The University of Mississippi is up and running after damages from Winter Storm Fern caused a two-week hiatus of students attending classes and staff working.
Ahead of the historic ice storm, Ole Miss was initially scheduled to be shut down for one day on Jan. 26. But iced-over roads, downed trees, and power outages, among other damages, prompted university officials to close the Oxford campus until Monday, Feb. 8, so that work could be done to ensure students and employees could return safely.
“As you return, you’ll notice debris piles and ongoing cleanup work across campus,” a release from the university reads. “We ask that you please be patient and mindful of posted closures and work zones as this work is expected to continue over the coming weeks.”
After consulting with federal education officials, the university is moving forward with a modified spring calendar — one that has been shortened and does include a full spring break. The current deadline to add or drop classes is Feb. 16, while spring break will occur March 7-15. Midterms will be taken on March 16, and the back half of the semester will operate under a typical schedule. Final exams are scheduled for May 4-8, with convocation happening on May 9.
“The university worked with the U.S. Department of Education to adjust the academic calendar for the Spring Semester, allowing for a shortened semester due to the two weeks the university was closed because of the impacts of Winter Storm Fern,” the release further stated. “This approval enables the university to maintain Spring Break, March 7-15, and conclude the semester as originally scheduled.”
As they return to classes, students will have plenty of entertainment opportunities on the athletics side. The men’s basketball team plays Alabama at home on Wednesday night, and the women’s basketball team is hosting Arkansas on Thursday night. The college baseball season also begins this weekend, as Mike Bianco’s club will welcome Nevada to Swayze Field for a three-game series beginning Friday.