The storms and tornadoes of the early morning of Dec. 11 left the majority of the WKU campus untouched. However, much of the surrounding Bowling Green community was left devastated.

An email was sent on Monday to all faculty and staff by Susan Ingram Howarth, Executive Vice President of Strategy, Operations and Finance, that contained information on how the university will proceed in the aftermath of these storms.

Campus infrastructure is currently operational but phone service is still irregular. For those returning to campus, it is requested that any issues are reported through a maintenance work order or by calling the Department of Facilities Management at (270) 745-3253.

Martha Sales, the Dean of Students, is working to aid students who have been displaced and affected by the storm, according to the email. To help provide monetary support for these students, donations can be made through the Opportunity Fund website, which goes towards WKU’s Emergency Student Assistance. There are also many opportunities available to provide assistance in recovery efforts, with lists compiled on the WBKO website.

Due to the damage to the community, Fall Recognition Ceremonies will not be held this semester. Instead, December graduates will have their commencement combined with Spring and Summer 2022 graduates on May 6, 2022.

The email also states hours and services offered by campus buildings. The Preston Center is offering hot showers to any faculty, staff, students and their families in need from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through this Friday, Dec. 17. WKU IDs must be shown.

The Jody Richards Hall computer lab is also available to the community and can be used from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through this Friday, Dec. 17. Many may be in need of this resource due to insurance claims and other activities.

Additionally, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bud Fischer sent out an email containing a form members of the WKU community can fill out if they need assistance during this time.

To go along with this, the email also contained a form those wishing to help can fill out in order to connect volunteers with those in need. Fischer’s email urges that “no need is too small or big.”

Mail and package services are limited to the Supply Services Building, and if there are any questions about this please contact the Postal Service or Shipping and Receiving.

For the rest of the year, parking will allow more flexibility for students and employees on campus. Handicapped and reserved spots are not included in this, however, and still require the proper permit.

All athletic events are still set to occur. WKU’s basketball game against Centre College on Tuesday is scheduled to tip off at its intended 7 p.m. start time. Doors to Diddle Arena will open at 5 p.m. and a free hot dog, chips and a drink will be available at the concession stand to people affected by the storms and tornadoes, while supplies last. Free admission is offered to those who have been affected and free parking will be available at PS1.

WKU Athletics will be accepting donations to the Warren County Public Schools Synergy Relief Fund on Tuesday and gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations and local restaurants, as well as Visa gift cards, will be accepted at the donation tables inside the gates.

News reporter Alexandria Anderson can be reached at [email protected].