The University of Mississippi

Office of the Chancellor

Letters from the Chancellor

A message on recent national events

Letters from the Chancellor

To the university community,

The tragic deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor have evoked much anger, horror and disbelief. The confluence of events in recent weeks continue to tear apart the fabric of our country and impact our campus.

I am struck with profound sadness for the recurring cycle of tragic and senseless deaths, for the African-American and other minority members of our university community who are fearful, anxious and frustrated by the lack of real and sustained change, and for towns and cities across America that are experiencing violence and chaos. I stand with you in declaring that hate, prejudice and racism do not have a place on our campus or in our society.

We all recognize that this University has a difficult history with these issues that oftentimes places us at the forefront of complex and emotional discussions. We will not let our past stop us from working to make a better present and future for everyone on this campus. We must all be active participants on the journey of seeking solutions and inspiring the healing process.

This is a time for change. For me, that means moving the monument away from the center of our campus. That monument has divided this campus, and the process of its removal from the Circle is one I am committed to seeing through to completion. There is more to do, but this needs to happen.

Even as we continue to be separated physically because of the pandemic, there are many ways in which we can stay connected and support one another. Should you need additional support, please utilize the resources available to you as a member of our university community.
I pray for our university community as we work to move our world forward.

Sincerely, 

Glenn F. Boyce

Chancellor

Message about Future Planning Task Force

Letters from the Chancellor

Dear students, faculty and staff,

With the Spring 2020 semester now behind us, we look to the summer and the planning necessary for the Fall 2020 semester. In that light, I’m writing to share an update on planning efforts underway to guide the university as we continue to navigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.Read More

End of Spring 2020 Semester

Letters from the Chancellor

Dear faculty, staff and students,
 
As we close the 172nd year of our university, I think we can agree its ending has been unforgettable. Words like “uncertain,” “disruptive” and “unprecedented” have been used to try to capture the upheaval to our lives and our society. While we grapple with the implications of COVID-19 — personally and professionally — there really aren’t words to fully describe the seismic changes that we couldn’t have imagined just a few weeks ago.

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Update on university operations during COVID-19

Letters from the Chancellor

Dear students, faculty and staff,

The upheaval wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the daily rhythms of a typically spectacular spring in Oxford, and we feel the impact of all that we are missing. However, more than six weeks into life with virtual operations, the impact of the virus on our nation and the world demonstrates why this upheaval was unavoidable. Our students and faculty have made the most of the past six weeks amid the disruption, and I wish you all the best as you prepare for final exams next week.Read More

Update on plans for celebrating our graduates 

Letters from the Chancellor

Dear University of Mississippi community,

The university remains committed to doing all it can to honor our graduates in person when it is safe for us to come together as a university community. And while we aren’t able to gather in the Grove and at other beautiful venues on our campus right now for traditional pomp and circumstance, we could not let our originally scheduled Commencement Day pass without recognizing the incredible achievements, character and spirit of this class of graduates.Read More

University provides refunds for Spring 2020 expenses

Letters from the Chancellor

Dear university community,
 
Our university is committed to doing all that we can to support our students, faculty and staff during this difficult time. At the same time, the university is navigating the rules, regulations and parameters we must follow as a state agency and as a recipient of federal support. With those considerations in mind, we are issuing refunds to eligible students for several Spring 2020 expenses in an effort to help our students and their families.

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