Alcorn students petition school to expand online course offerings

More than 1,300 people have signed an online petition asking Alcorn State University not to force students to return to traditional in-person classes for the upcoming fall semester.

“Amid a global pandemic, Mississippi’s IHL board has directed its universities to offer as much ‘face to face’ instruction as possible,” reads the introduction to the petition. “As a result of these instructions, Alcorn State University will not be offering online formats for any classes that were already deemed face-to-face prior to this COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, there are hundreds of dollars in new fees being charged that Alcorn students have received no explanation for. This all comes as Mississippi continues to be one of the leading states in COVID-19 infection rates. Even so, institutions such as University of Mississippi or The University of Southern Mississippi, who are under the same IHL direction, are working to make online course options possible for their students. This blatant disregard for students’ health and wellness is of great concern to the Alcorn community, and we are demanding CHANGE!”

Alcorn’s fall classes are scheduled to begin in just over two weeks, on Monday, Aug. 17. The university issued the following statement in response to the petition.

“The pandemic has presented unique challenges for the entire nation as well as the daily operations of college campuses. At Alcorn, we understand that many students and their families have concerns about a return to campus for the fall semester, especially in light of the ever-evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

“The University has developed a comprehensive safe start plan based on best practices from federal, state, and local government and health officials, along with the Mississippi Institutes of Higher Learning Safe Start Task Force. The 36-page document is available to the public on our website at https://www.alcorn.edu and will be updated accordingly in response to changes in circumstances.

“In addition to publishing a safe start guide, the University held a series of virtual town hall meetings to answer questions, taking one-on-one phone calls from students and parents, producing safe start videos and signage, and continuing to practice [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] health guidelines on campus including face coverings, social distancing, virtual meetings, and increased cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces.

“The University respects the confidentiality of employees and continues to follow CDC guidelines as it takes all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff.

“Alcorn State is offering online, hybrid/hyflex, and in-person classes this fall semester. Classes are open for registration and the schedule is available on the Alcorn website. In-person courses will be conducted with reduced class sizes and will follow protocols outlined in our safe return to campus plan. We will reopen various dining options, with significant restrictions in place.

“The pandemic has presented unique challenges for our entire community as well as the operations of our campus locations. Alcorn will continue to carefully monitor the situation and adjust as necessary. The health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority.”