Hurricane Information
Valencia College closely monitors extreme weather with the health and safety of our students and staff as a priority. In collaboration with our key community partners–Orange County, Osceola County, LYNX transit, University of Central and others–we make decisions about closing and reopening in a thoughtful, timely manner.
Here are some ways to get prepared for the 2023 hurricane season and learn more about our communication efforts if a hurricane arises.
Announcements
| Date | Announcement |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2023 | View a recommended list of items needed in a home emergency kit. |
| May 30, 2023 | Are You Ready for the 2023 Hurricane Season? Learn hurricane terms and more ways to prepare. |
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Sign Up for Alerts
Valencia Alerts
Time-sensitive and Emergency Notifications
Students and employees can receive emergency notifications via text or email. Log into Atlas, on the My Atlas page click Valencia College Alerts.
Orange County
Orange County Emergency Alerting System
Sign up now to be alerted through the Orange County Emergency system, from OCAlert.net
Osceola County
Osceola County Emergency Management
Sign up now to receive information from Osceola County for extreme weather conditions, from Alert Osceola.
VC Alerts
Emergency Notifications
Students and employees can receive emergency notifications via text or email. Log into Atlas, on the My Atlas page click Valencia College Alerts.
Orange County
Emergency Alerting System
Download OCFL Alert from the App Store or Google Play.
Sign up now to be alerted through the Orange County Emergency system.
Osceola County
Emergency Management
Sign up now to receive information from Osceola County for extreme weather conditions. Register for Osceola County alerts at Alertosceola.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about assignments, deadlines and campus operations.
How long will Valencia College be closed?
Valencia College will close on Wednesday, September 28 through Monday, October 3.
All classes and events are canceled, and all non-essential employees should stay home.
Please do not return to work unless you are authorized. Only designated employees
are permitted on campus.
What should I do about assignments that are due while the college is closed?
Students will not be expected to submit academic assignments during the official college
closure. Students who have the time and ability to complete their coursework are encouraged
to do so. Upon returning to class, students are advised to check with their professors
for guidance on deadline extensions.
Where am I supposed to get an update on my class or course?
The college has asked professors to post an update in their Canvas courses which includes
the closure dates and that class assignments will be due after the college reopens.
What about online classes?
When the college cancels classes, online classes are canceled too. Students who want
to work on assignments during the closure may still do so; Canvas will remain active for their use.
How should I contact my professor?
Please contact your professor through Canvas.
What if I’m enrolled in a Language or Accelerated Skills Training course through Continuing
Education?
You can connect with your instructor for any changes to the schedule.
I live in UnionWest and am trying to figure out if I should stay here during the hurricane.
Students who live on campus are encouraged to stay at safe off-campus locations, if possible. Students who choose to stay will be able to remain in their rooms.
I’m a UnionWest resident and am staying here during the hurricane. How can I get food?
We advise you to stock up on food for the closure. You can take a free LYNX Lymmo bus to the Publix by Lake Eola (at the intersection of Central Boulevard and Lake Avenue).
Can I shelter at the campus?
The college does not serve as a shelter during hurricanes. If you need to find a shelter,
please visit these websites for a list of shelters:
Can I park my car in the parking garage on East Campus?
Sorry, you cannot. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office uses the Valencia College East
Campus parking garage to stage vehicles and officers during a storm so they can respond
quickly to emergencies in the surrounding area.
Will LYNX buses be operating?
Check the LYNX website for their operating schedule.
Community Partners
Orange County Public Schools
School District of Osceola County
University of Central Florida
LYNX Transportation
Orange County Public Schools
School District of Osceola County
University of Central Florida
LYNX Transportation
