Dear Millsaps College Community:
Challenging times often require difficult decisions. In response to guidance from public health authorities and government officials to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the senior leadership of the college, with the support of the board of trustees, has made the very difficult decision to provide remote-only instruction to our students through the end of the semester and to require that our residential students move out of their residence hall rooms. We will continue to support students who remain on campus with permission of the student life staff. However, our goal is to do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our community as, unfortunately, reports confirm that the worst may be yet to come.
This is a heart-breaking decision for us all. Our students are the lifeblood of our campus, and the campus is a lonely place without them. However, I am thankful that the Millsaps community is strong, resilient, and generous, and I am confident we can provide an excellent and personal educational experience for our students, albeit a different kind of experience.
During this time, I encourage you to check in with one another—call the people you love, chat with your friends online, write notes of appreciation to those who mean so much to you. Find peace that we are all in this together, and offer grace to those who have fear, anxiety, and concern. And know that the Millsaps community will work through this shared experience and remain strong and connected.
Information regarding the process for moving out of residence halls may be found here. Answers to questions like will there be a commencement? (Maybe not in May, but there WILL be a celebration of our graduating seniors at some point in the future!) may be found here. If you have a question and don’t see the answer, please let us know by emailing info@millsaps.edu.
Finally, share with us. Tag your stories of #MajorPride on social media or let us know how you are doing by sending us an email. Follow us @millsapscollege and post your stories of social distancing and what you can’t wait to enjoy upon your return to campus. And know that we love you and anxiously await your return.
Stay well. God bless you.
Rob Pearigen
President
