Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

University of Mississippi

COVID-19 Weekly Digest

Wednesday, February 10, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

New Testing Location
Due to winter weather, the university’s free Asymptomatic Testing will transition from drive-through testing in the Ford Center parking lot to walk-in testing at the University-Oxford Depot, located in the lower parking lot just north of the Ford Center. The facility includes an ADA-compliant access ramp, and designated parking will be provided for individuals getting tested. All other details of the testing program remain the same. The Asymptomatic Testing dashboard for this semester can be found at the bottom of the dashboard page on the university’s COVID-19 website.
 
New Blog by Dr. Gispen — Positive Vaccine Side Effects: Hugging and Herd Immunity
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, has written a new blog that shares additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine with a healthy dose of her sense of humor and perspective.
 
Asymptomatic Testing FAQs
How do I access my results?
You must create a Sonic MyAccess account to receive your results. Visit the lab provider’s website to create an account and view your results. Most test results will be available within 24 hours. If you have questions about accessing your results or your Sonic MyAccess account, please email Ashley Thompson, visit the Sonic Health website or call 877-277-6642.
 
Vaccine Mythbuster
MYTH: The vaccine will not work against the new strains of COVID-19.
FACT: To date, the vaccines appear to be effective against new strains, however, this is a rapidly evolving situation that is being monitored closely by public health officials and government agencies. The best strategy to stop the coronavirus from mutating and developing new variants is by slowing transmission of this virus. Ongoing prevention practices such as hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask around others, and avoiding social gatherings will help slow the transmission of COVID-19.
 
University COVID-19-related News Stories

Students

Kickoff Career Week with LinkedIN
During Career Week, the Career Center will host various events Feb. 15-17 for students to learn how to become an exceptional job applicant. Visit Handshake to register for all events listed below.
  • Feb. 15, 12 p.m. — A LinkedIn representative will provide expert advice on all that you need to know to “Rock your LinkedIn profile!” Registration for this event is required.
  • Feb. 16, 12 p.m. — Learn about Handshake, how to navigate upcoming career fairs hosted on Handshake, and what employers look for in resumes and cover letters.
  • Feb. 17, 12 p.m. — Learn tips for successful virtual interviewing. We will cover how to set up your virtual interviewing environment and much more.
 
Beyond the Pharmacy Counter: A Career in Pharmaceutical Sciences
All majors are invited to join the School of Pharmacy and the Career Center on Feb. 16 at 12 noon to learn about career and educational options in the pharmaceutical sciences. Register for the event on Handshake.
 
Upcoming Events
Check out some of the upcoming events on campus. You can see the entire list of registered student events in The ForUM.
 
COVID-19 Impact Survey
Take the national College Student COVID-19 Impact Survey in order to help the university, in collaboration with researchers at Columbia University, understand how the pandemic has affected undergraduate students’ health and decisions-making.
 
UM Libraries Upcoming Events
  • Feb. 17, 3:30 p.m. — 3D Printing & Design for Beginners
  • Feb. 19, 12:15 p.m. — Shortstop: Getting Started with Adobe Rush
  • Feb. 23, 4 p.m. — Shortstop: Getting Started with Adobe Spark
  • Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m. — iMovie for Beginners
  • Feb. 26, 12:15 p.m. — Shortstop: Introduction to Ukulele
Visit this page for more information, to register and to see more upcoming events.
 
Oxford Film Festival Drive-In
  • Feb. 12, 7 and 9:30 p.m. — “Moonlight”
  • Feb. 13, 7 p.m. — “The Wedding Singer”
  • Feb. 13, 9:30 p.m. — “50 First Dates”
  • Feb. 14, 6 p.m. — “50 First Dates” followed by “The Wedding Singer”
To purchase tickets, visit this page. 

Faculty and Staff

Vaccination Guidance from HR
The UM Department of Human Resources provided the following guidance for employees receiving off-site vaccinations:
  • All employees are encouraged to receive vaccinations as determined by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and their medical provider. When available, Employee Health and/or the School of Pharmacy notifies the campus of the timeframe(s) for having a vaccine administered. The university will provide either on-site access to the vaccines or a list of locations to assist employees in receiving vaccines on their own.
  • When the cost of the vaccine is not covered either by Employee Health or School of Pharmacy or if the vaccine is received off campus at another location, vaccinations should be run through employees’ health insurance where applicable and otherwise be submitted for reimbursement.
  • All employees will be paid for time taken to receive vaccinations administered on campus. 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.
For more information, visit the HR website or email hr@olemiss.edu with any questions regarding this guidance.
 
Community Engagement Faculty “Lunch and Learn”
Register to attend a Lunch and Learn on Feb. 18 at 12 noon via Zoom about the Institute for Child Nutrition and the power of community engagement in advancing research, learning, and community well-being. The Community Engagement Faculty Lunch & Learn Series is brought to you by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL), the Community First Research Center for Wellbeing & Creative Achievement (UM CREW), and the Office of Community Engagement (OCE). For more information, contact OCE. 

Other Things to Know

CDC news and resources
 
Mississippi news and resource
 
National news stories and other resources
 
On the lighter side
 
Quick links

Wednesday, February 17, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Winter Weather and University Closure

The Oxford campus of the University of Mississippi will be closed Thursday (2/18) and Friday (2/19) due to the winter weather impacting the region and travel conditions on roadways. Face-to-face, hybrid, and remote classes will continue to be conducted virtually where possible throughout the week. Instructors will contact their students with additional guidance and details.

Employees who are able to telecommute are encouraged to do so throughout the week. Supervisors and employees are asked to connect to make determinations based on any extenuating circumstances, such as power outages, lack of internet and others. Additional guidance for faculty and staff regarding telecommuting, meetings and events can be found here.

Any additional changes made to the campus schedule will be posted at emergency.olemiss.edu. Messages may also be sent using RebAlert, email, and Twitter (@RebAlert).  

Asymptomatic Testing Canceled This Week

Due to winter weather and the resulting closure of the UM Oxford campus on Thursday (2/18) and Friday (2/19), the university’s Asymptomatic Testing this week is cancelled. Testing will resume next week at the University-Oxford Depot on the following regularly scheduled days:

  • Monday and Tuesday from 1–5 p.m.
  • Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.–12 noon

To schedule your test for next week:

  1. Text “2020” to 833-991-3009 OR click on this link.
  2. Complete the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up with your University-affiliated ID any day, any time during testing hours that week.

Visit the Asymptomatic Testing page for additional information.

Dining Services

Dining Services continue to operate to serve on-campus residents. Rebel Market will be open from 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. and 3:30–8 p.m. The Towers Grill at Martin and Stockard residence halls will be open from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Visit the Dining Services website for the most up-to-date information.

Athletics

Ole Miss men’s basketball home game vs. LSU and Ole Miss women’s basketball game at Arkansas, both scheduled for Thursday, have both been postponed.

University Health Services

Due to flooding caused by a broken water pipe, University Health Services will be closed Thursday and Friday. Employees and students with scheduled appointments will receive a call or email to reschedule. We appreciate your patience.  

Oxford-University Transit — OUT Bus

Due to treacherous road conditions, OUT buses will not be running Thursday, Feb. 18. Visit the OUT website for additional updates.

Virtual Teaching During Weather Disruptions

During weather disruptions, faculty face uncertainty about whether it is possible to teach. Guidelines from the Office of the Provost encourage teaching remotely where possible while campus remains closed. Please see these tips from Keep Teaching.

University COVID-19-related News Stories

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, February 03, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Staying Vigilant about COVID-19 Protocols
On-campus parameters and protocols are effective and remain in full effect for the Spring 2021 semester. All faculty, staff and students must continue to practice all COVID-19-related safety measures.
According to the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): Vaccination is a big step forward in COVID-19 control, but protective steps after vaccination are still advised. Even though you may not be sick, you may still be able to transmit COVID-19 to those who are unvaccinated. Keep using masks and social distancing after vaccination.
Remember the 5 W’s:
  1. Wear masks
  2. Wash hands
  3. Watch distances
  4. Wait to gather
  5. When it’s your turn, get vaccinated!
 
Free Asymptomatic Testing FAQs
Do I have other options for asymptomatic testing?
Walgreens announced recently that it is offering contactless COVID-19 testing for patients ages 3 and up at select locations, in partnership with the PWNHealth provider network. The Walgreens on University Avenue in Oxford is participating in this program. Visit this page for more information, including locations of additional participating Walgreens.
Additionally, MSDH continues to offer universal symptomatic and asymptomatic testing at county health departments for college and university students, faculty and staff. You can be tested free of charge at county health department testing locations listed on this page, or daily at the free testing site in Jackson. Testing is offered at these locations only on scheduled days (see complete list of locations and testing days here) and you will need to make an appointment before you visit by filling out an online questionnaire.
 
Vaccine Resources
Developments related to vaccine distribution in Mississippi are changing rapidly and do not occur on a scheduled timeline. For those interested in vaccine updates on a daily basis, including when the state offers new vaccine appointments or holds briefings, here are some accounts to consider following:
 
Vaccine Mythbuster
Myth: I don’t need to wear a mask or avoid close contact with others once I receive both doses of the vaccine.
Fact: Even after you receive the vaccination, it will be important to continue following infection prevention recommendations like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing your hands often and staying at least six feet away from others. There are two main reasons why:
  1. After vaccination, there is still a small risk of developing mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 disease after exposure to the virus, and you could spread it to others. 
  2. Vaccine doses are limited. Because people will be vaccinated in waves, it will take time to vaccinate enough of the population to stop the spread of COVID-19.
For more, visit the university’s Mythbusters document.
 
Lenoir Dining Back for the Spring
For the safety of students and guests, Lenoir Dining will offer curbside pick-up only this semester. Call 662-915-1863 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., Tuesday through Friday to place your order, which will be delivered curbside at Lenoir Hall. The only payments accepted will be credit cards over the phone.
 
University COVID-19-related News Stories

Students

University Counseling Center Services for Spring 2021
UCC offers both in-person and telemental health (TMH) services. For students who prefer TMH but do not have reliable internet, space is available in Lester Hall for tele-mental health service. Operating Hours: 
  • Monday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 
  • Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Evening appointments and walk-ins will be delivered via the TMH platform
  • Evenings: Walk-ins available from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday (New)
  • Scheduled appointments can also be booked from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday (New)
 
Educational Services/Resource
TAO Connect, a new service offered by University Counseling Center, is an online resource that provides educational sessions and modules with very short video-conference or telephone contacts with a counselor. TAO offers more than 150 brief, effective, educational sessions covering more than 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness and substance use. TAO includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Click here for instructions to complete the TAO online Orientation to Counseling.
 
Annual Educator Recruitment Fair
The Annual Educator Recruitment Fair will be held virtually on Feb. 12 from 8:30–11:30 a.m. Register on Handshake. If you have questions regarding the fair or need help preparing for the event, please contact the Career Center at 662-915-7174 for an appointment.
 
Student Success Workshops
Student Success Workshops are open to all Ole Miss students and will be conducted virtually for the Spring 2021 semester. Each workshop is designed to teach students how to create their own learning tools. The techniques help students reflect on how they learn and practice alternative study techniques for more effective and efficient learning. For more information, including a complete list of workshops for the spring semester, visit this page. 
  • Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. — Time Management 
  • Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. — Test Prep Strategies
  • Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. — Concept Mapping and Note Taking Strategies
 
Writing Center Workshops and Special Events
Below are dates and links to register for upcoming live online workshops hosted by the University Writing Centers. Each workshop will include an information session, supplemental resources to save/download, and an opportunity to work in small groups or individually with writing consultants. Registration is limited to 20 participants per session, so choose a date/time that works for you and sign up today. Registration for each workshop will close 24 hours prior to the start time. Below are upcoming workshops. Visit the Writing Center for additional workshops scheduled for Spring 2021.
Choosing and Using Sources
Introduction to APA Style
Introduction to MLA Style
 
Oxford Film Festival Drive-In
  • Feb. 5: 7 and 10 p.m. — “Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse”
  • Feb. 6: 6:30 p.m. — Double feature: “Bad Boys” and “Spider Man: Into the Spiderverse”
  • Feb. 7: 6:30 p.m. — “Bad Boys”
To purchase tickets, visit this page. 

Faculty and Staff

HR Workplace Reminders
  • All employees must continue to follow the university’s parameters and protocols including:
  • Don’t come to work if experiencing any possible symptoms of COVID-19 or when ill.
  • Keep your distance and limit time physically meeting.
  • Wear a face mask or cloth face covering at all times when indoors around others. Face masks/cloth coverings are required outdoors when people are within 6 feet of another person.
  • Rotate schedules; in and out times and breaks/meal periods.
  • Refrain from having meals together when social distancing is not possible. This includes visiting restaurants, department potlucks and celebrations.
  • Keep surfaces clean and wash hands thoroughly.
  • Wear a mask when traveling in vehicles with others.
  • Use the UM COVID-19 Daily Symptom Checker and monitor for symptoms.
  • Remain in quarantine while waiting for test results and follow medical providers’ instructions.
 
Employee Assistance-Mental Health Program
The Employee Assistance-Mental Health Program (EAP-MH) is a confidential service provided for all administration, faculty, and staff. It is a short-term program provided to employees who are experiencing challenging work/life-related situations and might benefit from speaking to a counselor in an individual session. First consultations session is free; 1-2 follow-up sessions for a fee; services offered through telemental health.
 
New Educational Services/Resources Offered Through UCC
TAO Connect, a new service offered by University Counseling Center, is an online resource that provides educational sessions and modules with very short video-conference or telephone contacts with a counselor. TAO offers over 150 brief, effective, educational sessions concerning over 50 common topics and skills related to mental health, wellness and substance use issues. TAO includes interactive sessions, mindfulness exercises and practice tools all aimed at helping you achieve your goals. Staff: Register for TAO here.

Other Things to Know

CDC news and resource
 
Mississippi news and resources
 
News stories and other resources
 
On the lighter side
Quick links
 
Studies and surveys 
  • 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, January 27, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Free Asymptomatic Testing FAQs
What kind of test is it?
The COVID-19 test is a PCR test that requires swabbing both nostrils with a Q-tip-like swab.
 
How do I access my results?
Visit the secure testing site to create an account and see your results.
 
When will I get my results?
Most test results will be available within 24 hours.
 
How do I read the results of my test? Where does it show that it was a PCR test?
When you login and click on your results, click on the blue “COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)”. From that page, you can click on the PDF for full details.
 
How long will the asymptomatic testing be offered?
The university will provide asymptomatic testing through the spring 2021 semester.
 
Update on New COVID-19 Variants
There has been a lot of information published recently about multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. These have been documented in the United States and globally. Information about the characteristics of these variants is rapidly emerging. As new information becomes available, the CDC will provide updates.
 
What’s new:
  • In the United Kingdom (UK), a new variant called B.1.1.7 has emerged with an unusually large number of mutations. This variant spreads more easily and quickly than other variants. This variant was first detected in September 2020 and is now highly prevalent in London and southeast England. It has since been detected in numerous countries around the world, including the United States and Canada. This strain has been found in at least 21 states, but not Mississippi as of this time.
  • In South Africa, another variant called 1.351 has also emerged. This variant, originally detected in early October, shares some mutations with the variant detected in the UK. There have been cases caused by this variant outside of South Africa, but it has not been detected in the US.
  • In Brazil, a variant called P.1 emerged and was identified in four travelers from Brazil who were tested during routine screening at Haneda airport outside Tokyo, Japan. This variant contains a set of additional mutations that may affect its ability to be recognized by antibodies. This variant was recently detected in Minnesota, where the state’s health department said it was found in a Minnesota resident who had recently traveled to Brazil.
 
What does this mean:
  • Viruses constantly change through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to occur over time. These variants of SARS-CoV-2 seem to spread more quickly. Research is ongoing to determine if they are more virulent meaning that they cause more severe illness or are evasive to antibody detection.
 
What should I do:
  • This is a rapidly evolving situation that is being monitored closely by public health officials and government agencies. The best strategy to stop the coronavirus from mutating and developing new variants is by slowing down the transmission of this virus. Ongoing prevention practices such as the 5 W’s will help slow the transmission of COVID-19:
    • Wear masks
    • Wash hands
    • Watch your distance
    • Wait to gather
    • When it’s your turn, get vaccinated.
Numerous, well-conducted studies for both of the currently available vaccines have been performed by the world’s leading health experts over the last several months. The vaccines are effective at preventing symptomatic laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 among persons without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, with Pfizer reporting 95% effectiveness and Moderna 94.1% effectiveness
 
International Restrictions and Travel Guidelines
The Office of Global Engagement is providing up-to-date information about university travel including traveler requirements and study abroad planning by country.
 
New Blog: A Deeper Dive Into Vaccines
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, has shared a new blog with additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine including allergic reactions and guidance for pregnant and nursing women.
 
Vaccine Resource: Mythbusters
Be sure to check out the COVID-19 Mythbusters document to learn more about the vaccine.
 
University COVID-19-related News Stories

Students

Graduate Writing Center
The Graduate Writing Center is open for Spring 2021 and has appointments available Sunday through Friday. Both Live-chat and Correspondence appointments will be offered.
 
Join a Graduate Writing Group
The Graduate Writing Center is forming Graduate Writing Groups for the Spring 2021 semester. Groups are open to any graduate student in any program and are peer-led, non-instructional writing groups intended to help graduate students develop their writing skills for scholarship and publication. All Spring 2021 groups will meet virtually. Email gwc@olemiss.edu for more information.
 
ASB 365
ASB 365 will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the Union Plaza.
 
Registration for Intramural Sports
Registration for Spring 2021 Intramural Sports are now available. Click here to see the schedule with registration deadlines. Register on the OleMissCR App or at the Intramural Sports site.
 
Safe Ride
Safe Ride will begin for the Spring 2021 semester on Feb. 4. Service will be Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m.–midnight.

Faculty and Staff

If an Employee or Student Discloses They Have Tested Positive for COVID-19
If an employee or student discloses they tested positive for COVID-19, resides with someone who tested positive, or has been within 6 feet or less of someone who did, you should follow these steps. 
  • If on campus, the employee or student should be discretely separated from others and sent home. If not on campus, the individual should be advised to stay at home.
  • All employees or students should be asked to identify 1) any persons in our university community with whom they had contact with recently before the onset of symptoms, and 2) any areas of campus they visited during that time.
  • As you engage the student or employee, show empathy but do not provide medical advice. Please advise the student or employee that they may contact the physicians at University Health Services (https://healthcenter.olemiss.edu/) for questions, including guidance on treatment and preventive measures to minimize the risk of infection to others. The telephone number for Student Health is 662-915-7274. The telephone number for Employee Health is 662-915-6550. 
  • Note that all students must report positive tests to Student Health and employees must report positive tests to Employee Health, regardless of where the test was performed.
  • After speaking to the student or employee, please contact the physicians at Student or Employee Health. The physicians will determine what additional precautions may be warranted, including closing an area and following up with MSDH. You should also alert Facilities Management at 662-915-7003 to determine whether any area of campus must be cleaned or disinfected.
 
Classroom Protocols
The university will continue to observe 6-feet social distancing in the classrooms with all individuals wearing masks. Also, students and faculty are encouraged to wipe down surfaces that are touched during class sessions. Additional information can be found here: (https://keepteaching.olemiss.edu/faq/).
 
If You See Someone Not Following Protocols
The university has C-19 Ambassadors for the spring semester in buildings to remind people of the protocols and the need to wear masks in indoor spaces and outdoors when you cannot be 6 feet from others. If you find someone not following the protocols, you can report that incident to Student Conduct (https://coronavirus.olemiss.edu/compliance/) if it is a student or the appropriate dean (if it is a faculty or staff member). Student Conduct reports can be filed here: https://conflictresolution.olemiss.edu/form/
 
When to Wear a Face Mask or Cloth Face Covering
Wear a face mask or cloth face covering at all times while in a shared work space/room. Face masks/cloth coverings are required outdoors when people are within 6 feet of another person.

Other Things To Know

CDC Resource: Requirement for Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test or Recovery from COVID-19 for All Air Passengers Arriving in the United States
 
NYT: Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker
 
Oxford Film Festival announces ambitious hybrid film festival presentation (March 24-28, April 1-30)
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links
 
Studies and surveys 
  • 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, January 20, 2021 COVID-19 Updates

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University News

Free Asymptomatic Testing Continues
The university continues to offer free COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic (i.e., without symptoms) faculty, staff and students in the Ford Center media parking lot through our partnership with Premier Medical Group. Testing will be offered at the following times:
  • This week: Thursday, Jan. 21 from 8:30–11 a.m., and Friday, Jan. 22 from 1–4 p.m.
  • Starting next week: Mondays and Tuesdays from 1–5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m.–12 noon.
Details were shared via an announcement in UM Today. No need to complete a survey. You simply fill out your paperwork, show up and get tested — it’s that easy! Schedule your test by:
  1. Texting “2020” to 833-991-3009, clicking this LINK or scanning this QR code:
    QR Code
  2. Completing the Testing Intake Form
  3. You will receive a confirmation # to present at the testing site
  4. Show up during the testing hours for that day
  5. Bring your UM-affiliated ID
Reservations are first-come first-served, so register before they run out. Win prizes and get free Ole Miss swag!
In addition to identifying asymptomatic cases, testing enables us to maintain, and possibly expand, on-campus operations activities. Information about positivity rate, participation, and number of asymptomatic cases will facilitate informed, data-driven decisions about social events and activities.
Update on Vaccine Distribution in Mississippi
COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available from the MS State Department of Health (MSDH) for the following populations:
  • All healthcare workers and EMTs / paramedics
  • All persons aged 65 or older
  • Persons aged 18-64 who have underlying medical conditions
Individuals from these groups are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment through one of the following contacts:
Please note that the state will continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments at MSDH drive-thru sites based on the number of vaccines allocated to the state each week by the federal government. The number of vaccines that Mississippi receives varies from week to week, which  impacts appointment availability.
Learn how Moderna and Pfizer vaccines work
Check out this video by Dr. Joshua Sharp, UM associate professor of pharmacology, to understand how the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA to protect against COVID-19.
Vaccine Blog
Dr. Jean Gispen, staff physician with Employee Health, shared her reflections and information about the science of the COVID-19 vaccine in her latest blog, “Wishing and Hoping and Waiting: Reflections on the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine.”
Ole Miss Bookstore Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday: 12–5 p.m. Sunday: Closed
Parking Restrictions Return to Normal
All parking zone restriction enforcement returned to normal this week along with the return of Park-N-Ride bus service to the Jackson Avenue Center.
  • South Lot Park-N-Ride services will remain out of operation for the spring semester. 
  • All vehicles must be parked in zones that are authorized by parking permit classification.
  • Commuters and Faculty-Staff will no longer be able to park in student residential zones.
  • Vehicles with a Park-N-Ride permit must park at either the Jackson Avenue center in the white lined areas as appropriate, or the South Campus Recreation Center Park-N-Ride areas.
All other parking restrictions will continue to be enforced. Email parking@olemiss.edu with questions.
University COVID-19-related news stories

Student News

Spring 2021 Welcome from Chancellor Boyce
Chancellor Glenn Boyce shared a letter welcoming students for the Spring 2021 semester.
 
Top 10 Things to Know for Spring 2021
Student Affairs shared the top 10 things all students need to know for the Spring 2021 Semester.
 
Share How the Pandemic Has Affected You
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/
 
Flagship Friday featuring Late Night Breakfast
Join SAA and ASB to kick off the very first Flagship Friday with free waffles, music and prizes on Friday, Jan. 22 from 9–11 p.m. at the Student Union Food Court.
 
Spring 2021 Operations for Campus Rec
See information about Spring 2021 operations for South Campus Rec Center and Turner Center.
 
Spring UM Virtual Career Fairs 
The Career Center will host the following virtual events. Please visit Handshake for registration and employer listings.
  • Feb. 12: Educator Recruitment Day
  • Feb. 18: Engineering, Manufacturing, and Technology Fair
  • March 4: All Majors Career Expo

Faculty and Staff

Chancellor Letter to Faculty and Staff, Spring 2021
Chancellor Glenn Boyce shared a letter with faculty and staff upon the start of the Spring 2021 semester.

Other Things to Know

Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1542, which extends the previous executive orders (1535/1536) as they were while adding and removing some counties from the tougher restrictions (added Claiborne and Tunica counties; removed Adams, Jefferson, Lawrence, Quitman and Wilkinson counties). EO 1542 remains in effect until Feb. 3.
 
MSDH seeks participants for online survey about perceptions of COVID-19 vaccination among Mississippi residents. The survey only takes about 10 minutes to complete and can be found here. 
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an Order requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 for all air passengers arriving from a foreign country to the U.S. This order takes effect Jan. 26.
 
CDC Resource: Masks Protect You and Me
 
CDC Resource: Improving Ventilation in Your Home
 
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Resource: Coronavirus Small Business Resources Guide
 
On the Lighter Side
 
Quick Links