Palm Beach County colleges, universities extend closures through Thursday

At least seven colleges and universities in Palm Beach County, including Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach State College, said their campus closures would extend into Thursday. 

The closures come as South Florida continues to contend with Hurricane Ian's far reaching threat. 

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University confirmed that all of its campuses would suspend classes and other operations Wednesday and Thursday. 

Students living on campus in Boca Raton and Jupiter are "currently permitted to stay on campus," the university said in its 2 p.m. update Wednesday, noting that resident dining halls would remain open. 

"Residents are asked to bring their bicycles into their residences and those with vehicles are encouraged to fill up their gas tanks in case they have to leave campus," the FAU website states.

"All residents are strongly encouraged to remain indoors during the storm," it continues. 

The announcement said FAU would make a decision about Friday classes "as information becomes available." 

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Palm Beach State College

Palm Beach State College reported that all of its five campuses would remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday. 

The college, which has campuses in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves and Palm Beach Gardens, also cancelled online classes.

PBSC is expected to make a decision by 1 p.m. Thursday on how to proceed Friday. 

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University decided to hold evening classes remotely on Tuesday, and to cancel in-person classes scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. 

Campus and residence halls will remain open, however, and online classes will continue as scheduled. 

"Residential students will receive a separate email from Residence Life regarding procedures and meals," the university reported. "Professional Residence Life staff are present on campus to provide care and support to students." 

By 5 p.m. Thursday, the university in downtown West Palm Beach is expected to update staff and students on the status of Friday's classes and other university operations.

Keiser University

Keiser University's campuses in West Palm Beach are also closed through Thursday.

That includes the flagship campus on North Military Trail and the campus on Vista Parkway.

"Keiser University will continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Ian and any impact it may have on campus operations and classes," the university said in an update Wednesday.

Lynn University

Lynn University in Boca Raton cancelled all of Wednesday's classes and campus activities. In a recent update, the university announced it would remain closed Thursday. 

Residential students can remain on campus and will have access to the dining commons.

"Our emergency management team will continue to monitor the storm and provide updates on the status of campus operations as the storm progresses," the university said on its website. "We anticipate reopening campus as soon as weather conditions improve." 

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Nova Southeastern University 

Though several Nova Southeastern University locations will reopen on Thursday, including Broward and Miami-Dade, the campus in Palm Beach Gardens will remain closed. 

Normal class schedules and building operations are expected to resume on Friday, the university said in a news release. 

Everglades University 

Everglades University announced that its Boca Raton campus would continue to be closed Thursday.  

The university's "campus management teams" will be available by phone and email for any students who need help. 

"To all our students, staff, faculty, and friends, in the path of Ian we hope you stay safe as this storm passes," the university said on its website. 

Giuseppe Sabella is an education reporter at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach him at gsabella@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism and subscribe today.