Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Monday, April 20, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Quote of the Day
“While we might feel small, separate, and all alone,
Our people have never been more closely tethered.
The question isn’t if we will weather this unknown,
But how we will weather this unknown together.”

Featured FAQ (from Keep Teaching FAQs)
Q: What Google services do students and faculty have access to as part of their GO accounts?
A: Students have access to the complete GSuite for Education by default. Faculty are also able to create go.olemiss.edu accounts and access these resources. Employees may sign up at this link.

University news

Update on Plans for Celebrating our Graduates
Chancellor Glenn Boyce shared an update today with faculty, staff and students about how the university remains committed to doing all it can to honor our graduates in person when it is safe for us to come together as a university community. He also shared details about how the university will celebrate graduates including a live, virtual event on Saturday, May 9. Chancellor Boyce emphasized that the May 9 event is not intended to replace an in-person ceremony. Read the entire message for additional details.

UM’s Free Communiversity Offerings for this Week
UM’s Communiversity program continues to offer free non-credit classes to support and encourage the Ole Miss and Oxford communities. All courses are offered online through Zoom. Register for these free online courses.

  • If the spring showers and sunshine afternoons have you dreaming of starting a garden, you will want to join Sarah Rucker for “Beginning Gardening” starting this Friday, April 24 at 1 p.m. The class will meet for four weeks with different topics each week.
  • Spring cleaning may have you wanting to spruce up around the house. You can learn more about bringing new life to an old piece of furniture during the “Chalk It Up” class being held on Friday, April 24 at 3 p.m. Griffin Stroupe will teach you tips for creating your own chalk paint, waxing, and distressing to make a brand-new focal point for your home.

 

Other Things to Know

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill shared an update on community efforts regarding coronavirus on April 19.

 

UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
  • April 21: Yazoo City, Wardell Leach Recreational Complex
  • April 21: Winona, Winona Recreation and Park
  • April 22: Richton, Perry Co. Multi-Purpose Center
  • April 22: Port Gibson, Claiborne Co. Parks and Rec.
  • April 23: Jackson, Tougaloo Owens Health and Wellness Center
  • April 23: Tylertown, Walthall Co. Events Center
  • April 24: DeKalb, Kemper Co. High School

 

Go on a literary escape with these suggestions from independent bookstores, including Oxford’s own Square Books.

 

Visit Google Trends to see how Coronavirus or COVID-19 is being searched during the pandemic.

 

National Geographic has created two “good news”-themed newsletters: One is focused on kids and families, while the other is a coronavirus-free newsletter titled Your Weekly Escape. 

 

On the Lighter Side:

Friday, April 17, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Quote of the Day
“I’m motivated by the new ways we have learned how to be — to think differently about what we truly value, about each other, about the greater good, more about what makes us alike than different, or expressing our needs, our creativity and our love in new ways. And I’m mostly motivated by the fact that when we all come back together and we are healed, that I’m going to give and receive some of the best hugs of my life and listen to and sit with people like I never have before.” 

— Laura Schulenberg, Staff Counselor, University Counseling Center (Excerpted from Ole Miss News story, “17 Inspirational Messages from Ole Miss with Love”)

Featured FAQ
Q: What if a department has items for donation?
A: University leaders have been inspired by our community’s willingness to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) or provide equipment and facilities to fabricate PPE to local organizations. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the donations, the university has established a Potential PPE Donation Task Force to develop an inventory of potential donations and capabilities and to coordinate the donations. Contact Donna Strum for additional information.

University News

Disaster Resilience Constellation Soliciting Seed Grant Proposals
The Disaster Resilience Constellation is soliciting seed grant proposals for rapid data-gathering projects that will help elucidate the wide-ranging impacts of COVID-19, and potentially lead to externally sponsored awards. See this UM Today item for details and instructions.

UMMC Begins COVID-19 Clinical Trials
UMMC is moving into a new stage of COVID-19 response: conducting clinical research and trials on how to treat the disease. UMMC will launch as many as nine clinical studies related to COVID-19 treatment in the next two weeks. The trials are meant for people with COVID-19 who are ill enough to require hospitalization or intensive care, not those who are asymptomatic or able to recover from the disease at home.

Students

Video Library of Academic Success Workshops
The Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience has created a video library of its most recent Academic Success Workshops. This library offers videos with study strategies plus guidance for time management, success in online classes, coaching and more.

Other Things to Know

President Trump unveiled “Guidelines for Opening Up America Again,” a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts.

 
Gov. Tate Reeves said Friday that he is extending his statewide stay-at-home order until April 27 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
 
Gov. Reeves announces two programs to help families impacted by coronavirus
 
CDC information for people who are at higher risk for severe illness
 
Mississippi Emergency Management Agency shares list of COVID-19 resources
 
Community update from Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill (April 16)
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
  • April 18: Quitman County, Supervalu
  • April 18: Hinds County, Jackson State University
  • April 20: Cleveland, Delta State University
On the Lighter Side:

Wednesday, April 15, 2020 COVID-19 Updates

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Quote of the Day
“Regardless of what classes you are in right now, take time away from your computer to move around, get in touch with yourself, turn on some music in the house and have a dance party with your family. Feel your breath, stay connected to who you are and have faith that the world will heal.”
— Jennifer Mizenko, Professor of Theatre Arts (Source: Ole Miss News Story “17 Inspirational Messages from Ole Miss with Love”)
 
Featured FAQ
Q: Where can students go for information about Rebel Relief emergency support?
A: Students may reach out to the UMatter office if they are in need of emergency financial assistance through Rebel Relief. The Office of Financial Aid will review each case and students will be asked to provide documentation of financial need, such as monthly bills or evidence of a lost job, etc. Rebel Relief awards are small microgrants and may not meet the need of ongoing expenses that students may face. Food expenses will likely be referred to the Ole Miss Food Bank, Oxford Food Pantry or other resources that address food insecurity. Please contact UMatter at umatter@olemiss.edu.
For more information on campus operations and services, visit the FAQ page on the university’s COVID-19 website.

University news

Federal aid will provide financial assistance for students needing help
You may have heard that universities are among the recipients of emergency financial assistance targeted for students as provided under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The University of Mississippi has filed its application and is actively following guidance from the federal government to complete the administrative process to allow us to make those funds available to students.

At the same time, we are developing a process for students to request these funds, a process to determine how to allocate these funds, and a process to distribute the funds. These funds must be used by students to cover expenses related to the disruption of the educational experience due to coronavirus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care. In keeping with guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education, we will prioritize our students with the greatest need, and we will establish a maximum amount for each student to ensure the funds are distributed as widely as possible.

At this time, we have not received the funds to distribute and have not started accepting requests for these emergency assistance funds. We are working quickly so that we can distribute the funds when we receive them. When the process for requesting and distributing the funds is established and the funds are received, we will promote that process to students through this email, the UM Today messaging system and the UM COVID-19 website.
COVID-19 research project seeks your input
The University of Mississippi requests your participation in a study titled the Measurement of COVID-19 Health Impact (MOCHI). The purpose of this survey-based research project is to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives of people, especially their health-related quality of life and financial burden.

The survey includes questions developed as part of the COVID-19 Snapshot Monitoring (COSMO) initiative by the World Health Organization in collaboration with the University of Erfurt, Germany. Results from this project can help to:
  • target and coordinate relief efforts and distribution of resources during this time,
  • improve messaging and education efforts to improve compliance with social distancing, and
  • provide insight into building resilience and preparedness for potential future crises.

Your participation is voluntary. The survey should take no more than 20-25 minutes to complete. Please click on this survey link or type ‘tinyurl.com/MOCHIsurvey’ into your browser to begin the survey.

If you have questions about the survey or for coordinating a response to the pandemic, please contact John Young, associate professor of psychology, or Sujith Ramachandran, assistant professor of pharmacy administration. This study has been reviewed by the University of Mississippi’s Institutional Review Board (IRB). If you have questions, concerns, or reports regarding your rights as a research participant, please contact the IRB at 662-915-7482 or irb@olemiss.edu.

Students

If you can’t travel abroad this summer, bring the world to you
Go abroad online this summer and engage in a meaningful global experience without leaving home. The university’s online study abroad programs enable you to interact and engage with faculty and other students across the world. Choose from a range of courses, covering a variety of disciplines, including art history, business, finance, history, marketing, political science, writing, intensive language, and urban/global studies.
Or, you can gain international work experience and develop global professional competencies through a remote internship. In a world increasingly reliant on connecting, collaborating and performing virtually, our remote internships educate, enable, and empower you to develop skills today that prepare you for your future career.
Learn to work and excel in a global environment with international colleagues and student peers from across the U.S., gain remote professional networking and social skills, and learn how to communicate and operate in an international context. For more information, check out the university’s virtual summer study abroad programs.
Ole Miss Athletics to Announce 2020 Rebels Choice Awards on April 20
Ole Miss Athletics will announce the winners of the 2020 Rebels Choice Awards on Twitter next Monday, April 20. The Rebels Choice Awards started in 2011 as a way for Ole Miss Athletics to celebrate National Student-Athlete Day each April. The Rebels’ Choice Awards includes 15 categories in which the winners are selected by the Ole Miss Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves directed all Mississippi public schools to remain closed through the end of the 2019-20 school year to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Community Update from Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill
How to wear a homemade mask safely
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
  • April 16: Lexington, City of Lexington Multi Use Building
  • April 16: Woodville, Wilkerson County EMA
Inc. magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up this Friday, April 17 for a fourth virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners and sole proprietors alike navigate the programs that are available to them. The event starts at noon ET.
The Oxford Film Festival announced plans for a Weekly Virtual Film Festival series showcasing films that were scheduled previously for the 2020 festival’s run in local theaters. Beginning the week of April 24-May 1, the Oxford Film Festival will roll out a different series of films each successive week, with themed presentations, throughout the summer and fall. Tickets for each presentation (features or film blocks) are $10, which includes a 24-hour rental period and exclusive access to the filmmaker Q&A. Various viewing packages are also available for the virtual series.
On the Lighter Side:

Monday, April 13, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Quote of the Day
“I have connected with so many students over the past few weeks that are benefiting directly from the generosity of our Ole Miss family. Basic needs like food and housing are essential for a student to be healthy and successful at the university, and the way that our community has come together to support our students during this crisis is truly humbling. Every student I have spoken with about their needs and these resources has been deeply grateful, as I am. We thank you for your support of the Food Bank and emergency funds for our students.” 
— Kate Forster, UM Director of Advocacy (Source: Ole Miss News)

Featured FAQ
Q: What does it mean for Orientation to be delivered in a virtual format?
A: Academic advising and course registration will be completed in online sessions. Orientation presentations, video messages from various administrators and other important content will be uploaded to students’ UM Blackboard accounts for viewing throughout the summer. Small group discussions will be facilitated by student Orientation Leaders throughout the summer. These sessions will give students a chance to meet other incoming students, learn about campus life and resources, and ask questions. Students will receive invitations via their Ole Miss e-mail accounts. In-person programming will be offered for students as they arrive on campus for move-in week and throughout the first week of class.

University News

Refunds for Spring 2020 Expenses
The university will issue prorated refunds to eligible students who paid for university-sponsored housing, meal plans and parking fees for the Spring 2020 semester. The university made this announcement after the board of trustees of the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning voted to authorize the issuance of credits or refunds for these student expenditures. All refunds will be prorated for the period from March 16, the day that classes were scheduled to resume after spring break, until May 10, two days after the end of final exams. Read the full message on the COVID-19 website.

In-person Summer Camps and Events Canceled
The university has canceled all in-person summer camps, conferences, events and other experiences scheduled for the Oxford and regional campuses through August 1. The decision was made in light of continuing uncertainty about conducting programming safely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and covers the Oxford, Tupelo, Southaven, Booneville and Grenada campuses. Online or remote experiences will be offered where possible; further details will be forthcoming from programs that can offer virtual experiences. Individuals who registered previously for canceled programs will receive direct communications from those programs. Read the full message on the COVID-19 website.

Free Esports and Online Gaming Opportunities
Ole Miss Intramural Sports has FREE Esports and online gaming opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to stay connected and engaged while at home! Register at http://www.imleagues.com/OleMiss or on the OleMissCR App (download on the Google Play Store or Apple Store). Check out the list of games, platforms, and tournament dates.

Students

Student Evaluations of Teaching During Remote Learning
Josh Eyler, director of faculty development, was quoted in a recent Inside Higher Ed article about the challenges of administering student evaluations of teaching during the COVID-19 emergency. However, Josh notes one correction — it’s the Keep Teaching team working on surveys and not the CETL alone.

Boosting Inclusion in Your Zoom Practices
Another recent article gives us ways to improve our use of Zoom. Faculty will find clear and useful advice to put into practice immediately.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1470 last week mandating a delay for all surgeries or medical procedures not immediately necessary through April 27.
While the federal government and many other states have postponed their deadline for income tax filing and payment to July 15, the filing deadline in Mississippi is May 15. The extension does not apply to Sales Tax, Use Tax, or any other tax types. Read the complete news release.
UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.

  • April 14: Chickasaw County, Chickasaw Agri Center
  • April 14: Jefferson County, Fayette High School
  • April 15: Itta Bena, MVSU Football Stadium
  • April 16: Lexington, City of Lexington Multi Use Building
  • April 16: Woodville, Wilkerson County EMA

Interesting Tidbits in the wake of Coronavirus:

Yale University is opening its most popular course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” online, no application or tuition required. Taught by psychology professor Laurie Santos, the class is designed to help students become happier.

New 2020 Movies Streaming Early Because of Coronavirus

On the Lighter Side:

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Editor’s Note: The UM COVID-19 email update is transitioning from a daily to an as-needed publication. We anticipate it will be published on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (excluding holidays) through the Spring semester as the university continues to share important announcements and information related to our operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Quote of the Day
“It’s helpful to take a deep breath and recognize that we as a country have had to go through many serious things before. While it takes its toll on all of us, we will eventually get past this. Ole Miss will eventually start holding in-person classes again, and we will resume sports at some point. Life will be different, but it will again be more like what we’re used to than it is now.”
— Bud Edwards, Director of the University Counseling Center. (Source: Ole Miss News)
 
Featured FAQ
Q: Are parks and recreation areas on campus still open?
A: The Shelter-in-Place order issued April 1 by Gov. Tate Reeves required the closure of “all places of amusement and recreation, whether indoors or outdoors” across the State of Mississippi, while specifically excluding walking trails. As a result, the university is prohibiting all gatherings and other forms of recreation except for walking on campus as long as the order remains in effect. Please do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus by practicing social distancing. Thank you for taking steps to protect the health of our community.

University News

2020 Orientation 
Orientation for new students entering the university this fall will be delivered in a hybrid model. Orientation programming, academic advising and other activities will be hosted virtually through the summer, while In-person programming will be offered for students as they arrive on campus for move-in week and throughout the first week of classes. Visit the Orientation web page for specific details related to the changes.
 
Looking for a Little Ole Miss Inspiration?
  • Rebel Aid, a 48-hour online campaign hosted April 7-8 to raise funds to help Ole Miss students and our community navigate challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised more than $90,000 so far. We are so grateful to everyone who has given to support the Ole Miss Food Bank, the Rebel Relief Disaster Fund and other similar funds. Once again, we’ve shown that we can do great things together — even when we’re apart.
Donations of Personal Protective Equipment
University leaders have been inspired by our community’s willingness to donate personal protective equipment (PPE) or provide equipment and facilities to fabricate PPE to local organizations. In an effort to maximize the effectiveness of the donations, the university has established a Potential PPE Donation Taskforce to help develop an inventory of potential donations and capabilities and to coordinate the donations. Contact Donna Strum for additional information.

Students

ASB Leadership and Engagement Awards
The Associated Student Body (ASB) and Ole Miss Student Union are proud to present the 2020 Leadership and Engagement Awards. Various awards recognize the contributions of student leaders, advisors and registered student organizations. Everyone is invited to nominate individuals and organizations deserving of recognition. Application packets will be due via The Forum by Monday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Nominations will be reviewed by external reviewers and the ASB’s Executive Board. For more information, visit the Student Union website or contact ASB Advisor Will Takewell or ASB Graduate Assistant Kendrick Wallace.

 

Other Things to Know

UMMC and the Mississippi State Department of Health are hosting mobile COVID-19 sample collection sites. The appointment-only testing is free of charge. Anyone experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, who wants to be tested must first undergo a free screening from a UMMC clinician through the C Spire Health UMMC Virtual COVID-19 Triage telehealth smartphone app. Those without a smartphone can call 601-496-7200.
  • April 9: Smith County, Raleigh
  • April 9, Webster County, Eupora
  • April 10, Tunica County, Tunica
Effective April 7, Gov. Tate Reeves waived the in-person requirement for notarizing documents for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency.
UMMC shares six tips to help children navigate prolonged COVID-19-induced isolation.
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (MDMH) continues to support its mission by responding to e-mails and phone calls and providing guidance and support for the public. The MDMH Helpline (1-877-210-8513) will remain staffed at all times during the pandemic.
Amoco and its parent company, BP, announced its gas stations will offer a 50-cent discount per gallon to first responders, doctors, nurses and hospital workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
Inc. magazine and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will team up this Friday, April 10 for a third virtual National Small Business Town Hall to help small business owners and sole proprietors alike navigate the programs that are available to them. The event starts at noon ET.
On the Lighter Side: We’ve got a three-for-one today!