Quote of the Day
“I have connected with so many students over the past few weeks that are benefiting directly from the generosity of our Ole Miss family. Basic needs like food and housing are essential for a student to be healthy and successful at the university, and the way that our community has come together to support our students during this crisis is truly humbling. Every student I have spoken with about their needs and these resources has been deeply grateful, as I am. We thank you for your support of the Food Bank and emergency funds for our students.”
— Kate Forster, UM Director of Advocacy (Source: Ole Miss News)
Featured FAQ
Q: What does it mean for Orientation to be delivered in a virtual format?
A: Academic advising and course registration will be completed in online sessions. Orientation presentations, video messages from various administrators and other important content will be uploaded to students’ UM Blackboard accounts for viewing throughout the summer. Small group discussions will be facilitated by student Orientation Leaders throughout the summer. These sessions will give students a chance to meet other incoming students, learn about campus life and resources, and ask questions. Students will receive invitations via their Ole Miss e-mail accounts. In-person programming will be offered for students as they arrive on campus for move-in week and throughout the first week of class.
University News
Refunds for Spring 2020 Expenses
The university will issue prorated refunds to eligible students who paid for university-sponsored housing, meal plans and parking fees for the Spring 2020 semester. The university made this announcement after the board of trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning voted to authorize the issuance of credits or refunds for these student expenditures. All refunds will be prorated for the period from March 16, the day that classes were scheduled to resume after spring break, until May 10, two days after the end of final exams. Read the full message on the COVID-19 website.
In-person Summer Camps and Events Canceled
The university has canceled all in-person summer camps, conferences, events and other experiences scheduled for the Oxford and regional campuses through August 1. The decision was made in light of continuing uncertainty about conducting programming safely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and covers the Oxford, Tupelo, Southaven, Booneville and Grenada campuses. Online or remote experiences will be offered where possible; further details will be forthcoming from programs that can offer virtual experiences. Individuals who registered previously for canceled programs will receive direct communications from those programs. Read the full message on the COVID-19 website.
Free Esports and Online Gaming Opportunities
Ole Miss Intramural Sports has FREE Esports and online gaming opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to stay connected and engaged while at home! Register at http://www.imleagues.com/OleMiss or on the OleMissCR App (download on the Google Play Store or Apple Store). Check out the list of games, platforms, and tournament dates.
Students
Student Evaluations of Teaching During Remote Learning
Josh Eyler, director of faculty development, was quoted in a recent Inside Higher Ed article about the challenges of administering student evaluations of teaching during the COVID-19 emergency. However, Josh notes one correction — it’s the Keep Teaching team working on surveys and not the CETL alone.
Boosting Inclusion in Your Zoom Practices
Another recent article gives us ways to improve our use of Zoom. Faculty will find clear and useful advice to put into practice immediately.
Other Things to Know
Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1470 last week mandating a delay for all surgeries or medical procedures not immediately necessary through April 27.
While the federal government and many other states have postponed their deadline for income tax filing and payment to July 15, the filing deadline in Mississippi is May 15. The extension does not apply to Sales Tax, Use Tax, or any other tax types. Read the complete news release.
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 14: Chickasaw County, Chickasaw Agri Center
- April 14: Jefferson County, Fayette High School
- April 15: Itta Bena, MVSU Football Stadium
- April 16: Lexington, City of Lexington Multi Use Building
- April 16: Woodville, Wilkerson County EMA
Interesting Tidbits in the wake of Coronavirus:
- The volume of phone calls has surged more than internet use as people want to hear each other’s voices in the pandemic.
- Seismometers, used to detect earthquakes, also pick up the vibrations of human activity. But, with billions of people now staying home, coronavirus has turned urban life’s roar to whisper on world’s seismographs.
- Forgotten household skills, revived for new use
- Throwing the shackles off screen-time guilt
Yale University is opening its most popular course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” online, no application or tuition required. Taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, the class is designed to help students become happier.
New 2020 Movies Streaming Early Because of Coronavirus
On the Lighter Side:
- John Krasinski released the third episode of “Some Good News” featuring an homage to healthcare heroes and America’s pastime, baseball.
- The Roots, Sting and Jimmy Fallon perform “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” while quarantined and using household items including scissors, Connect Four, pillows and sneakers.