Officials at the University of North Carolina Wilmington had hoped to welcome employees back to work Thursday, with classes resuming Monday, Oct. 1, but those plans have changed, according to an announcement Wednesday.

"Because of the significant repairs still under way at Galloway Hall and Cornerstone Hall, we were in the unfortunate position of asking those displaced students to delay their return until Oct. 6. Over the past couple of days, we have been made aware of nearly a hundred additional off-campus students displaced by the storm and in need of housing assistance. In addition, as our employees have been able to return to Wilmington, they have discovered substantial damage to their homes – in some cases, total loss," wrote UNCW Chancellor Jose Sartarelli in a message Wednesday. "With all of this in mind, I have made the decision I believe to be best for our family of students and employees."

This week and last, crews have been working to clean up the campus and repair buildings.

On Wednesday, Sartarelli said UNCW will now welcome employees back Monday, Oct 1. 

"We will have additional details for employees as soon as possible regarding your campus re-entry on Monday, what to expect when you return, etc. You may also receive additional communications from your managers or deans," Sartarelli's message stated. 

The message went on to say that all students, with the exception of those in UNCW"s OAP (Online Accelerated Program), are now expected to resume classes Monday, Oct. 8.

"This means students will not be permitted to move back into their residence halls until Sat., Oct. 6. We realize that there may be students who have already made travel plans to accommodate the original move-in date of Sept. 29," Sartarelli wrote. "We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but it was imperative that we not welcome students back until we were certain campus would be ready."

He said UNCW officials are developing a list of frequently-asked-questions and will share more information via the school's homepage and Facebook page.