What to do with UI Libraries books that are wet, muddy or damaged

If you have library books that were damaged in flooding, there are several options for returning them to the UI Libraries.

DRY/UNDAMAGED BOOKS — return to Hardin or one of the branch libraries or wait until the Main Library is open.

SLIGHTLY WET/DAMP BUT NOT MUDDY — wrap in wax paper and put in your freezer. Contact Main Library Circulation lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu or 319-335-5912. We will coordinate the retrieval of the damaged materials.

MUDDY/ICKY BOOKS and live in the Iowa City area — rinse as best you can, put in freezer bag and freeze. Wear gloves when handling books to protect yourself. Contact Main Library Circulation lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu or 319-335-5912. We will coordinate the retrieval of the damaged materials.

BOOKS TOSSED/LOST DURING RECOVERY EFFORTS OF HOME — contact Main Library Circulation lib-maincirc@uiowa.edu or 319-335-5912. Staff will retrieve title information and start the replacement process.

The Libraries Damaged Library Materials Policy states “When a fire, flood, or some other event, beyond the control of the user, causes damage to library materials, the Libraries’ response will vary depending on the individual situation. If the user has access to property insurance, the library will charge the user the cost of repair or replacement and provide them with a price estimate statement for the insurance company. If the user has no insurance, the library will not charge for replacement of the damaged materials. However, library staff can consider fines and/or additional damage in determining whether to charge users beyond the basic cost of repair or replacement.”

[View the original post on the UI Libraries blog.]

Big Ten Network extends flood donation match to July 30

The Big Ten Network has extended the deadline by which it will match, dollar for dollar, any donations to the University of Iowa Flood Relief Web site via a special link, which can be accessed here. Donations will now be matched through July 30, 2008.

If you make a credit card gift of $50, for example, the Big Ten Network will match that amount and $100 will go to help with campus flood relief effort, but only until the UI reaches the cumulative gift total of $25,000. 

For more information about this special Big Ten Network promotion, visit http://www.bigtennetwork.com/floods/.

Foundation servers once again up and running

[IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Big Ten Network has extended the deadline for matching contributions to July 30, 2008.]

The University of Iowa Foundation's servers are operational again, which means you can now access the UI Flood Relief Fund Web site. 

Donors can have their gifts matched by the Big Ten Network if the give via this special link -- but only if they donate by tomorrow, Monday, June 30!

UI Foundation servers temporarily down

The University of Iowa Foundation's servers are temporarily down. Web users may not be able to access the Foundation's UI Flood Relief Fund for a while. UI officials hope to fix the problem soon. 

July 1 Steel Pan concert sends a message: 'The arts are alive and well at the UI'

The University of Iowa arts campus may have been damaged by the floods, but the artists and their artistry are as strong as ever.

To affirm that point, and to bring some joy into downtown Iowa City, members of the UI PanAmerican Steel Band, directed by Professor Dan Moore from the School of Music, will perform a free lunchtime concert from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, on the Pedestrian Mall Fountain Stage.

"We are taking this opportunity to show that the arts are alive and well at the University of Iowa," Moore said. "The arts campus has taken a hit, but our students, faculty and staff are what make the university. The buildings don't define us, we define the buildings."

The program will be chosen from the repertoire of the band, which includes Calypso, Soca and Reggae music of the West Indies, as well as Afro-Cuban, American pop and other styles.

See the news release HERE.

Big Ten Network=Double Dollars for Flood Victims

[IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Big Ten Network has extended the deadline for matching contributions to July 30, 2008.]

Alumni, friends, and fans eager to help the UI recover from the devastating flood of 2008 now have an added incentive to do so. Between now and June 30, the Big Ten Network will match all gifts to the UI Flood Relief Fund that are made via this special link: www.uifoundation.org/btn-flood

If you make a credit card gift of $50, for example, the Big Ten Network will match that amount and $100 will go to help with campus flood relief effort,  but only until the UI reaches the cumulative gift total of $25,000. The fund still has a long way to go before the $25,000 cap is reached, but June 30 is almost here. Your gift will make a double difference to the UI, so give today!

For more information about this special Big Ten Network promotion, visit http://www.bigtennetwork.com/floods/.

Thank you!

Pam White, Interim Director of UI Museum of Art, comments on the flood

Few bright spots are easily visible amid the heartbreaking images of flooding and destruction. Thankfully, because of an immense effort by a dedicated team of staff members, outside experts, student employees and museum volunteers, I am able to report that the UI Museum of Art is one of those fortunate bright spots.

Working nearly non-stop during the week of June 9, we were able to evacuate artworks totaling approximately 99 percent of the value of our collection. That figure represents nearly 80 percent of the 13,000 works of art in our collection—all evacuated in less than four days.

This is an incredible success story, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the proactive planning of the university and the massive outpouring of support from UIMA and Pentacrest Museums staff, student employees, and volunteers.

Moving the collection was a monumental task, and it is impossible to stress enough just how important the joint efforts and cooperation of staff, student employees, and volunteers have been throughout this process. We have saved the priceless art collection that serves as a resource for so many. We look forward to your continued support in the coming days, and we know that together we will overcome the challenges that lie ahead.

Read the entire statement HERE.

UI Main Library issues flood update

The Main Library is currently closed. Before it can reopen there are several critical steps that must be completed. 

The remaining muck left by floodwaters that entered the lower level must be cleaned. And a visual inspection of this work must be approved.

The fire safety panel that was removed during the evacuation must be re-installed and operational.

Environmental safety engineers will take air samples throughout the Main Library building with extra concentration of samples from the lower level. These air samples will be sent to the lab for analysis.

Once the environmental quality assessment is a complete, a team consisting of people from UI Police/Public Safety, Facilities Management, ITS and Risk Management will collectively make the decision for re-occupancy.

Until that time, Libraries staff is working to provide the best services possible. Since the length of time before we are able re-occupy the Main Library has extended, Libraries IT staff has reinstalled critical interlibrary loan servers, which will facilitate online requesting, processing and receiving of materials that may be housed (and currently inaccessible) in the Main, Art and Music libraries.

Hours at some of the branch libraries have been extended to provide students with quiet study space during the summer session. If you received a notice of materials being held for you at the Main Library prior to June 13 , those materials are available at the Lichtenberger Engineering Library.

For further updates, visit the UI Libraries flood news blog. 

Iowa Summer Rep offers free tickets to people displaced by floods

Iowa Summer Rep is offering free tickets to flood victims who were forced from their homes. The professional summer company of the University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts was a flood victim itself, and was forced to relocate from the UI Theatre Building to Iowa City West High School for the June 26-July 26 season of plays by Pulitzer-winner David Lindsey-Abaire.

Flood victims anywhere in Iowa who were forced to evacuate their homes can arrange for tickets in advance by calling 319-335-1160 or 1-800-HANCHER, or visiting the Hancher box office's temporary location in Suite 107, South Lindquist Center. They can also claim tickets at the West High School box office before the performances. The free tickets cannot be obtained online.

Every member of each displaced household can receive a free ticket to each of the three Iowa Summer Rep shows—Wonder of the World, Rabbit Hole and Fuddy Meers—and the reading of Kimberly Akimbo.

A full schedule of Iowa Summer Rep performances is available on the ArtsIowa calendar, which also includes links to information on the individual plays.

Loud steam blow scheduled for noon Thursday

A loud steam blow is planned for noon today, Thursday, June 26, and could last up to an hour. The steam blow will originate at the Chilled Water Plant south of North Hall and west of Burge Hall. Facilities Management officials have recommended to others in the nearby area that they avoid that immediate location if possible during this time period. The blow is required to clean the new pipes and set combustion controls on the boiler.

Status list for UI buildings updated

Closed major buildings

1. Adler Journalism Building
2. Art Building
3. Art Building West
4. Becker Communications Studies Building
5. Danforth Chapel
6. English Philosophy Building
7. Hancher Auditorium
8. Hawkeye Court Apartments
9. Iowa Advanced Technology Labs
10. Iowa Memorial Union
11. Main Library
12. Mayflower Residence Hall
13. Madison Street Services Building
14. Museum of Art
15. Power Plant
16. Stanley Hydraulics Lab
17. Theatre Building
18. Voxman/Clapp Music Building
19. Women’s Resource and Action Center (WRAC)

Other closed facilities
1. Court Street Storage
2. Cretzmeyer Track
3. Lagoon Shelter House
4. Softball Equipment Storage Building
5. Softball Stadium
6. Track Equipment Building
7. IMU and Hancher Footbridges

Closed parking lots and ramps
http://www.uiowa.edu/~parking/

Closed streets and bridges in Iowa City and Coralville
http://www.icgov.org/default/fs/?id=1874

UI Graduate College posts new academic deadlines

The Graduate College has posted new academic deadlines for all graduate students, which you can find here and below:

Graduate College Revised 2008 Summer Deadlines

Due to the flooding in Iowa City and consequent one-week cancellation of summer classes, the Graduate College has revised its summer 2008 deadlines as follows:

Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Plans of Study for summer master’s recipients
and Final Exam Requests for all summer graduates

Monday, July 14, 2008
First Deposit of Theses

Friday, July 25, 2008
Final Exam Reports

Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Final Deposit of Theses

Friday, August 8, 2008
Degree Conferral Date

Please pass this information along to department/program faculty, staff, and graduate students. If you have any questions concerning these changes, please call Caren Cox at 319-335-2135 or e-mail caren-cox@uiowa.edu.

UI Controller's Office creates special Web page on dealing with flood-related costs

The Controller’s Office website -- http://www.uiowa.edu/~fuscntrl/ -- contains a flood-related special links section. Accounting Services, Property Management, Grant Accounting & Purchasing websites also have the same information. That information includes an FAQ document that seeks to address common questions. This document will be updated as necessary so please check it from time to time. And forward this information to your staff so they are aware of these resources.

New student orientation programs revised

The Office of Admissions has revised some aspects of the new student Orientation programs scheduled to occur this summer. Three programs in June had to be canceled in the early stages and immediate aftermath of the flooding. In addition, the Iowa Memorial Union remains closed due to water damage, and programs have been relocated to other buildings on campus.

As a result:

• All future two-day programs for first-year students have been redesigned as one-day programs, and refund checks will be mailed to individuals who had reservations for the Hawkeye Dinner and overnight stays in Stanley Residence Hall.
• Transfer student programs through August 22 will occur as scheduled, but in alternate locations as indicated on our web site and in correspondence to students.
• Locations for August programs are still to be determined, but the programs will take place as scheduled.
• All new graduate, professional, and undergraduate students expected to arrive for the fall 2008 semester were sent a message from UI President Sally Mason via e-mail. Classes will begin August 25, as scheduled.

All students registered for affected programs are being (or will be) notified of changes as soon as possible by phone, e-mail, and/or letter. In addition, Admissions has a special web site at www.uiowa.edu/admissions/orientation, to publish the revised program arrival and parking information. Questions should be addressed to the office at 800-553-IOWA.

University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water

University of Iowa News Release

June 25, 2008

University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water

Should I be testing my water? Many people who are on private well systems are asking that question because of the recent flooding.

Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology for the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL), explains that the focus for testing is on wells that have been directly impacted by floodwaters.

"People whose drinking water comes from private wells should have their water tested if their wells were covered by flood water or if the well is located close to flood water, which are those located in the 100-year and 500-year flood plain," Hall said. "We have sent the message for years that people should have their well water tested once a year, and people should do this. But our priority now is to first make sure that we test the water for those families impacted by the flood who may be without safe water."

The UHL distributed hundreds of water testing kits to all county health departments affected by the flooding for this testing. These kits include supplies and instructions for collection and mailing of samples to the lab on the Oakdale Campus, just north of Iowa City. Contact your county health department to obtain a kit.

The UHL provides consultation on disease prevention, water and food safety, and disinfection of environmental surfaces. These services are particularly helpful to homeowners and businesses as they resume operations following a flood. The toll-free number for the Hygienic Lab is 800-421-IOWA (4692).

Additional information about health concerns related to flooding is also available on the University of Iowa Flood Information blog and on the UHL home page.

The Iowa Department of Public Health provides detailed information about precautions to following recovery and clean-up following a flood on its website.

The University Hygienic Laboratory is part of the University of Iowa and is the state of Iowa's environmental and public health laboratory. The UHL is the designated laboratory for the Iowa Neonatal Metabolic Screening Program, with facilities located on the Oakdale Campus in Iowa City and at the Iowa Lab Facilities in Ankeny, a Des Moines suburb. Among its many services, the laboratory functions as a consultative and analytical support facility for state agencies, health professionals and citizens. The UHL performs analyses on samples from virtually all matrices, including human clinical specimens, air, drinking water, wastewater, soil, sediment, industrial effluents, oil and fish.

STORY SOURCE: University Hygienic Laboratory, 102 Oakdale Campus, H101 OH, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-5002

MEDIA CONTACT: Pat Blake, 319-335-4177 or 319-721-0000, patricia-blake@uiowa.edu

UI offers flood relief assistance to students

University of Iowa News Release

June 25, 2008

UI offers flood relief assistance to students

The University of Iowa Office of Student Financial Aid (UI OSFA) is responding to the emergency and short-term needs of students negatively impacted by the flood of 2008 with a combination of existing UI short-term loan funds and grants supported through the UI Flood Relief Fund.

The amount of support to individual students for both loans and grants will vary by individual circumstances. All students requesting special consideration for support will need to see a UI OSFA financial aid counselor. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis at 208 Calvin Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The UI OSFA will be responding to the longer-term needs of UI students by determining, on a case by case basis, if there has been a significant change in the parents' and/or students' overall financial situation as a result of disasters such as the recent flooding and tornados. In the event that a financial reassessment is possible, the student may qualify for additional federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process.

In all cases the UI OSFA will be requesting supporting documentation to help assess the extent of financial support needed beyond other financial resources available to the family, such as Red Cross, FEMA, and insurance. The UI OSFA encourages those with questions about applying for financial aid, or about completing an existing financial aid application, to contact the office in person at 208 Calvin Hall, by phone at 319-335-1450, by email at financial-aid@uiowa.edu or by postal service at:

University of Iowa
Office of Student Financial Aid
208 Calvin Hall
Iowa City, Iowa 52242

STORY SOURCE: University of Iowa News Services, 300 Plaza Centre One, Suite 371, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-2500.

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark S. Warner, assistant provost for enrollment services and director of student financial aid, 319-335-3127, mark-warner@uiowa.edu

Summer session resumes for Engineering as flood cleanup continues

After a week of record-setting flooding throughout eastern Iowa, the UI and the College of Engineering resumed Summer Session classes on June 23 while working toward full recovery. With regard to college facilities, the Seamans Center received no water damage.

The Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory received sub basement flooding and remains in lock down until damage can be assessed. Faculty and staff are temporarily relocated to the Seamans Center. Ventilation of the C. Maxwell Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory began June 20.

The Engineering Research Facility, also in lock down and with undetermined water damage, has staff temporarily relocated to the National Advanced Driving Simulator. At the Iowa Advanced Technology Labs (IATL), some equipment was moved to the nearby Chemistry Building prior to IATL Suffering first-floor water damage of about 2-3 feet of water.

Arts courses will be offered as planned for the fall semester

The University of Iowa will be back in business in the fall, and that will include the departments most affected by the flooding -- the School of Music, Theater Department and School of Art and Art History, all of which are located next to the Iowa River on the arts campus.

University of Iowa President Sally Mason noted, “This University is known for its commitment to the arts, and we will honor that commitment to the fullest.”

Among the buildings closest to the river are the UI Art Building and Art Building West. John Scott, summer director of the School of Art and Art History, said that no classes or courses had been canceled for the summer, and there are no plans to cancel any courses for the fall.

Some of the school’s facilities have been harder hit than others -- particularly the photography, ceramics, metalsmithing and sculpture studios, which were under 6 or 7 feet of water. Those studios will not be available in the fall, and the first floor of Art Building West will also not be available until recovery and repair work is completed. Classes and administrative offices will be moved to other buildings on campus, Scott said, and the school is currently identifying suitable space for the affected studio areas.

Scott said no other details are available at this time. “We are already planning for the fall, while recovery gets under way,” he said.

The Division of Performing Arts has also been hit by flooding, particularly the School of Music and the Department of Theatre Arts. Conditions are not yet known in the Theatre Building; it is fairly certain that Clapp Recital Hall and the Voxman Music Building will have to be closed in the fall. Currently, the division staff is housed in Halsey Hall with the Department of Dance. Their primary mission this summer is to identify locations on and around the UI campus for classes that have been displaced by the flood damage.

Kayt Conrad, director of operations for the division, commented: “There is much to be grateful for. We were able to save much of our costume collection, many of our musical instruments and the majority of our technology from the floodwaters.

“Insuring the continuity of our academic missions in Theatre Arts and the School of Music is our highest priority. As of today, no classes in the Division of Performing Arts have been canceled, and there are no plans to cancel any classes due to flooding. Scheduling staff in theater and music are working on relocating fall classes, performances and recitals, a process that will take several weeks to complete. The Dance Department was largely unaffected by flooding and will continue classes as usual in Halsey Hall.

“We plan to have a full schedule of School of Music, Theatre Arts and Dance events posted on departmental Web sites and on the ArtsIowa Calendar in August. We ask students to check ISIS for information on classes that have been relocated from arts campus buildings.”

The School of Art and Art History and the Division of Performing Arts are academic units of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

UI President Mason sends message of welcome, hope to incoming students

[University of Iowa President Sally Mason issued the following message on June 24 to new students who will begin attending the UI this fall.]

Dear New Students for Fall 2008,

The unprecedented flood emergency experienced by The University of Iowa as well as the cities of Iowa City and Coralville has reached its peak and the water is beginning to drain away.

The effort to reclaim those areas of our beloved campus and community that were directly impacted by the flood has begun in earnest. The spirit of support and cooperation is extremely high and I am pleased to share with you the optimism I see in everyone who is working to repair the damage caused by the flood.

Classes for the Summer Session resumed June 23 and should finish on schedule. This is a testament to the collaborative spirit of this great university’s faculty, staff, students, and the larger Iowa City community.

Some undergraduate first-year and transfer students will be coming to campus soon to complete their orientation and registration for fall classes. Others have completed that process and will arrive on campus in August for the start of the fall semester. Graduate and professional students will arrive on schedules recommended by their departments and colleges.

By August 25, everyone will be here and a full complement of classes will have begun. While the restoration of some parts of the campus will still be in progress when you arrive to begin fall classes, let me assure you that we will be ready for your arrival!

You can follow our progress via the University’s web site at www.uiowa.edu. I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Sincerely,

Sally Mason
President

UI Fleet Service fuel island back in service as of June 24, call ahead for vehicle rental

To All Fleet Services Customers:

Officials with the University of Iowa Fleet Services announced that the fuel island was inspected today, Tuesday, June 24, and it is now back in service. There was no contamination found in the fuel and all of the pump electronics are operating normally.

The Fleet Services vehicle rental operation has temporarily relocated to Mossman Business Services Building on Riverside Drive on Old Highway 218 South in Iowa City. This is the same building that houses Printing, General Stores and Equipment Rental. To view a map, visit http://www.uiowa.edu/~printsvc/PDinfo/access.html.

When the parking situation works itself out, and UI staff and faculty can park their vehicles in Lot 64 (UI Fleet Services old lot), they will move this operation to the first floor of the University Services Building. UI Fleet Services staff hope that will be later this week. When the flood waters finally recede completely, they will have a trailer placed back where it was located before the flood and will move back there. They anticipate at least three to four weeks before that will be possible.

For those picking up a car or retuning a car during this time of uncertainty please call (384-0564) before trying to find UI Fleet Services to see where they are located. When people pick up the vehicle, Fleet Services staff will let them know where to leave it, and what to do with the keys and the paperwork. They will also be calling all customers the day before the scheduled pick-up to make sure everyone knows where Fleet Services are located. Parking is still available at all locations for people to park their personal vehicle.

For more information, call UI Fleet Services Manager Mike Wilson at 335-5088.

UI offers resources to faculty and students for teaching, learning in times of crisis

The University of Iowa Center for Teaching, in collaboration with the University Counseling Service, is offering resources for faculty members and students dealing with the personal and institutional losses related to the flood. The Center for Teaching homepage (www.centeach.uiowa.edu) provides a number of useful online resources under "Teaching in Times of Crisis." University Counseling Service, 3223 Westlawn, offers individual counseling to students as well as an educational program on "Resilience: Strengths in the Face of Natural Disaster.” They can be reached at 319-335-7294. Faculty and Staff Services offers counseling to faculty and staff members and their families who may have been affected by the flooding. They can be reached at 319-335-2085 for appointments or for more information.

Special Section: Health Issues During Flood Recovery

[Related: Public health experts at the University Hygienic Laboratory and the UI College of Public Health held a special media briefing today to discuss their initiative to develop and distribute information to aid Iowans as they face the daunting and protracted task of cleanup and recovery. Read about the briefing here. Listen to an mp3 audio file of the session here.]

The flood of 2008 that devastated more than 80 counties in Iowa now challenges the public health community to develop strategies that will help guide Iowans through the recovery process.

In many areas, we do not know the extent of damage to homes and businesses. We do know that the record flood levels isolated people from their normal routines and presents many health risks from contaminants in water that still flows through our communities.

Public health partners at the University Hygienic Laboratory (UHL) and the UI College of Public Health (CPH) collaborate on developing and distributing the following information that will aid Iowans as we face the daunting and protracted task of clean-up and recovery. We encourage you to send us your ideas and suggestions for other topics as we look for ways to protect the health of Iowans during this time of emergency.

Informational Topics

The University of Iowa College of Public Health and the University Hygienic Laboratory developed the following materials to inform you about potential health hazards you may face after the recent flood. Listed below are links to fact sheets about each topic and video clips that explain what you might encounter.

Links:

• University Hygienic Lab answers question about who should test well water (June 25, 2008 news release) NEW

PDFs:

• Flood 2008 Public Health Fact Sheet
  
• Avoid Fraud Following the Flood

VIDEO: Coping with the stress of an emergency (Dr. Kathleen Staley)

VIDEO: Is water from my well safe to drink? (Nancy Hall)

Look for additional topics and videos in coming weeks. Meanwhile, here are a list of additional resources:

University Hygienic Laboratory – Water testing, environmental and public health concerns

Iowa Department of Public Health – Flood-related Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- Key Facts About Hurricane and Flood Recovery

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – Floods

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Natural Disasters and Weather Emergencies

Evacuation Considerations for Persons who are Elderly, Disabled or Have Special Medical Care Issues

UI issues memo on housing resources for displaced faculty, staff and students

To: Faculty, Staff and Students

From: Susan Buckley, Associate Vice President for Finance and Operations and Director of Human Resources; Belinda Marner, Assistant Vice President for Student Services; Susan Johnson, Associate Provost for Faculty

The purpose of this message is to assist UI students, staff and faculty who are displaced by the flood, and are seeking housing.

1. Resources for persons needing assistance in finding rental properties include:

• Business Office: contact Cathy Fountain, at 335-0082, or Cathrine-fountain@uiowa.edu
• Human Resources: contact Jane Holland, at 335-1371, or Jane-holland@uiowa.edu
• Off-Campus Housing Service: http://imu.uiowa.edu/housing
• Short term housing options: http://www.iowacitycoralville.org/visitors_wheretostay.asp

2. Do you have temporary housing to offer?

Anyone who has room in their home to offer to faculty, staff or students for short term use (days or weeks), should contact Cathy Fountain at 335-0082, or Cathrine-fountain@uiowa.edu. She will maintain a data base of space.

If you HAVE such a short term need, please contact Cathy directly.

Interim Provost Lopes issues statement on resumption of summer classes Monday

University of Iowa Interim Provost Lola Lopes issued the following statement today on the resumption of summer classes:

I am very happy to announce that as of Monday, June 23, summer school at the University of Iowa will resume. We expect that all 6-week and 8-week classes will be completed as planned. This includes classes that were scheduled to meet on the arts campus. Students who wish to drop one or more of the classes should refer to the message on this blog titled Information on Dropping Classes or Changing Registration.

The campus is nowhere near back to normal operations, but we know that many students depend on summer session to finish courses needed for graduation or for entry into selective programs. We are committed to supporting your academic plans.

Many classes have had to be re-located, even classes in buildings that were not affected by the flood. Be sure to check on ISIS before coming to class to make sure that you know where your class is meeting.

We lost a whole week of the 8-week session. Your professor will be talking with you about how that lost time can be made up. There are several different ways that this can be done, so you need to find out which plan your particular faculty member has chosen for your class.

The Memorial Union Bookstore has been relocated to the University Capitol Centre and will be open for business by Monday the 23rd at the latest. It is located on the first floor next to Marharishi. The University Housing Department is working directly with students who have been displaced.

In addition to flooded buildings, we also have suffered damage to utility systems. Although utilities have been restored to all classsroom buildings, the level of service is less than normal. This means that some rooms may be too warm and others too cool. Until you know what is happening in your building, wear layers so that you'll be as comfortable as possible.

On the east campus, university buildings on the east side of Madison are open for business. Buildings on the west side of Madison are closed to all extry except for the professionals who are beginning the job of cleaning up. This is dangerous work and everyone is urged to stay away so that the work can proceed as quickly and safely as possible.

All of us need to be patient and flexible as the recovery begins. Recovery will take time, in some cases a lot of time. But the most important thing is that we have survived a major catastrophe and can hold our heads high. There are many tales to be told of grace under pressure and heroic efforts, both physical and mental. I hope in the weeks and months to come that these tales will be told.

Welcome back to summer school!

Lola Lopes

UI media experts can discuss flood and recovery for stories

The following experts on the University of Iowa faculty and staff are available to discuss with the media the various aspects of the flood and flood cleanup. Please note that the university's TV studio is temporarily unavailable due to the flooding.

ALLERGIES/MOLD:

Antoine Azar, M.D., clinical assistant professor of internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-4899, antoine-azar@uiowa.edu

Amy Dowden, M.D., associate in internal medicine, UI Carver College of Medicine and UI Hospitals and Clinics, 319-356-2150, amy-dowden@uiowa.edu

BIO-AEROSOLS

--Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu

--Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu

DOCUMENT AND MANUSCRIPT RESTORATION

--Nancy E. Kraft, head of preservation, University of Iowa Libraries, and co-editor of “The Flood Recovery Book.” Can discuss how to restore books, photos and other items that have been damaged in a flood. Phone: 319-360-5387 or 319-395-7418. Email: nancy-e-kraft@uiowa.edu

ECONOMIC IMPACT

--Charles Whiteman, professor of economics, former director of the Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss the impact of the flooding on the state and national economies. Phone: 319-335-0863. Email: whiteman@uiowa.edu

--Beth Ingram, professor of economics, former director of Institute for Economic Research, Tippie College of Business. Can also discuss economic impact of the flooding. Phone: 319-354-0077, or 319-331-9076. Email: beth-ingram@uiowa.edu

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Wayne Sanderson, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, 319-335-4207, wayne-sanderson@uiowa.edu

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Michael Wichman, Ph.D., associate director of environmental services, University Hygienic Laboratory; Peter Thorne, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health and director of the UI Environmental Health Sciences Research Center, 319-335-4216, peter-thorne@uiowa.edu

GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH TOPICS RELATED TO FLOOD RECOVERY OPERATIONS

--Christopher Atchison, M.P.A., director of the University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4259, chris-atchison@uiowa.edu

--James Merchant, M.D., Dr.P.H., dean of the UI College of Public Health, 319-384-5452, james-merchant@uiowa.edu

HEALTH CARE

--Kathleen Staley, assistant director of University Counseling Services and licensed psychologist. Can discuss mental health issues the impact of floods and post-flood recovery. Phone: 319-335-7294. Email: kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu

HYDROLOGY AND ENGINEERING

--Larry J. Weber, professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering in the University of Iowa College of Engineering. Can comment on river hydraulics. Phone: 319-331-1135. Email: larry-weber@uiowa.edu

INFECTION RISKS

--Gregory Gray, M.D., professor of epidemiology and director of the UI Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases, 319-384-5008, gregory-gray@uiowa.edu

--Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu

INJURIES

--Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu

--Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu

INSURANCE AND FINANCE

--J. Tyler Leverty, assistant professor of finance in the Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance, Tippie College of Business. Can discuss issues concerning flooding and its effects on property and homeowners insurance. Phone: 319-337-4447. Email: ty-leverty@uiowa.edu

MENTAL HEALTH

--Kathleen Staley, Ph.D., assistant director, University Counseling Service, 319-335 7294, kathleen-staley@uiowa.edu

--Michael Flaum, M.D., director, division of public and community psychiatry , 319-353-4340, michael-flaum@uiowa.edu

PUBLIC HEALTH

--Christopher Atchison, director of the University Hygienic Laboratory. Can discuss flooding-related issues such as water quality, water- and mosquito-borne illnesses, and public health practices during flood-recovery efforts. Phone: 310-335-4500. Email: chris-atchison@uiowa.edu

PUBLIC POLICY

--Jeffrey Schott, director of the College of Law's Institute of Public Affairs and adjunct professor of urban and regional planning. Can discuss public policy impacts of a flood. Jeff was also the long-time city manager of Marion, Iowa, where he dealt with frequent flood clean-ups. Phone: 319-329-6207. Email: jeff-schott@uiowa.edu

SURVEILLANCE (TRACKING ILLNESSES AND INJURIES AFTER THE FLOOD)

-- Infectious diseases: Michael Pentella, Ph.D., associate director of infectious disease, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4765, michael-pentella@uiowa.edu

--Injuries: Corinne Peek-Asa, Ph.D., professor of occupational and environmental health, and director of the UI Injury Prevention Research Center, 319-335-4895, corinne-peek-asa@uiowa.edu; Marizen Ramirez, Ph.D., assistant professor of occupational and environmental health, 319-335-4425, marizen-ramirez@uiowa.edu

WATER QUALITY

--Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology, University Hygienic Laboratory, 319-335-4331, nancy-hall@uiowa.edu