Dear Red Wolves:
In light of the ongoing recovery efforts related to the EF-3 tornado that hit our hometown of Jonesboro Saturday, I am cancelling classes for Monday, March 30. Monday was to be our first day back from Spring Break, and a continuation of our all-online instruction because of COVID-19.
As I mentioned earlier today, we were fortunate that none of our campus buildings were damaged, and because all of our instruction is online, it may seem strange to cancel classes. Unfortunately, our community was not spared from the tornado. We have several A-State families directly impacted by the tornado, and even more who are volunteering to help the city recover. Many of our employees and students are doing work from home, and all internet providers have lost significant capacity in Jonesboro. Finally, the city is continuing its curfew starting at 9 p.m. tonight until daybreak on Monday.
I hope that conditions will improve quickly and that we can resume courses and work on Tuesday, but I really feel that this is the right call for Monday. I will assess the situation Monday evening to see if we can continue teaching on Tuesday.
For families that are coming to Jonesboro to help move their students off campus, we will continue to have staff members on-campus to allow that process to continue on Monday. Also, we are currently reviewing waivers by students who wish to remain on campus. I hope to have responses to everyone by close of business Monday.
Mayor Harold Perrin's office is asking anyone wishing to volunteer to call 870-935-5562. The city is compiling a list of volunteers to match with community needs.
Finally, we will light the clock tower Scarlet in honor of our Jonesboro community until the state of emergency is lifted by Craighead County and the City of Jonesboro. #jONEsboroStrong
Sincerely,
Kelly