When thousands of homes and livelihoods have been destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey, the Ivy League University of the region is no exception.
Princeton University's 500 acre campus is being surveyed by the staff to estimate the damage. According to the university, at least 50 trees were felled by wind gusts during the storm, and there were dozens of reports of blocked roads, damaged vehicles, fences and other property. There were no injuries reported.
The precautionary measures taken by the university before the onset of Sandy has yielded good results with only minimal damage. Prior to the storm, facilities staff cleared storm drains, checked all buildings and placed sandbags around locations prone to flooding. Most University vehicles were moved to sheltered areas and backup generators were tested and put at the ready.
"We are very fortunate that the University emerged from the storm with relatively minimal damage, thanks to the remarkably effective preparations and emergency response efforts across campus, and the cooperation and patience of our students, faculty and staff," said Provost Christopher Eisgruber.
The university said many graduate and undergraduate students were on campus despite fall recess when Sandy hit the state. Hence, around 800 employees worked in shifts to provide services for these students and to manage other critical functions of the school. These employees worked round the clock to switch most of campus to power from the University's cogeneration plant, clear roadways, check buildings and provide general security.
"Those of us who lived through the hurricane know how much damage it has caused. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of staff and managers in many departments across the University, the campus weathered the storm in much better shape than other areas," said Mark Burstein, executive vice president.
The university officials are now working towards reinstating the essential services and research infrastructure as soon as possible.
As far as early admission deadline is concerned, the university officials made it clear earlier this week they would be flexible with those applications arriving late. But, the student needs to briefly explain in a letter the reason for late submission.
