Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, May 17, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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In accordance with evolving public health guidance and the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, effective Monday, May 17, 2021, all vaccinated individuals (those who have received their final COVID-19 vaccination at least two weeks ago) are no longer required to wear a mask or maintain social distance when indoors or outdoors on the Oxford campus of the University of Mississippi. Anyone who is unvaccinated should still continue to wear a mask. This revised guidance does not apply to healthcare settings such as University Health Services. Faculty and supervisors should allow and support all those in our community who continue to wear masks in classroom and office spaces.
Intersession classes underway and first and full summer classes will continue in their current formats and capacities. We encourage everyone to support and respect those who need to or choose to continue wearing masks.
This updated public health guidance is a great development in our fight against the pandemic, and it is a direct result of adoption of the COVID-19 vaccines. The best way that each of us can continue the return to pre-pandemic life is to get vaccinated. If you have not received the vaccine yet, please make a plan to do so to protect yourself, your friends and loved ones.
The university will continue to monitor the health and safety of our campus community and adapt, if necessary, to comply with government orders and public health guidance.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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Editor’s note: Following today’s issue, the university’s COVID-19 newsletter will be published only as-needed until further notice. It is our hope that there will no longer be a need for this publication; however, we remain committed to keeping the campus community updated on information relevant for our students, faculty and staff.

An Appreciation from Provost Wilkin

When we moved off campus in March 2020, the importance of communicating with our community became a top priority. There was an overwhelming amount of COVID-19 response information to communicate, and there also was a need to help guide people to all types of information: information about the campus, information about recent events, government guidance, news on cases, news on vaccines, news about events, testing information, etc.
Lisa Stone, Director of Strategic Communications in University Marketing & Communications, proposed what is now the COVID-19 newsletter. It started as a daily email newsletter early in the pandemic, then evolved into a weekly newsletter that has kept our community informed and connected to this day. It includes sections tailored for faculty, staff, and students and is emailed to everyone across campus. It has been a key mechanism to keep our community connected.
It was an incredible amount of work to curate the information, ensure accuracy, and seek out news, videos, or blogs that were not just about COVID-19. Lisa was the driving force, the curator, the researcher, the writer, and the editor. I was amazed at the amount of information that she was able to find and include that also served a key purpose to uplift, distract, or simply make us laugh. I cannot fully express the appreciation that I have for the tireless and persistent effort she exerted to make this happen.
On the occasion of the last COVID-19 newsletter, I hope you will join me in saying THANK YOU, Lisa! Thank you for being there for us week in and week out.
Sincerely,
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

University News

Make Your Vaccine Plan
The university continues to encourage all faculty, staff and students who have not yet scheduled a vaccination appointment to do so using one of the following options:

 

Stop by for help with scheduling a vaccine appointment!
Ole Miss student pharmacists will be posted across campus over the next two weeks to help anyone find and schedule a local vaccine appointment, or answer questions about the vaccine. Stop by one of these locations for help or questions:
  • Thursday, April 29, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. in the lobby of The Inn at Ole Miss
  • Monday, May 3, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. on the patio of the Jackson Ave. Center
  • Wednesday, May 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the John W. White shop (Facilities Management)
Please email c19@olemiss.edu with questions.

 

University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Ole Miss Bookstore Rental Returns and Book Buybacks
Ole Miss Bookstore rental returns and book buy backs will take place April 26-May 7. Students must show their student ID to participate in buyback. For updated information on rental returns and book buybacks from the Ole Miss Bookstore, visit this page for information on how to return books free by shipping via UPS.
Extended Hours at UM Libraries During Finals Week
UM Libraries hours during Finals Week are listed below. Remember: Face masks must be worn properly in the library buildings at all times.
J.D. Williams Library
April 29: 7:30 a.m.-12 midnight
April 30: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Science Library
April 29: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
April 30: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Upcoming Events
For additional events and activities, check out registered student events in The ForUM.
OFF to the Drive-In
  • April 30, 7:20 p.m. — “The Princess and the Frog”
  • April 30, 9:40 p.m. — “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”
  • May 1, 7:30 p.m. — “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”
  • May 2, 7:20 p.m. — “The Princess and the Frog”
Buy tickets here.

Faculty & Staff

Presentation on College Students’ Decision-Making During COVID-19
You can now view the presentation delivered April 16 by Drs. Larkin McReynolds and Lawrence Amsel of Columbia University to the University of Mississippi on preliminary findings of the “National College Student COVID-19 Impact Study.” This work has been supported by members of the UM Department of Psychology, Disaster Sciences Interdisciplinary Minor, Disaster Resilience Constellation, and the Chancellor’s Wellness Challenge.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources
Mississippi News and Resources
National News Stories and Other Resources
On the Lighter Side
Quick Links

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Make Your Vaccine Plan
The university continues to encourage all faculty, staff and students who have not yet scheduled a vaccination appointment to do so using one of the following options:
Places to Get Vaccinated in Oxford
NG Armory/Oxford Conference Center
102 Ed Perry Blvd
Drive-thru location, walk-ups not allowed
Schedule online at covidvaccine.umc.edu.

Kroger Pharmacy
2013 University Ave.
866-211-5320
Schedule online at kroger.com/covidvaccine.

Oxford Rx, LLC Pharmacy
821 N Lamar Blvd. (within walking distance of the Square)
662-380-5300
Schedule online at www.oxfordrx38655.com.

Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi Hospital/Clinic
1100 Belk Blvd.
Call 662-636-4353 to make an appointment.
Schedule online at baptistonline.org/covid-19/resources/covid-19-vaccine

 

Free Asymptomatic Testing, April 26–28
The week of April 26 is the final week of the university’s free asymptomatic testing. Testing is available at the University-Oxford Depot on the following days and times:
  • Monday, April 26: 1-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 27: 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 28: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
To schedule your test, text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link

 

University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Student News

Tips for Taking Exams
See this page for FAQs about taking exams.

 

Late Night Studying for Finals
Lamar Hall, April 23-29
  • Floors 1-4 will be open each night ‘til midnight  
  • Grove-side entrance doors only open
  • Exception is Writing Center, which is open Sunday from 3-9 p.m.
  • There will always be one guard at the building entrance with several security personnel throughout the building. 

 

Library Hours During Finals   
  • April 19-22, 7:30 a.m.-12 midnight 
  • April 23, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • April 24, 12 noon-10 p.m. 
  • April 25, 12 noon-12 midnight 
  • April 26-29, 7:30 a.m.-12 midnight 
  • April 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

 

ForUM Focus Sessions, May 17–20
Learn more about using the university’s engagement and involvement platform, The ForUM, at the ForUM Focus Sessions on May 17-20. RSVP to attend one, two, three or all of the sessions at https://bit.ly/ForUMFocus2021. Sessions will be recorded and available on the Student Union website. Reach out to getinvolved@olemiss.edu with any questions.

 

Upcoming Events
For additional events and activities, check out registered student events in The ForUM.

Faculty and Staff

Communiversity Classes, Spring 2021
UM Communiversity’s spring series continues this month with classes to help enhance leadership skills, grocery budget, and more. Visit this page to learn more.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources

 

Mississippi News and Resources

 

National News Stories and Other Resources

 

On the Lighter Side

 

Quick Links

  • College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey: 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/

Wednesday, April 14, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Administration Update
In an abundance of caution and following guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the university suspended its administration of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine on campus this week. All appointments involving the J&J vaccine scheduled for this week were canceled.
As of April 12, 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the United States. The CDC & FDA are reviewing data involving six reported U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals after receiving the vaccine. Right now, these adverse events appear to be extremely rare. If you have any specific concerns you would like to discuss, please call Student Health (662-915-7274) or Employee Health (662-915-6550), or your primary healthcare provider.
Guidance About Vaccination Status
Current guidance considers an individual’s vaccination status protected health information. As a result, individuals should not be asked about vaccination status. The university continues to encourage everyone on campus to follow protocols for the spaces in which they work or study to prevent the virus from spreading. If the protocols for a particular space are unclear, please email c19@olemiss.edu. University officials will continue to follow developments and guidance on vaccination status and disclosure.
Upcoming Dates for Free Asymptomatic Testing
The university will continue offering free asymptomatic testing for the final two weeks of April. For the week of April 19, testing is available at the University-Oxford Depot on the following days and times:
  • Monday, April 19: 1-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 20: 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 21: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
To schedule your test, text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Student News

Academic Support Programs
Academic Support Programs offer the following services to students:
  • academic consultations
  • note-taking advice
  • test-prep strategies
  • freshmen student coaches
  • study skills workshops
  • quiet study areas (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Visit the office in Johnson Commons East or online.
Library Hours During Finals   
  • April 18, 12 noon-12 midnight 
  • April 19-22, 7:30 a.m.-12 midnight 
  • April 23, 7:30 a.m.-10 midnight 
  • April 24, 12 noon-10 midnight 
  • April 25, 12 noon-12 midnight 
  • April 26-29, 7:30 a.m.-12 midnight 
  • April 30, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Upcoming Events
For additional events and activities, check out registered student events in The ForUM.

Faculty and Staff

Wellness Benefit for Faculty and Staff
RebelWell and the Division of Outreach partnered with BurnAlong to offer eligible faculty and staff members an additional platform to manage many aspects of wellness (including nutrition, mindfulness, and sleep) while staying connected to co-workers, colleagues, friends and family. RebelWell and the Division of Outreach are taking care of the cost of BurnAlong for you and up to four members of your friends and family.  Create your account today to take advantage of this benefit. For more information, visit this page or email rebelwell@olemiss.edu.   
UM Museum 2021 Summer Camps
The UM Museum is offering fun-filled outdoor summer camps for children with the following protocols:
  • All “Summer Camp: Outdoors!” sessions will be held outside.
  • Masks are to be worn by teachers and students at all times.
  • Class sizes have been decreased to help with social distancing.
  • Students and teachers will practice social distancing.
  • Snack service has been discontinued. Parents who wish to send their child with a snack and drink may do so, keeping in mind we continue to maintain a nut-free environment.
  • Each camp member will receive an individual artbox with individual art supplies.
  • Summer Camp teachers and staff are responsible for deep cleaning before and after each program, as well as ensuring proper CDC policies and procedures are followed during all of our museum programs.
For more information, visit this page.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources
Mississippi News and Resources
National News Stories and Other Resources
On the Lighter Side
Quick Links
Studies and Surveys
  • College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey: 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/

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

More On-Campus Vaccine Appointments Available
The university has received an allocation of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 SINGLE-dose vaccine and will book appointments for faculty, staff, graduate students and undergraduate students on the Oxford campus while supplies last. To make an appointment, please visit the university’s appointment scheduling site. The on-campus vaccination site serves everyone in the university community — faculty, staff and all students. The vaccine will be administered free of charge.
  • Thursday, April 1, 12:30–4:00 p.m.
Additional appointment days and times for Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 SINGLE-dose vaccine will be shared in the coming weeks once those details are finalized. For questions about logistics, scheduling and other FAQs, please see UM’s vaccination appointments FAQs, call the Ole Miss info line at (662) 915-3600 or email c19@olemiss.edu.
Off-Campus Vaccine Update
We encourage everyone to get vaccinated at your earliest convenience through any vaccination site, including the following ways:
As of 3 p.m. today, the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduler is showing appointments are available at drive-thru vaccination sites across the state, including approximately 5,000 appointments in Lafayette County, 4,000 in Panola County, 3,900 in Lee County and 2,600 in DeSoto County.
A Word of Thanks for National Doctors’ Day
Yesterday was National Doctors’ Day. One year ago, I wrote about the dedication and expertise of our own doctors here at the university. While the pandemic roared, our medical team remained vigilant, compassionate, and resilient. Besides providing excellent care to our campus community, they have put in countless hours in recommendations on protocols that have put our health and wellbeing first.
We’re very grateful to have such caring, knowledgeable and experienced physicians. On behalf of University Health Services, I would like to thank: Dr. Jean Gispen, Dr. Susan Gunn, Dr. John Black, Dr. Marshall Crowther, Dr. Hubert Spears, and Dr. Travis Yates. Today and every day, we appreciate and respect their selfless drive to serve our campus community. Please join me in recognizing them on National Doctors’ Day.
Alex Langhart,
Director of University Health Services

V. B. Harrison Health Center
Upcoming Dates for Free Asymptomatic Testing
The university’s free asymptomatic testing is available at the University-Oxford Depot on the following days and times:
  • Monday, April 5: 1-5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 6: 1-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, April 7: 8:30 a.m.-12 noon
To schedule your test text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link
Vaccine FAQs
Q: If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: People with underlying medical conditions can receive a COVID-19 vaccine as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people with underlying medical conditions. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Q: If I am pregnant, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Yes, if you are pregnant, you might choose to be vaccinated. Based on how COVID-19 vaccines work, experts think they are unlikely to pose a specific risk for people who are pregnant. However, there are currently limited data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people because these vaccines have not been widely studied in pregnant people. Systems are in place to continue to monitor vaccine safety, and so far, they have not identified any specific safety concerns for pregnant people. Clinical trials to evaluate the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant people are underway or planned. Learn more about vaccination considerations for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have gotten two doses of the vaccine?
A: It depends. For now, fully vaccinated people can gather indoors without physical distancing or wearing masks with:
Until more is known, fully vaccinated people should continue to wear masks and stay 6 feet apart from other people in other settings, like when they are in public or visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple households. Additional recommendations can be found at When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.
University COVID-19-Related News Stories

Students

Student Financial Aid Assistance Related to COVID-19
The university received an allocation of federal stimulus money from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) to award financial aid grants to students. Students can apply now. In keeping with federal guidance, top priority must be given to students with exceptional need (particularly students who receive Federal Pell Grants). These funds may be used for any component of a student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or childcare. Grant amounts at UM typically will not exceed $2,500 per person. Eligibility is not guaranteed. To apply for financial aid assistance related to COVID-19, UM students should complete the application form. For more information and FAQs, visit this page.
Library Hours During Finals  
  • April 18, 12 noon–12 midnight
  • April 19-22, 7:30 a.m.–12 midnight
  • April 23, 7:30 a.m.–10 midnight
  • April 24, 12 noon–10 midnight
  • April 25, 12 noon–12 midnight
  • April 26-29, 7:30 a.m.–12 midnight
  • April 30, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Student Career Development Summit
The Career Center will hold its first Student Career Development Summit, where students will have the opportunity to learn and engage with alumni, employers, and career service professionals from other universities. The event will be held virtually on April 9 from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Please register for the event here. The Zoom link will be emailed to registrants on the day prior to the event.
Upcoming Events
Check out some upcoming events. See more registered student events in The ForUM.

Faculty/Staff

Employee Vaccination Guidance
All employees are encouraged to receive vaccinations as determined by MSDH and your medical provider. In accordance with the university’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are providing guidance to safeguard the health of our employees and their families; our customers and visitors; and the community at large from infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 or influenza, that may be reduced by vaccinations.
  • All employees will be paid for time taken to receive vaccinations administered on campus. Vaccines on campus are taking an average of 30 minutes.
  • For off-site vaccinations, employees are to work with their managers to schedule an appropriate time that is least disruptive to the work day. Up to two hours of administrative leave is available for non-exempt/hourly employees receiving the vaccine offsite when it cannot be scheduled before or after work or during a lunch break.
Please direct any questions regarding this guidance to the Department of Human Resources, hr@olemiss.edu.

Other Things to Know

CDC News and Resources
Mississippi News and Resources
National News Stories and Other Resources
On the Lighter Side
Quick Links
Studies and Surveys
  • College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey: 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/