1:30 P.M. NOV. 4 UPDATE: Campus ready for classes; Dinky shuttle buses still running
Nearly a week after Hurricane Sandy struck the northeastern states, the University is ready to resume classes Monday after fall recess and to continue all normally scheduled operations.
Over the weekend, electricity was restored to most off-campus buildings and efforts were under way to bring power to the few remaining buildings lacking power: the boathouse at Lake Carnegie, 306 Alexander Rd., 755 Alexander Rd., 58-60 William St., Ferris Thompson Apartments, 20-26 Western Way and Stanworth Apartments.
Power to buildings on campus had been restored Thursday, and most — including dormitories — had lost power only briefly as the University switched to its cogeneration plant when utility lines failed.
Through Saturday night, TigerTransit buses had shuttled more than 1,200 people between Princeton Junction station and the train station on campus. The buses were taking the place of "Dinky" train service, which was suspended in the aftermath of the storm.
New Jersey Transit has restored some train lines. including the Northeast Corridor line between Trenton and Penn Station in New York City. Northeast Corridor trains were running on a special schedule.
The TigerTransit shuttles will run until either New Jersey Transit begins its own shuttle service or the Dinky begins runnning again.
All University employees were expected to report to work Monday as scheduled.
Many residents of Princeton borough and township as well as neighboring towns remained without power Sunday. Major roads in the Princeton area were open, although some secondary streets remained blocked.
The state of New Jersey had gas rationing orders in effect over the weekend in several counties, although Mercer County, in which the University is located, was not one of them.
Campus events were back on schedule over the weekend, although the annual Community and Staff Day was postponed until Saturday, Nov. 17, and Dining By Design was being moved back to December.
The Office of Admission announced last week that it is extending the single-choice early action deadline for all students to Wednesday, Nov. 7. All applications must be submitted online or postmarked by this date unless personal or hurricane-related issues make it difficult or impossible to file the appropriate forms.
This extension also applies to students who are submitting applications through the QuestBridge process. The financial aid deadline for early action remains Saturday, Nov. 10. For any counselors, teachers or recommenders who may be affected by the hurricane, the Office of Admission will be flexible on the submission of school forms and supporting documents.