Students at St. Augustine’s University are returning to campus after a delayed move-in and start to classes. The two-week delay was a result of ongoing repairs needed due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Debbie.
During the two-week delay, the administration focused on several key tasks. Those included upgrading maintenance in both residential and educational facilities, restoring power and water to affected buildings, and securing funding to address overdue student refunds and staff salaries.
Message to the Falcon Community
Interim President Burgess expressed his understanding of the frustration the delay may cause, but he emphasized the importance of the improvements being made. “I want you to know that this is a new day,” he stated in a letter to the campus community.
In the letter, Burgess also said that the campus was not the same without students, and he was looking forward to Aug. 27, the new first move-in day.
“As we work to improve this University, we promise to communicate regularly with you about all updates and improvements across campus. We promise to have more activities and events to keep you engaged on campus. We promise to continue to find ways to help make college more affordable for you. And we promise to continue to staff our campus with kind, caring, and supportive individuals who are here to help you succeed,” Burgess assured.
The president encouraged students to use the two-week setback wisely. He advised them to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid and register for classes if they have not already done so. Additionally, those planning to live on campus were asked to finalize their housing applications and pay any associated fees. The administration also urged students to prepare for the upcoming transition to Brightspace, the new learning management system.
Classes will begin for all students on Sept. 3.