Supporting Recovery

September 01, 2021

Dear Students,

I know that, unfortunately, many of you, your families, and your homes have been hit very hard by Hurricane Ida. However, the people of this state know how to bounce back from disasters. This is the time to collectively work together toward recovery. And you are not alone in the recovery process.

By now, you know that LSU will be closed until Tuesday, Sept. 7, to allow time for you and your families to address some of the immediate issues you are facing. If you are experiencing problems that require you to miss classes beyond that date, please contact your professors as soon as possible to let them know.

If you need health and wellbeing support in the aftermath of the hurricane, the Student Health Center, including the Medical Clinic and Mental Health Service, will be open this week from Wednesday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., to provide essential services, including COVID-19 testing, medical care and mental health support on a walk-in basis. In addition, future appointments for individual counseling or support groups in Mental Health Service can be made by calling 225-578-8774. Finally, The Phone, a 24/7 helpline, is also available for emotional support by calling 225-924-5781.

If any of you are facing food insecurity, the LSU Food Pantry is a free resource designed to help students in need. Food Pantry items will be available for pickup this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Requests for food items may be submitted beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 1, by completing the form on the website.

And if needed, you can apply for financial assistance through the LSU Student Emergency Support Fund.

I know this storm has made things extremely challenging for some of you, but we will help you through it. We have many resources on campus available to you, and if you are unsure of where to go for help, please try talking to your counselor or any of your professors for suggestions and information. We will do our best to get you the assistance you need. We care about you, your safety, and your success here at LSU. We are all Tigers and we are all in this together. Stay strong and stay safe.

William F. Tate IV
LSU President