Dear Millsaps Community,
The college’s executive staff and emergency response teams have been closely monitoring the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation over the last few weeks. Although we are not currently aware of any COVID-19 cases on the Millsaps College campus, the health and safety of the college community is always our first priority.
Due to the March 11, 2020, announcement by the World Health Organization that the outbreak of the new coronavirus has been declared a pandemic, updated announcements by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the President of the United States and information from medical professionals and state and federal health officials, the following steps are being taken in an attempt to minimize health and safety risks to the Millsaps community.
- Effective immediately the college is extending spring break for students by one week—classes are suspended through March 20, 2020. Students are not to return to campus as originally scheduled, nor may they return to campus for any reason without approval from the Division of Student Life. Students with unique circumstances may apply for an exception by completing and submitting the exceptions request form, which may be found here: https://www.millsaps.edu/coronavirus/exceptions.php. Information will be sent soon for students who may need to briefly return to campus to collect personal belongings.
- All forms of class instruction will be suspended during the spring break extension. Millsaps faculty will work closely with college colleagues and staff throughout the extended break to formalize and communicate the college’s remote learning capabilities.
- Remote classroom instruction will begin Monday, March 23, 2020, and will continue through at least Friday, April 3, 2020.
- All athletics activities, including practice and games, are suspended at least through Friday, April 3. The only exceptions to this policy are the Friday, March 13, 2020, and Saturday, March 14, 2020, home baseball games against Berry College and this weekend’s home softball games against Centre College. Only student-athletes and college/other support personnel will be allowed to attend these games in their official capacity.
- During this period the college will remain open and faculty and staff should report during regular working hours. Students will stay home at least through Friday, April 3, 2020.
- The college is suspending all nonessential college-funded travel, both domestic and international. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by area vice presidents. Students, faculty, and staff are reminded that individuals considering travel in areas designated with a level-three travel restriction by the Center for Disease Control are expected to self-quarantine off-campus for a period of 14 days. At this time, travel in any form is not recommended.
- All on-campus meetings, activities or events with more than 50 individuals will be cancelled until further notice.
- Finally, all individuals are encouraged to engage in practices to prevent the spread of the illness, many of which are a matter of common sense, including washing your hands often with hot water and soap, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue. Visit the CDC website for more information.
I appreciate your understanding Millsaps College’s commitment to the health and safety of our community and to these actions deemed necessary and appropriate during this unprecedented time. Updates will be sent to community members on a regular basis and will be posted on the college’s dedicated COVID-19 Update webpage, millsaps.edu/coronavirus, along with other information and resources.
This is a rapidly progressing situation that impacts every human across the globe. I appreciate your understanding as we work together to keep both Millsaps and Mississippi safe.
Sincerely,
Rob Pearigen
President
