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Information about Presidential Visit

Update posted on Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.:

The Family Weekend Reception has been moved from the MacQueen Alumni Center to the Country Club of Mobile, 4101 Wimbledon Drive West. The event will take place Friday, Oct. 2; Doors open at 4 p.m., program runs from 4:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

Posted on Sept. 29, at 8:30 a.m.:

The Republican National Committee reserved the USA Mitchell Center for a Friday 6 p.m. event featuring President Donald J. Trump. Below are some early questions and answers:

How will President Trump’s visit impact Homecoming activities?

Homecoming is a weeklong series of events culminating in the Jags taking on Louisiana-Monroe at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Nearly all the events will proceed uninterrupted by Friday’s event at the Mitchell Center, including the Saturday game. With storms anticipated Friday, a pep rally planned that evening at the Intramural Fields will be moved to Saturday, tentatively at the Jaguar Training Center adjacent to Hancock Whitney Stadium. More details to follow. The planned Glass Pumpkin Patch Festival will still be held at the Marx Library, with the time adjusted from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m., or until the pumpkins sell out, whichever is sooner. 

Will the University still have the Family Weekend Welcome reception on Friday?

Yes, although the exact location could change. Updates will be posted on this website. 

What about Thursday night’s Wall of Honor Ceremony? 

The University has decided that, because of anticipated inclement weather, the outdoor Wall of Honor Ceremony will be moved to Friday, Nov. 13, the weekend of the Jags vs. Troy game.

Will classes or academic services be affected?

In-person classes starting at noon or later on Friday will not be held. Beginning late Thursday night, buildings within the perimeter of Student Services Drive, USA South Drive, Mitchell Center Drive and Old Shell Road will be closed. The Mitchell Center, the Health, Kinesiology and Sport building and the Academic Services Center will be closed all Friday. Academic leaders will notify affected faculty and students directly regarding specific plans for Friday morning classes. 

What about employees? 

University offices will close at noon on Friday. Certain employees will be designated as essential personnel during this closing. Questions about your work schedule should be directed to your supervisor. Hourly employees who are released at noon will receive paid administrative leave to cover their remaining scheduled hours. 

Will roads be closed? 

Beginning Thursday evening after the Jags volleyball game, the United States Secret Service will begin closing down roads surrounding the Mitchell Center. This includes portions of USA South Drive, all of Student Services Drive and all of Mitchell Center Drive. On Friday, it is possible that portions of Old Shell Road will be closed in both directions. This is at the complete discretion of the Secret Service. 

Individuals who are not attending the Mitchell Center event are encouraged to avoid the immediate area when possible. Anticipate increased traffic, possible road restrictions and increased pedestrian activity. 

Is the visit by President Donald Trump a University-sponsored event? 

No. The USA Mitchell Center is available for public rental and was reserved by the Republican National Committee. The Mitchell Center over the years has held numerous events, including for public speaking engagements, concerts and faith-based groups. 

Will there be protests? 

Members of the University community and the public may participate in protected expressive activity on University property in accordance with University policy and applicable law. Threats, violence, property damage, or other unlawful conduct will be handled in accordance with University policy and applicable laws. Ensuring a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for all remains the University’s highest priority.

How do I get tickets to see President Trump?

This is not a University event, and the University is not managing entry. The University has no oversight of the organizer's entry procedures or seating allocation.

Will the University issue more information? Could some of this change? 

It’s possible the University will have to adjust as more information becomes available. Updates and changes will be posted to this webpage.