Editor’s Note: The UM COVID-19 email update is transitioning from a daily to an as-needed publication. We anticipate it will be published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding holidays) through the Spring semester as the university continues to share important announcements and information related to our operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quote of the Day
“It’s helpful to take a deep breath and recognize that we as a country have had to go through many serious things before. While it takes its toll on all of us, we will eventually get past this. Ole Miss will eventually start holding in-person classes again, and we will resume sports at some point. Life will be different, but it will again be more like what we’re used to than it is now.”
— Bud Edwards, Director of the University Counseling Center. (Source: Ole Miss News)
Featured FAQ
Q: Are parks and recreation areas on campus still open?
A: The Shelter-in-Place order issued April 1 by Gov. Tate Reeves required the closure of “all places of amusement and recreation, whether indoors or outdoors” across the State of Mississippi, while specifically excluding walking trails. As a result, the university is prohibiting all gatherings and other forms of recreation except for walking on campus as long as the order remains in effect. Please do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing. Thank you for taking steps to protect the health of our community.
University News
2020 Orientation
Orientation for new students entering the university this fall will be delivered in a hybrid model. Orientation programming, academic advising and other activities will be hosted virtually through the summer, while In-person programming will be offered for students as they arrive on campus for move-in week and throughout the first week of classes. Visit the Orientation web page for specific details related to the changes.
Looking for a Little Ole Miss Inspiration?
- Rebel Aid, a 48-hour online campaign hosted April 7-8 to raise funds to help Ole Miss students and our community navigate challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised more than $90,000 so far. We are so grateful to everyone who has given to support the Ole Miss Food Bank, the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund and other similar funds. Once again, we’ve shown that we can do great things together — even when we’re apart.
- Be sure to watch “The Love Will Never Be Gone: A Video Letter to Ole Miss Baseball 2020.”
- Don’t miss this unique rendition of our fight song as current and former members of the Ole Miss Band play “Forward Rebels” (remotely) during the quarantine of 2020.
Donations of Personal Protective Equipment
University leaders have been inspired by our community’s willingness to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) or provide equipment and facilities to fabricate PPE to local organizations. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the donations, the university has established a Potential PPE Donation Taskforce to help develop an inventory of potential donations and capabilities and to coordinate the donations. Contact Donna Strum for additional information.
University leaders have been inspired by our community’s willingness to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) or provide equipment and facilities to fabricate PPE to local organizations. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the donations, the university has established a Potential PPE Donation Taskforce to help develop an inventory of potential donations and capabilities and to coordinate the donations. Contact Donna Strum for additional information.
Students
ASB Leadership and Engagement Awards
The Associated Student Body (ASB) and Ole Miss Student Union are proud to present the 2020 Leadership and Engagement Awards. Various awards recognize the contributions of student leaders, advisors and registered student organizations. Everyone is invited to nominate individuals and organizations deserving of recognition. Application packets will be due via The Forum by Monday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Nominations will be reviewed by external reviewers and the ASB’s Executive Board. For more information, visit the Student Union website or contact ASB Advisor Will Takewell or ASB Graduate Assistant Kendrick Wallace.
Other Things to Know
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
- April 9: Smith County, Raleigh
- April 9, Webster County, Eupora
- April 10, Tunica County, Tunica
Effective April 7, Gov. Tate Reeves waived the in-person requirement for notarizing documents for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH) continues to support its mission by responding to e-mails and phone calls and providing guidance and support for the public. The MDMH Helpline (1-877-210-8513) will remain staffed at all times during the pandemic.
Amoco and its parent company, BP, announced its gas stations will offer a 50-cent discount per gallon to first responders, doctors, nurses and hospital workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inc. magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up this Friday, April 10 for a third virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners and sole proprietors alike navigate the programs that are available to them. The event starts at noon ET.
On the Lighter Side: We’ve got a three-for-one today!