All students have an essential role to play in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. All day, every day. On-campus and off-campus.
Dear Students,
Let me get right to the point – we need your help. The entire student body has an essential role to play in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. All day, every day … on campus and off campus – students are expected to follow campus protocols and public health best practices. Hold yourself and your peers accountable to slow the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and in our community by following these steps for a safer fall 2020:
- Wear a mask! Properly wearing a mask (covering both the nose and mouth) is vitally important both on and off campus. The university requires students, employees and visitors to wear a face mask or cloth face covering in all indoor spaces on campus. Masks are also required outside when social distancing can’t be maintained. If your mask is reusable, wash it! Students who forget their mask may pick one up at the Student Union, the J.D. Williams Library or the Welcome Center.
- Avoid parties and large gatherings. I know, it’s college, but there will be time in the future to gather with friends. If you socialize with a large group now, you may infect another person’s parent, family member or someone with a compromised immune system. You may unintentionally infect your closest friends. Consider how your actions can harm others when you make decisions about off-campus activities. And remember, current executive orders for social gatherings are 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors, but mask wearing and social distancing is still essential.
- Use the Daily Symptom Checker before heading out every morning. The symptom checker and many other COVID-19 resources are available on our COVID-19 website.
- Call Student Health if you test positive. Students must report positive tests to Student Health at 662-915-7274. The anonymity and confidentiality of persons with COVID-19 will be protected during this process. Student Health will collaborate with the Mississippi Department of Health for contact tracing.
- All students must complete the Campus Ready Student Module, found in Blackboard under “Courses,” by Sunday, Aug. 23. This training module outlines required safety measures and how students can protect themselves and others.
- All students are strongly encouraged to visit the COVID-19 Student Action Response Tier webpage, which details the expectations for conduct and behavior as well as potential disciplinary referrals for students and residents who do not meet these expectations. The behavior regulations apply to students and residents both on and off campus, student organizations, events and activities on and off campus, and when riding transportation provided by the OUT and university entities.
- Hold yourself and your friends accountable to help stop the spread of COVID-19. All students are invited to take the voluntary “Are You Ready?” Pledge to act with our community’s health and safety in mind. The pledge was written by University of Mississippi student leaders to unite the UM family in the fight against COVID-19. Take the pledge here!
- Keep Learning! The Keep Learning website provides advice, resources, points of contact for academic questions, and strategies for successful remote learning, whether you’re studying on or off campus. Student Zoom Stations are available for students on campus who need a place to Zoom for an hour or two for a remote or hybrid course. These spaces are designed for students to bring their computer and sit at a desk/table to Zoom for a course. They are not designed as study stations, but rather as a place to join a Zoom call for a course while on campus. A list of spaces with the number of Zoom stations available is listed below. Students may also use the Wi-Fi in the Grove and other outdoor spaces, or in some classrooms/buildings that may not be occupied. Students should remember to follow all safety protocols while Zooming, including wearing a mask and physical distancing.
- Tad Smith Coliseum (20 spaces)
- Yerby Lobby Area (22 spaces)
- Lamar 208 (8 spaces)
- Lamar 315 (8 spaces)
- Hume 113 (9 spaces)
- Bondurant E114 (5 spaces)
- Bondurant 116W (10 spaces)
- Get involved! Check out the ForUM, where you can find unique activities that are both virtual and in person. You can also head to Whirlpool Trails for a walk or enjoy the new state-of-the-art South Campus Recreation Center.
- Care packages are available to everyone on campus! Pick up your free care package, which includes a mask, hand sanitizer, gloves and health information Monday, Aug. 24 through Wednesday, Aug. 26 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at any of the following locations: UM School of Law, Business Row, Student Union, Lamar Hall and the Lyceum Circle.
Be safe. Be responsible.
Charlotte Fant Pegues, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs