Mississippi Non-Profit News: In an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus across the country, colleges and universities are closing their campuses and moving to online education. Mississippi’s institutions have followed suit. The Institutions of Higher Learning (which oversees the eight Mississippi public colleges and universities) issued a statement Thursday morning stating that no schools would return to class before Monday, March 23. Alternative methods such as remote and online instruction will be used. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education, stated that “the health and safety of students and faculty is paramount.” “Our universities are changing the schedules for spring semester out of an abundance of precaution,” Commissioner of Higher Education Alfred Rankins Jr. stated. On Wednesday Mississippi was notified of its first case of COVID-19. State officials met with the State Department of Health on Thursday for a press conference. Rankins stated that the situation is still fluid and that university plans can be modified to reflect new information or recommendations. “Our goal is mitigate the risks posed to the coronavirus while maintaining quality and integrity of the instructional programs,” Rankins stated. All college athletics in Mississippi have been suspended by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges (MACC) until March 30. Kell Smith, spokesperson for Mississippi Community College Board, stated that the 15 Mississippi community colleges are considering whether or not to move to online courses. They also plan to extend spring break as an individual decision. Mississippi Today reached out at all community colleges and public universities. We will continue to update this story as we receive more information. In a press release, Thomas Hudson, Jackson State University’s Acting President, stated that students should stay at home during this extended break and not return to their residence halls. JSU will accept students who want to return, but students are not required to attend classes in person when classes resume March 23. However, some professional and graduate students may need to do so depending on clinical requirements. According to the release, dining halls will still be open. University of Mississippi. Chancellor Glenn Boyce stated that “all classes and related coursework will be held online or via other methods than in-person on-campus instruction.” However, students are encouraged to stay at home. Students who have no place to go can call university housing at (662-915-7328) to arrange for a suitable living arrangement. According to the statement, these students will still be able to access limited campus services and dining options. Mississippi State University Students will be returning to school on March 23, like other schools. However, faculty and staff will still have access to the university to continue their work. All international and overseas travel including study abroad programs has been cancelled by the university. Classes will resume online or in alternative formats. All university-sponsored events are cancelled until March 23. Students can still live on campus and use the dining and residence hall facilities. Mississippi Valley State University Students who reside on campus are encouraged and encouraged to return home. Students should only return to dorms if there are “compelling, extreme circumstances,” according to the university. Students must inform their residence hall directors if they intend to stay. Students returning to campus on March 23 will receive alternative instruction. All coursework will be available online when classes resume on March 30, according to the university. Students services will be available, including residence halls and dining services, libraries, campus recreation and student health services. Events that are expected to attract more than 50 students have been canceled. The Delta State University Spring Break has been extended by one week. Classes will resume on March 23, 2019. All classes will be offered online. According to the school’s website, residence halls have been closed and students are not allowed to return to campus. If students have no other housing options, they should contact the housing office at 662-846-45151. Students who require assistance with meals or don’t have meal plans will find help at the Statesman’s Shelf Food Pantry located in the Nowell Student Union. Staff and faculty will resume work on March 16th as planned. Hinds County Community College International and Out of State Travel is suspended according to the school. On-campus classes will resume Monday, March 23, according to the school. “On-campus classes will resume on Monday, March 23. Faculty and staff have plans to make the transition to an online program if necessary.
Both the Raymond and Utica campuses’ residence halls will reopen on Sunday, March 22, at 4 p.m. Jones Community College. Although classes are ending Thursday, night classes will continue. Students can start spring break on Friday. Faculty, staff, and college employees are expected to report to work Friday. Faculty will also attend conference calls next week during spring break. Itawamba Community College extends its spring break to March 23. Students who live on campus should “refrain” from returning. The college will inform these students by next week. The school is still considering online learning, and all campus activities have been cancelled. Northeast Mississippi Community College Dorms are still closed. In-person instruction at the college’s Booneville and Corinth campuses will be cancelled starting Monday, March 16. Faculty and staff can report to work as normal. According to the school, online instruction will start on March 23. All athletic events, extracurricular activities, and community-related events that are scheduled at any school facility will be cancelled until March 30. Northwest Mississippi Community College’s website says that there are no changes in class or event schedules. Any changes that are necessary will be assessed on a daily basis.”