Contact: Maridith Geuder
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Cleanup crews worked at Mississippi State throughout the day Tuesday to prepare buildings and grounds for a return to normal operations when classes resume at 8 a.m. Wednesday [Aug. 31].
On-campus offices also will be open for business as usual.
However, all operations at the Meridian campus, including classes, are cancelled Wednesday because of a continuing power outage at that location.
"We are extremely fortunate that our area missed the brunt of a devastating natural disaster," said MSU President Charles Lee. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those who have suffered tremendous losses in other parts of our state."
The Starkville campus sustained minor damage, Lee added. "Our campus landscape and physical plant employees have done a tremendous job of restoring order, and we had welcome assistance from about 20 student volunteers who helped with cleanup."
Around the state, many of MSU's agricultural offices continue to operate, and are busy assessing damage to agribusiness enterprises, said Vance Watson, MSU vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine. All county offices without loss of power will be open as usual beginning Wednesday.
"While we are asking students, faculty and employees to return to their normal schedules, we understand that there will be extraordinary circumstances for many," Lee said.
He added: "Our Student Association has begun a relief effort to assist students from the affected areas, and we're asking faculty members to give special consideration to students from South Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana who are traveling to locate their families and help secure their homes."
A few rooms remain available to storm evacuees in Herbert Hall Guest Housing on the Starkville campus. It was opened Tuesday as a storm shelter, with meals, snacks and supplies provided by the local Red Cross.
Some MSU offices available for further information and assistance include:
Counseling Center--(662) 325-2091;
Housing and Residence Life--325-3555;
Office of Academic Affairs--325-3742;
Division of Student Affairs--325-3045;
Longest Student Health Center--325-3515; and
Student Association--325-3917.