Warner University – Hurricane Ian Update

October 2, 2022, 4pm – Power has been restored on campus. All systems and networks are beginning to come online.  Many of our buildings, including residence halls, need some additional care.

We are working with a crew of over 50 restoration professionals to assist with moisture mitigation throughout campus. We want to ensure a safe environment that is free of mold and mildew.

Employees will be notified by their supervisors as to when they can return to campus. Students should not return to campus until given the all-clear. At this time we do not have an exact return date.

We will continue to provide more updates and more details and information become available.


September 30, 6pm – As we continue to recover from Hurricane Ian, we have developed a Hurricane Ian FAQs page to help answer your questions. We will keep this page updated as new information emerges.


September 30, 12pmWe realize that the impact of Hurricane Ian has affected a large percentage of the Warner community more than was originally anticipated. We are praying for our students and employees, and we are committed to being as flexible as possible during this challenging time.

TRADITIONAL STUDENTS | Please find information regarding your return to campus here. At this time, we DO NOT have an estimated return date.

ONLINE STUDENTS | Please find information regarding your courses here. We hope you are all safe at this time.

EMPLOYEES | Your immediate supervisor will be in touch with you regarding your work responsibilities for next week. Some departments will need to come to campus while others will work remotely.


September 29, 11am – Hurricane Ian has passed, but its impact on the Warner campus remains. Several buildings are without power, several roadways are flooded and we have moderate tree and sign damage throughout campus.

Employees  do not return to campus until you are notified.

Students  do not return to campus until you are given the ‘all clear’.


September 27, 10:30am – Out of an abundance of caution, all campus classes will be moving to remote learning effective immediately.

Students should finalize their plans to leave campus.

Employees, please work with your department supervisors to complete prep in your office spaces and help with any neighboring departments that need assistance.

All campus offices will be closed to customers at 2 p.m. today, but please work with your department supervisors regarding the timing of your departure from campus today.

With the exception of security personnel, employees are not expected to report to campus Wednesday or Thursday.

We will use the WarnerShield platform to communicate future updates. Download the WarnerShield app in the Apple App Store or the Google Playstore and log in using your warner.edu email address.

Prepare and stay safe, Royals! We are all praying for your continued safety.


September 26, 3:30pm – Out of an abundance of caution, and due to anticipated local impacts from Hurricane Ian, Warner University will move to remote learning beginning Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30. Students are responsible for checking email and the Moodle course pages for assignments and instructions.

All residential students will need to enact their Emergency Location Plan and find shelter away from campus. Residential students should complete the Emergency Location Jot Form as soon as they receive the link from Student Life. Students need to do this so we have a record of where they are going during the storm.

Residential classes will meet on Tuesday, September 27, however, all athletic practices and student activities will be suspended at 3 p.m. so students can prepare to leave campus and will not restart until an ‘all-clear’ is given by the Emergency Response Team.

All Homecoming events and activities are canceled. This includes the Warner vs. Webber football game on Saturday, October 1. We will attempt to reschedule as many of the missed activities as possible.

The Warner Campus will be closed from 6 pm Tuesday, September 27 through Thursday, September 29. Staff will not be expected to report in person on Wednesday or Thursday. Coordinate with your department supervisors for expectations on checking email, phones, and other responsibilities.

All staff are expected to return to work on Friday, September 30 unless otherwise notified.

Security personnel will remain on campus throughout the storm event.

Additional updates will be sent on a regular basis as more information becomes available.

Stay safe everyone!!


September 26, 2022 | 11am – Warner University’s Leadership Team, in communication with the Polk County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), continues to monitor Hurricane Ian as it begins its approach to the Gulf of Mexico.

At this time, Warner University is open and operating on a normal schedule, however, the Leadership Team will make decisions this afternoon and will make a more detailed announcement around 3 pm.

Students should plan to be prepared to activate their Emergency Plan for their off campus location in the event this is needed.

Forecasts directly from NOAA at weather.gov provide the most accurate and up to date weather forecasting data for the Lake Wales area. Go to weather.gov and look up the forecast for Lake Wales, FL in order to follow the data we are looking at.


September 25, 2022 | 3pm – Warner University’s Leadership Team, in communication with the Polk County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), is monitoring the development of Tropical Storm Ian.

At this time, Warner University is open and operating on a normal schedule.

Forecasts directly from NOAA at weather.gov provide the most accurate and up to date weather forecasting data for the Lake Wales area. Go to weather.gov and look up the forecast for Lake Wales, FL in order to follow the data we are looking at.


September 23, 2022 | 4pm – Campus leadership is currently monitoring a forming tropical depression that may impact Florida early next week.

We will begin storm-related advisories and give campus-related information beginning Sunday evening and continuing through the storm threat.

To make sure you receive the most up-to-date information, download the WarnerShield app in the Apple App Store or the Google Playstore and log in using your warner.edu email address.

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