Lamar University evacuation FAQs

Following mandatory evacuation orders for Beaumont and Jefferson County in response to the threat Hurricane Laura poses to the upper Texas coast, students and staff from Lamar University are being transported to Texas State University to ensure their safety.

Why are Lamar students coming to Texas State?
Approximately 60-70 students, along with some Lamar University staff, are making the trip from Beaumont to San Marcos because they are unable to evacuate on their own. Lamar University staff will oversee the students while at Texas State. 

Where will the Lamar students stay?
Lamar students will be assigned temporarily to available rooms in separate areas of San Gabriel and Gaillardia residence halls, and will use Harris Dining Hall. Lamar staff will be assigned to Bobcat Village and may also use space in Falls/Sayers and Blanco residence halls.

How long will the Lamar students stay at Texas State?
That will depend on the impact Hurricane Laura has on Lamar University and the surrounding region. Lamar University staff will coordinate with Texas State on the length of time and activities for the students.

How will this impact COVID-19 safety measures at Texas State?
All of Texas State's safety measures, outlined in the university's Roadmap and Department of Housing and Residential Life website, remain in effect to mitigate the spread of COVID. This includes educating the evacuees regarding on-campus guidelines and enforcing the same health precautions during their stay as Texas State students follow. According to Lamar University, none of the evacuees have previously tested positive for COVID. They will be required to take daily self-assessments, just as Texas State students, faculty and staff are required to do before coming to a Texas State campus.  

Will the students continue taking their classes online at Lamar?  Through their Lamar student/employee IDs, they will have access to the TSUSVisitor wifi The Texas State University System has established at all system institutions. Texas State ITAC will also generate temporary guest IDs for the evacuees, which will grant them access to open computer labs on campus. With these resources, Lamar students will be able to continue their course work via distance learning during their temporary displacement. 

What will this cost Texas State?  
Lamar University will handle any issues related to funding or compensation. Texas State is happy to assist a sister institution in the Texas State University System and is prepared to provide as much support as needed.