Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

Wednesday, October 07, 2020 COVID-19 updates

University News

Revised Spring 2021 academic calendar and commencement plans
The university released a modified academic calendar for the spring 2021 semester, as well as details regarding Commencement activities for 2020 and 2021 graduates. Highlights include:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (UM closed) will remain on the calendar for Jan. 18, 2021.
  • Classes will begin as originally scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
  • Spring break will be canceled to complete the semester as quickly as possible while mitigating risks associated with travel. This has been widely adopted as a best practice in the current environment by universities across the country.
  • Good Friday holiday (UM closed) will remain on the calendar for April 2, 2021.
  • Classes will end April 23, 2021, which is one week earlier than previously scheduled.
  • Final exams will be completed by April 30, 2021.
  • Class of 2021 Commencement — The main ceremony and most individual ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 1, 2021. Some individual ceremonies may take place the day before or day after May 1. Details about individual ceremonies will follow.
  • Class of 2020 Commencement — The main ceremony and most individual ceremonies will be held Saturday, May 8, 2021. Some individual ceremonies may take place the day before May 8. Details about individual ceremonies will follow.
    • Note: The Class of 2021 ceremony will precede the 2020 ceremony because 2021 graduates will already be in Oxford completing final exams in the week leading up to the Commencement ceremonies.
For more information, read the full message or see the academic calendar for Spring 2021 on the registrar’s site.
 
Updated guidance about hosting events and gatherings
The university updated its guidance about events, activities and social gatherings hosted by members of our university community, including registered student organizations as well as academic and administrative units. The guidance covers on-campus and off-campus gatherings.
Read the full message.
 
Extended Friday hours at J.D. Williams Library
J.D. Williams Library will now be open until 5 p.m. on Fridays. For more information on building hours for the Williams and Science Libraries, go to https://libraries.olemiss.edu/calendar-hours/.
 
Museum galleries & exhibitions
UM Museum galleries and exhibitions are open to university faculty and students by appointment.
Schedule your individual visit or class Museum tour.
 
Get your flu shots
Upcoming dates for Operation Immunization to provide flu shots to the Ole Miss community will be Oct. 15, 21 and 27 from 1-4 p.m. each day in a drive-thru setup at the South Oxford Center Parking Garage at 2301 S. Lamar Blvd. COVID-19 symptoms and temperatures will be checked.
Read this article for more information. 
 
The flu vaccine is also available at Pharmacy Health Services, inside the V.B. Harrison Health Center on campus, during its regular hours of operation: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays.
 
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Mental wellness drop-ins
The University Counseling Center hosts Mental Wellness Drop-ins every Thursday from 10–11 a.m. Visit counseling.olemiss.edu for the Zoom link.
 
Yoga in the Grove
On Thursday, Oct. 8, the William Magee Center for AOD and Wellness Education is hosting a Spiritual Wellness Event called “Yoga in the Grove” from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the Grove Stage. Students will be led through a Yoga Relax session to promote spiritual wellness. Students will need to bring their own mask and yoga mat. Registration is required.
 
Pumpkin painting, free food, and music
Join the Leadership and Engagement Ambassadors for pumpkin painting, free food, and music on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 5–7 p.m. on the Union Plaza. See more information.
 
Fitness
The Ole Miss Fitness Program provides a variety of programs, equipment, and staff to University of Mississippi students, employees, and community members, so that each individual may achieve his or her total health and wellness goals. Visit this page for more information about our facilities and programs.

Other Things to Know

City of Oxford current COVID-19 restrictions & guidelines as of October 1, 2020 
 
Oct. 15 deadline for counties and municipalities to apply for MEMA’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program
 
UM Museum virtual family activity days
 
8 myths about the flu shot you need to stop believing (especially this year)
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Important Links
University studies and surveys
There are university studies and surveys underway that welcome your participation. Below is information on how you can learn about them and participate.