As we continue to prioritize safety while monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our university and surrounding communities, Mississippi Valley State University has implemented a phased approach to instructional methods and the returning of MVSU students to campus.
Beginning Monday, Aug. 17, 2020—our first day of classes for the Fall 2020 semester—learning and instruction will be 100% online for the first three weeks. Our New Student Academy for first-time freshmen and transfer students will continue to take place Aug. 13-16; however, these events will be held virtually.
Students who will be residing in one of our residence halls will have the option to check-in based on the date and time already established in their housing notice. However, since classes will now be 100% online for the first three weeks, it is highly recommended that students delay their arrival until the weekend of Sept. 6-8. By delaying students’ arrival on-campus, we will have a much more gradual move-in schedule, which will reduce density and ensure appropriate physical distancing, the availability of personal protective equipment, disinfection supplies, and access to proper testing capabilities for COVID-19—all in accordance with Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) Safe Start guidelines and the Mississippi State Department of Health.
The Department of Residential Life will contact all students currently assigned to on-campus housing to request the following information:
- Your ability and/or willingness to change your arrival date and move into your assigned room during the September 6-8, 2020 weekend. It is understood that the room and board charges will be adjusted to reflect your changed arrival date.
- Circumstances that may warrant moving into your assigned room on the date and time currently given for check-in.
We will begin phasing our in-person instruction on Sept. 9, 2020. Courses will be conducted with reduced class sizes and will follow the guidelines and protocols outlined in the University’s “Safety in Motion” Health and Safety Plan, which can be viewed on our COVID-19 Response webpage. Courses scheduled as 100% online courses will continue to be delivered virtually. The University will reopen various services, such as library services and student activities, with significant restrictions in place.
As MVSU’s operations expand and students begin to return to campus, the University will continue to closely monitor and assess the potential spread of the virus and adjust its existing policies and procedures as necessary. The health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority, and we appreciate your patience and flexibility.