OXFORD, Miss. – To prevent academic disruptions, the University of
Mississippi plans to crack down on tailgaters who pop tents up on
campus before 6 p.m. Fridays.
“We are committed to protecting our academic Fridays,” said Andy
Mullins, UM executive assistant to the chancellor. “We have received
numerous complaints, and we will enforce our standard gameday rules.”
According to guidelines established by the UM Gameday Committee,
tents are prohibited from campus before 6 p.m. on Fridays preceding a
Saturday football game. Mullins said the rule applies to all portions
of campus, not just the Grove.
“Tents that are set up before 6 p.m. will be removed,” Mullins said.
Tents in violation will be stored at UM’s Physical Plant Department and must be picked up by 4 p.m. Fridays.
Vehicles transporting tents and other gameday items are also
prohibited from parking on campus before 5 p.m. Fridays, Mullins said.
Violators are subject to ticketing and/or towing.
“The early tents and trucks carrying tents and picnic
paraphernalia are interfering with our normal academic day,” Mullins
said. “Parking trucks with trailers or setting up tents before the
designated times will not be tolerated.”
The strict enforcement goes into effect this weekend, when Ole
Miss hosts Northern Arizona University, and will continue through the
remaining football schedule.
UPD Chief Calvin Sellers urged faculty, staff and students to
assist with the enforcement. Anyone in the university community can
report violations by calling 662-915-7234.
“The University Police Department is committed to maintaining
the university’s academic integrity,” Sellers said. “We will enforce
these gameday rules.”
To learn more about all gameday rules, visit http:///www.olemiss.edu/