Solarpalooza is a once in a lifetime event that will bring many visitors and prospective students to the вÊÍø campus. Important information about Solarpalooza and what to expect leading up to and on April 8 has been compiled below. All are encouraged to read through the questions and answers to stay up to date on the event. This Q&A will be updated as new information becomes available.
Will there be classes scheduled on April 8?ÌýÌý
Classes—including evening classes—will not meet in-person or virtually on April 8, however the day is still designated as an engaged learning day on campus.Ìý
Are students expected to be on campus on April 8?Ìý
Yes, this is a once in a lifetime experience and students are highly encouraged to attend. Students should check with their instructor(s) to determine specific course expectations for the day.ÌýÌý
Are faculty members expected to be on campus on April 8?ÌýÌý
Yes. Though classes will not meet in-person or virtually, April 8 is still designated as an engaged learning day on campus.Ìý
Are employees expected to work during the day or can they attend scheduled events?Ìý
Both! Offices will be open on this day. Those who do not have an active role with Solarpalooza events are encouraged and welcome to enjoy the planned events with supervisor's approval.ÌýÌý
As an employee, will I be able to go outside to experience the eclipse during the time of totality?Ìý
вÊÍø offices will close between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. (totality is at 2:02 p.m. for just over three minutes) for the вÊÍø community to observe the eclipse.ÌýÌý
What if an employee wants to stay home on April 8?Ìý
While classes will not be held, this is an engaged learning day, and the campus will be open. Employees are expected to work their regular schedule, including approved alternate work arrangements. As is practice for a day off, vacation time may be an option with supervisor approval.ÌýÌýÌý
Should departments and programs have materials ready for prospective students visiting?Ìý
Undergraduate Admissions will be hosting a special open house on this day for prospective students. Please contact that office for any questions or additional information. This will be a high-profile event for our community and many prospective students will be visiting. We should all strive to serve as brand ambassadors and recruitment officers that day.ÌýÌýÌý
How many visitors are we expecting on campus April 8?ÌýÌý
The path of totality covers a significant amount of the state of Indiana. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security estimates the state will have between 145,000 to 581,000 total visitors. Explore Evansville expects as many as 80,000 visitors. Although we don’t know exactly how many visitors will be on campus the day of the eclipse, the University is prepared to welcome thousands.Ìý
What will campus traffic look like on the day of the event?ÌýÌý
At 10 a.m., the traffic pattern on campus will change to one way, moving counterclockwise around Bent Twig Lane and University Boulevard. Volunteers will direct parking that day to ensure lots are filled in an orderly fashion (see the Solarpalooza Event Map). Traffic will remain one way until after the event and the campus has been cleared of guests.Ìý
Where will employees park?ÌýÌý
Employees are asked to park in Lots A, B and C on April 8.ÌýIf you arrive after 10 a.m., you may be directed to a different location to park. Carpooling is encouraged. Please refer to the Solarpalooza Event Map.
Where will students park?ÌýÌý
Students living on campus can park in their normal residential areas but should not park in the main University lots. Bus service will be available that day to get to campus. Commuter students are asked to park in Lots D, E, F, G and H on April 8. Students arriving after 10 a.m. may be directed to a different location to park. Carpooling is encouraged. Please refer to the Solarpalooza Event Map.
Where will guests park?Ìý
Guests will be directed to parking in Lots D, E, F, G and H by volunteers on April 8. Volunteers will be available to shuttle those with ADA needs. Busses will be directed to park in Lots K and L. School groups and parents with young children will be directed to park in Lot P. Lot I is reserved for Emergency vehicles. Please refer to the Solarpalooza Event Map.Ìý
Will there be a map for the event?ÌýÌý
Yes, you can access the Event Map on the Solarpalooza website. Printed maps will also be available at information tents on the day of the event beginning at 9 a.m.ÌýÌý
Are volunteers needed?ÌýÌý
Volunteers have already been secured. If additional needs arise, a call will be put out for additional volunteers.Ìý
Do employees receive Solarpalooza T-shirts?ÌýÌý
Designated volunteers have received a Solarpalooza staff T-shirt. Event T-shirts will be available for purchase at the вÊÍø Campus Store while supplies last. Employees receive a 20% discount at the Campus Store.Ìý
Where can students get eclipse glasses?
Beginning at 9 a.m., students will be able to pick up eclipse glasses at one of 10 information tents located around campus the day of the eclipse. See Event Map for tent locations.ÌýÌý
When will employees get eclipse glasses?ÌýÌý
Distribution of eclipse glasses for employees will begin April 1. Each employee is eligible for one pair of eclipse glasses.Ìý
Will eclipse glasses be available to visitors?Ìý
Yes, eclipse glasses will be provided to the first 10,000 attendees (first come, first served) at the information tents around campus beginning at 9 a.m. (see Event Map).Ìý
What are Solarpalooza passports and where can вÊÍø students get them?
Beginning at 9 a.m. April 8, вÊÍø students can check into any of the 10 information tents around campus (Event Map) to pick up a passport booklet and eclipse glasses (one pair per student). While attending the day’s events, вÊÍø students can get their passports stamped. Completed passports can then be dropped off at any of the College Dean’s offices where they will be entered into a drawing for one of 50 chances to receive $50 in Munch Money.
Should employees register on the вÊÍø Solarpalooza webpage if they plan to attend events?Ìý
No, employees do not need to register. However, if your family or friends plan to attend, please encourage them to sign up online.Ìý
Should students register on the вÊÍø Solarpalooza web page if they plan to attend events?Ìý
No, students do not need to register. However, if family or friends are planning to attend, please encourage them to sign up online.ÌýÌý
Are all facilities on campus open to the public during the event?Ìý
Yes, buildings will be open to the public, so please be prepared to see guests around during the day! With this in mind, please make sure personal items and valuables are secured if leaving an area unattended. Building access will include access to restrooms and water-filling stations. Additional outdoor restroom facilities are being brought in for the day as well.ÌýÌý
Will вÊÍø Dining locations provide normal food service on April 8?Ìý
Yes! Sodexo will have normal operations for locations on campus. This is in addition to the Food Truck Festival on The Quad from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check the Sodexo page for a full list of offerings on the day of the event.ÌýÌý
What about the weather?ÌýÌý
The University has contingency plans for activities inside in the event of weather, including NASA’s live satellite feed of the eclipse. As the event nears, more information will be communicated about any alternate arrangements.Ìý
How can students and employees help promote the Solarpalooza event?Ìý
Please share the official вÊÍø Solarpalooza page with family and friends and on your social media accounts. Encourage all to sign up to attend. By signing up, they will receive regular updates on the event. There is no need for students or employees to sign up. The same information will be conveyed to those groups via campus email. Also, feel free to use and pass along the Educational Resources page which includes lots of great information for families and educators.ÌýÌýÌý
If you have additional questions about the April 7-8 Solarpalooza event, email them to вÊÍø1Solarpalooza@usi.edu.ÌýÌý