Mariallen Moore
News Editor
As the new coronavirus, COVID-19, sweeps the entire world, the Mississippi University for Women campus hasn’t been spared by the pandemic. As in-person classes, events and gatherings have been canceled, students have departed campus sooner than expected.
“I work on campus, and there is no environment on campus,” Anush Aryal, a senior Biology major, stated. “I rarely see people on campus these days. People look worried and gloomy.”
After an extended Spring Break holiday, most students have moved out of their on-campus housing and returned home or to off campus locations. Very few students are on campus anymore. However, most international students remain at The W or in Columbus.
Arpana Upadhyay, a senior Biology major from Nepal, is one of the international students who remains on campus. She is one of the resident assistants in campus housing. Upadhyay, along with the remaining RAs, will take turns being on duty for students on campus who might need their assistance.
Housing and Residence Life is strongly encouraging students who are able to move off of campus to do so. However, those who have no place else to go are allowed to remain in the residence halls.
Along with classes being moved to an online format, all events on The W’s campus, including this year’s graduation ceremonies, have been canceled or postponed for the time being. One of the major events that has been moved to next spring is Homecoming.
The W’s Homecoming celebration is one of the biggest and most celebrated events on campus. Alumni join current students and other alumni on campus to celebrate the university with several events over several days.
“It was a university decision to cancel all university sponsored events,” Lyndsay Cumberland, Director of Alumni Relations and Donor Engagement, stated. “Personally, it was heartbreaking news. Homecoming is an exciting time for alumni to visit campus and interact with their friends.”
Despite the upsetting news of the Homecoming cancellation, The W’s alumni understand that this is the best option for everyone involved. Many of the alumni who were already registered for the event have asked that their registration fees go toward donations to various funds.
Homecoming is also an important time for social clubs on campus to connect with alumni. Many social clubs hold events for their alumni during homecoming week. This is a time for current members to meet and engage with past members.
Emma Beeler, a senior member of the Reveler Social Club, cites Homecoming as the biggest spring event for her social club. The Revelers had taken months to prepare their presentation and event for alumni.
“Homecoming being canceled is disappointing, but I do think it was a wise decision,” Beeler stated. “Our alumni are such an integral part of our club. The newest members of the club, having only pledged last semester, are missing out on the experience.”
This year’s Homecoming classes have been scheduled for next spring. Class years ending in 0, 5, 1 and 6 will be honored April 15th-18th, 2021.
Many things on college campuses have changed since the outbreak in the United States. College campuses across the country have converted to an online format so that students can continue their educations and be in a safer environment.
This abrupt change to students’ ordinary lives has caused a great deal of unrest for many. As students, faculty and staff make the necessary changes in the coming weeks, things are expected to progress and get better.
No one expected the end of the spring semester to unfold as it has. It is important to stay up-to-date with classes and university announcements in the coming weeks.