Cornell’s Hilltop campus is safe from flooding, but will continue to be affected by lack of highway access as well as power, Internet, and phone outages caused by the historic Iowa floods. Offices, Cole Library, and research labs will remain open as employees are able to travel to campus.
The campus has been a haven for 40 displaced Coe College students and professional staff, though the number is dwindling as students find alternate housing with Coe personnel. Women, children, and live-in staff from a Cedar Rapids social service agency are living on campus temporarily. The college is housing 54 Cornell students who work or conduct research on campus during the summer. Finally, about 100 Red Cross volunteers will be staying at Cornell to allow them to service the Cedar Rapids area.
As of Friday, June 13, Mount Vernon City Hall reports the sewer system is functioning but recommends that residents use water conservatively.
Cornell employees in need of temporary, emergency housing due to flooding should contact Jill Hopper at Brackett House, 895-4425.
Faculty, staff, and students who have not signed up for Rapid Alert Messaging are urged to do so at http://www.cornellcollege.edu/student_affairs/safety/R.A.M.EmergencySystem.shtml in order to receive news if an emergency arises.
The Cornell Golf Outing is postponed until July 28.
The University of Iowa Wrestling Team Camp, originally scheduled June 15-19 on Cornell’s campus, has been cancelled.
Many faculty, staff, and students have inquired how to help flooded communities:
· In Linn County, contact Serve the City volunteer headquarters at 378-0337 or the Red Cross at 393-3500.
· In Johnson County, call (319) 887-6202 for Iowa City sandbagging, or the Crisis Center at (319) 351-0140. On Friday, June 13, the Crisis Center is in need of distilled water, formula, diapers (size 1 & 2), baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper plates. The Center may need to relocate after Friday so call first.