CLEVELAND, Miss. — Delta State University will remain closed through Tuesday due to continued hazardous conditions caused by the ice storm affecting the Mississippi Delta. Prolonged freezing temperatures, icy roadways, and dangerous travel conditions continue to pose significant safety risks across the region.
While the campus remains closed, limited dining services will be available for students who are on campus. Young-Mauldin Cafeteria will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time, any student or essential staff will be fed one hot meal in the cafeteria regardless of meal plan status. Additionally, students may take two meals home with them for the evening and next morning. All other food service locations will remain closed. Lastly, the Statesman’s Shelf Food Pantry has been re-stocked and will be available during the same time as meal service in Young-Mauldin, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Essential, critical services will continue to operate during the closure. Students who are able and have a safe, reliable place to stay with family or trusted friends are strongly encouraged to remain off campus. Students who are unable to leave campus will continue to be supported, and residence life staff will remain in contact with those students.
Faculty should continue to communicate course expectations and updates through Canvas. Students who experience power or connectivity issues will not be penalized and should notify their instructors as soon as possible. Faculty and the Student Success and Advising Centers will offer support as needed. Check websites and OkraBytes emails for special notices and opportunities for services. Labs and other on-site experiences will be rescheduled.
Employees are reminded that campus buildings should remain locked during any closure. Anyone needing access to a university facility must contact the Delta State University Police Department at 662-846-4155.
Decisions regarding athletic events will be posted on the Delta State Athletics website and through official athletics social media channels. Questions regarding other scheduled university events should be directed to the event sponsor.
Students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to ensure they are registered to receive emergency notifications through the Okra Alert system. Cell phone numbers can be added by logging into DSU Online Services, selecting Personal Information, and entering a number in the emergency text messaging field.
University leadership continues to closely monitor weather conditions and will provide further guidance as conditions improve. Because temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until at least Tuesday afternoon, additional impacts to travel and campus operations remain possible.
For the most current information and future updates, please visit www.deltastate.edu, follow Delta State University on Facebook, and monitor messages sent through the Okra Alert Emergency System.
Delta State University appreciates the patience and cooperation of the campus community and remains committed to prioritizing safety during this winter weather event.
