OXFORD, Miss. – To prevent academic disruptions, the University of
\nMississippi plans to crack down on tailgaters who pop tents up on
\ncampus before 6 p.m. Fridays.
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\n“We are committed to protecting our academic Fridays,” said Andy
\nMullins, UM executive assistant to the chancellor. “We have received
\nnumerous complaints, and we will enforce our standard gameday rules.”\n<\/p>\n
\nAccording to guidelines established by the UM Gameday Committee,
\ntents are prohibited from campus before 6 p.m. on Fridays preceding a
\nSaturday football game. Mullins said the rule applies to all portions
\nof campus, not just the Grove.\n<\/p>\n
\n“Tents that are set up before 6 p.m. will be removed,” Mullins said.\n<\/p>\n
\nTents in violation will be stored at UM’s Physical Plant Department and must be picked up by 4 p.m. Fridays.\n<\/p>\n
\nVehicles transporting tents and other gameday items are also
\nprohibited from parking on campus before 5 p.m. Fridays, Mullins said.
\nViolators are subject to ticketing and\/or towing.\n<\/p>\n
\n“The early tents and trucks carrying tents and picnic
\nparaphernalia are interfering with our normal academic day,” Mullins
\nsaid. “Parking trucks with trailers or setting up tents before the
\ndesignated times will not be tolerated.”\n<\/p>\n
\nThe strict enforcement goes into effect this weekend, when Ole
\nMiss hosts Northern Arizona University, and will continue through the
\nremaining football schedule.\n<\/p>\n
\nUPD Chief Calvin Sellers urged faculty, staff and students to
\nassist with the enforcement. Anyone in the university community can
\nreport violations by calling 662-915-7234.\n<\/p>\n
\n“The University Police Department is committed to maintaining
\nthe university’s academic integrity,” Sellers said. “We will enforce
\nthese gameday rules.”\n<\/p>\n