As Union looks forward to welcoming first-year and returning students and their families to campus this weekend in preparation for the new academic year, staff members have been fielding a number of questions about the impact of last weekend's Hurricane Irene on the College and on the travel routes leading to Schenectady.
Fortunately, the Union campus itself was not significantly impacted by the hurricane. All residences and campus facilities will be open as planned to welcome new and returning students this weekend. First-year student pre-orientation programs have also proceeded as planned.
In addition, as of Friday, Sept. 2, all major highways and roads leading to Schenectady are also open as usual. Flights into and out of Albany International Airport are currently following the normal schedule.
While the effects of Irene on Union College were minimal, the city of Schenectady did not escape unscathed. The nearby Mohawk River overflowed its banks following the hurricane, causing significant flooding in the lower areas of the city, including the historic Stockade district. Flood waters have since receded, and cleanup is now underway in those areas. Many of the restaurants and businesses in the city center were not affected by the flooding and remain in operation as usual.
For questions about move-in weekend or travel plans to Union, please contact the Dean of Students office at (518) 388-6116 or (518) 388-6061.