Resources for faculty, staff affected by Hurricane Helene

Emergency Fund, extended operating hours and other resources available to faculty and staff

Posted on: September 30, 2024; Updated on: September 30, 2024
By Collyn Taylor, collyntaylor@sc.edu, 803-777-3691

The University of South Carolina is here for you. 

Although USC is operating under normal conditions, there are employees who are still affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.  Supervisors should be flexible with employees affected by the recent hazardous weather.  Telecommunting may be a viable option for parents, with many schools either closed or opting for online learning. 

USC wants to aid recovery for USC Columbia faculty and staff on the Columbia campus who were impacted by Hurricane Helene and are still experiencing power and water outages as well as shortages of food and other necessities by offering: 

  • Locker rooms at the Wellness and Fitness Center will be open to any student, faculty or staff member who needs a place to shower. Please be prepared to show your CarolinaCard for entry.
  • Thomas Cooper Library will stay open 24 hours a day for those needing a place to work and access Wi-Fi. Please show your CarolinaCard for entry. 
  • The second floor of Russell House will remain open 24 hours a day for dining and study or work space. There will be no gap in food availability and other shops in Russell House will be open until 11 p.m. for faculty, staff and families. No cash will be accepted for meals. 
  • Feathers and Flames in Gamecock Park will have extended hours of operation for the next 48 hours, closing at 9 p.m. and reopening at 11 p.m. and serving until 7 a.m.

 

USC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund

USC also has the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund which provides resources for faculty and staff affected by Hurricane Helene and experiencing expenses related to health emergencies, natural disasters or other urgent needs.

 

Emergency Fund Request

To request short term relief for a personal expense due to unforeseen emergencies or catastrophic events, such as Hurricane Helene, download the application form [pdf].

 

About the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund

When life's unexpected challenges arise, the Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund is here to help. This fund is designed to offer short-term relief to faculty and staff facing personal financial hardship due to unforeseen emergencies or catastrophic events. From medical crises to natural disasters, the fund is your support system when you need it the most.

What is this fund?

The Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund was created to provide financial support to faculty and staff who face serious and unexpected life challenges. Our mission is to ensure that no USC employee faces a crisis on their own. The fund is intended for emergencies such as:

  • Natural disasters (hurricanes, floods, fires, etc.).
  • Medical emergencies.
  • Severe damage to housing or displacement.
  • Other personal or financial crises.

Who is eligible to apply for funding and what is the application process?

All full-time and part-time faculty and staff employees are eligible to apply for assistance. The application process is designed to be confidential. Apply online by submitting a confidential application explaining your situation and need for support.

A committee reviews each application to determine eligibility. Applications are processed as quickly as possible to provide timely relief. If eligible, approved applicants will receive financial assistance for qualifying expenses related to the emergency.

How can faculty and staff support the fund?

Join us in providing funds for your colleagues. The Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund is possible through the generosity of our USC community. Your donations go directly to help faculty and staff in urgent need. No matter how big or small, every contribution makes a difference.

Donate to the USC Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund

 

More Campus Resources

There are other resources offered by USC to help employees year-round and especially during times like this:

  • The Gamecock CommUnity Shop: Employees are welcome to shop for necessary items (food, clothing, toiletries, cleaning supplies) at the Carolina Coliseum (Suite 4000). You can register to shop through the CommUnity Shop portal. 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): EAP helps employees and their family members through critical events through work-life services.
  • Hazardous Weather and Emergency Leave: Provides guidance on your leave benefits during an emergency event.
  • Faculty and Staff ombuds:   In busy or stressful situations, communication could break down and intent can be misconstrued. Use your campus ombuds and other personnel — like an HR representative — to explore ways to navigate through tough conversations and preserve relationships. The Faculty Ombuds is available to all tenured, tenured-track and non-tenure track faculty throughout the USC system outside of Upstate, which has its own ombudsperson. The Staff Ombuds is available for all USC staff on the Columbia campus.

The Gamecock CommUnity Shop also accepts donations that can be placed in bins located outside of the Carolina Coliseum or you can donate items through their Amazon wish list.

 

Additional Resources

There also state, regional and federal resources at your disposal:

Topics: Faculty, Philanthropy