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Campus Alert
Update on Facilities Emergency as of Friday, Oct. 23

Following Tuesday morning's electrical incident originating in the mechanical room of Building 42, power disruptions impacted Buildings 32, 38, 39, 42, 43 and 47.

Power has since been restored to Buildings 38, 39, 43 and 47. Buildings 56 and 71 were not impacted by this incident. Additionally, Buildings 44, 46 east and 46 west were unaffected and remained fully operational throughout the event.

The university's electrical contractor continues to assess the damage and determine options for restoring and redistributing power to Buildings 32 and 42. As a result, Buildings 32 and 42 will remain closed through Monday, Nov. 2, while assessments are completed and necessary repairs or equipment replacements are identified and implemented.

Academic Operations

  • The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) will remain under Emergency Remote Instruction (ERI) while Buildings 32 and 42 are unavailable.
  • Classes for all non-SEAS students will resume normal operations.
  • Classes at the UDC David A. Clarke School of Law, Community College, Congress Heights campus and DCA Aviation Hangar will continue as scheduled.

Administrative Operations

  • Administrative and support functions at the Van Ness campus will resume normal business operations and maintain regular business hours.

Guidance for SEAS Faculty and Staff

  • SEAS staff should contact their immediate supervisors regarding remote work expectations.
  • SEAS faculty should consult their supervisors for ERI-related guidance.
  • The Center for the Advancement of Learning (CAL) remains available to support instructional continuity, including Blackboard, Zoom and other teaching and learning technologies.

CAL Faculty Support Resources

Guidance for SEAS Students

  • Due to this facilities emergency, SEAS in-person operations will remain suspended through Monday, Nov. 2. Instruction will continue remotely through both synchronous and asynchronous formats.
  • Courses requiring laboratory, clinical, studio or other hands-on instruction may require makeup sessions. However, every effort will be made to maintain academic continuity through virtual learning whenever possible. Faculty conducting synchronous instruction should continue to meet during published class times to minimize disruptions to student schedules.

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community remain our highest priority. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Please continue to monitor the university website and official social media channels for the latest information.

For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.

Thank you for your flexibility, cooperation and continued commitment to UDC and our students.

Academic Excellence and Retention

Committed to fostering student success

Academic Excellence and Retention at UDC's Student Success Center

Academic Excellence and Retention assists in the retention, persistence and post-graduation preparation of undergraduate students attending the University of the District of Columbia. We help students:

  • Design educational plans to support an on-time graduation.
  • Identify and apply learning skills and strategies that support student success.
  • Express an appreciation for self and others through critical thinking, collaboration, leadership development and self-reflection. 
  • Increase access and facilitate use of campus resources.

Center for Academic and Career Excellence

The Center for Academic and Career Excellence (CACE) provides a range of services to support students' academic and career development. CACE offers personalized academic advising, career counseling, and workshops aimed at enhancing students' skills and preparing them for future success. The center also assists students with course selection, degree planning, and career exploration.

Placement Testing

UDC utilizes the ACCUPLACER test to assess students' proficiency in reading, writing and mathematics. This placement test helps determine the appropriate level of coursework for incoming students, ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed. The SSC provides resources and guidance to help students prepare for the ACCUPLACER test.

Supplemental Instruction Program

The Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program at UDC is designed to provide additional academic support for challenging courses. SI sessions are led by trained peer leaders who have successfully completed the course. These sessions offer collaborative learning opportunities, helping students to better understand course material and improve their academic performance.

Student Success Courses

UDC offers a variety of student success courses aimed at enhancing students' academic skills and promoting their overall success. These courses cover topics such as study strategies, critical thinking, and effective communication. By enrolling in these courses, students can develop the skills needed to excel in their academic pursuits.

Freshman Book Series

The Freshman Book Series is an initiative designed to engage first-year students in meaningful discussions and activities centered around a common reading. This program helps to build a sense of community among new students and encourages critical thinking and reflection. The SSC supports this initiative by providing resources and organizing related events.

TRIO Programs

UDC's TRIO programs are federally funded initiatives aimed at supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These programs provide a range of services, including academic tutoring, personal counseling, and financial literacy education. TRIO programs are designed to help students overcome barriers to higher education and achieve their academic goals.

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