USMs Hattiesburg Campus to be Closed on Tuesday

The University of Southern Mississippi's Hattiesburg campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 29, due to anticipated winter weather conditions, beginning late Monday evening and continuing throughout Tuesday. Monday night classes will meet as scheduled, and operations will resume as regularly scheduled on Wednesday.

The University's operations on the Gulf Coast will proceed as regularly scheduled on Tuesday. 

The National Weather Service has indicated a limited threat for accumulating snow for portions of south Mississippi, including the Hattiesburg area. Up to 2 inches of precipitation is predicted, with rain potentially turning to snow on Tuesday morning. The weather system could create hazardous traveling conditions, especially on bridges and other elevated roadways.

USM officials are continuing to monitor conditions and will provide updates to the University community as needed through Eagle Alert and SouthernMiss.info.

Students, faculty and staff in the Hattiesburg area are advised to limit travel on Tuesday, and non-essential personnel should refrain from coming to the Hattiesburg campus during the closure. 

As a reminder, if an emergency situation requires travel by vehicle on Tuesday, the Mississippi Department of Transportation recommends the following:

• Slow down. Should winter weather conditions become present, “black ice” can form.
• Allow more space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
• Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
• Stay alert.

Food service hours for Tuesday are expected to be as follows:

• The Fresh Food Company – 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Hillcrest – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Seymour's – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Century Park POD – 9 a.m. to midnight

Students who choose to leave their residence halls to walk to food service locations should use caution, especially when traveling in shaded areas on less frequently traveled roads or sidewalks.

Unless otherwise notified, Physical Plant staff, including custodial personnel, are not required to report on Tuesday, and should plan to resume work on their regular schedules on Wednesday.

For more information on campus safety, contact the University Police Department at 601-266-4986. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.