UPDATE: Jan. 24, 7 p.m.
As Dr. King said in an interview with the Hattiesburg American, "Carey looks a lot better."
It is amazing the amount of work that has taken place over the last few days. We still have much work to do, but day by day we are seeing improvements. "We will come out of this stronger than ever," Dr. King said during the recovery team meeting today.
The staff has been working to get offices set up in Lawrence Hall. Please note that the phone system is completely down on campus, so we cannot receive calls. Our internet connection is still down, but could be back up on Wednesday. Power is being restored to campus, but there are still buildings without power.
If you email offices such as the registrar's office, the business office, or financial aid, please understand those offices may not be set up yet to receive requests and we will do our best to respond when service is restored to campus. Please delay your requests to these offices if possible. We will notify you when we are equipped to respond to your requests.
Students, please continue to check your university email and Canvas accounts - this is how the administration and faculty will communicate with you.
Retrieving personal items from campus
Beginning Wednesday, students will be allowed to return to campus to collect their belongings during assigned times. Please follow the schedule set for your dorm. If you have your student ID, please bring it with you. We understand not everyone has their ID with them. When you arrive on campus you will be asked what dorm you live in and given instructions on where to go.
Dorm schedule
Students may come to campus during the following times:
Davis-Futral Hall: Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Byrd-Braswell Hall: Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Polk-Bryant-Bass Hall: Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ross Hall, Penton Apartments: Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Johnson Hall: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
512 Tuscan: Access to this building is not available
Please plan to remove all personal belongings from your room. If you have instruments in Thomas Hall you may get them while you are on campus. You may make arrangements to get your car or have it towed during your assigned time on campus. The university will tow cars to the parking lot of the School of Business and you may get your cars there.
Classes
In the next two days we hope to have a list of classes that will be moved to an online format for the remainder of the winter trimester. You will receive instructions on how to access these classes.
For classes that will meet in person, you will receive a schedule of when and where to report to class.
COM will begin having online classes on Wednesday and other classes may begin meeting on Friday.
We plan to begin the spring trimester on Feb. 20 as scheduled. If you have questions about registering for classes, please email your advisor.
Athletics
The Carey teams will resume practice on Wednesday. A schedule of games will be released soon. Local schools have offered to host our "home" games and we hope you will come out and cheer on your Crusaders.
Donations
The generosity of the community has been amazing. The students' personal needs have been met at this time. However, students will continue to have financial needs in the weeks to come as they begin replacing textbooks, computers, other school supplies, clothing, and making repairs to their cars. Right now our greatest need is for financial contributions for the ongoing needs of students. Donations can be made online at www.wmcarey.edu/advancement. Please note your donation is for Student Tornado Relief or Tornado Damage Fund.
Volunteers
We have been informed it will be at least 30 days before we are allowed to have volunteers on campus due to OSHA and insurance regulations. There are many places in our community who need help.
Please see the following message from the United Way of Southeast Mississippi on ways to help in Hattiesburg and Petal.
United Way of Southeast Mississippi's Volunteer Hattiesburg now has two Tornado Volunteer Response Centers (VRC) open. Any volunteer, volunteer group or organization wanting to help with the cleanup and rebuilding effort should start at the VRC. Volunteers and groups will be given assignments, supplies and training so that we can safely and strategically start the restoration process.
Below is the information for each center.
Hattiesburg VRC
Location: East Jerusalem Baptist Church
Address: 410 S. Tipton St. Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 601-606-3523
E-mail: vrchattiesburg@gmail.com
Petal VRC
Location: Petal Civic Center
Address: 712A Main Street, Petal, MS 39465
Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 601-606-7465
E-mail: vrcpetal@gmail.com
If you need any additional information or assistance about volunteer opportunities please contact United Way of Southeast Mississippi. 601-545-7141