Message from the President: Critical COVID-19 Updates

Dear University Community,

Following the
guidance of recent COVID-19 advisories provided by federal, state, and
local healthcare organizations, The University of Southern Mississippi
is providing the following updates:

Events

Events sponsored by USM or hosted in USM facilities, where 50 or more attendees are expected, are canceled.
This guidance is effective from March 12, 2020 to April 30, 2020, at which time event guidelines will be reevaluated.

Spring Break

Spring Break has been extended through March 27, 2020. Students should
read this message from the Vice President for Student Affairs –

https://www.usm.edu/provost/extended-spring-break.php – linked on the Provost’s website –

https://www.usm.edu/provost/coronavirus.php – for more specific information.
Classes will resume the following week on Monday, March 30.
During the extended Spring Break period, the University’s offices and
all student services will remain open, including residence halls, dining
services, libraries, campus recreation, student health services,
student counseling services, and other student services. Hours
may be modified slightly during the break, so we encourage you to visit
each area’s website for current information.
Supervisors are encouraged to consult with their student employees to
discuss work during the extended Spring Break period. Students may not
be required to work during this period but are permitted to work if
their unit determines that the work is essential
for University operations.
Employees remain eligible to use personal leave or comp time in
accordance with existing policies. We encourage you to do so as
appropriate, in consultation with your supervisor. However, please be
reminded that
this is a time to think critically about travel and whether that travel is in your best interest considering COVID-19.

Face-to-Face Classes

University officials are currently engaged in discussions about
face-to-face classes and will communicate related updates as soon as
decisions are made.
Faculty should prepare for the strong likelihood of all coursework being
delivered online or through an alternate delivery method. Resources and
guidance are available online at

https://www.usm.edu/provost/keep-teaching/index.php.
Students should prepare for the strong
likelihood of all coursework being delivered online or through an
alternate delivery method, including securing adequate internet access. 
Resources and guidance are available online at
https://www.usm.edu/advisement-center/course-completion.php.
For students who are on campus and not exhibiting symptoms, libraries and computer labs will remain open.

Competitive Athletic Events

Policies regarding athletic competitions are being
reviewed in conjunction with Conference USA, and an announcement is
expected later today.

Individuals who
are responsible for existing event plans should consult with their
school or unit director if they have questions.

For the most up to date information about COVID-19, you should continue to monitor the University’s official website –
https://www.usm.edu/provost/coronavirus.php

Sincerely,

Rodney D. Bennett

President