Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Monday, 23, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Be sure to check out the FAQs on the COVID-19 Update Page as a great way to stay up-to-date with all the information and changes.

University News

Chancellor Supports Oxford “Stay-at-Home” Resolution

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill and the Board of Aldermen approved a “stay-at-home” resolution Sunday night for residents of Oxford, effective immediately until April 6. Chancellor Boyce sent a message to all faculty and staff strongly supporting this resolution, which is mandatory for all city residents, as part of the university’s collective efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The university has already limited its operations to “mission-critical” functions. Chancellor Boyce asked all vice chancellors to examine ways in which we can restrict the definition of “mission-critical” even further in light of the city’s resolution. Any university employee who can work remotely is expected to do so. Please do not come to campus to work simply because you want to get out of the house.

This resolution applies to all students who are staying in Oxford as well. All of us need to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus by staying home and practicing good hygiene and social distancing.

Ole Miss Bookstore

Through April 6, the Ole Miss Bookstore will be open for online business only. The Bookstore is ready to serve the campus through its app and on the web. Products will be delivered during this temporary store closure with free shipping on all orders, though customers may experience longer shipping times than usual based on local conditions.

Students

Z and P Grade Options

Visit the Keep Learning site for a complete explanation of the Z and P grade options recently adopted by the university for the Spring 2020 semester.

Faculty and Staff

Keep Teaching: Drop-in Sessions
As we shift to online delivery, the Keep Teaching team remains ready to assist faculty, including daily Zoom drop-in sessions each day from March 23-27:

Notes on Internet Connection Speeds

Most people working from home have asynchronous connection speeds (upload typically being much slower than download.) When you upload videos or content to Box, YouTube, etc., from home, it could take a long time, much longer than typical on the campus network. Please be patient and factor this into your workflow.

To run video conferencing without lagging, we recommend a download bandwidth of at least 1.5 Mbps (megabits per second) and an upload bandwidth of around 600 kbps. Test your bandwidth to see how well it performs. Asking your students to keep their webcams off can help with bandwidth issues.

Other Things to Know

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill issued a new resolution requesting all citizens stay at home except for essential needs. See these links for additional information:
http://www.oxfordms.net/second-civil-emergency-resolution
http://www.oxfordms.net/faqs-regarding-stay-at-home-resolution

Coronavirus Testing Stations in Lafayette County https://lafayettems.com/coronavirus-testing-stations-in-lafayette-county/

Covid-19 Has Forced Higher Ed to Pivot to Online Learning. Here Are 7 Takeaways So Far (Chronicle of Higher Education)

On the lighter side: Making It Through Music
Oxford Musicians Share Music Videos
Former Ole Miss pitcher turned country music artist Brett Young Instagram video

Saturday, 21, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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University News

The Council of Academic Administrators and Chancellor Boyce approved changes on Saturday to the university’s grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester to give students some accommodations in light of the suspension of in-person instruction in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The changes will allow undergraduate students to choose to change a grade of C or better to a Z grade, and to change a C- or D to a P, or Passing, grade. The proposal adopted by the council included an amendment to allow the School of Pharmacy to opt-out of these changes.

At this time, no changes have been made to the grading policy for graduate students. Prior to Saturday’s CAA meeting, the Graduate Council deferred action in hopes of gaining more information to understand the implications of these changes for graduate students. The CAA referred the COVID-19 grading options back to the Graduate Council for further consideration.
The Council also passed a resolution requesting Deans’ offices to exercise greater flexibility in allowing late withdrawal requests in light of the COVID-19 emergency.
Additional details about these changes will be posted on the Keep Teaching and Keep Learning websites.

Students

Stay connected with your classmates by tapping into a few engagement resources provided by the staff of the Ole Miss Student Union:

  • Netflix Party – a Google Chrome plug-in that allows you to host watch parties and chat with those invited/in attendance.
  • Create a shareable playlist! For an example, check out Tom Hanks & Rita Wilson’s recent quarantine playlist.
  • Coordinate workouts from home via Planet Fitness on their Facebook page where they’re offering free at-home workouts live-streamed daily.

Faculty and Staff

Activate UM Google Account

As many faculty (not only at UM, but across the country) plan to lead classes on the Zoom video conferencing platform beginning Monday, the UM Office of Information Technology encourages faculty to prepare to fall back to one or more alternative instructional delivery techniques in the event that the university experiences issues with Zoom.

Other Things to Know

The entire state of Mississippi has been declared a disaster for COVID-19 by SBA Administrator Carranza, which opens disaster loan assistance for small businesses and eligible non-profits for economic injury relief.
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/Documents/Three_step_Process_SBA_Disaster_Loans.pdf

UM’s Clinical-Disaster Research Center (UM-CDRC) has established pages with COVID-19 resources on coping while social distancing.
https://cdrc.olemiss.edu/covid-19/responding-and-coping/
https://cdrc.olemiss.edu/covid-19/

UM’s McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement shared an updated list of resources for those affected by COVID-19 in the LOU community. https://twitter.com/McLeanUM/status/1241108054562799618

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) now recommends that all restaurant and bars suspend dine-in service in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately. Restaurants may still offer carryout or delivery orders to their customers. Additionally, the MSDH is recommending that Mississippi residents not attend funerals, weddings, church services or other community or social events with expected attendance of more than 10 people. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

On the lighter side: Two Broadway composers have created a new hand-washing song called “Twenty Seconds” to give people an alternative to singing “Happy Birthday.”

Friday, 20, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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All issues of the COVID-19 daily email update are now available online. To see information shared in past issues, visit https://coronavirus.olemiss.edu/category/covid-19-daily-digest/

University News

Tele-mental Health

The University Counseling Center will shift to tele-mental health as a sole-service delivery platform beginning Monday, March 23. These services can be offered only to campus community members who are physically located in the State of Mississippi. Detailed information is available on the UCC website, including information for out-of-state students about referrals. The website will be updated and will reflect the most recent information and changes to UCC services. For additional information, please call the UCC at 662-915-3784 or email counslg@olemiss.edu. The UCC will make every effort to address your emailed questions in a timely manner.

Way to go Ole Miss family!

The Ole Miss Food Bank has secured 925 pounds of food, which translates into 770 meals. It’s all thanks to your donations so far to the Rebel Relief campaign.

Students

UM Students Get Free Access to Barnes & Noble eTextbooks

UM students now have no-cost access to more than 55,000 eTextbooks, thanks to Barnes & Noble’s efforts to help college campuses ease their transition into online learning to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Through the end of the Spring 2020 semester, students will be allowed free access through VitalSource, which the company has worked with to provide ebooks and digital learning materials since 2016. Here’s how it works:

  • To get started, students should visit bookshelf.vitalsource.com.
  • To begin reading ebooks, students will need to log-in or create a Bookshelf account with their institution-provided email address.
  • For instructions on creating a Bookshelf account, visit this link.
  • Once students create an account with an institution-provided email address, they should login and click on the “explore” tab in the upper left corner of the screen to search by ISBN, Title or Author to find their free ebooks.
  • For additional assistance gaining access to the site or other questions, please visit this link.

See full story: https://news.olemiss.edu/students-get-free-access-barnes-noble-e-textbooks/  

Keep Learning: What You Need to Succeed in Online Classes

Here are some strategies for success in learning remotely from the university’s Keep Learning website:

  • If you can, set up a dedicated work/study area.
  • Schedule regular times to complete your schoolwork. Check your email and the communication channel your instructors set up with you at least once a day.
  • Have a question? Ask, don’t guess! Contact your instructor using the communication channel they established.
  • Use a calendar to keep track of deadlines. Stay on schedule.
  • Stay engaged with your classmates. You can still do tutoring sessions, study groups, and group work in an online environment.
  • Remember, you are not alone!

Student Disability Services 

As classes transition from in-person to online, SDS wants to assure registered students that the Department is working diligently with administrators, technology staff, and faculty to ensure continued access to courses and course materials.  Accommodations used in traditional classes might look different or, in some cases, not be necessary now, but students should expect full access. SDS remains available to assist and support registered students during this time.  We encourage students to call our office at 662-915-7128 or email us at sds@olemiss.edu with any questions or concerns during this transition.

Faculty and Staff

Work From Home Security Recommendations

As more university employees work from home in an effort to stay healthy and observe social distancing practices, here are important recommendations to help secure data and devices:

Make sure your computer is not compromised by malware or viruses by running a free scan using Malwarebytes, Sophos, ESET, or F-Secure

  • Antivirus software is licensed and available for use on home and work computers. Make sure it is installed, updated, and running on your computer.
  • Set a strong password to access your home’s wireless network. Don’t use the default password provided by the manufacturer or ISP.
  • Use Box or other UM-approved services for cloud storage, file sharing, and collaboration.
  • Make sure emails claiming to come from a UM employee/student DO NOT contain the [EXTERNAL] banner. If they do, and the messages are asking for privileged access/information, do not respond. Instead, report it by forwarding the message to abuse@olemiss.edu.

Student Disability Services 

As we transition from in-person to online instruction, Student Disability Services (SDS) wants to assure instructors that the department remains available to provide support in ensuring courses remain fully accessible to students with disabilities.  SDS is committed to collaborating with instructors and academic departments on accommodation issues that may arise during this transition. Instructors are encouraged to contact SDS at 662-915-7128 or  sds@olemiss.edu with any questions or concerns related to accommodations in online environments.

Time Recording for Payroll

Human Resources has shared information for time recording for the March 31, 2020 payroll, including:

  • Hourly, non-exempt employees
  • Salary, exempt employees
  • Paper timesheet delivery options
  • Paper timesheet for employees working remotely

See: https://hr.olemiss.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/93/Procedures-for-Payroll.pdf or visit https://hr.olemiss.edu/ for updates and view the Frequently Asked Questions. 

Questions? E-mail payroll@olemiss.edu.

Other Things to Know

The Mississippi Department of Health COVID-19 Hotline is now available 24/7 at 877-978-6453.

UMMC experts offer tips on dealing with stress in our workplace. https://umc.edu/news/News_Articles/2020/03/Workpace-Stress.html

Americans will have an additional three months to file their taxes amid the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/20/politics/steven-mnuchin-tax-day-july-15/index.html

COVID-19 scams are everywhere right now. Time shares how to protect yourself. https://time.com/5806518/covid-19-scams/

Need plans for the weekend? Disney’s newest Pixar release, Onward, will be available for streaming Friday night.

Thursday, March 19, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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Chancellor Boyce announced a high-level overview of how the university will approach several key matters for the remainder of this academic year, including:

  • All courses will be delivered online or via other remote methods for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.
  • The 2020 Commencement ceremonies have been postponed to an unspecified future date.
  • University Housing will develop an appointment-based system to be announced at a later date for on-campus residents to return to campus to retrieve personal belongings from their residence hall or university-owned apartment.

Click here to read the entire message.

University News

UM Libraries: Keep Teaching, Keep Learning Services

The UM Libraries are supporting teaching and learning needs with online resources and services through the University of Mississippi Libraries homepage. The chat service “Ask a Librarian” is available online Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Contact umladmin@go.olemiss.edu or 662-915-7091 with questions.

Campus Dining

Beginning March 19, only mobile orders will be accepted for pick-up at the Rebel Market and the dining room will be closed. Payment options include Meal Plans, Flex, Ole Miss Express, Visa or MasterCard. All orders must be placed through GET mobile and picked up at curbside location outside the North side of Rebel Market.Orders may be placed during these hours:

  • Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
  • Dinner: 5–6:45 p.m.

You may schedule your pick-up between 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or 5-7 p.m. Lunch orders will not be accepted after 1:15 p.m., and dinner orders will not be accepted after 6:45 p.m.

How can you create an account with GET?

  • GET uses the WebID/Password that you use for other University services.
  • Available in the Apple App Store, get it on Google Play, or visit get.cbord.com/olemiss to log-in.
  • NOTE: There is a $2.50 fee added per deposit.

For questions or assistance, call 662-915-1949.

Parking and O.U.T. Operations

Effective March 18, the Department of Parking and Transportation is closed to the public. Questions or concerns can be addressed by emailing parking@olemiss.edu or by leaving a message at 662-915-7235. These channels will be monitored between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays, and inquiries will be responded to as soon as possible.

Temporary Parking Rules Changes

Due to the university’s response to the evolving situation concerning the COVID-19 virus, parking rules and regulations are relaxed. All motorists are allowed to park in any available legal parking space that is not reserved or restricted by posted signage. ADA parking spaces still require an ADA credential. Metered spaces will not require payment. Vehicles with a South Oxford Center (SOC) decal are legal to park on main campus. The Welcome Center on University Avenue will be closed until further notice.

Ole Miss Golf Course

Due to increased health concerns and state/local recommendations, the Ole Miss Golf Course and clubhouse will be closing at the end of business March 19 until further notice. The driving range will be open on a limited basis beginning Monday, March 23. Range hours will be Monday-Friday (9 a.m.-3 p.m., subject to change daily due to weather, etc). Range balls may be purchased only from the ball machine outside ($5/bucket; $1 bills only). Subscribe to the email list for all course updates.

Students

Keep Learning

Check out the university’s Keep Learning website, an invaluable resource for students with advice and links to help you transition to remote learning.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services continues to serve students, but it is operating on an appointment-only basis for urgent care/sick visits. Walk-in patients will not be accepted at this time. It is very important that students call 662-915-7274 to schedule an appointment before coming to the clinic to protect other patients and clinic staff as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health. Visits that are not urgent, such as annual exams or physicals, will be scheduled for a later date or at a time that will limit potential exposure. This approach will allow more capacity for urgent care and help to protect healthy patients as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health.

Faculty and Staff

Guidelines for Submitting Purchasing and Payment Documents

The Office of Procurement Services is open during normal operating hours to answer calls (662-915-7448), receive mail and paper documents, process check and ACH payments, etc. With staff working remotely or on administrative leave, the best way to contact Procurement is via email.

Response time may be delayed as priority will be given to mission-critical requests. For immediate assistance, please email Rachel Bost.

For specific requests, please use the following email addresses:

For more information, please refer to the new Purchasing Guidelines now in effect on the Procurement website.

Telecommunications Services

Telecommunications now offers the Equinox Soft Phone app for Windows PCs. This app will allow you to log-in to your office number from your PC and make and receive calls on your computer as if you were on your office phone. To request the Windows soft phone app, please visit: https://telecom.olemiss.edu/

Employee Healthcare

Employee Health Services is proud to continue to provide services for employees Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. with two board-certified physicians. It will operate on an appointment-only basis for urgent care/sick visits. Please call 662-915-6550 to speak with a provider.

After Hours Care via Telemedicine

Employees and their family members enrolled in the State Health Plan have the opportunity to seek online services that can be utilized for minor medical care or for after-hours issues/concerns. Telemedicine provides an opportunity to consult with a board-certified medical care provider for common medical issues, such as headache, fever, rashes, sore throat, cold and flu, insect bites and constipation. This service should not be used for emergency care.

There are two options for online services.

Other Things to Know

Mississippi public schools will be closed until at least April 17 to curb the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Tate Reeves said Thursday. https://www.coronavirus.ms.gov/2019-11/governor-tate-reeves-announces-public-schools-will-be-closed-until-least-april-17th

City of Oxford Community Update https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP7h361RE58&feature=youtu.be

UMMC Coronavirus (COVID-19) News https://www.umc.edu/CoronaVirus/COVID-19-News-Mississippi.html

Double Decker Arts Festival, including the Double Decker Spring Run, scheduled to take place April 24-25 will be postponed. https://doubledeckerfestival.com/covid-19-update/

LinkedIn is opening 16 of its learning courses for free for anyone working at home to help increase productivity, time management and decrease stress. https://www.linkedin.com/learning/paths/remote-working-setting-yourself-and-your-teams-up-for-success

Oxfordms.com Resources https://oxfordms.com/local-coronavirus-resources/

On the lighter side: Kevin Bacon Launches Sweet 6 Degrees Campaign for People to Share Who They Are Staying Home. https://people.com/movies/kevin-bacon-launches-sweet-6-degrees-campaign-encouraging-fans-to-stay-home/

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 COVID-19 Update

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See the newly updated COVID-19 Update Page on the university website for the latest information.

University News

Ole Miss Bookstore

Beginning Thursday, March 19, walk-in customers will not be accepted at the Ole Miss Bookstore. Phone orders will be accepted for Café items, including coffee, convenience items and pre-packaged food items only. Orders may be picked up at the register at the patio door. Online orders for textbooks, supplies, and apparel with free shipping will continue to be processed. https://ole-miss.bncollege.com/shop/ole-miss/home, bookstore@olemiss.edu, 662-915-7137 / 662-915-5893

O.U.T. Bus Service

Effective Wednesday, March 18, O.U.T. bus services (Oxford’s public transit system, and a partnership among the city, county and university) have been reduced to a Saturday schedule/service level.

The Red Line SOUTH is the only line that currently stops at Baptist Memorial Hospital. From campus, this requires the rider to transfer from the Red Line NORTH, boarding at the Union, and then transferring to the Red Line SOUTH at the Old Armory bus stop.

O.U.T. has implemented MDOT/CDC recommended deep cleaning practices on the bus fleet which include daily disinfection with hospital grade products. Hand-sanitizers have been installed on all buses for use by riders. Bus drivers have masks, gloves and additional sanitizer options for their use. Posters with appropriate CDC guidance are displayed in all buses.
Visit https://olemiss.edu/parking/ or call 662-915-7235 for more information.

UM Libraries: Keep Teaching, Keep Learning Services

UM Libraries is supporting teaching and learning needs with online resources and services through the University of Mississippi Libraries homepage. The chat service, Ask a Librarian, is available online Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-1pm. Contact umladmin@go.olemiss.edu or 662-915-7091 with any questions.

Gertrude C. Ford Center Performance and Event Updates

Information regarding performance and event changes or cancellations are listed below.

  • March 17 – An Evening with Bruce Hornsby has been rescheduled for December 4, 2020. Tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new date.
  • March 18 – It’s Time: Oxford Film Fest screening has been postponed. For updates, check the Oxford Film Festival website, email info@oxfordfilmfest.com or call 877-560-3456.
  • March 19 – Thacker Mountain Radio Hour has been canceled.
  • March 19 – Pump Up The Volume for the Oxford Film Festival has been postponed. For updates, check the Oxford Film Festival website, email info@oxfordfilmfest.com or call 877-560-3456.
  • March 21 – The 2020 Friendship Ball has been postponed. This event will be rescheduled. Tickets purchased for the original date will be valid for the new date.
  • March 23 – LOU Symphony Orchestra has been canceled.
  • March 27 – Conference for the Book Children’s Book Festival has been canceled.
  • March 29 – BEAUTIFUL: The Carole King Musical has been canceled, but the Ford Center is working to reschedule this musical for next season. Patrons who purchased tickets will receive a refund from the Box Office in a timely manner.

Events planned for April are being reviewed and updates will be posted. For additional questions, contact the UM Box Office at 662-915-7411 or visit www.olemissboxoffice.com.

Students

Graduate Writing Center Online Appointment Availability

The Graduate Writing Center will continue to offer online appointments beginning Monday, March 23. In compliance with the University of Mississippi’s precautionary response to COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the Graduate Writing Center will only offer online consultations until further notice, and all face-to-face workshops will be rescheduled at a later date. Please visit this link to register or access the online appointment calendar. Hour-long appointments are available Sunday-Friday. Email gwc@olemiss.edu with any questions.

Faculty and Staff

Status of Zoom

The university’s latest Zoom purchase has been fully processed and there are enough licenses in stock to serve administrative units. Departmental leadership is asked to consider carefully how many licenses their units need. Over the next few weeks in particular, requests to upgrade will be prioritized to serve faculty upgrades for instructional purposes. Contact zoom@olemiss.edu. See also: https://elearning.olemiss.edu/elearning-tool-review-zoom-video-conferencing/

Pharmacy Health Services

Pharmacy Health Services, located inside the V.B. Harrison Health Center, will continue to operate normal hours and deliver to faculty and staff on campus, as requested. For more information, visit healthcenter.olemiss.edu/pharmacy or call 662-915-5279.

Printing and Creative Services

Beginning Wednesday, March 18 and until further notice, Printing and Creative Services has suspended normal business hours and is working by appointment only. For all requests, please email printing@olemiss.edu with detailed information, including name and call-back number, and someone will be in touch. We will continue to offer design and printing services. Timeframes and turnaround times will be extended to accommodate our temporary status. If you need to pick up a completed order, please schedule a time to do so by emailing printing@olemiss.edu.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW

At the City of Oxford Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday, March 17, the following resolution was unanimously passed by the Board. The resolution took effect at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18 and will be valid for 15 days.

  • Section 1: Effective immediately and for a period of 15 days unless extended by Motion and Order of the governing authorities of the City of Oxford, all restaurants shall only serve food using drive-through, curbside (only) pick-up, or delivery methods, and shall not allow the use by the public of interior or exterior common dining or bar facilities.
  • Section 2: The Mayor may order the closing of all retail liquor stores and the discontinuance of the sale of intoxicating liquor and/or beer;
  • Section 3: The Mayor may order a general curfew applicable to such geographical areas of the municipality, or to the municipality as a whole, as he or she deems advisable, and applicable during such hours of the day or night as he or she deems necessary in the interest of the public safety and welfare, with such curfew only to remain in effect for a period not to exceed five days, or an earlier date of rescission as may be ordered by the Mayor;
  • Section 4: The Mayor may issue such other orders as are necessary for the protection of life and liberty.

Move On Up Mississippi Offers Assistance to Families Affected by COVID-19 moveonupms.org/COVIDhelp, COVIDhelp@moveonupms.org, 662-234-9300

Treasury pushes tax payment deadline back 90 days due to coronavirus https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/17/politics/irs-extends-tax-payment-deadline-coronavirus/index.html

Why is social distancing so important? This viral ‘Scrubs’ clip will explain — The Today Show https://www.today.com/popculture/why-social-distancing-so-important-viral-scrubs-clip-will-explain-t176106