*TEXT IS AT THE BOTTOM WITH LINKS*
Dear Graduate and Professional Students,
As we continue to face the aftermath of Tropical Depression Chantal, I want to extend heartfelt solidarity to those affected across Orange, Durham, and Alamance counties. Many in our community are experiencing housing instability, power outages, water shortages and disruption to daily life. Now, with severe weather and flood warnings continuing into the week, I write to assure you that your safety and well-being remain our highest priority.
Please take the current flood watch seriously. With saturated ground and ongoing rain, the risks of flash flooding, fallen trees, and power outages remain high. If you are in a vulnerable location, I urge you to seek higher ground, avoid flood-prone roadways, and monitor official alerts from Alert Carolina (https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/) and NWS Raleigh (https://twitter.com/NWSRaleigh).
Here are essential safety reminders as we navigate this storm:
- Do not walk or drive through floodwaters. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and a foot of water can sweep away a vehicle.
- Avoid parking or sheltering near rivers and creeks, especially overnight.
- If floodwaters rise around your car, exit and seek higher ground only if it is safe to do so.
- Follow all local barricades and detour signs, as they are there for your protection.
University and Community Resources
Emergency Financial Support
- UNC Student Emergency Fund (https://dos.unc.edu/student-support/student-emergency-funds/)
For urgent needs such as housing, food, and medical expenses. - UNC GPSG Emergency Fund (https://gpsg.unc.edu/funding/the-emergency-fund/) The GPSG Emergency Fund exists to provide financial assistance to graduate and professional students with emergency financial assistance for unforeseen financial circumstances that could hinder their ability to complete their graduate or professional degrees.
- UNC Disaster Recovery Assistance (https://studentaid.unc.edu/disaster-recovery/)
For those whose financial aid may need reassessment due to storm-related disruption. - Gillings Student Relief Fund (PDF) (https://sph.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/112/2025/04/SPH-Student-Emergency-Relief-Fund-Policy-and-Process-2025.pdf)
For students enrolled in the Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Food and Essential Supplies
- Carolina Pantry Network (https://dos.unc.edu/student-support/basicneeds/food-security/)
Includes Carolina Cupboard (SASB North), Bondurant Hall Pantry, Bynum Hall Pantry, Kenan-Flagler Pantry, CJ’s Cupboard (Gillings), and Jessica’s Cupboard (Nursing).
Also explore Edible Campus UNC for access to free fresh produce. - Community Fridges
Stocked with essentials and available 24/7. Locations are shared via @campusyunc and @chcommunityfridge.
Additional Support
- Care Referral Form (https://dos.unc.edu/student-support/care-referral-form/)b – Non-emergency check-in or assistance
- Heels Care Network (https://care.unc.edu/) – For mental health, peer support, and wellness
- Off-Campus Student Life (https://offcampus.unc.edu/) – Advocacy for housing and community challenges
Emergency Alerts and Notifications:
- Alert Carolina (https://alertcarolina.unc.edu/) – Campus status updates
- OC Alerts (https://www.orangecountync.gov/AlertCenter.aspx) – For those living in Orange
County - Alamance County Emergency Management (https://em.alamancecountync.gov/get-alerts/) – For those living in Alamance County
- Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Alamance Emergency Updates (https://readyorange.org/) – Localized safety and road alerts
In times like these, community care and access to resources are essential. If you are in need, please don’t hesitate to act. The University has activated multiple channels of support, and GPSG is committed to helping you connect to them. The strength of this community lies in how we care for one another. And if you are safe and able, please share these resources widely. Above all, stay safe, stay dry, and stay connected.
In solidarity,
Leah Frazier
President, Graduate and Professional Student Government
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill