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Emergency Update FAQs

•  
• FEB. 26TH POWER OUTAGE
• Updated Feb. 27th, 5:40 p.m.

What is the status of restoring power to the entire campus?

On February 27, the repair team and a team from Entergy took the time to test each transformer on site as a way to ensure that there is a sustainable solution to providing the campus with power. To assist in this effort, the original designer of the system visited campus to assist with the testing and consultation. 

What happened?

Due to an equipment failure on campus, several buildings at Dillard suffered a power outage on Sunday, February 26. Students in Camphor-Hartzell, Williams and Straight Halls were affected by the outage, so the University planned a closure through Wednesday, March 1. For the safety of those students, those who could return to their families were encouraged to do so. Those were unable to do so, were moved to the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel. 

Incoming calls have been rerouted, and campus offices are operating remotely until power is fully restored to campus. Essential personnel have reported to campus, and they have performed their regular duties as well as duties needed to assist in restoring power to the campus as well as prepare for normal operations to resume. 

How long will the University be without power?

It is currently estimated that power will be restored on Wednesday, March 1. However, that will depend upon completion of the assessment of the problem. The University is scheduled to resume normal operations on campus Thursday, March 2. For timely updates, please visit the Emergency Updates page.

Will classes be held while the University is without power?

Classes were canceled Monday, February 27; and are resuming remotely through Friday, March 2. 

For students who do not have access to wifi, arrangements have been made for them to access the following:

Office of Community & Church Relations, 3301 Annette St. 

Norman Mayer (3001 Gentilly Blvd.) and Nova Navra (1902 St. Bernard St.) public libraries - Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Loyola University Library, Mon.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-2 a.m.

Where are students who reside on campus being housed during the power outage?

As mentioned, the students are at the Hilton Riverside until they can return to their residence halls. The Hilton Riverside is located at 2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130. Please contact residentiallife@dillard.edu with questions as the hotel property will not have information on our students.

Do students have to reside in the temporary hotel housing during the power outage?

Students were given the option to return home or to another safe and secure location if they did not want to stay at the hotel. However, students were required to complete a temporary relocation form distributed by the Division of Student Affairs so that the University have a record of their whereabouts during the power outage. 

What is the meal and shuttle schedule?

Will students have access to complimentary wifi while staying at the hotel?

The University will arrange for the students to have basic wifi while at the hotel. If a student decides to opt for high speed internet at the hotel, they will be responsible for the associated fees. 

Will there be transportation from the hotel to the campus once it reopens?

Shuttle service to and from campus will be provided to students housed at the hotel when the campus reopens. If a student decides not to utilize the University’s shuttle service they will not be reimbursed for any transportation cost, such as Ubers, taxis, hotel parking, etc. 

For students who have extenuating circumstances such as employment obligations, athletics and ROTC, hotel parking will be reimbursed. Approval must be obtained from the Division of Student Success at studentaffairs@dillard.edu.   

Will there be mail service on campus Monday through Wednesday?

Regular mail service is interrupted during the power outage. The exceptions are medications, financial information, vital documents, etc. Students who receive these types of items will be notified by their carrier that their items have arrived. Upon notification, contact Michelle Matthew at 504.784.9819 or mmatthew@dillard.edu to arrange special delivery.  

Will midterm exams be held the week of February 27?

Midterm exams have been rescheduled to the week of March 6 with the exception of nursing senior exams, which will be administered on Thursday, March 2, as scheduled. However, students are expected to participate in remote classes February 28 and March 1 and classes on campus March 2 and 3.

Are their specific rules for students at the hotel?

Students are bound by Dillard's student code of conduct and their signed residential life contract. Please review these documents carefully as a reminder. 

What should I do if I am expecting a financial aid refund and I am unable to go to the financial aid office during the power outage?

Students who are awaiting refunds should update their ACH information in MyDU.

 

Have arrangements been made for library services while the library on Dillard’s campus is closed?

For those who elect to stay in Gentilly Gardens, consider using the Norman Mayer or Nova Navra Public Library or the Office of Community and Church Relations. Loyola University will also allow Dillard students to utilize their library facilities during the power outage. 

 

Who do I contact if I need special accommodations that are not on file with the University. 

Any students needing accommodations or who have dietary restrictions that are not on file with the University should contact Ms. Sheila Judge of Disability Services at sjudge@dillard.edu immediately.

 

How do I gain access to my room at the hotel after Sunday evening?

Students who reside on campus and were unable to make the last bus to the hotel at 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 26 and need to coordinate housing accommodations, should contact Michelle Matthew at 504.784.9819 for assistance with checking into the hotel and obtaining a room key. 

Important Contact Information:

Main Campus Number - 504.283.8822

DUPD Emergency Number - 504.616.9792 (temporary)

Facilities Concerns - 504.710.0679 (temporary)