Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The University of Mississippi

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Chancellor’s Message: Update on Campus Guidance and Protocols

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Dear students, faculty and staff,

In light of the new state and local orders issued this week, we have reviewed our guidance and protocols and are issuing the following updates.

The university will continue to require all people to wear a cloth face covering or mask for the rest of the Spring 2021 semester in classroom settings and office settings. In addition, masks continue to be required while traversing public spaces in residence halls, dining facilities, the Student Union, Campus Rec, retail spaces and other on-campus facilities. We continue to promote good hand hygiene and distancing protocols for indoor spaces.

In outdoor areas of campus, social distancing of at least six feet continues to be strongly recommended as well as wearing a mask when you cannot maintain distance unless the protocols for the outdoor venue differ.

The implications of the orders for off-campus student events will be forthcoming and will be communicated directly to Registered Student Organizations.

Our community has done a tremendous job of adopting and adhering to our university protocols to limit spread of the virus, and those protocols continue to work effectively. We look forward to getting vaccines on campus to administer to faculty, staff and students, which may offer future opportunities to reevaluate our approach.

Sincerely,

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor

Chancellor’s Message: Fall 2021 Announcement

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Feb. 26, 2021

Dear students, faculty and staff,

We have seen a return this semester of much of the vibrancy and vitality for which our campus is beloved and so well-known.

As we look ahead, priority registration for Fall 2021 begins on April 12. We will offer the Fall 2021 semester as a full in-person, campus experience. We will continue to monitor the health and safety of our campus community and adapt if necessary to government orders and public health guidance.

The growing adoption and distribution of multiple vaccines against the COVID-19 virus enables us to plan for a full resumption of in-person classes for Fall 2021 and fully return our campus to pre-COVID-19 operations. As we remain committed to doing all we can to operate similar to Fall 2019, we will monitor the distribution of the vaccine closely as well as other relevant indicators.

While we do not have an update yet regarding summer session and intersession, we are working on that now and hope to have an update for you soon. As we shared earlier, we look forward to hosting the Class of 2021 and Class of 2020 for in-person Commencement ceremonies on consecutive weekends in early May. Full details about Commencement can be found here.

Thank you again for all of your efforts and contributions to our campus community, and for your continued commitment to keeping our campus safe and healthy. Like you, I’m very excited and looking forward to returning fully to the academic, operational and campus atmosphere that we all know and cherish. We will continue to share updates, and I encourage you to monitor our COVID-19 website for more information.

Sincerely,

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor

Chancellor’s Message: Events and Activities, Spring 2021

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Dear students,

As we settle into the rhythm of the spring semester (despite this week’s weather disruptions), I’m excited to share information below about the wide range of current events and activities, how you can stay plugged into campus life and our next steps for expanding engagement opportunities safely for the remainder of the semester.

We’re so proud of the way our students have found creative ways to host events while following our campus protocols. We now have more than 380 registered events scheduled across our campus this semester, and we expect to add many more before the term ends. We’ve already had our first Flagship Friday, Welcome Week on the Student Union Plaza and are looking forward to Engagement Week featuring our registered student organizations, free food and giveaways. You can see the entire list of registered student events in The ForUM.

Events and activities are an incredibly important part of campus life, and I’m committed to the university doing all we can to help you make the most of your college experience through this period. I’m grateful to you, our students, for all that you have done to help us navigate this pandemic to date. We appreciate your continued patience and commitment to do your part to protect all in our community.

Sincerely,

Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
Expanding Events and Activities for the Spring Semester
In January, we shared that we would monitor our COVID-19 positivity rate for the first month of the semester to inform decision-making about future on- and off-campus activities. We must follow public health guidance and current executive and local orders in effect for the respective venue, and that requires good information to understand the health status of our community. Please note that all events are subject to approval and changes may occur based on our positivity rate.On the Events page of our COVID-19 website, you will find the positivity rate framework that we will follow for the remainder of the semester. The framework outlines conditions that must be met to host events, based on a series of thresholds for the positivity rate. Also, on the Events page (and in the snapshot below), you will find the minimum requirements for all events and activities regardless of venue (university-managed and non-university-managed) for the current positivity rate.

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
  1. SOCIAL DISTANCING: Social distancing must be maintained at all times (indoors and outdoors).
  2. CAPACITY: Must adhere to COVID capacity limitations and regulations currently in effect for that space or venue (consult current executive orders, city restrictions, etc.).
  3. MASKS: Cloth face coverings or masks required at all times except when actively drinking or eating (indoors and outdoors).
  4. FOOD:

    •  Lower Risk Requirement: Food allowed if served while seated and adhering to dining restrictions.
    •  Moderate Risk Requirement: Food services Grab and Leave only.
  5. EVENT MONITORS: Minimum of three designated Event Monitors present.
  6. ATTENDEE LIST: Attendee list provided to Ole Miss Student Union (OMSU) or Fraternity & Sorority Life (FSL) at least seven days in advance. Only current students and/or organization advisors will be allowed to attend.
  7. REGISTRATION: Activities must be registered in ForUM. Activities prior to March 11 must be registered ASAP. Activities on or after March 11 must be registered at least 15 business days in advance.
  8. NON-UNIVERSITY-MANAGED VENUES: Additional requirements must be met for non-university-managed venues. See the activities protocols and parameters for full details.

 

Q: When and how can we start registering events?
You can start now! Activities must be registered through The ForUM. Events prior to March 11 need to be registered ASAP. Events on or after March 11 must be registered 15 business days in advance as outlined by standard Union procedures. The latest updates for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) regarding protocols for events and activities for this semester can be found here. If you have questions, email union@olemiss.edu.
Q: When can we start having events?
Events and activities can be submitted now and will be reviewed by OMSU or FSL staff for adherence to the requirements outlined for this semester. Staff will do their best to be flexible with requests so that events and activities can proceed.
Q: What kind of events and activities can we have?
Events and activities can be hosted as long as the specified requirements are met and it is submitted through the appropriate channels.
Q: Can we have off-campus events outside of Oxford and Lafayette County?
Non-university-managed venues must be reviewed and approved by the Ole Miss Student Union or Fraternity and Sorority Life. At this time, group travel outside Lafayette County is prohibited unless a waiver is obtained through the Event Registration process.
Q: Can we do events in shifts?
Yes, organizations can schedule up to two shifts of maximum capacity for each shift. Additional details about how shifts must be managed is posted on the Events page.
Q: Why can’t we just do things like we used to?
We know this is a lot to sort through as we navigate new and creative ways of gathering and holding activities. We also know this is not college life before COVID-19, but it is more open than we could be in the fall. It is important that we recognize the pandemic does not mean that we can’t do the things that we used to do before COVID-19, it just means we need to do them differently. Take, for example, college sports. COVID-19 didn’t mean we didn’t get to cheer on Lane Kiffin, Matt Corral and our football team. It just meant we had to do so with fewer people in the stadium, with masks on and social distancing. The same holds true for student activities
Q: Why does the asymptomatic testing matter?
Our Asymptomatic Testing Program is an important part of this strategy. We understand that some people who are infected with the virus don’t exhibit symptoms, yet they can spread illness to others. Understanding the positivity rate among those who do not have symptoms is an important tool to help us protect our community. Your participation in testing is essential — more testing does not equate to more positives, so please do your part to stop misinformation that students should not get tested because it will drive up the positivity rate. The more students who are tested, the larger the pool for calculating the rate. Please participate in the testing program and encourage your classmates and friends to do so.
Q: How do we know what the university’s current positivity rate is?
Each Friday, the university updates its COVID dashboard based on the previous week’s positivity rate. The rate measures the percentage of positive RT-PCR tests performed during the prior seven days through the Asymptomatic Testing Program.
Q: How can RSO and FSL Leadership better understand how all this will work?
Details will be shared soon for a Zoom panel session for RSO and FSL leadership to review this process and get questions answered.
Q: How can I find out what events are occurring on campus?
Q: Do you have questions about your event?
As you plan events/activities or social gatherings, please consult the Event Registration resource page for answers to many common questions. If you still have questions, contact the OMSU staff at union@olemiss.edu.

10 Things You Need to Know for Spring 2021

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Dear students,

Happy New Year! We are eager for the start of the spring semester and are encouraged by the news that COVID-19 vaccines are becoming more widely available. With more in-person classes and the hope of more face-to-face events this semester, we need everyone’s continued cooperation in following health and safety protocols. I know it can be tiring to remain vigilant as case counts continue to climb, but I have faith that our university community can work together to keep everyone healthy.

Here are ten things to keep in mind as we begin the Spring 2021 semester:

  1. Even with vaccines forthcoming, it’s vital that everyone take precautions to avoid contracting COVID-19 and spreading it to others.The university’s Vaccine Distribution and Administration Task Force is developing a strategy to provide ample opportunities for faculty, staff and students to be immunized when the MSDH distributes vaccines to the university. More info will be shared on our vaccination page and with the university community as soon as it’s available.
  2.  Event protocols may change throughout the semester but, for now, they will remain the same as they were in Fall 2020. Please see this page for more details about social and academic events and look for event updates during the semester. If you have ideas for an event, bring them forward! You know what students want to do, so work with university staff who know the parameters for events.
  3. One of the most important tests you may take during the spring semester is a COVID-19 test. University Health Services will provide COVID-19 tests on campus for students who have symptoms. Free asymptomatic testing will be available again this semester — stay tuned for more details. You may also request a test at any of these local facilities, and please remember to report any positive tests to University Health Services.
  4. If you receive a positive COVID-19 test from an on- or off-campus facility, you must report it to the University Health Center at (662) 915-7274. All reports will remain anonymous and confidential. To report a positive test after hours, use the Everbridge app or submit a UHS self-report form. If you’re isolating or quarantining, you may complete the voluntary COVID-19 Student Self-Report Form to allow someone from the Student Affairs office to check in on you and offer resources. This optional form is separate from the requirement to report a positive COVID-19 test to the University Health Center.
  5. Masks and social distancing are still required and incredibly important. Even with vaccines becoming available, we must continue taking precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, both on and off campus. The university requires students, employees and visitors to wear a face mask or face covering in all indoor spaces on campus. Masks are also required outside when social distancing can’t be maintained and recommended in all outdoor spaces on campus.
  6. You are encouraged to self-quarantine before returning to campus to prevent unknowingly spreading the virus. If you are ill, please do not return to campus until you have tested negative for COVID-19. Contact the Student Health Center and your instructors if you will need to miss class because of an illness.
  7. The university continues to follow quarantine and isolation recommendations from Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC. Our COVID-19 dashboard will provide information about any outbreaks on campus, which are defined as three or more cases occurring in a group or space. The university’s Contact Tracing Team is still hard at work to keep our university safe, open and operational. Your continued cooperation is necessary and very much appreciated.
  8. Continue to monitor your health every day. Use the confidential and secure Daily Symptom Checker before heading out each morning.
  9. C19 Ambassadors will return to campus this semester to support the university community in following health and safety policies.A C19 Ambassador can help you find a mask, answer questions and direct you to resources if you need them. Care packages containing a face mask, sanitizer and health info will also be available at the Student Union for students and employees to pick up Tuesday, Jan. 19-Thursday, Jan. 21 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  10. And of course, classes! This series of videos on the Keep Learning website details what to expect from Spring 2021 course delivery modes. Please watch the four main videos describing each format as well as individual faculty videos that relate to your classes.

If you need a quick, overall refresher, an updated Campus Ready module on COVID-related student responsibilities is in Blackboard for all new and returning students.

Enjoy the remainder of your break, and know that we are working hard preparing for your return. Thank you for being such an important part of keeping Ole Miss a wonderful place to learn, live and work. And remember: Be safe. Be responsible.

Charlotte Fant Pegues, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 COVID-19 updates

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University News

Free asymptomatic COVID-19 testing

The university offers free asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms) COVID-19 testing for faculty, staff and students on campus. This testing and data collection serve as the university’s Sentinel Testing Program (which involves asymptomatic testing of our population) and will add to the current protections to keep our community safe. Invitations to register for an appointment time will be sent weekly.

  • The first group of optional testing was conducted this week.
  • All testing will be administered in the Ford Center media parking lot, and you will be able to drive through or walk up to the testing area.
  • Invitations for random-sample testing will continue through October.
  • Faculty, staff, and students will receive an email, including a link to complete a brief (less than two-minute) eligibility survey, and then receive further instructions on how to register for an appointment (via an app) to be tested.
  • Results of the test will be communicated through the app on your phone by the testing company.
  • Answers to the eligibility survey questions will be kept confidential. Positive test results will be communicated to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Contact Tracing Team, as required.

Sharing responsibility for keeping our campus healthy

Check out the recent blog from Dr. Jean Gispen, Staff Physician with Employee Health, who provides insight about why it will take every one of us to slow the virus spread so we can keep the university going and keep Oxford from being overwhelmed by COVID.

MSDH update about isolation period 

On Sept. 8, MSDH updated the State Health Officer Order for the Isolation of Individuals Diagnosed with COVID-19, with a change in the isolation period for COVID-19-positive individuals. The Order now requires all COVID-19 positive individuals to remain in isolation for 10 days from the onset of their illness (or 10 days from the date of test if there were no symptoms). Individuals may discontinue isolation after 10 days if they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours and show improvement of their symptoms. This is consistent with current CDC guidance and the current information regarding the infectious period after contracting COVID-19. See the Order for more information.

Gold and Silver Park-N-Ride route changes

Due to low utilization, Gold route shuttle service to the South Lot/Park-N-Ride parking lot will be suspended starting September 14 until the start of the spring semester. Park-N-Ride permit holders who utilize the South Lot will need to park at alternate locations such as the Jackson Avenue Center Park-N-Ride areas or the South Campus Recreation Center Park-N-Ride areas.

The dedicated Silver route shuttle service between the South Campus Recreation Center and Kennon Observatory will also be discontinued until the spring. Riders between these locations should use the Old Taylor Road Express route or the Green route buses. 

Additional changes to OUT operations during this time involve a reduction in the number of buses operating on various routes. These routes include: the Old Taylor Road Express, Yellow, Hathorn Express, Bronze, and Green. Service reduction in some cases will reduce bus frequency, extending the time between available buses. Reduced city and campus traffic congestion during this time will help lessen the impact to service but riders should still be prepared for longer wait times and should plan accordingly.

Please feel free to email Parking & Transportation or call 662-915-7235 with questions or concerns.

Group sheltering during Covid-19
Because of Covid-19, there may be questions about group sheltering in response to severe weather. MEMA Director Greg Michel advised, “Life safety is and should always remain your priority. Coronavirus, as serious as it is, does not trump life safety.” If persons on campus are forced to seek refuge or shelter-in-place from severe weather or other hazards, it is recommended they maintain social distancing to the greatest extent possible within their space. Face coverings should be used if at all possible to help prevent the spread of the virus. Consider adding masks, gloves and hand sanitizer to your emergency preparedness kits and/or pre-staging these items in places where you plan to seek shelter.

If a tornado warning is issued for your area:

  • Seek shelter immediately inside of a building
  • Go to the lowest floor available
  • Stay away from windows
  • Please remain in your area of refuge until the warning has expired

Please visit the Ole Miss Emergency Information website for additional information.

University COVID-19-related news stories

Students

Fall virtual career fairs

  • Sept. 15, 1-4 p.m.: Graduate, Law, and Health Professional School Fair, including recruiters from Yale, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and the University of Mississippi. 
  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Fair, including recruiters speaking about internships and full-time openings. 
  • Oct. 6, 12 noon-4 p.m.: All Majors Career Expo to explore various career opportunities. 

All events will be hosted virtually. Register on Handshake for additional details and all employers currently registered. All students are welcome to participate in all fairs.

UM students offer words of encouragement to the freshman class

While the Class of 2024’s freshman year may not be the same experience as previous years, the university still provides opportunities and moments that create growth from freshman year to senior year — academically, professionally and personally. Check out this article to read advice to the Class of 2024 from upperclassmen that they wish someone had given them during their freshman year.

Student landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Student landing page with updates and information specifically for students. 

Faculty/Staff

Faculty landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Faculty landing page with updates and information specifically for faculty. 

Staff landing page

The COVID-19 website now has a Staff landing page with updates and information specifically for staff.

Other Things to Know

Mississippi Public Universities release video to help fight COVID-19

Updated MSDH guidelines for K-12 reopening during COVID-19 (September 2020)

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.