COVID-19 Protocols

As we prepare to begin another semester of in-person classes and activities, The University of Southern Mississippi’s COVID-19 protocols have been updated in accordance with current public health guidance, effective January 14, 2022.
- All eligible students, faculty, and staff are strongly urged to get a COVID-19 vaccination and booster.
- Current CDC and MSDH guidelines for quarantine, isolation and testing should be followed.
- Face coverings must be worn universally indoors for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, unless an individual is in an isolated space. This includes wearing face coverings at all times for all in-person classes and activities. This requirement will continue to be reevaluated as public health guidance evolves throughout the surge associated with current variants.
  - CDC Guide to Masks - Selection, Proper Usage and Cleaning
- Face coverings are strongly recommended in any other setting in which people are in close contact.
- Events should be scheduled in large spaces or outdoors when possible.
- These updated protocols will continue to be reevaluated, pending future public health guidance.
Individual employee concerns that have not already been addressed should be discussed with the department head, director, or dean in consultation with HR. View HR’s COVID-19 FAQs for more information.

Protocols last updated January 14, 2022

Community Standards

Community Standards last updated January 14, 2022

UPDATED January 7 - Students and Families: Take Flight

UPDATED January 14 - Faculty and Staff

UPDATED January 11 - Vaccination Information

UPDATED January 14 - Community Standards

UPDATED January 11 - COVID-19 Testing Data

Stay Home except to get medical care.
Isolate Yourself from others.
Call Ahead to Student Health Services at Moffitt Health Center or to your primary care physician.

The University's COVID-19 Response Status has moved to Blue, which means the University has issued health advisories and modified select procedures.

University of Southern Mississippi faculty have launched a free, online public course that assists in understanding COVID-19 and related pandemic topics. Each module is presented in a video format by a USM faculty member whose expertise and academic focus is on the given topic. Access the course.

Eligible students may now apply for the laptop loan program, which is made possible through the generosity of the USM Foundation as well as an allocation from CARES funding.
- Loaner laptops are available on both the Gulf Park and Hattiesburg campuses and must be picked up in person at the respective campus.
- Students must be enrolled full-time and have a valid USM ID. Priority will be given to students who have no technology available to them off campus.
- To request a laptop, log in to the online application with your USM SOAR credentials and complete the application.
- Laptops must be returned at the end of the current semester.

For Students
- For immediate relief in managing stressors, try Eagle Cares.
- Student Counseling Services remains available to assist students who may be feeling anxiety related to COVID-19 or social isolation.
  - Counselors are available remotely for students who are currently residing in Mississippi.
  - Counselors will assist students who are currently residing out-of-state with finding resources where they are located.
  - Students may call 601.266.4829 for assistance during normal business hours.
  - For after-hours and weekend emergencies, call 601.606.4357.
  - More information is available on the Student Counseling Services website.
For Benefit-Eligible Employees
- USM’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), GuidanceResources, has a Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources toolkit available online. Access instructions for benefit-eligible employees and their dependents are available on the Human Resources website.
- Remember, benefit eligible employees and members of their household have telephonic access to talk to a counselor, financial advisor or legal advisor: 800.272.7255.