Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State University has cancelled all classes, including Tuesday evening classes, and all non-essential offices will remain closed through Tuesday.
The MSU-Meridian campus also will remain closed Tuesday.
"While our campus was very fortunate to escape significant damage, we will remain closed in the interest of safety for our students, faculty, and staff who travel to campus," said MSU President Charles Lee. "We anticipate a return to normal university operations by Wednesday."
While the MSU campus has power, many in Oktibbeha and surrounding counties are without electricity, he added. "We also understand that many areas have experienced downed trees and debris. We urge the MSU family to use caution and to remain at home."
Employees in the police department, physical plant and custodial services, residence halls, and dining services continue to provide essential service to campus. Residence halls, dining facilities, and the Longest Student Health Center remain open.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the thousands of Mississippians who have suffered devastating losses from Hurricane Katrina," Lee said.
Students who are on campus and wish to volunteer with clean-up may report to the Physical Plant building [Cooley] between noon-1 p.m. Those assisting will receive a small remuneration, said Ray Hayes, vice president for finance and administration. "With the 'can-do' spirit we have at Mississippi State, we can make progress in returning our campus to normal," he said.
Updates to this information will be posted to the Mississippi State University Web site at www.msstate.edu.