University remains closed through Feb. 8 due to severe weather and safety concerns
The university announced it will remain closed through Sunday, Feb. 8, including all classes and activities, citing safety concerns. The closure was prompted by severe weather conditions and ongoing debris removal efforts, according to university officials.
Road conditions remain hazardous, with the northbound lanes of Interstate 55 from Batesville (Exit 243) to Senatobia (Exit 265) and all lanes of I-22/U.S. 78 from Red Banks (Exit 21) to the Tennessee state line closed for ice removal by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Students are advised to check road conditions before traveling and expect delays and detours.
Some campus services have resumed, including the reactivation of OUT buses from Master Lease locations, which are now operating on a loop between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The Revel route remains unavailable due to limited road access caused by ongoing power line work. Power has been fully restored across campus, but some off-campus housing may experience water service interruptions as crews troubleshoot issues.
Campus debris removal crews began clearing ground debris and removing dangerous limbs, focusing initially on central campus and residence halls. Whirlpool trails are closed until further notice for debris removal activities. PakMail will be open Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meanwhile, the Oxford School District is offering free community meals at Oxford Middle School daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., including weekends.
All classes and academic activities remain canceled through Feb. 8. The university is working to correct any zeroes assigned by the Blackboard system and will extend the course add/drop deadline by one week after reopening. Financial aid disbursements will be processed once the university resumes operations, but refunds cannot be issued by check during the closure. Attendance verification deadlines have also been extended.
The university has established a Call Center for non-emergency updates at 662-915-7211, available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Follow @OleMiss for ongoing information updates.
Source: Original Article
