PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE ANNOUNCES SEMESTER CLOSURE OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

In light of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 crisis, Philander Smith College has made the decision to close its residential halls for the remainder of the 2020 Spring Semester effective Monday, March 23.  

We were very hopeful that we would not be forced to make this decision. However, given increased evidence of community spread of the coronavirus and assessing our ability to respond to widespread outbreak, we believe it is best to prioritize the health and safety of each member of our Campus Community.

The College has been closely monitoring updates from the Governor of Arkansas and the Mayor of Little Rock which encompass the extended closure of public schools, urging social distancing, restricting large gatherings, limiting restaurant services, enforcing a curfew, etc.  These local determinations, along with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other public health authorities, have unfortunately precipitated this course in direction.

As such, students who departed for Spring Break (March 16-20) should plan to remain off-campus. 

Students who are currently on campus must make immediate arrangements to exit the community by Sunday, March 22, 2020. All personal belongings must also be removed at this time unless other arrangements have been made and/or approved by the College.

Students who were away for Spring Break and had left their belongings will be able to return to retrieve those items at a later time that will be designated and soon communicated by the College. 

Remote class instruction is still scheduled to begin on Monday, March 23, 2020, and the operations of the College will resume from the Spring Break hiatus. As directed by their supervisors, employees not deemed essential to work on campus will work remotely until further notice.

Please stay attuned to all announcements from the College as we continue to navigate through these swiftly changing conditions. You may also direct your questions/concerns to covid19info@philander.edu for an immediate response from the PSC Leadership Team.

As we take steps to re-evaluate and respond throughout this extraordinary time, we sincerely pray that you will remain patient, flexible and understanding.

For Direct Housing Concerns, Contact:

Mr. Paul Crawford, Interim Director of Housing

(501) 370-5330

pcrawford@philander.edu