MSU moves to emergency operations for Monday, suspends classes and campus activities due to Hurricane Ida impacts

Contact: Allison Matthews

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University (all campuses) will move to emergency operations for Monday [Aug. 30] with all classes and activities cancelled due to severe weather impacts from Hurricane Ida.

The National Weather Service is predicting heavy rains with potential flooding throughout Monday, as well as potentially damaging winds and other possible severe weather conditions.

“MSU expects to reopen and return to normal operations on Tuesday, Aug. 31,” said Regina Hyatt, vice president for student affairs.

Employees will be on administrative leave Monday, Aug. 30, but some designated employees who are instructed by their supervisors will be required to work remotely or on campus to complete essential functions.

The Sanderson Center and Mitchell Memorial Library will close at 11 p.m. today [Aug. 29] and remain closed through Monday [Aug. 30]. Other university buildings will be closed Monday including the Colvard Student Union and Child Development Center. Because buildings are closed and locked, they will be presumed to be empty. For your safety should an emergency impact the closed/locked building, you should notify someone like a friend, family member or coworker, that you are going to be in the building. 

Limited dining operations will continue, with food service available at the Marketplace at Perry from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.; Moe’s and Subway will operate from 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. The P.O.D. in Dogwood Hall will be open 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residence halls remain accessible to residents and housing staff only.

MSU’s COVID-19 Hotline will be staffed and can be reached at 662-325-2055. If there is no answer, please leave a message, so your call can be returned.

Students, faculty or staff on campus who need assistance may contact the MSU Police Department at 662-325-2121.

The university encourages all students and employees to review instructions for coping with severe weather at emergency.msstate.edu. Those on campus should follow the building or Residence Hall safety instructions specific to their location. Faculty, staff and students are urged to use caution to ensure personal safety.

Monitor the MSU website and social media for updates. Monitor local news outlets for changing conditions and advisories.

Media inquiries should be directed to Sid Salter, MSU Chief Communications Officer, at 601-507-8004 or ss51@msstate.edu. Monitor www.msstate.edu and www.meridian.msstate.edu for updates.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

Sunday, August 29, 2021 - 3:36 pm