Classes and Academics

Classroom capacities will be reduced to comply with CDC and national public health recommendations. Based on the facility protocols posted on the web, it is clear that not every instructional space will support the capacity booked for the Fall due to the necessary protocols. Deans, chairs and faculty will evaluate each course section using a principled set of considerations or factors to decide whether a course should be offered in one of four formats: face-to-face, hybrid, remote or online.

A remote class could require the student to synchronously meet with the instructor via Zoom or other technology at the course’s assigned day/time, while an online class does not require the student to synchronously meet with the instructor at the assigned course day/time.

Please see the Keep Learning website for more information on online instruction.

Course delivery modes will be updated in the scheduling system over the next couple of weeks. We anticipate having all course delivery information updated in the system by July 20.

We don’t know yet how many courses will meet online, but we anticipate having about 50% of classes with a face-to-face or hybrid format and about 50% with a remote/online format. We are in the process of matching how departments want to deliver their classes with the available classrooms.

You will see several changes in classrooms this fall. Seating will be limited in order to maintain social distancing. Students will have assigned seats, and faculty and students will be required to wear a mask or a cloth face covering in the classroom. Hand sanitizer stations will be provided in classroom buildings. As a shared responsibility, faculty and students will be asked to wipe down high-touch surfaces in classrooms.

A face mask or cloth face covering is required in the presence of others in all indoor spaces. In addition, face coverings will be required outside when adequate social distance cannot be maintained and you are within 6 feet of another person. Any exceptions to these requirements will be outlined in the protocols. All faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be required to comply with this requirement.

Adherence to the protocols will be essential and fundamental to our ability to offer in-person activities on campus. More details about the consequences of non-adherence will be posted later in the summer.

How will attendance policies work for in-person classes?

While attendance policies are developed by each faculty member for their classes, faculty are encouraged to develop attendance and excuse policies that acknowledge and support students who become ill or are required to quarantine or self-isolate.

Students with health issues who cannot attend in-person classes may contact Student Disability Services to request an accommodation to allow for the student to complete the course in an alternate format, if appropriate and if possible. Faculty are encouraged to develop attendance and excuse policies that acknowledge and support students who become ill or are required to quarantine or self-isolate.

Yes, the policies apply at the regional campuses as well.

Students who are considering withdrawing from the fall semester should consult with an academic advisor in the Center for Student Success. Advisors are available to discuss all options for the fall semester. Please email cssfye@olemiss.edu to consult with an advisor.