See the university’s academic protocols.
Are face masks required on campus this fall?
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.
Should students in quarantine or isolation go to a face-to-face class?
Students in quarantine or isolation should not attend a face-to-face class until the quarantine period is complete. Students should continue to attend remote and online courses.
Should students contact their instructors if they are in quarantine or isolation?
Students who are quarantined should contact their instructors for face-to-face courses to inform them that they are in quarantine and unable to attend the face-to-face class. Students with COVID-19 should seek medical attention at the Student Health Center and contact their instructor to let them know that they are sick, quarantined, or have some other health-related absence.
Will instructors penalize students in quarantine or isolation for missing face-to-face class?
COVID-19 safety protocols hold the highest priority, and faculty have designed attendance guidelines for students that do not penalize students for adhering to COVID-19 safety protocols. Course attendance policies for face-to-face, hybrid, remote, and online allow for absences necessary for isolation, quarantine, or other COVID-19 related absences. Faculty will be flexible with assignment due dates when students have COVID-19-related absences in all courses, regardless of delivery mode.
Where can students go to learn more about remote learning if they are in quarantine or isolation?
The Keep Learning site provides advice, resources, and points of contact for students to assist in their remote learning experience.
Will classes for Fall 2021 operate like they did before the pandemic?
The university will offer the Fall 2021 semester as a full in-person, campus experience. We will continue to monitor the health and safety of our campus community and adapt if necessary to government orders and public health guidance.
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.
What if I have a health issue or I am required to quarantine that prevents me from attending an in-person class for an extended period?
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.
Do these policies apply across all UM campuses?
Yes, the policies apply at the regional campuses as well.