Appalachian State to resume in-person classes next week after closing for Helene damage

BOONE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Students at Appalachian State University will return to classes next week, the school announced Tuesday.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris said in a letter to the campus community that after discussions with local officials, they can “thoughtfully, responsibly and respectfully” resume classes on Wednesday, Oct. 16. The date is after the university’s fall break and three weeks after Hurricane Helene brought record rains and devastation to the region.

The town of Boone was largely cut off in the days the followed. They canceled their Sept. 28 football game against Liberty, but the Mountaineers played at Marshall Oct. 5

Last week, the school said the resumption would occur some time after Oct. 15.

Norris said App State’s leadership team met with those from Watauga County, the Town of Boone and the Boone Chamber regarding the timing.

“We recognize that students, faculty and staff are still managing the consequences of Hurricane Helene, which will continue for some time,” Norris said. “As members of our university community are focusing their energy on adapting to a life situation that has changed dramatically, our counseling professionals tell us that a forward focus and routine are important.”

There are measures in place for students, faculty and staff who need financial assistance due to missed work, lost or damaged housing, missing items, or other impacts of the storm.

“We feel fortunate we were able to provide immediate emergency resources to the community and serve as a bridge, as additional resources became operational. We remain committed to our community,” Norris said.

The school will continue to serve hot meals at no charge to anyone who needs them through 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11.

Norris said that while conditions have vastly improved in Boone and some adjacent areas, there are still parts of Watauga County that are without power, cell service and fully accessible roadways.

As students return to the Boone area, here’s how they can help maintain cleanup adn recovery efforts:

• Limit the use of individual vehicles to the greatest extent possible.
• Take advantage of rideshare if you are able to do so. AppalCART has capacity for additional riders.
• Limit nonessential travel to areas outside the town limits, especially the western part of the county.
• Be mindful that the Town and County have a curfew in place to keep roads clear for repair work.

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