Augusta University Graduate School Response to Hurricane Helene and Analysis of Trainee Satisfaction with Response

On September 27, 2024, the Augusta University (AU) community experienced the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, which significantly disrupted instruction, well-being, and access to essential needs. The Graduate School (TGS) at AU, which supports approximately 2,200 trainees, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, had to quickly adapt to the unique needs and circumstances of its diverse student body. This was particularly challenging given the large population of international students within TGS. In the immediate aftermath of the hurricane, TGS took proactive measures to assess student concerns through various channels, including emails, wellness calls, and a Town Hall cookout. This Town Hall provided a relaxed setting for students to gather, share a meal, and voice their concerns and needs. Additionally, food was distributed in communal student areas, such as conference rooms and student lounges whenever possible to ensure that students had access to basic necessities. The responses collected from students across all programs were analyzed to identify the challenges and ongoing needs as instruction resumed. TGS communicated relevant institutional and community resources to trainees and addressed specific concerns through campus-wide communications. In a significant effort to support its students, TGS provided financial assistance to 22 graduate students through student emergency funding. This financial support was crucial in helping students navigate the immediate aftermath of the hurricane. Furthermore, TGS continues to monitor the impact of Hurricane Helene on trainees through direct communication, including interactions with the Graduate Student Council. Members of the council act as representatives of their respective colleges and programs, ensuring that the voices of all students are heard and addressed. To better understand the ongoing needs and improve responses to future natural disasters and crisis events, data were collected through a survey designed by researchers and administered via Qualtrics. The survey responses underwent statistical analysis to determine significance and identify key areas of concern. The results of this analysis will be used to develop strategies for enhancing the resilience of the AU community in the face of future crises. By continuously evaluating and addressing the needs of its trainees, TGS aims to create a supportive and responsive environment that can effectively manage the challenges posed by natural disasters and other emergencies. This abstract was presented at the American Physiology Summit 2025 and is only available in HTML format. There is no downloadable file or PDF version. The Physiology editorial board was not involved in the peer review process.