University News
Staying Vigilant about COVID-19 Protocols
On-campus parameters and protocols are effective and remain in full effect for the Spring 2021 semester. All faculty, staff and students must continue to practice all COVID-19-related safety measures.
On-campus parameters and protocols are effective and remain in full effect for the Spring 2021 semester. All faculty, staff and students must continue to practice all COVID-19-related safety measures.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): Vaccination is a big step forward in COVID-19 control, but protective steps after vaccination are still advised. Even though you may not be sick, you may still be able to transmit COVID-19 to those who are unvaccinated. Keep using masks and social distancing after vaccination.
Remember the 5 W’s:
- Wear masks
- Wash hands
- Watch distances
- Wait to gather
- When it’s your turn, get vaccinated!
Free Asymptomatic Testing FAQs
Do I have other options for asymptomatic testing?
Walgreens announced recently that it is offering contactless COVID-19 testing for patients ages 3 and up at select locations, in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network. The Walgreens on University Avenue in Oxford is participating in this program. Visit this page for more information, including locations of additional participating Walgreens.
Additionally, MSDH continues to offer universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing at county health departments for college and university students, faculty and staff. You can be tested free of charge at county health department testing locations listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson. Testing is offered at these locations only on scheduled days (see complete list of locations and testing days here) and you will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire.
Vaccine Resources
Developments related to vaccine distribution in Mississippi are changing rapidly and do not occur on a scheduled timeline. For those interested in vaccine updates on a daily basis, including when the state offers new vaccine appointments or holds briefings, here are some accounts to consider following:
- Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)
- Dr. Thomas Dobbs (State Health Officer)
- Gov. Tate Reeves
- MSDH sign-up for public health news and COVID-19 alerts
- Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
- The University of Mississippi Medical Center
- Mississippi State Medical Association
Vaccine Mythbuster
Myth: I don’t need to wear a mask or avoid close contact with others once I receive both doses of the vaccine.
Fact: Even after you receive the vaccination, it will be important to continue following infection prevention recommendations like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands often and staying at least six feet away from others. There are two main reasons why:
- After vaccination, there is still a small risk of developing mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease after exposure to the virus, and you could spread it to others.
- Vaccine doses are limited. Because people will be vaccinated in waves, it will take time to vaccinate enough of the population to stop the spread of COVID-19.
For more, visit the university’s Mythbusters document.
Lenoir Dining Back for the Spring
For the safety of students and guests, Lenoir Dining will offer curbside pick-up only this semester. Call 662-915-1863 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., Tuesday through Friday to place your order, which will be delivered curbside at Lenoir Hall. The only payments accepted will be credit cards over the phone.
University COVID-19-related News Stories
Students
University Counseling Center Services for Spring 2021
UCC offers both in-person and telemental health (TMH) services. For students who prefer TMH but do not have reliable internet, space is available in Lester Hall for tele-mental health service. Operating Hours:
- Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Evening appointments and walk-ins will be delivered via the TMH platform
- Evenings: Walk-ins available from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday (New)
- Scheduled appointments can also be booked from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday (New)
Educational Services/Resource
TAO Connect, a new service offered by University Counseling Center, is an online resource that provides educational sessions and modules with very short video-conference or telephone contacts with a counselor. TAO offers more than 150 brief, effective, educational sessions covering more than 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness and substance use. TAO includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Click here for instructions to complete the TAO online Orientation to Counseling.
Annual Educator Recruitment Fair
The Annual Educator Recruitment Fair will be held virtually on Feb. 12 from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Register on Handshake. If you have questions regarding the fair or need help preparing for the event, please contact the Career Center at 662-915-7174 for an appointment.
Student Success Workshops
Student Success Workshops are open to all Ole Miss students and will be conducted virtually for the Spring 2021 semester. Each workshop is designed to teach students how to create their own learning tools. The techniques help students reflect on how they learn and practice alternative study techniques for more effective and efficient learning. For more information, including a complete list of workshops for the spring semester, visit this page.
- Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. — Time Management
- Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. — Test Prep Strategies
- Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. — Concept Mapping and Note Taking Strategies
Writing Center Workshops and Special Events
Below are dates and links to register for upcoming live online workshops hosted by the University Writing Centers. Each workshop will include an information session, supplemental resources to save/download, and an opportunity to work in small groups or individually with writing consultants. Registration is limited to 20 participants per session, so choose a date/time that works for you and sign up today. Registration for each workshop will close 24 hours prior to the start time. Below are upcoming workshops. Visit the Writing Center for additional workshops scheduled for Spring 2021.
Choosing and Using Sources
Introduction to APA Style
Introduction to MLA Style
Oxford Film Festival Drive-In
- Feb. 5: 7 and 10 p.m. — “Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse”
- Feb. 6: 6:30 p.m. — Double feature: “Bad Boys” and “Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse”
- Feb. 7: 6:30 p.m. — “Bad Boys”
To purchase tickets, visit this page.
Faculty and Staff
HR Workplace Reminders
- All employees must continue to follow the university’s parameters and protocols including:
- Don’t come to work if experiencing any possible symptoms of COVID-19 or when ill.
- Keep your distance and limit time physically meeting.
- Wear a face mask or cloth face covering at all times when indoors around others. Face masks/cloth coverings are required outdoors when people are within 6 feet of another person.
- Rotate schedules; in and out times and breaks/meal periods.
- Refrain from having meals together when social distancing is not possible. This includes visiting restaurants, department potlucks and celebrations.
- Keep surfaces clean and wash hands thoroughly.
- Wear a mask when traveling in vehicles with others.
- Use the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker and monitor for symptoms.
- Remain in quarantine while waiting for test results and follow medical providers’ instructions.
Employee Assistance-Mental Health Program
The Employee Assistance-Mental Health Program (EAP-MH) is a confidential service provided for all administration, faculty, and staff. It is a short-term program provided to employees who are experiencing challenging work/life-related situations and might benefit from speaking to a counselor in an individual session. First consultations session is free; 1-2 follow-up sessions for a fee; services offered through telemental health.
New Educational Services/Resources Offered Through UCC
TAO Connect, a new service offered by University Counseling Center, is an online resource that provides educational sessions and modules with very short video-conference or telephone contacts with a counselor. TAO offers over 150 brief, effective, educational sessions concerning over 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness and substance use issues. TAO includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Staff: Register for TAO here.
Other Things to Know
CDC news and resource
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order on Jan. 29 requiring the wearing of masks by travelers to prevent spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Pharmacies Participating in the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program
- Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs
- Safer ways to enjoy the Super Bowl
- Toolkit for Pregnant People and New Parents
Mississippi news and resources
- Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order No. 1543 extending his latest executive order (which was set to expire at 5 p.m. on Feb. 3) to March 3 at 5 p.m. The order keeps the near-statewide mask mandate that includes Lafayette County.
- MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 in Mississippi as of February 2: 791 new cases, 26 new deaths and 148 long term care facilities outbreaks.
- MSDH announced that second-dose appointments can now be made for sites throughout the state immediately after receiving a first dose. There is no need to wait two weeks before scheduling.
- The Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) issued a legal bulletin providing guidance to insurance companies regarding the appropriate coverage for vaccines for COVID-19
- Virtual Talks with UM Experts: The Science Behind the COVID-19 Vaccines with Dr. Joshua Sharp, Feb. 9 at 1 p.m.
- Dr. Anthony Fauci to participate in virtual panel discussion hosted by Tougaloo College about the impact of COVID-19 on minorities in Mississippi (Feb. 12 at 11 a.m.)
- FEMA obligates $32 million for COVID-19 vaccination costs
News stories and other resources
- Walgreens is offering contactless COVID-19 testing for patients age 3 and up at select locations
- COVID-19, a tale of two pandemics: novel coronavirus and fake news messaging (Health Promotion International)
- My Parents Will Be Vaccinated Long Before Me. Can They Come Visit? (Time)
- Answering Your Questions About Getting Vaccinated for Covid-19 (NYT)
- The U.S. may soon have a third vaccine. Here’s how it works (National Geographic)
On the lighter side
- Somersaulting Panda Snow Day
- New Orleans’ historic architecture is uniquely suited to pandemic living (National Geographic)
- Super Bowl 2021: Watch all the commercials released so far (Ad Age)
Quick links
- UM Vaccine Information Page
- UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker
- UM confirmed COVID-19 cases among employees and students
- UM COVID-19 Dashboard
- MSDH Free COVID-19 Testing for faculty, staff and students
- Information for Students and Families
- Information for Faculty
- Information for Staff
- SAA-sponsored Student Activities Around Campus
- Frequently Asked Questions
- City of Oxford Upcoming Events
Studies and surveys
- The university is collaborating with researchers at Columbia University on a national College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey to understand how the pandemic has affected undergraduate students’ health and decisions-making. For more information and to take the online survey: https://www.collegecovid19impactstudy.com/