In an effort to limit the number of students on campus, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science’ residential experience is undergoing major changes during the 2020-2021 academic year. Rather than have both classes reside together synchronously, juniors and seniors will alternate living on campus once every 9-week grading period.
Although campus life is going to look very different this year, MSMS Residential Life staff has made it their mission to create a series of diverse activities students can participate in remotely and on campus throughout the school year.
“It’s imperative we keep our students engaged and try to make this year as normal of an experience as we possibly can even though we are not going to have both classes on campus at the same time,” said LeAnn Alexander, the director for student affairs. “So right now our resident hall directors are working to finalize the programming calendar.”
Although the calendar of events is still in the works, students can look forward to:
-vision board parties: students will have the opportunity to create a board that highlights their goals for the year
-outdoor movie nights
-Bingo Night
-virtual work-outs with Resident Assistant Marcus Johnson
– “Cooking with Nisa”: Assistant Hall Director Nisa Moody will share cooking demonstration videos with students
In addition to these activities, the residential life staff will implement “Room Chat” this fall. While students on campus will continue to have nightly room checks at 10:30 p.m. in the residence halls, resident assistants will host zoom meetings for students who are learning remotely to participate in.
“By implementing virtual room checks, our remote students still have the opportunity to check in with their RA even if they’re thousands of miles away,” Alexander added.