|
Hello Ole Miss parents and families,
Spring is in full bloom in Oxford, which means the baseballs are flying out of Swayze Field and it is getting down to crunch time academically. With 21 days until the end of classes, 28 days until the end of finals and 36 days until graduation, we know your student has a lot on their plate. As your student becomes busier with school, they may forget or overlook the importance of taking care of their personal well-being. In this letter, you’ll find some resources to help your student continue to care for themselves while they work hard to finish the semester strong.
One big way they can do that is by getting vaccinated. Yesterday, UM started offering single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccines to students and employees who have not already received a dose of another vaccine. This “one-and-done” option is especially convenient for our students. Please read on for more information about vaccines.
| |
Finding a vaccination appointment
| |
Future appointment times for single-dose J&J vaccines at the Tad Smith Coliseum will be announced. If your student would like to receive a two-dose vaccine from an off-campus provider, please encourage them to get their first dose ASAP so they are able to receive their second dose before the semester ends. First and second vaccine doses need to be administered at the same place either 21 or 28 days apart, depending on the type of vaccine. UM’s vaccination page provides information about how to sign up for an off-campus vaccination appointment, and the appointments logistics webpage has more details about on-campus vaccinations.
| |
Places to get vaccinated in Oxford
| |
Students can apply now for financial aid assistance related to COVID-19
| |
The university received an allocation from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) to award financial aid grants to students. 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 will typically 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.
| |
Chancellor’s Wellness Challenge
| |
Another area of utmost importance to university leaders is supporting your student’s mental and physical wellbeing. We are excited to share a new initiative for this critical time of the year -- the Chancellor’s Wellness Challenge, a three-week campaign to encourage students to take care of their mental, physical and emotional health.
From April 5-23, students can choose from an array of wellness events and log their wellness activities on the GooseChase app. Exercise, mental self-care or attending a wellness event will help them earn wellness points toward prizes like scholarships, gift cards, tickets to athletic events, wellness subscriptions and more. We hope you will check out more information about the Chancellor’s Wellness Challenge and encourage your student to take part.
| |
Commencement safety protocols
| |
UM is working to ensure that students and families can enjoy their Commencement celebrations safely. Following public health guidance, paperless ticketing, mask-wearing, social distancing and staggered entry and exit times will be in effect to keep graduates and their guests as safe as possible. More information about the commencement safety protocols is at this page. For more information about Commencement, please see the Commencement website.
We’ve got a great Commencement weekend in store. Congratulations to all of our graduates and their families!
| |
Fast Focus Video: Staying engaged on campus
| |
Merrill and Bradley Baker, Director of the Gertrude C. Ford Student Union, share how we’ve explored creative ways to host programming, gatherings and opportunities for our students to be connected and engaged on campus this semester. They also share specific resources and communication channels for students to make sure they receive up-to-date information about campus happenings.
| |
Below are some resources across campus that may be helpful to your student. If you or your student needs help finding resources or other help, please email the UMatter office at umatter@olemiss.edu.
- The Grove Grocery is available to all students and employees to alleviate food insecurity. It has a fully stocked pantry that offers groceries, toiletries and cleaning products and also provides meal swipes.
- RebelWell offers individual telehealth nutrition sessions at no cost to students. Call 662-915-7274 to make an appointment.
- University Health Services offers allergy medication, women’s health services, mental health referrals, HIV testing and lab services.
- The University Counseling Center hosts Mental Wellness Wednesdays from 10-11 a.m. on Zoom to help students with strategies to care for their mental health.
| |
Just a quick reminder that the university continues to offer asymptomatic testing on campus at convenient hours for students (Monday–Wednesday). See this webpage for more information.
| |
Spring is such a wonderful time at Ole Miss and in Oxford! With outdoor sporting events, outdoor recreation and the beautiful weather, there is always something fun to do. See the calendar of events in downtown Oxford and the calendar of student events in The Forum. And if you have a minute, help us help our lovely town by voting for the City of Oxford in the final four of the sixth annual Strongest Town Competition. Voting closes at 12 p.m. CDT on Friday, April 2.
April 6: Day Hike on the South Campus Rail Trail
April 9: Double Decker Bus Tour
April 9: The Goodnight Market
April 12: First day of academic advising
April 13: Yoga on the Trail
April 24: Grove Bowl
Upcoming home matches — Hotty Toddy!
Baseball
Monday, Apr. 5, 4 p.m. vs. North Alabama
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 6:30 p.m. vs. Alcorn State
Friday, Apr. 9, 6 p.m. vs. Arkansas
Saturday, Apr. 10, 4 p.m. vs. Arkansas
Sunday, Apr. 11, 1:30 p.m. vs. Arkansas
Tuesday, Apr. 13, 6:30 p.m. vs. Austin Peay
Soccer
Friday, Apr. 2, 6 p.m. vs. Arkansas State
Saturday, Apr. 10, 1 p.m. vs. South Alabama
Softball
Tuesday, Apr. 6, 6 p.m. vs. Central Arkansas
Friday, Apr. 9, 6 p.m. vs. South Carolina
Saturday, Apr. 10, 11 a.m. vs. South Carolina
Sunday, Apr. 11, 1 p.m. vs. South Carolina
Wednesday, Apr. 14, 6 p.m. vs. Memphis
Women’s tennis
Thursday, Apr. 8, 2 p.m. vs. Vanderbilt
Saturday, Apr. 10, 1 p.m. vs. Kentucky
As the semester winds down, we will continue to support students and families during what we hope will be the final season of navigating COVID vaccines, remote classes for those who prefer in-person learning and social distancing.
Again, please encourage your student to get vaccinated as soon as they’re able. Like you, we are eager for the return of a full on-campus experience for everyone, and widespread vaccine adoption is essential to help us get there. Thank you again for your support, and please reach out to Merrill at merrill@olemiss.edu for questions, comments or suggestions.
| |
Best,
Merrill Magruder
Coordinator of Family Programs
Ole Miss Family Association
Editor of the Ole Miss Family Association newsletter
Sydney DuPriest
Associate Director of Campus Communication and Engagement
Office of Marketing and Communications
Editor of the UM student newsletter, The Powder Blue
| |
Students in the Department of Theatre and Film used a little ingenuity to put on a “Pop-Up Shakespeare” performance in the Grove. Be sure to check out more scenes from around campus in "This week in photos."
| |
| If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, please click the opt-out link in the footer of this email.
| |
|
|
|
|