Winter Storm Update: Saturday, February 20, 2021

February 20, 2021

"The region’s winter weather advisory has expired, and fortunately the ice and snow are melting and driving conditions are improving. Unfortunately, however, the City of Jackson is still impacted by low and no water pressure. According to city updates, Jackson’s Public Works officials do not have a definitive timeline for when water pressure will be […]"

The region’s winter weather advisory has expired, and fortunately the ice and snow are melting and driving conditions are improving.

Unfortunately, however, the City of Jackson is still impacted by low and no water pressure. According to city updates, Jackson’s Public Works officials do not have a definitive timeline for when water pressure will be restored, but crews are working as quickly as possible. As of yesterday there were 13 confirmed water main breaks within Jackson, and as ice melts more may be exposed.

The college’s Emergency Management Team understands the significant stress this is putting on the entire community, but especially our students. We understand your frustration and are devoting as many resources as possible toward managing your residential needs. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Importantly, the college has extended remote classes through all of next week until at least Friday, February 26. Students have been informed of this decision, and will be completing an online survey to let us know if they will be traveling home so our Facilities Department can plan for the upcoming week.

Drinking water, toiletries, hand sanitizer, baby wipes and snacks are available on campus 24-7 near the student life front desk. Students are reminded to bring a backpack to help transport these items back to residence halls.

In addition, please make note of the following important updates:

For Students:

• Showers are available to all Millsaps students today, Saturday, February 20, until 2:00 p.m. at the Flowood YMCA, 690 Liberty Road, Flowood, MS 39232. Bring your Millsaps ID card, your toiletries, a towel and shower shoes. Students who do not have a vehicle and can’t carpool safely with another student should email [email protected] to make travel arrangements.
• Students are reminded to only use first floor restrooms in the residence halls; all other restrooms are closed. Buckets of non-potable water are located in these restrooms to assist in the toilet-flushing process.
• Campus shower and laundry facilities remain closed. Student Life staff will be entering residence hall suites and community bathrooms to ensure plumbing fixtures are turned off.
• Until further notice, the college cafeteria will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for brunch/lunch and from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for dinner. Students will be required to take food out of the cafeteria for consumption.
• Wesson Health Center staff are working remotely. Call 601-974-1207 if you need assistance and leave a message with your call-back number or email the college nurse at [email protected].

For Faculty:
• All classes, including evening classes, will be held remotely through Friday, February 26. Please communicate directly with your students regarding virtual class details.

For Staff:
• Only essential staff are required to report to campus tomorrow, Sunday, February 21. Essential staff are asked to exercise caution when traveling and to contact supervisors with questions regarding on-campus operations.
• The college’s emergency management team will keep the community up-to-date with campus operations and how work schedules may be impacted next week.

Finally, how about some good news and something fun to do? The #8-ranked Millsaps Women’s Basketball Majors face #4 Oglethorpe University’s Stormy Petrel tonight at 5:00 p.m. Watch for free here and help cheer on the Majors!

The college’s emergency management team will continue to monitor the situation and will update the community as details develop. Email [email protected] with any questions. In case of an emergency call Campus Safety at 601-974-1234.