Emergency Closure

Post Hurricane Support: Milton

As we navigate through the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, please reference the resources to help assist you and your families with recovery efforts in your local area. 

Supervisors 鈥� Please be aware that employees may have additional needs for disaster assessment and recovery; as well as potential stress; both to themselves and their families. Please escalate any additional needs to the appropriate channels. 

Employees 鈥� Please reach out to your leaders on your current status and any needs you may have. Resources have been provided below that may assist in your recovery needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I return to work, and what time should I arrive?鈥�� 

Please check www.usf.edu, USF鈥檚 official social media channels, MyUSF or email for updates on how long the university will be closed. On the day the university reopens, you should report to work at the time you would normally start your shift. If the university opens later than the start of your scheduled start time, you should report to work as soon as the university reopens.鈥�

What happens if USF is open but I can鈥檛 come to work because I have to stay home with my children whose childcare facility is closed?

The university understands that a variety of circumstances may arise during a storm which may impact your ability to come to work during a storm situation. Although the university monitors school closings, we cannot guarantee that USF will close its business operations, even if other facilities close. For extenuating circumstances such as these, you may request to use your annual leave to cover your absence.

How do I apply for administrative leave?

A written request must be submitted by the VP, Dean, Director, or Designee to the Chief Human Resources Officer or Designee, along with appropriate documentation supporting the request. No action may be taken to place an employee on administrative leave for these events until approval has been received from the Chief Human Resources Officer or Designee. More information about administrative leave can be found in the starting on page 24. 

How can I support USF students impacted by the hurricanes?

Charitable contributions are being accepted through the USF Support Fund. More information can be found

Any eligible employees may contact HR Benefits and Leave at the following addresses for additional questions:

benefits@usf.edu| leaveadmin@usf.edu| fmla@usf.edu

Safety will continue to remain at the forefront of all that we do at the University. Please avoid traveling in any areas that were heavily impacted and escalate any concerns you may have to your leader(s).

EAP (Employee Assistance Program) can be reached at (1-800-327-7451) and continues to provide free counseling services and connections to local resources to help you cope with the feelings of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness related to these kinds of natural disasters. 

GUIDES AND RESOURCES

Below are some links to Hurricane guides and resources that may be helpful.

  • Hurricane Guide
  • Hurricane Guide
  • Florida Disaster Guidance
  • FEMA Hurricane Milton Resource
  • Search for Help by Zip Code
  • Government Hurricane Info
  • EAP Crisis Resources 
  • EAP Natural Disaster Guide (Updated with state-by-state resources for 2024)
  • USF Federal Credit Union Storm Assistance
  • Employee Hardship Assistance Program for USF employees 

These guides have great information, like helping your children recover from the emotional impact of the storm and dealing with finances in the aftermath. They can also help with any needs for food, shelter and clothing.