Appalachian State offers to support for students returning to class after Hurricane Helene

On Wednesday, students at Appalachian State University returned to the classroom for the first time since Hurricane Helene hit on Sept. 27.

Students will have some catching up to do – and the campus still has damage to repair. All water and power has been restored on campus, and most of the buildings have been repaired, but there are a few areas that are blocked off, including a concert hall on campus.

Freshman Madyson Bajema said returning to class is a relief.

“Now that were back in here, it’s kind of a sigh of relief for me knowing that now we’re going to be able to finish our semester,” Bajema said.

Melanie Pinzon Escalona, however, said she’s worried that she’ll have a lot to catch up on before the semester ends.

“As soon as that happened, everything is behind. And I have a feeling that we’re going to be playing a lot of catch up,” Escalona said. “And I think it’s going to be stressful.”

Faculty and staff are doing what they can to make accommodations. Some classes will meet virtually, but most classes will be in person.

In a message to students, Chancellor Heather Norris counseled patience and offered support.

“We don’t expect to make up the instructional hours you have lost,” she said. “We don’t expect everyone will be able to return to the classroom as if nothing happened. Helene impacted all of us in different ways. We will all adjust.” 

Student Evan Stauffer said, “They’ve all been really understanding and really great about it. We already have a full plan for the rest of the semester.”

Catching up in the classroom is not the only concern for some students. Many of those who lived off campus lost apartments, cars or belongings to the flooding. Some are struggling with wages lost at part-time jobs where businesses closed.

The university is trying to help. The university’s student union is serving as a disaster relief hub. Students can go there to receive resources that can help them recover. So far, they have distributed more than $2 million to more than 2,500 students, faculty and staff.

“We have a matching service that can help them find housing. We also have on campus housing available for students as well,” said Megan Hayes, chief communications officer.