Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, 25, 2020 COVID-19 Update

Quote of the Day
“We’ve come up against the tallest of challenges, and we have never backed down. This time is no different.”
— Ole Miss Sports (Source: @OleMissRebels video) 

Featured FAQ 

Q: Is the Office of Admissions open?

A: The Office of Admissions has canceled all campus tours until further notice. Check out our virtual campus tour and let a few of our students show you around the Flagship.


Admissions will be open during this time, and staff is prepared to answer any university-related questions. Please email admissions@olemiss.edu  or call 662-915-7226. Additionally, you can sign-up online to join a virtual information session hosted by the Admissions staff each weekday at 1:15 p.m.Bonus Content
Be sure to check out Zoom 101 tips in the “Other Things To Know” section at the end of this newsletter.

University News

UM Expertise on COVID-19
Check out recent stories featuring faculty experts sharing insights on a range of topics related to COVID-19.  
UM COVID-19 Info Call Line

The UM COVID-19 Info Line is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to answer your questions. Call 662-915-3600.

Staying at home? Don’t turn into a couch potato! 

Ole Miss Campus Rec wants to help you stay fit with a list of ideas on how to stay active at home and engaged by participating in online programming, interacting with virtual content and making smart use of outdoor recreation facilities. 

Students

If You Have Checked Out Library Materials
UM Libraries ask that you do not return materials to the library at this time. At a later date, the library will post instructions and notify patrons as to how to return materials. All due dates for materials currently checked out have been extended. No overdue fines or fees will be assessed during this time.  Email umladmin@go.olemiss.edu with questions.
Rental Returns and Book Buyback 
For updated information on rental returns and book buybacks from the Ole Miss Bookstore, visit https://ole-miss.bncollege.com/shop/ole-miss/home.  

Faculty and Staff

Using Google Meet 
As an alternative to Zoom, do not forget that you have access to Google Meet (a.k.a. Google Hangouts Meet) through the Google Suite of applications. Once you have access to Google Meet, you can use the Quick Start Guide and Cheat Sheet posted here. To access Google Meet, you will need a go.olemiss.edu account, which can be created here. 

Improving Your Zoom Experience 
A teacher reported that admitting more than 40 participants to his Zoom session led to him getting kicked out. After some trial and error, Zoom worked more smoothly if all participants turned off the video and used only the share screen and audio features. In case of slow or limited internet speed or bandwidth, turning off video will improve performance of online audio connectivity. 

There are a few things you can try if you’re just not getting the connection speeds promised by your Internet service provider (assuming that you have the necessary bandwidth). If you are on Wi-fi, try moving to a location closer to the router. If that doesn’t help, consider connecting directly to the router with an ethernet cable. A wired connection should provide your peak network speed. Get more info on Keep Teaching. 

Remote Teaching Tips and Resources 
“How to Survive Your (Hurried) Switch to Online Learning Using UDL” is the title of an upcoming webinar hosted by the Online Learning Consortium. The webinar is scheduled March 26 at 12 noon. This is a great way to think more deeply about how best to structure online teaching and build community with other educators who are making the transition to online learning due to COVID-19. Free registration required.
You may now be using Zoom or Google Meet frequently. Are you interested in getting better? Two helpful articles include the pre-COVID-19 “Best Practices in Synchronous Online Discussions” (Higher E-Learning) and the more general “Best Practices: Online Pedagogy” (Harvard University).

Zoom Drop-in Sessions, Daily March 25-27

Other Things to Know

White House public health expert says anyone who recently left New York should self-quarantine
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/24/politics/coronavirus-new-york-self-quarantine/index.html 

 

White House, Congress agree on $2 trillion economic stimulus bill
https://apnews.com/edd230801c0e181169915e67b1fd64c6

 

Double Decker Arts Festival Rescheduled for August 14-15
https://doubledeckerfestival.com

 

Working and Leading From Home: Forbes shares tips on working from home and managing a remote team during the coronavirus pandemic.

 

On the lighter side: Flex your creativity via a New York Times  cartoon scene of New Yorkers stuck indoors (toilet paper hoarders included) that you can color right on your screen.

 

Zoom 101: Tips for Zooming Well
  1. The mute button is your friend. If your environment is noisy, or if you just need to eat a snack without bothering anyone, mute yourself with the microphone icon in the lower left corner of the Zoom screen. Just be sure to click it on again when you need to speak. Meeting hosts can also politely request that meeting attendees use this function.
    1. Bonus tip 1: When muted, holding down the space bar to speak will temporarily unmute you.
    2. Bonus tip 2: If you want to always join meetings on mute, check that option under Preferences > Audio.
  2. Same goes for video. Although seeing each other in regular meetings can be a comforting way to connect, if you need to turn your video off, click the “Stop Video” button on the bottom of the Zoom window. For larger groups, keeping your video feed off can free up bandwidth.
  3. Screen share with care! Be sure to carefully review your entire screen before you share it with your group.
  4. Trying to hide a messy room? Want to add a little levity? Try a virtual background! Check your Zoom preferences for default options, or upload your own. (Optional addition: Check this article for some virtual background inspiration.)
  5. You can also record messages or lectures with Zoom using the “Record” button at the bottom of your Zoom screen. This can be helpful for anyone who has to miss an important meeting.
  6. Secure your meeting by only sharing your meeting link and personal meeting ID with participants. You can also use the “waiting room” feature to control who enters the meeting. Read more about Zoom’s security guidelines here.
  7. Lastly, please be sensitive to everyone’s individual situations. Internet connection, home environment and personal concerns will vary greatly. If someone seems to be struggling with Zoom, reach out to them outside of the meeting to see if they need anything.

 

Short videos to get up and running with Zoom: