University News
Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
MSDH Health Alert: Beginning March 1, all teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings, and all first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials) will be added to the groups eligible for COVID-19 vaccine in Mississippi.
Here is the complete list of currently eligible populations for MSDH COVID-19 vaccine appointments:
- all healthcare workers and EMTs / paramedics,
- all persons 65 years of age or older,
- persons 18-64 years of age who have underlying medical conditions,
- NEW: All teachers/staff/employees in K-12, preschool or childcare settings, and
- NEW: All first responders (including law enforcement, public safety, fire services and emergency management officials)
Appointment availability and scheduling can be completed through one of the following:
- MSDH COVID-19 Vaccination Drive-Thru Scheduler application
- COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center: 877-978-6453 or 601-965-4071
UM COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Survey
The university is trying to assess people’s willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, given that people who match the MSDH criteria may have been eligible to receive vaccines and been vaccinated at other locations, we are trying to assess the number of people in our community who still need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The university is trying to assess people’s willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, given that people who match the MSDH criteria may have been eligible to receive vaccines and been vaccinated at other locations, we are trying to assess the number of people in our community who still need to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
We are asking all faculty, staff and students to complete the survey as soon as possible. It will take less than 2 minutes of your time. It will also allow you to join a “stand by call list” of people who are willing to get the vaccine at a moment’s notice, if that occasion arises. Responses are anonymous, unless you provide us your name and contact information to be on the “stand by call list.” We appreciate your time to complete the questions of this survey.
Survey Link:
Updated COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
In alignment with MSDH, the university is updating its quarantine guidance for fully vaccinated persons after exposure to COVID-19 infected individuals as follows: Persons who are fully vaccinated (≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a 2-dose series, or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose vaccine), are within 3 months of completing vaccine at time of exposure and who remain asymptomatic are not required to quarantine after COVID-19 exposure.
Spring 2021 Events and Extracurricular Activities
A Feb. 18 letter to students provided guidance about student activities, including the wide range of current events and activities, how to stay plugged into campus life and next steps for expanding engagement opportunities safely for Spring 2021.
Asymptomatic Testing Update
The university’s free Asymptomatic Testing at the University-Oxford Depot is available this week on Thursday, Feb. 25 from 1–5 p.m. Additionally, testing days for next week include:
- Monday, March 1: 1–5 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 2: 1–5 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 3: 8:30 a.m.–12 noon
- Thursday, March 4: 1–5 p.m.
To schedule your test:
- Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link.
- Complete the Testing Intake Form
- You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
- Show up with your University-affiliated ID any day, any time during testing hours that week.
Executive and Local Orders Currently in Effect
- Gov. Tate Reeves’s Executive Order 1543 amends/extends Executive Order 1535 & 1536 (updated Statewide Safe Recovery Order)
- City of Oxford Current COVID-19 Restrictions and Guidelines (Oct. 1 , 2020)
University COVID-19-related News Stories
Students
Virtual Spring 2021 Career Expo
The University of Mississippi Career Center invites you to register for the Virtual Spring 2021 Career Expo on Thursday, March 4 from 12 noon–4 pm. Please register in advance on Handshake. This event is open to all majors who are seeking internships and full-time job opportunities. Once registered, you will receive additional instructions on how to connect with employers of your choice and learn best practices in navigating virtual events. 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.
Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.
- Feb. 25: Ole Miss Women’s Soccer vs. Samford
- Feb. 25: The Living Wax Museum
- Feb. 25: Donuts with DTP
- Feb. 25: Ole Miss Women’s Basketball vs. Vanderbilt
- Feb. 25: Kayak Polo
- Feb. 26–28: Ole Miss Baseball vs. UCF
- Feb. 26: Ole Miss Women’s Tennis vs. Georgia
- Feb. 26: EWI Interest Meeting
- Feb. 26: Flagship Friday: Sugar Factory
- Feb. 26: Introduction to Ukelele
- Feb. 28: Doubles Table Tennis Tournament
- Feb. 28: Super Smash Bros League
- March 1–4: Engagement Week
- March 6: Rebelthon
- March 9: Sixth Annual TEDxUniversityofMississippi
- March 19: Double Decker Bus Tour
- April 24: Grove Bowl
Oxford Film Festival Drive-In
- Feb. 25, 7 p.m. — “Texas Red”
- Feb. 26, 7 p.m. — “Get On Up” & “42”
- Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. — “Texas Red” & “Get On Up”
Faculty and Staff
STUDIOone Recording and Editing Suites
STUDIOone Recording and Editing Suites are open only for use by UM instructors. Use of the recording and editing suites is limited to one-person capacity. Face masks must be worn properly at all times, including recording time. Faculty who need to record and edit video content for hybrid and remote classes should contact Christina Streeter for an appointment.
Other Things to Know
CDC news and resources
Mississippi news and resources
- MSDH reported the following information for COVID-19 in Mississippi as of Feb. 23: 669 new cases, 28 new deaths and 86 long-term care facilities outbreaks.
- MAP: Where Mississippians can get the COVID-19 vaccine (MS Today)
- Visit Oxford’s Double Decker Bus tours are back! Seating is limited due to social distancing and masks are required. Check out the schedule.
National news stories and other resources
- Why Kids Need Their Own COVID-19 Vaccine Trials (National Geographic)
On the lighter side
- Just Desserts (NYT)
- This ‘Hole in the Clouds’ Photo Looks Like a Glitch in the Matrix (PetaPixel)
- Two Newborn Polar Bears Follow Their Mom in Wapusk National Park, Manitoba, Canada (National Geographic Travel)
- New York’s Pop-Up Concerts Kick Off With Jazz at a Vaccination Site (NYT)
- This 105-Year-Old Beat COVID. She Credits Gin-Soaked Raisins. (NYT)
- Incredible Footage of NASA’s Latest Descent to the Red Planet (The Verge)
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