March 25, 2020

Greetings from Tougaloo College!

Students, As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly changing, we remain focused on your health and well-being. The goal of this communication is to provide you with updated information that pertains to the changing departmental operating procedures here at Tougaloo as the College’s Coronavirus Emergency Response Team monitors the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Mississippi State Department of Health. The Team is making difficult decisions for the greater good of our campus community. Remain updated with the latest information and resources from Tougaloo College by linking to our COVID-19 web page .  During your first week of remote instruction, we pray that you, your family and friends remain safe. During this time of social distancing, we are proud of your determination to reach your academic goals, while sustaining the pathways to success that you need and deserve. Keep up the excellent work!

OFFICE OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Remote Instruction By now, you should have received some form of communication from your instructors and advisors.   If you have not heard from your instructor, do not hesitate to contact Mr. Tony King in the Office of Academic Affairs at tking@tougaloo.edu or 601-977-7735. You may request technical assistance by contacting the Office of Information Technology at helpdesk@tougaloo.edu or 601-977-7822 (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Central Standard Time). If you need assistance between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., please send a text to 601-624-9038. As we forge ahead with the semester in a different manner, the following are expected of you as a Tougaloo College student: Respond to directions and information that is provided to you via your professors and the Tougaloo College website.  Be responsible and complete all of your assignments by the designated deadlines. Inform your professors promptly if you are having any issues with your remote interactions.

Graduating Seniors Seniors, you are encouraged to seek frequent counsel from your advisors to ensure your successful completion. Information about thesis and community service requirements will be sent in an upcoming communication to you.  Seniors who have completed all requirements for graduation, you will receive your diplomas in the mail during the month of May.  As we receive information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we will update you about your Commencement Exercises.

OFFICE OF STUDENT SERVICES

Residence Halls You are encouraged to pick up your belongings from your respective residence halls on the designated days this week: Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - New Women’s: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2020 - A.A. Branch: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020 - Renner Hall and Berkshire: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. No one will be allowed to enter the residence halls after 8 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2020. If you are unable to retrieve your items, they will remain on campus until the CDC deems it safe for the College to resume normal operating procedures.

Room selection Returning students may apply for specific rooms within the residence halls for the Fall 2020 academic year beginning April 11, 2020: April 11 – April 17, 2020: Request the same room April 27 – May 1, 2020: Change rooms SGA Student Government Association elections will be held March 30 – April 7, 2020. Online campaigning will take place between March 30 – April 5, 2020. Voting will be conducted online April 7, 2020. Campaigning guidelines will be released in an upcoming communication.

OFFICE OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

If you are currently a Spring 2020 semester enrolled residential student, you will receive a prorated credit for room and board fees. Those credits will be posted to your account and if you are due a refund, your check will be processed no later than Friday, April 3, 2020. If you are a Federal financial aid recipient for the Spring 2020 semester, your financial aid has been disbursed. However, the State of Mississippi Department of Education is yet to disburse funding for HELP, MTAG, and MESG. Once Tougaloo College receives the associated funding, we will post these funds to all eligible accounts as well. If you are a Work Study student, you will be paid, as scheduled, for the months of March and April. Your payments will be posted to your Tougaloo account if you have outstanding balances. If you do not have an outstanding balance, your check will be mailed to you no later than Friday, April 3, 2020.

OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

Tougaloo College has established a Student Emergency Fund to assist you, should you encounter any unforeseen needs due to financial hardship. Details will be shared with you in a later communication.

HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19

HATS OFF TO YOU, STUDENTS!

We are proud of the responsible ways you are handling this unprecedented global pandemic. We are in this together, and you have the full commitment of this institution as we work through these trying times.    Remember, Tougaloo College has your best interest at heart.