Annual event invites community to explore academics, research and student life on April 11
The University of Mississippi is getting ready to break out the pop-up tents again. This time, they are not for tailgating, but rather for its annual outdoor open house on April 11.
Mississippi Day is set for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Gertrude C. Ford Ole Miss Student Union Plaza, the Circle and Business Row. This free event is open to the public and will have shuttles running from parking areas at the Ford Center and Tad Smith Coliseum.
“The University of Mississippi has amazing faculty, staff and students,” said Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. “This academic open house is a way to showcase the amazing people and the great work they are doing. It also brings our community together to have a little fun.”
The university created Mississippi Day five years ago to exhibit the opportunities and resources Ole Miss offers, as well as demonstrate the university’s contributions around the globe.
With more than 80 departments and organizations participating and more than 1,200 faculty, staff and student volunteers, this promises to be the biggest Mississippi Day yet.
“This level of campus involvement is something we are especially excited about,” said Cooper Carrico, a graduate assistant in the Office of the Provost. “It will allow us to showcase a broader range of academic programs, student services and campus partnerships than ever before.”
Some activities families can look forward to include an obstacle course hosted by the Army ROTC , a television studio simulation hosted by the School of Journalism and New Media, as well exploring 3D printing and creating wearable art with the J.D. Williams Library‘s IDEALab.
Food trucks will be available along Business Row, and children of all ages can enjoy a snow cone, create a stuffed animal and climb a rock wall in front of the Student Union.
Visitors will also be able to test their flag and civics knowledge at the
tent and determine where the South is located with the Center for the Study of Southern Culture.
Additionally, attendees can learn more about improving their mental and physical health.
“We are excited to have the Chancellor’s G.R.O.V.E Wellbeing Initiative participate and provide visitors with tips on mental and physical wellness,” Carrico said. “The William Magee Center will also provide free water to visitors at their HYDRate Tent.”
Besides the Mississippi Day festivities, the Ole Miss Division of Athletics will host the Joe Walker Track Invitational all day, softball against Texas A&M at 2 p.m., and baseball against LSU at 4 p.m. The Office of Admissions also hosts its Junior Preview Day beginning at 8 a.m.
“Overall, we are thrilled that guests will be able to see the meaningful work departments do every day and how Ole Miss is shaping the region, state and world,” Carrico said.
by Marisa C. Atkinson
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