In light of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, Alcorn State University (ASU) has taken precautions and set procedures in place regarding the health of its faculty, staff and students. While students were on Spring Break ASU realized the complexity of the virus and realized how quickly that it could spread so University officials informed students that Spring Break would be extended an extra week from March 16th through March 20th. However, due to cases continuing to skyrocket and students having traveled to several states and countries during Spring Break, The Institution of Higher Learning informed Alcorn, along with several other institutions within Mississippi, that classes would be moved to remote platforms.
Throughout this life changing process, many students were curious as to how the University would run effectively and efficiently being primarily online. Alcorn guided students with various tools regarding checkout procedures, classes, Spring sports, and counseling services by providing information on social media platforms and via email. Despite many challenges and changes, ASU resumed classes on Monday, March 23rd. Students were encouraged to remain home after the extended Spring Break, however, upon understanding the new transition of the Spring semester, some students decided to remain on campus while others had already checked out of their dormitories for the semester.
Along with the semester ending early, Alcorn informed students that commencement had been postponed as well. On a Town Hall Meeting conference call on Thursday, March 26th directed toward the Alcorn family, Dr. Felecia Nave, President of Alcorn State University, expressed her deepest sympathy towards the graduating seniors. She also emphasized that there have been discussions within the administration about a formal graduation in the future. Dr. Keith A. McGee, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, informed students to continuously check the Alcorn website for updates on graduation. Devina Hogan, Director of Student Engagement, lightened the mood of the conference call by informing students that the 2020 elections for Student Government Association (SGA) President and Miss Alcorn State University would take place despite the virus. Elections will be held online Tuesday, April 27th following campaign week which will occur April 20-25. During this time, candidates will use social media to campaign and build their platform.
For any updates regarding the Coronavirus, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For any updates regarding Alcorn State University’s action plan visit https://www.alcorn.edu/discover-alcorn/coronavirus and continue to check your email regularly.