Alcorn State responds to petition, moves to online classes to begin fall semester

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After students launched an online petition to ensure they could get instruction online in the face of increasing COVID-19 cases and deaths in Mississippi, Alcorn State University changed its plans for reopening the campus for the upcoming semester.

To date, more than 1,400 people have signed the petition.

Alcorn’s new plan calls for online learning only for the first three weeks of the semester.

With safety as its guiding principle, Alcorn has decided to implement a phased return to campus for students.

Beginning Aug. 17, 2020, learning will be 100% online for the first three weeks of the fall semester. Starting Aug. 15, 2020, the University will phase-in the return of residential students over several weekends.

The revised, gradual schedule will reduce density and ensure appropriate physical distancing, the availability of personal protective equipment and disinfection supplies, and access to proper testing capabilities for COVID-19—all in accordance with Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning safe start guidelines and the Mississippi State Department of Health.

The residential halls will open according to the following schedule with move-ins scheduled by appointment. Residential students may elect to remain home during the virtual start and return during the weekend of Sept. 6-8, 2020. Students can visit the residential life webpage for up-to-date information and schedule their move-in times.

• • 15-16: Burrus Hall, Revel Hall
  • 22-23: Robinson Hall, Honors Hall, Natchez Campus
  • 29-30: Heritage Village B and D
  • 6-8: Heritage Village A and C, Lott Hall

We will begin 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 safe return to campus plan available on its “A Brave Start” webpage. Courses scheduled as 100% online courses, will continue to be delivered virtually. The University will reopen various dining options, library services, and student activities with significant restrictions in place.

As Alcorn 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.

For more detailed information, visit Alcorn’s “A Brave Start” webpage.