Shaw Suspends Classes For Remainder of Semester

Shaw University will suspend classes for the rest of the Spring 2011 semester as of April 17, following the devastating damage done to its campus by yesterday's tornado. "While we exist to educate these young men and women, our first priority is their safety and well being," said Shaw President Dr. Irma McClaurin. "With this widespread damage, we could not resume operations in time to continue classes over the next two weeks." Eight days of classes remained, as well as a one-week long exam period.

Graduation for the Class of 2011 will continue as planned at the Dorton Arena on Saturday, May 7 at 11:00 a.m. Grades will be assigned based on work done to this point in the semester, and the math and English competency exam requirement for seniors has been suspended for this semester only. The campus took a direct hit from the storm with the roof being torn off the Willie E. Gary Student Center, which housed the cafeteria, and windows being blown out of two dorms on the University's main quad. Other buildings suffered roof damage and broken windows. Trees were felled across the historic campus in downtown Raleigh.

The Shaw computer network has been restored and students may continue registering for Summer and Fall 2011 classes. A determination about the Summer 2011 semester will be made this week. Shaw students can call the Office of Academic Affairs at 919-546-8330 for further information. Last night, Shaw transported students to the Golden Corral in Garner for dinner. Some students then spent the night in a Red Cross shelter at Southeast Raleigh High School, while others were able to remain in two relatively undamaged dormitories. Others made arrangements with family and friends to leave campus.