The threat of a strike by a hurricane of category 3 or higher has always loomed over New Orleans. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina became the first storm in over 35 years to measurably affect the area. Hurricanes are tracked from their earliest formation, off the coast of Africa, before entering the Gulf of Mexico. Residents have days, if not weeks, to prepare for the arrival of any given storm.
The university has an evacuation plan in place. Students who can not provide their own transportation in the event of a storm will be evacuated to Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi.
We do not take the threat of a hurricane lightly. No students, teachers or staff were harmed during Hurricane Katrina because we were prepared and had evacuated the campus of all but essential custodial staff. The physical damage to the campus was repaired and classes resumed in January.