, or by email at dos@unca.edu. You may also contact the Dean of Students Office to set up an in-person appointment in the Highsmith Student Union….

Read the Full Update

Dear UNC Asheville Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am pleased to announce that our campus will move to Condition 1 beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, November 8. This decision comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to expand the capacity of the mobile water treatment facility on campus. Thanks to this important work, we now are confident in the ability to safely reopen campus buildings. However, please note that the certification of drinkable water is still pending, and everyone should continue using bottled water for drinking purposes.

Reopening of Campus Buildings
Under Condition 1, campus buildings will be open with a few exceptions—Robinson Hall, Dykman Hall, and the STEAM Studio will remain closed for air quality remediation. All other buildings will be available. Mandatory employees are instructed to work on campus if they are able, while all other employees may choose to work remotely with their supervisor’s approval. Additionally, employees may use Adverse Weather Make-Up Leave to cover any absences or rely on other available paid leave options…

Read the Full Update

Dear students, staff, and faculty,

I am pleased to report the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to progress in their effort to provide safe drinking water to campus, and we expect to announce the availability of potable water within the next few days. 

With the imminent arrival of safe drinking water, it’s important that we all understand the limitations of that water and the need for us to come together as a community to wisely and responsibly use what we have to ensure we have enough each day.

What follows is a detailed description of the water treatment process, beginning with the intake of water from the City of Asheville to the water coming out of the sinks, water fountains, and toilets on campus. In addition, the included diagram and labeled picture illustrate the system and its complexities. 

The facility will supply water only to the main part of campus, so the following buildings will not receive potable water and will remain under the City of Asheville’s Boil Water Notice until it is lifted…

Read the Full Update

Dear UNC Asheville Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Today has been a very exciting day as students began returning to campus and their residence halls, and I am personally thrilled to welcome back the first of our Bulldogs. As announced last week, all of our residence halls are reopening this week!

Our student affairs staff has a wide variety of programming in store, and this morning, our Bulldogs Belong email series resumed with valuable information about what our students can expect upon their return. It is so good to see us returning to some sense of normalcy…

Read the Full Update

Dear students,

To help ensure parents and families are receiving vital information related to campus updates, we sent them an email earlier today containing instructions for how to sign up for BulldogAlert, the SafeZone app, and an email listserv.

Since some parents and family members may not be on our current email list, please share the below instructions with them so they can sign up for these services. 

Thank you for your assistance keeping your families informed.

Read the Full Update

Dear UNC Asheville Students,

We hope this message finds you well. We understand the impact that Helene had on our community and the challenges faced during the month-long suspension of classes. Many of you have also experienced relocations due to closure of UNC Asheville residence halls. To support our students and address the disruption, the State of North Carolina and UNC Asheville is offering the following forms of financial assistance…

Read the Full Update

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Our apologies, the dates in the previous message regarding residential hall return were incorrect. The correct dates are:

Wednesday, October 30

  • Governors Hall
  • South Ridge Hall
  • The Woods

Thursday, October 31

  • Founders Hall
  • Ponder Hall
  • The Village

Friday, November 1 

  • West Ridge Hall
  • Mills Hall

Thank you for your understanding.

We are almost there!

As our students and faculty prepare to resume classes on Monday, I must express my deepest appreciation for our faculty’s continued dedication and flexibility in this challenging time. The effort you have all put forth to adapt syllabi and curriculum for online instruction during this condensed semester has been truly remarkable. Our faculty’s commitment and resilience have made a tremendous impact on the education and well-being of our students, and for that, I am sincerely grateful.

Return of Employees to Campus

Earlier this week, I shared that our plan to establish limited potable water on campus would permit the gradual reopening of campus building. With the return of classes next week, I am pleased to announce that select campus buildings will be available for use by faculty and mandatory staff. Beginning Monday, October 28, the following campus building will be open with non-potable water available:..

Read the Full Update

Good morning students, faculty and staff,

I have exciting news to share with you regarding the restoration of water to our campus. Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will deliver heavy equipment and supplies to campus for construction of a mobile water treatment system over the coming days. We have been working tirelessly with them for two weeks to design and implement this plan, and I am pleased to put it into operation.

The system is designed to receive non-potable water delivered to our campus and treat it to provide limited amounts of potable water. With this system in place, the University expects to deliver enough potable water for the safe return of residential students. This capacity will be directed toward residential buildings, dining spaces, and other buildings critical to student success and campus life… 

Read the Full Update

Dear students, staff, and faculty,
 
As we begin another week preparing campus for your eventual return, I am overjoyed to report that all students, staff, and faculty have been accounted for. There were many dedicated individuals involved in the effort to make contact with each and every one of you, and I am so thankful you are all safe.

I am also happy to report that things continue to improve here on campus and in our community. Last week, water finally began flowing through the campus water pipes and in most other city homes and businesses. While the water is currently very cloudy and nonpotable, we are working closely with city officials to monitor the situation. We are meticulously following a detailed, step-by-step plan to turn water back on to all campus buildings while ensuring it is done without causing harm to the pipes or water systems…

Read the Full Update

Dear staff, students, and faculty,

As UNC Asheville continues to recover from the impacts of Helene, we recognize that many of our students and employees have been personally impacted and need immediate financial assistance. To help assist with that effort, UNC Asheville has established a Hardship Recovery Grant program. Thank you to the hundreds of generous donors who gave to the Helene Disaster Relief Fund and made this grant program possible.

These hardship grants are intended to be used by students and employees to assist with immediate needs, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, medical expenses, emergency repairs, and other associated recovery costs.

To apply for a hardship grant, please complete the following form: Helene Recovery Hardship Grant Application.

Applications for hardship grants may be submitted through Thursday, October 24…

Read the Full Update

Dear students, staff, and faculty,

We are almost three weeks out from the first rains associated with Helene making its way to WNC, and we are finally beginning to see small signs of normalcy. Power has been restored to all areas of campus, the many trees that fell during the storm are being removed, and, most of the time, internet connectivity is stable. We have made tremendous progress towards reopening, but we still have several barriers to overcome.

UPDATE ON CAMPUS STATUS
Today a Bulldog Alert message was sent to our campus community to announce that UNC Asheville is extending Condition 3 through Thursday, October 24…

Read the Full Update

Dear Campus Community, 

We will be hosting a virtual State of the University briefing on Thursday, October 10, at 4:30 p.m. During this briefing, the Chancellor will provide an update on the University’s operations and ongoing recovery efforts. The Zoom connection information can be found at the end of this email.

Next week, we will be hosting virtual Town Halls for different University constituent groups. Additional invitations and Zoom connection information will be forthcoming… 

Read the Full Update

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As the UNC Asheville community continues to recover from the devastating effects of Helene, we are focused on the comfort and care of our entire campus community while also restoring campus to a sense of normality. Essential personnel continue to work tirelessly on campus to ensure the safety of our beautiful University, and with the city, county, and the System Office to button up the hundreds of details to keep us running as efficiently and effectively as possible. 

We have been working diligently to make contact with all faculty, staff, and students. If you have not been in touch with anyone from the University, please reply to this email so we may ensure everyone is safe and accounted for. There are several of you we have not heard from as of today, so please let us know your status at your convenience….

Read the Full Update

Dear students, faculty, staff, and extended UNC Asheville community,

It is hard to believe that just one week ago we were emerging from shelter and witnessing the magnitude of the storm we had just experienced and the unimaginable devastation it had wrought.

But we emerged, and in true Bulldog fashion threw ourselves into the tasks of ensuring that our students were safe and clearing access to the campus for emergency vehicles and services.

Immediately, our emergency operations teams began the challenging work of providing safety, food, water, medical and mental health services, and comfort to our students. We enlisted the assistance of our local, state, federal, and UNC System partners to access the resources necessary to ensure the needs of our students were met. These collaborations were integral to our ability to provide and care for our students…

Read the Full Update

Dear students, faculty, staff, and extended UNC Asheville community,

As we begin to recover and move forward from the impact of Tropical Storm Helene, we at UNC Asheville, along with the entire UNC School System, stand in solidarity with the people of Western North Carolina. We are heartened by the way our community has come together since the storm’s arrival Friday morning.

While the campus sustained minimal structural damage, UNC Asheville has been without electricity, running water, and internet since Friday. 

Communication with our campus and the broader community has been extremely limited due to impaired communications infrastructure, but slowly, we are gradually regaining our ability to connect.

From the very beginning, student safety and well-being have been our primary concern. Prior to the storm, we had over 1600 residential students on campus. Through a coordinated dorm-to-dorm and room-to-room effort led by Student Affairs, we confirmed approximately 1300 students remained on campus when the storm hit. Students who remained housed in the residence halls were provided daily with drinking water, three meals, and support services.

Throughout the last few days, we’ve worked diligently to ensure we knew where every student was on campus and to meet their needs. We’ve assisted all students residing on campus with finding safe relocation options, including identifying safe travel routes, providing students in need of gasoline for their cars, and relocating a very small number of students to another UNC System institution.

Within 72 hours of Tropical Storm Helene, all on-campus UNC Asheville students were safely relocated.

Although our Bulldogs do not currently have access to campus, clinical and mental health services remain available through all UNC institutions. More information on these services has been communicated through Bulldog Alert emails and push notifications.

We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported us. Our staff, many of whom are dealing with the storm’s impact on their own homes and communities, have shown tireless dedication. We also thank our UNC System colleagues, the system office, sister institutions, first responders, and state and federal officials for their tireless efforts.

UNC Asheville remains in Condition 3 and will remain closed until at least October 14. We have suspended all traditional University operations, and only essential employees will be permitted on campus. 

However, we are not done for the semester. Academic continuity planning has begun and we will have more information very soon as our assessments continue. Classes will not resume until at least October 28.

We have heard from many members of our extended UNC Asheville community who are eager to support our campus. Your messages of solidarity and generous offers of assistance are greatly appreciated. As we continue to assess our needs and recovery efforts, a UNC Asheville disaster relief fund has been established. Your contributions will support the entire campus community. To give, visit: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/52762/donations/new

Bulldogs, you are resilient and we look forward to when we can welcome you home.

Sincerely,

Kimberly van Noort, Ph.D.
Chancellor

FAQs & Hotline

Please review the frequently asked questions (FAQs), which will be updated regularly, to find the information you need. If you can’t find your answer here, a hotline has been established and a support team member is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday to help. To contact the call center, please call 828-251-6600.

You may also email helene@unca.edu with your questions and needs.

Status of Campus and Asheville Community

Asheville and neighboring communities have been significantly affected by Helene. Buncombe County and surrounding areas are working to rebuild infrastructure as quickly as possible to bring our vibrant Blue Ridge Mountain home back to a state of normalcy. While there is much to be done, the citizens of Asheville, along with the support of state and federal agencies and nonprofit entities, are working tirelessly to ensure a speedy recovery.

Chancellor van Noort confirmed on October 21 that the University’s 3,846 students, faculty, and staff who are part of the UNC Asheville community have all been accounted for.

Efforts to contact all members of the University community were led by staff in student affairs, human resources, the student success team, as well as the deans and provost, with additional input from faculty who have been in touch with their students.

The campus has not experienced severe damage. Residence halls and academic buildings are structurally sound and experienced minimal damage. However, the 838 Riverside property, which houses athletic offices, an art studio, and drama space, had significant damage from flooding. We are in contact with the insurance adjuster so we can begin to recover lost equipment and plan the next steps for that space. While the current utility infrastructure issues are beyond our control, we are working to restore campus as quickly as possible.

UNC Asheville entered Condition 1 (Reduced  Operations) on Friday, November 8. This decision comes as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to expand the capacity of the mobile water treatment facility on campus. The certification of drinkable water was confirmed on November 13. , All testing to ensure the water is safe and free from contaminants is complete, and today the campus community was notified of the change. 

During Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), Mandatory Employees are instructed to work on campus if they are able, while all other Employees may choose to work remotely with their supervisor’s approval. Additionally, employees may use Adverse Weather Make-Up Leave to cover any absences or rely on other available paid leave options.

During Condition 1, campus buildings will be open with a few exceptions—Robinson Hall, Dykman Hall, and the STEAM Studio will remain closed for air quality remediation. All other buildings will be available. 

Please continue to follow updates on the status of campus sent out via email and Bulldog Alert.

On October 25, Chancellor van Noort shared the plan to welcome residential students back to campus. Residential students were able to move back into their residential halls following a staggered schedule shared to students via email. 

Please reference the Bulldogs Belong email newsletter from October 30, and forthcoming emails.

Yes; on November 13, it was announced that due to the construction of a mobile water treatment system, drinkable water will be available in all buildings on the main campus. Please note that buildings that are peripheral to the main part of campus are unfortunately not able to receive the treated water, and anyone in the following buildings should continue to follow the City of Asheville’s boil water notice: 118 W.T. Weaver and STEAM Studio.

Prior to certifying our water as safe to drink, thorough testing was conducted in consultation with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). All results returned within the standards established by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), including no detectable lead. The University’s water is safe for consumption. Our water treatment system, operationalized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is designed to remove metals, as well as other contaminants. It also treats the water with an anti-corrosive treatment to prevent corrosion within campus water pipes.

In an update on October 22, Chancellor van Noort shared that the University’s plan to establish limited potable water on campus will permit the gradual reopening of campus buildings with a focus on residence halls. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was to supply safe, drinkable water to campus through the construction of a mobile water treatment system. 

The system is designed to receive non-potable water delivered to our campus and treat it to provide limited amounts of potable water. With this system in place, the University will deliver enough potable water for residential students. This capacity will be directed toward residential buildings, dining spaces, and other buildings critical to student success and campus life. 

In an update on October 25, Chancellor van Noort shared the plan to welcome residential students back to campus. The University asks that all who return to campus be considerate community members in your use of water where it is available. The amount of water the treatment facility can produce each day is limited, so we all must conserve water where possible. There will be ample water for traditional daily needs such as drinking, bathing, washing hands, and laundry, but we encourage everyone to use water thoughtfully.

Please reference Chancellor’s Updates to review past messages on the progress of the construction and testing of the mobile water treatment system, detailed descriptions of the water treatment process on campus, which campus buildings will receive potable water, and tips for water conservation.

If you have any questions or concerns about water usage on campus, please email helene@unca.edu.

Yes, our team is actively working on applying for FEMA aid. Additionally, we are putting together a “resilience package” to put forth during the next Board of Governors meeting and for the legislative session. This package would include, but not be limited to, a proposal for solar panels on university buildings, digging our own water wells, and other resources to ensure we can be more self-sufficient.

Bulldog Alert: Students, faculty, and staff are automatically enrolled in Bulldog Alert SMS text messages and emails with contact information registered with the University. You can also view past updates at bulldogalert.unca.edu. 

Parents are not automatically enrolled. Please follow the instructions on the Bulldog Alert Login Page to register. Your registration will remain active until August 1, 2025. At that time, you will need to re-register to continue receiving updates.

By signing up for Bulldog Alerts as a parent/family member you will also be added to our new Parents and Families listserv. We have heard from you that you need more detailed information on both the current situation and progress towards full recovery. We will use this listserv to push updates to you as they become available. 

SafeZone App: We also maintain a safety app, SafeZone, to further enhance safety on campus. Bulldog Alerts are also routed as push notifications to the SafeZone App. With SafeZone, students, faculty, and staff can reach University Police for emergency and non-emergency assistance directly from their mobile devices. This app allows users to share their location and profile details quickly, facilitating faster and more accurate response times. You can encourage your student to download SafeZone from the App Store or Google Play, using their UNC Asheville email address to log in.

Academics

Instruction and coursework resumed online on October 28 and will remain online for the remainder of the Fall 2024 semester.

In our commitment to being an innovative campus, online instruction will provide students with choices: they may stay where they are to complete their online semester, or they may return to campus once the University has safe, running water and the campus is a healthy place to live. No matter the status of potable water, the Fall 2024 semester will remain online. We continue to finalize and execute plans to support  online instruction and to ensure students have the necessary support to succeed. The University will send updates as information becomes available. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this new normal.

Students will have options for their online classes. Zoom lectures will be recorded so that students may join in real time or view them at a later time based on their unique circumstances. Instructors will be in touch with their students directly with information about how their classes will work.

Engineering classes (ECE, JEM, MAE, and MSE) resumed on Thursday, October 17 in an online format. 

PLEASE NOTE:
E 101 and JEM 123 will be moved to next semester. If you are in those classes now, please look for more information from your instructors about how that transition will work.

Academic advising resumed on October 28. If you are unable to connect with your faculty advisor prior to your registration date, please connect with the Office of Advising.  

Class registration for the Spring 2025 term will start on November 18, based on students earned hours. 

11/21 – Registration begins for Freshman (0-29 earned hours)

11/18 – Registration begins for Seniors (90+ earned hours)

11/19 – Registration begins for Juniors (60-89 earned hours)

11/20 – Registration begins for Sophomore (30-59 earned hours)

Yes. We are extending the withdrawal deadline to December 20. This will allow students to view their final grades prior to selecting the option to withdraw. Withdrawals taken post-Helene will not count toward your withdrawal limit. Complete the withdrawal form.

Courses will be graded using standard letter grades but students will have the opportunity to view their final grade before selecting the withdrawal option. Grades will be due on December 17 and the withdrawal deadline will be extended to December 20.

The deadline for faculty to submit the final grade for a Spring or Summer 2024 incomplete has been extended to December 2. Students should connect with the instructor for their course-specific deadline.

In an update on October 24, Chancellor van Noort shared that our Commencement ceremony will proceed as planned on Friday, December 13, at 4 p.m. in Kimmel Arena.

Students can expect to experience all that a UNC Asheville education offers beginning Spring 2025. We’re grateful that our campus has been spared significant structural damage from Helene.

Our team is here to support you in every way we can! You may contact Regine Criser, Director of Student Success, at rcriser@unca.edu with your questions and needs.

Please be in contact with your instructors for detailed information about your coursework that might require these large in-person components. Asynchronous and online instruction will continue from October 28 through the remainder of the Fall 2024 semester.

Please reach out to the Office of Accessibility at academicaccess@unca.edu or (828) 251-6292 to address any needs.

Here is the revised final exam schedule. Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions or concerns about the revised final exam date and time for a specific course.

Campus

On October 25, Chancellor van Noort shared the plan to welcome residential students back to campus. Students will receive move-in information by email. Please reference the Bulldogs Belong email newsletter from October 30, and forthcoming emails.

Non-residential students may utilize open buildings on campus, including Brown Hall, Ramsey Library, and Highsmith Student Union while in Condition 2 & Condition 1.

Yes. The residence halls are locked and secured. University Police remain on campus to ensure the safety and security of the campus environment.

It’s not mandatory for you to pick up your vehicle prior to your return to UNC Asheville. It will be safe on campus until the time you decide you would like to retrieve it. If students would like to retrieve their vehicles, they may now do so at any time.

At this time, we cannot offer temporary or emergency housing on campus due to ongoing recovery efforts and life safety concerns, including limited access to safe, running water. Contact Residence Life at UNC Asheville (reslife@unca.edu) if you are a current UNC Asheville residential student with a housing need outside the Asheville area.

Contact Residence Life at UNC Asheville (reslife@unca.edu) if you are a current UNC Asheville residential student with a housing need outside the Asheville area. Please do not attempt to contact other UNC universities and request housing on their campuses.

All student employees should have received their September pay. 

Based on the guidance and information provided from The University of North Carolina System, student and temporary employees are paid their normal rate while the university is in Condition 3, until October 27. 

For the week of October 28 through November 3, when the University moved to Condition 2, student and temporary hourly employees will be paid for hours worked by submitting a “late timesheet” for that week’s hours to payroll@unca.edu. If you have questions regarding whether you are permitted to work, please reach out to your supervisor. 

All student and temporary flat-rate employees jobs that are continuing will receive their full flat-rate amount. If a flat-rate employee is not returning to campus and will not be continuing their job, we will work with the Career Center to stop payment, but they will still receive payment for October 21-27 while the University was under Condition 3, even if the job is not continuing.  

Federal work study employees will be paid their awarded funds.
Starting in the November 4-17  bi-weekly pay cycle we will return to our normal process with all hours being entered and approved in Web Time Entry (WTE) for payment. Student employees should work with their supervisors on instructions for reporting or not reporting to work during Condition 1.

Campus Facilities

Students may utilize any open campus buildings, including Ramsey Library and Highsmith Student Union. Additionally, Brown Hall has resumed normal operations and is open for dining.

On October 25, Chancellor van Noort shared the plan to welcome residential students back to campus for the remainder of the Fall 2024 semester. Please reference the Bulldogs Belong email newsletter from October 30, and forthcoming emails.  

The staggered move-in schedule will ensure that Residence Life and Campus Operations staff have ample time to ensure every residence hall is restored and ready for full occupancy on the above dates.

The Health & Counseling Center is now open at 118 W.T. Weaver Blvd. and available for in-person and virtual appointments for all services. The hours of operation are Monday-Friday 10 a.m to 4 p.m.  

UNC HealthLink is also available after-hours and weekends by calling 828-251-6520 and pressing 5. Students are still able to access the Health Services at other UNC system campuses. However, it is important to call the specific health center to discuss your needs prior to arriving on campus.

For mental health support, the UNC Asheville Counseling team is available to you. Mental health services can be requested by calling the Health & Counseling Center at (828) 251-6520.  After hours and weekends, please contact ProtoCall by calling (828) 251-6520 and press 4.

Finance

We will do everything we can to provide academic continuity and to complete the semester. As the situation progresses, more information on this topic will be made available to impacted students.

All University credits will be calculated to reflect the 35 days that UNC Asheville was unable to offer residential housing, University dining, and parking. These credits will be applied on students’ Spring 2025 billing. Students graduating in December 2024 will be eligible for a refund payment.

In regard to residential student housing, a credit will be applied toward Spring 2025 on-campus housing costs. The credit will be a portion of the semester housing cost to cover the time residence halls were closed. While the amount of credit will vary depending on each student’s housing selection, a student with standard double housing could expect a credit of approximately $900. 

In regard to residential meal plans, students with an active residential meal plan will receive a credit on their Spring 2025 dining bill. This credit will be prorated for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that the dining hall was closed. Credits will vary based on each student’s selected meal plan and will range from $760-840. Students’ Fall 2024 meal plan balances will be changed to reflect these credits when they return to campus. 

In regard to student parking permits, a prorated credit will be applied toward the Spring 2025 bill. This credit will be approximately $30 to account for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that campus was closed.

The University will not be issuing refunds for tuition for Fall 2024. 

Students who are enrolled for Spring 2025 are eligible for Tuition Grants to cover the cost of tuition.

In an update on October 25, the Chancellor shared the following resources from the State of North Carolina and UNC Asheville are available to students in the form of financial assistance. If you have any questions or need further information on the following resources , please contact helene@unca.edu or finaid@unca.edu. 

  • Tuition Grants: The General Assembly has provided $5.5 million to UNC Asheville to support tuition grants to students. Students enrolled at UNC Asheville in the Spring 2025 semester will be eligible for a tuition grant to cover the cost of tuition up to the in-state tuition rate. This program will eliminate or substantially reduce the cost of tuition in the Spring 2025 semester. The amount of funding received by an individual student will vary based on the tuition rate being paid and financial aid already being received.
  • Emergency Grants: The General Assembly also provided $5 million for emergency grants to students at UNC schools impacted by Helene. In addition to the Tuition Grants, students who experienced financial hardship as a result of Helene will be eligible for an emergency scholarship grant program for up to $2,500 per student. These funds may be used to cover any expenses that support a student’s continued enrollment, including costs related to transportation, textbooks, tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Residential Student Housing: A credit will be applied toward Spring 2025 on-campus housing costs. The credit will be a portion of the semester housing cost to cover the time residence halls were closed. While the amount of credit will vary depending on each student’s housing selection, a student with standard double housing could expect a credit of approximately $900.
  • Students with Residential Meal Plans: Students with an active residential meal plan will receive a credit on their Spring 2025 dining bill. This credit will be prorated for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that the dining hall was closed. Credits will vary based on each student’s selected meal plan and will range from $760-840. Students’ Fall 2024 meal plan balances will be changed to reflect these credits when they return to campus. 

Student with Parking Permits: A prorated credit will be applied toward the Spring 2025 bill. This credit will be approximately $30 to account for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that campus was closed.

UNC Asheville established a Helene Hardship Grant program to assist students and employees with immediate needs, including temporary shelter, food, clothing, medical expenses, emergency repairs, and other associated recovery costs. Applications for hardship grants closed on Thursday, October 24.

Students and employees who submitted applications will be contacted with information regarding their grant status starting as early as October 30 and on an ongoing basis.

In an update on October 25, the Chancellor shared the following resources from the State of North Carolina and UNC Asheville that are available to students in the form of financial assistance. If you have any questions or need further information on the following resources , please contact helene@unca.edu or finaid@unca.edu. 

  • Tuition Grants: The General Assembly has provided $5.5 million to UNC Asheville to support tuition grants to students. Students enrolled at UNC Asheville in the Spring 2025 semester will be eligible for a tuition grant to cover the cost of tuition up to the in-state tuition rate. This program will eliminate or substantially reduce the cost of tuition in the Spring 2025 semester. The amount of funding received by an individual student will vary based on the tuition rate being paid and financial aid already being received.
  • Emergency Grants: The General Assembly also provided $5 million for emergency grants to students at UNC schools impacted by Helene. In addition to the Tuition Grants, students who experienced financial hardship as a result of Helene will be eligible for an emergency scholarship grant program for up to $2,500 per student. These funds may be used to cover any expenses that support a student’s continued enrollment, including costs related to transportation, textbooks, tuition, fees, and living expenses.
  • Residential Student Housing: A credit will be applied toward Spring 2025 on-campus housing costs. The credit will be a portion of the semester housing cost to cover the time residence halls were closed. While the amount of credit will vary depending on each student’s housing selection, a student with standard double housing could expect a credit of approximately $900.
  • Students with Residential Meal Plans: Students with an active residential meal plan will receive a credit on their Spring 2025 dining bill. This credit will be prorated for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that the dining hall was closed. Credits will vary based on each student’s selected meal plan and will range from $760-840. Students’ Fall 2024 meal plan balances will be changed to reflect these credits when they return to campus. 
  • Student with Parking Permits: A prorated credit will be applied toward the Spring 2025 bill. This credit will be approximately $30 to account for the portion of the Fall 2024 semester that campus was closed. 

More information will be shared soon regarding eligibility and application for Tuition Grants and Emergency Grants.

Giving and Ways To Get Involved

We have heard from many members of our extended UNC Asheville community who are eager to support our campus. Your messages of solidarity and generous offers of assistance are greatly appreciated. A UNC Asheville disaster relief fund has been established as we continue to assess our needs and recovery efforts. Your contributions will support the entire campus community. To give, visit: https://bit.ly/UNCAshevilleDisasterRelief.

UNC Asheville Bulldogs are known for their community engagement and for using the critical thinking and communication skills they’ve honed through their education. Student Government Association (SGA) President Liv Barefoot, a political science major and human rights studies minor from Raleigh, has compiled the following organizations for the campus community to come together and help with Helene relief efforts.

Remember, the top priority is for you to stay safe. Please take care and exercise caution with more strenuous volunteer efforts.

The following list was compiled in October, please confirm with each organization for ongoing updates on dates and times for volunteer opportunities.

Hearts With Hands

  • When: Various volunteer shifts (below)
  • Where: 850 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa, NC 28778 — Accessible only from exit 55
  • Info: Hearts with Hands (Swannanoa/Asheville): Local volunteers are needed to prepare meals, sort donations, distribute donations, and more! Please park in a parking space at our front parking lot and walk over to our gated entrance. 
  • Sign up at: heartswithhands.org/volunteer 

World Central Kitchen at Bears BBQ

  • When: 12–6 p.m. every day 
  • Where: Bears BBQ & Smokehouse at 135 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC
  • Info: To volunteer, you must be registered through the WCK volunteer hub. Please ensure you can commit to both the time and location of the volunteer shift. 
  • Send questions to: VOLUNTEER@WCK.ORG
  • Create WCK Account here: https://wck.org/volunteer

The Civic Center

  • When: 9 a.m.–9 p.m. every day
  • Where: 87 Haywood St, Asheville, NC — Just come to the bay door on Hiawassee Street in Downtown Asheville and let security know you’re here to volunteer!
  • Info: The Civic Center desperately needs volunteers for unloading and sorting supplies! 

Henderson County

  • When: 8 a.m–7 p.m. every day
  • Where: various locations (below)
  • Info: Henderson County is recruiting for help at Mills River Town Hall, Etowah Elementary, East Henderson High, and North Henderson High. 20-30 volunteers are needed daily to help distribute resources and serve a hot meal at noon.
  • Call 828-771-6670 if interested

Community Cleanup Effort

  • When: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
  • Where: Riverview Station at the River Arts District
  • Info: Please come help to save the artist community of Asheville! This flood has been catastrophic and devastating for so many of us, and we really appreciate any effort you can make to help us recover. We will be shoveling out mud, dragging out furniture and contents, ripping out drywall and debris. Please bring friends, neighbors, your church group, and any able-bodied person with you.

ABCCM Warehouse

  • When: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. every day
  • Where: To volunteer, please come to 1845 Brevard Road, Arden, NC
  • Info: We have trucks coming to our warehouse daily and we need volunteers to come help unload these trucks, sort the donations, and assist with the distribution of these needed supplies.

Non-WNC Donation Sites

Alternatively, look up donation drives near you if you want to contribute supplies—watch local news stations and check UNC System campus communications for places near you! 

International Students

At this time, we advise against making plans to return to your home country. We are actively preparing for academic continuity and we are working to resume instruction by October 28. Efforts are underway to ensure minimal disruption to your academic progress, and we will continue to provide updates as more details become available.

Contact Residence Life at UNC Asheville (reslife@unca.edu) if you are a current UNC Asheville residential student with a housing need.

For Faculty and Staff

Faculty and staff will be allowed to return to campus once water is restored and buildings are deemed safe for occupancy. Our plan to establish limited potable water on campus permitted the gradual reopening of campus buildings while in Condition 2 (Suspended Operations) and Condition 1 (Reduced Operations). 

As of November 8 when Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), campus buildings will be open with a few exceptions—Robinson Hall, Dykman Hall, and the STEAM Studio will remain closed for air quality remediation. All other buildings will be available. Mandatory employees are instructed to work on campus if they are able, while all other employees may choose to work remotely with their supervisor’s approval. Additionally, employees may use Adverse Weather Make-Up Leave to cover any absences or rely on other available paid leave options.

Further details regarding return to campus will be communicated via Bulldog Alert (bulldogalert.unca.edu) and on this webpage.

The University entered Condition 1 (Reduced Operations) on November 8. Under Condition 1, campus buildings will be open with a few exceptions—Robinson Hall, Dykman Hall, and the STEAM Studio will remain closed for air quality remediation. All other buildings will be available. 

Please contact Keith Krumpe (kkrumpe@unca.edu) to schedule a time to access offices that are not in open buildings

Please fill out the Faculty Resource and Support Inventory Form to share your needs with Academic Affairs: https://forms.gle/yGbHrtytuw7BNBTw9 

The University will also be coordinating satellite work locations through The Hatch Innovation Lab and Blue Ridge Community College. More information on how faculty can register to access these spaces has been shared via campus email.

Calendar revisions for Fall 2024 have been published, please visit: https://registrar.unca.edu/calendar-schedules/academic-calendars/

Advising for Spring 2025 begins on October 28. Registration will start on November 18. Visit: https://registrar.unca.edu/calendar-schedules/academic-calendars/

The UNC Asheville Faculty and Staff Assistance Program services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are two ways to access these benefits:

  • Call 833-515-0768. You’ll speak to a counseling professional who will listen to your concerns and can guide you to the appropriate services you require.

A Banner Activity Code has been created to track all costs associated with Helene. Any storm-related expenses should be recorded to activity code HRHL24 so that we can maintain a record of potentially reimbursable expenses. The Finance department is requesting faculty and staff take an approach of “better safe than sorry” and apply the code to any possible charges relating to this event. This includes travel-related matters as well as all purchasing and accounts payable activities.

Look for emails from the Leave Keeper account with instructions regarding  how to submit your leave reports during Conditions 1, 2, and 3. If you have any questions please email  leave-reports@unca.edu.

All employees will be paid for the period when the University was under Condition 3 (closure). This also includes temporary workers, who will be paid at the same rate that they were working preceding Condition 3 (Closure) with an average of the hours they worked. For questions about payroll, please email payroll@unca.edu.

For the duration of Condition 1 (Reduced Operations), employees should work with their supervisors to determine in person or remote work.. Mandatory employees are instructed to work on campus if they are able, while all other employees may choose to work remotely with their supervisor’s approval. Additionally, employees may use Adverse Weather Make-Up Leave to cover any absences or rely on other available paid leave options.

Helene recovery updates are currently ongoing

UNC Asheville Disaster Relief Fund

A UNC Asheville disaster relief fund has been established as we continue to assess our needs and recover efforts. Your contributions will support the entire campus community

Give Now

Relief Resources

Four Ways to Apply for Disaster Assistance:

North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s Helene website: ncdps.gov/Helene 

FEMA disaster website for North Carolina: fema.gov/disaster/4827 

IMPORTANT: Document your damages. Photograph the damages and items you have to throw away. More information about how to apply.

FEMA Guidance

Stay informed. UNC Asheville will continue to update Bulldog Alert and circulate updates via email and social media.

Town Hall Updates

In The News

UNC Asheville continues to capture attention across the country and around the world with recent news highlighting the University’s resilience. Follow our progress with the latest articles featuring UNC Asheville’s contributions and updates as we navigate Helene’s recovery efforts.

The US Army Crops of Engineers helped build a temporary water treatment plant for UNC Asheville, providing clean water to the main part of campus starting November 13th. UNC Asheville

Safe drinking water returns to UNC Asheville through temporary treatment facility

Asheville Citizen Times | November 13, 2024

ASHEVILLE – UNC Asheville’s campus now has access to clean water through the use of a temporary water treatment facility, according to a Nov. 13 announcement from the university.

About four weeks ago, the school began working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to build a temporary water treatment facility on campus, the news release said. After testing was completed to ensure the water is free of contaminants, the campus was notified that the water is safe to drink on Nov. 13, minus the water flowing in some peripheral buildings…. READ FULL STORY

fall 2023 UNC Asheville drone photo
Photo of UNC Asheville

Students impacted by hurricane will receive extra scholarship support

October 29, 2024

In response to the hardships caused by Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority is awarding additional financial aid to eligible students at Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Asheville and Western Carolina University, and to eligible students from impacted counties at the other UNC institutions.

North Carolina resident students with family incomes below $80,000 will receive an average of $850 in additional grant aid to help offset some of the unexpected costs from Helene’s disruption. Financial aid recipients at affected community colleges are also eligible for the one-time increase in funding. Eligible students are already receiving the Next NC Scholarship, a financial aid program that combines federal and state dollars to help families pay for college. The extra funds will be added to the scholarship for 2024-25… READ THE FULL STORY

U.S. Army Corps set up temporary water system at UNC Asheville after Helene damage
UNC-Asheville is working to set up a temporary water system to bring residential students back on campus. (Photo: WLOS Staff)

UNC Asheville collaborates with U.S. Army Corps to set up temporary water system

Taylor Thompson, WLOS ABC News 13 | October 23, 2024

SHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — UNC Asheville is working to set up a temporary water system to bring residential students back on campus.

Chancellor Kim van Noort said this last month has been challenging, with the lack of water being their most significant issue.

She said they had been looking for solutions to their water situation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented one.

Col. Cullen A. Jones, 65th Commander and District Engineer for the New Orleans District said that they were directed to assemble a team of people who have experience providing temporary potable drinking water to people after extreme weather events.

He said they assembled a group of experienced people who have been in Asheville for about three weeks, identifying areas where they could help. UNCA has been their latest project… READ THE FULL STORY

UNC Asheville Students hand out supplies to those impacted by Helene . Photo Credit: UNC Asheville

Western NC universities, staff and students’ homes damaged by Helene, UNC president says

Sarah Krueger, WRAL News | October 11, 2024

Classes will soon resume at some of the UNC System campuses in western North Carolina, but communities still face a long road to recovery from Hurricane Helene.

UNC System president Peter Hans said, most importantly, there was no loss of life for anyone in the UNC System community.

He also spoke about the extent of the physical damage and the resiliency that’s helping the universities to build back.

“They’re still assessing all of that and how much it will cost,” Hans said…. READ THE FULL STORY

Flood damage at Appalachian State
Appalachian State University was one of several campuses in Western North Carolina to sustain damages from Hurricane Helene. CHASE REYNOLDS

Dean’s List: How you can help Western NC colleges recover from Helene’s damage

Korie Dean, News & Observer | October 8, 2024

It’s been almost two weeks since Hurricane Helene left much of Western North Carolina devastated and destroyed. Many of the region’s colleges and universities sustained damages and experienced other impacts, too… READ THE FULL STORY

Aftermath of Helene
Floodwaters cover major routes in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene passed through the state. Credit: NCDOT

N.C. universities rally to provide mental health support for students after Helene

Emily Vespa, North Carolina Health News | October 7, 2024

While Helene tore through Boone, 20-year-old Mya McClarty braved the heavy downpour to get back to her apartment for her cat, Matcha. Floodwaters forced her to watch from higher ground as the muddy water swirled around her first floor apartment…READ FULL STORY

Student provides water bottles to Helene victims
A former Albemarle County Public Schools student is doing his part in helping provide relief to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. (WVIR)

Former Albemarle student helps with Helene recovery

Jacob Phillips, WVIR, Charlottesville, VA | October 7, 2024

A former Albemarle County Public Schools student is doing his part in helping provide relief to those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

20-year-old Nate Sullivan is a student at UNC Asheville. He says something inside him told him to step-up and help in whatever way he could.

Now he is one of the many putting their own safety at risk to ensure others get what they need… READ THE FULL STORY

Florence resident looks iu
A Florence native has spent the last two years making Asheville, North Carolina, her home. (Screenshot taken from WAFF)

Florence native shares her special reason for collecting supplies for Helene victims

Aria Pons, WAFF, Huntsville, AL | October 4, 2024

A Florence native has spent the last two years making Asheville, North Carolina, her home.

The path of devastation from Hurricane Helene stretches from the Gulf Coast, all the way through Virginia.

Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee are two of the hardest hit areas… READ THE FULL STORY

North Carolina Colleges Extend Campus Closures

Jessica Blake, Inside Higher Ed | October 3, 2024

The University of North Carolina at Asheville canceled classes through the rest of this month as a result of damage caused by Hurricane Helene, The News & Observer reported… READ THE FULL STORY

Food trucks from East Carolina University prove help to UNCA
Chancellor van Noort stands with food truck staff from East Carolina University, who came to UNCA after Hurricane Helene to help provide meals to students and staff. (Photo courtesy of UNC System)

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, UNC-Asheville announced on Tuesday afternoon that it would close its campus through October 14 and not resume classes for at least two more weeks after that.

Several other colleges in the region have closed campuses due to the destruction in Western North Carolina. But UNC-Asheville has remained without power or water since the storm hit on Friday… READ FULL STORY

Flooding in Tuckasegee River
Flooding from the Tuckasegee River caused water to rise under Western Carolina University student Aubrie Ruscetti’s off-campus house. (Photo courtesy of Cora Haste)

The Semester is Not Done

Erin Gretzinger, The Assembly | October 2, 2024

Alondra Barrera-Hernandez hadn’t been too worried about Hurricane Helene—until she got a knock on her dorm room door at UNC-Asheville on Friday morning. Her dorm had already lost power in the storm, and a couple inches of flooding had crept up in the stairwells of the first floor. 

The senior resident assistant and student-body vice president opened her door at around 9 a.m. to find the RA on call, who informed her there was an emergency staff meeting in an hour. Those never happened. 

“They told us, ‘It’s going to be an all-hands-on-deck thing,’” Barrera-Hernandez said…READ FULL STORY

Lineman trucks gathered to restore power to affected areas
Helene could dump 6 to 12 more inches of rain in areas that have just recently been deluged. (Photo courtesy of NBC News)

A day after a once-in-a-thousand-year rainstorm, southern Appalachia faces Hurricane Helene

Evan Bush, NBC News | September 26, 2024

A rainstorm expected only once every 1,000 years deluged parts of southern Appalachia on Wednesday night, with as much as 8 inches falling in a day’s time in Asheville, North Carolina.

Now, the area awaits some of the most intense rainfall forecast from fast-moving Hurricane Helene. In some areas, Helene could dump an additional 6 to 12 inches of rain, according to the National Hurricane Center…READ FULL STORY