Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University news

Celebrating our Graduates
The university is pleased to celebrate and honor our graduating students and encourages everyone to check out these events and platforms:
University COVID-19-related news stories
IMC Student Class Project
Students in Kristen Swain’s integrated marketing communications writing class recently created “Pandemic Science Theater 2020,” a Facebook page to engage public audiences with biology-related Netflix documentaries during the pandemic and raise awareness of their class client, the UM Biology Department. Student reviews are posted on Facebook.

Student News

Student Housing Spring 2020 Checkout
The university has shared a detailed plan for Spring 2020 checkout. Appointments are available through the Student Housing portal in two-hour increments from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. CDT from Monday, May 11 through Sunday, May 31. A limited number of students will be able to select each appointment time in keeping with CDC guidelines of limiting the number of people in a single area at one time.
At the time of checkout:
  • Bring your Ole Miss Student ID with you at your scheduled appointment time. This will be used to access your building and room.
  • Bring no more than two (2) additional people. Please follow CDC guidelines and do not bring anyone who has a compromised immune system, has been in contact with anybody who may have tested positive, or who has exhibited COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of your appointment.
  • Per CDC and MSDH guidelines, students and guests will need to wear masks or similar face coverings— including homemade masks, scarves, or bandanas.
  • Be prepared with boxes, tape and other moving supplies. These items may not be readily available in Oxford.
  • Bring a dolly, handcart, or furniture mover to aid in removing large or heavy items.
Please read the entire message from Student Housing for all details including how to schedule an appointment.
Student Emergency Grant Assistance
Funds are available through the federal CARES Act and Rebel Relief. Students can apply online for an emergency assistance grant. Students with questions can email umcares@olemiss.edu.

Faculty and Staff

Moving Forward with Research and Sponsored Programming
On April 27, ORSP conducted a Town Hall meeting via Zoom to provide and updates and answer questions on how UM is moving forward with research and sponsored programming during the COVID-19 crisis. Visit the Keep Discovering site to download the slides, view the recording or read the Q&A.
Call for Disaster Resilience Round 3 Grant Proposals
The Disaster Resilience Constellation (DRC) seeks to encourage and support interdisciplinary research efforts that will result in the development of new knowledge, resources, technologies, decision-support tools, and policies to mitigate disasters and increase the resilience and sustainability of communities.
The DRC has funded two previous seed grant competition rounds since 2018. For Round 3, the DRC invites any faculty member who is eligible to serve as a Principal Investigator to submit or lead a proposal under either of two tracks—Standard Track and Covid-19 Track. Previous DRC participation is not required. See the Round 3 Request for Proposals (RFP) for requirements and submission instructions.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued executive order 1478 on May 4

Update from Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill (posted May 4)

Love Local site shares Oxford restaurants, businesses and hotels that are openUMMC and MSDH 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.
  • May 7: Amory, Becker Community Center
  • May 8: Quitman, Clarke County EMA
  • May 8: Batesville, Panola Civic Center
  • May 9: Ashland, Benton County Courthouse
  • May 9: Bay Springs, Jasper County EMA
Inc. magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up this Friday, May 8 for a seventh 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. Space is limited and advance registration is required.

On the Lighter Side:

There are a number of university studies and surveys available that welcome your participation. Below is a series of links for you to learn about them and participate.