POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam is urging students and families from the areas in the path of Hurricane Irene to either move in early or wait until Monday or Tuesday, Aug. 26 or 27, to return to campus.

Following Governor Andrew Cuomo's declaration of a state of emergency, residents of New York City and Long Island have been advised to either evacuate their areas or stay at home to wait out the storm.

SUNY Potsdam President Dr. John F. Schwaller said that the college not only wants students from areas that would be most impacted by Hurricane Irene to get to campus safely, but also for their families to return home safely. Most freshmen have already moved in to campus.

Students will be allowed to move in early if needed this weekend, but their families should find accommodations so that they are not driving through bad weather when the storm hits New York on Sunday.

Those students who decide to wait out the hurricane and return to campus on Monday or Tuesday would not be penalized for missing the first two days of class on Aug. 26 and 27.

Families with questions about moving in should call the Residence Life office at (315) 267-2350.

Students who may miss class on Monday or Tuesday should e-mail all of their professors.

The SUNY Potsdam online directory is available at www.potsdam.edu/directory.