On Thursday morning, April 27, Augusta University’s Oak Hall dorm flooded on the fifth level due to a fire suppression sprinkler being damaged during routine maintenance.
Oak Hall houses mostly freshman students, with a small handful of non-freshmen who act as resident assistance.
According to an email from to staff from Associate Vice President and Dean of Students Scott Wallace, “We had a large amount of water on the fifth floor that has affected rooms on all five floors.”
Similar to a flood that occurred on March 28, students were once again evacuated from Oak Hall for a few hours beginning at 11 a.m., and allowed entrance again at approximately 1:15 p.m.
“We have had several students tell us they missed class or lab because of this incident,” said Wallace’s email. “Some evacuated, thinking it was a fire drill and would be back in within a matter of minutes. Many left books, laptops, lab coats, etc. in their room when they evacuated, and were not able to get back in to retrieve them before class.”
The 20-25 students who were housed in the affected rooms were relocated to other rooms as maintenance crews closely monitored the building to minimize further impact.
Due to the flooding and evacuation, professors were asked to give students from Oak Hall leeway for absences.
“Augusta University is taking appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of our students,” said a statement from Augusta University. “We will continue to offer support to students who have been affected by the flooding.”
