Flight Path: Spring 2021 | COVID-19 Response | The University of Southern Mississippi

Academic Calendar Spring 2021 full term classes will begin on January 20. Access important dates and deadlines on the Spring 2021 Full Academic Calendar.

Community Standards Each of us has a responsibility to follow our Community Standards and institutional protocols to help maintain a healthy environment.

COVID-19 Updates Updates are posted on the COVID-19 Response page, including local and state orders that impact USM.

Health and Wellness

The health and safety of our University community is our first priority. Each individual has a personal responsibility to follow our Community Standards and institutional protocols to help maintain a healthy environment. USM also requires all faculty, staff and students to self-screen each day for symptoms of COVID-19 before coming onto any University property or going to class.

Personal Responsibility

The best way to limit the spread of COVID-19 is to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth and maintain at least six feet of physical distance from others.

CDC Prevention Guidelines

Student Counseling Services

Student Counseling Services provides free and confidential mental health care services for all currently enrolled USM students.

Student Counseling Services

Student Health Services

Student Health Services at Moffitt Health Center will work with students exposed to COVID-19 to monitor their health status and provide appropriate treatment.

COVID-19 Health Protocols

Academic Coursework

Spring 2021 full term classes will begin on January 20. Face coverings are required during in-person classes, and physical distancing modifications have been made to classrooms and other spaces.

Course Delivery

Within SOAR, classes are designated as chat, online or include a building and room number for face-to-face or hybrid classes. Students should review their schedule in SOAR to confirm the format for each course. All classes will include online content housed in Canvas.

Overview of Canvas

Stay Connected

Students should stay connected to important information by regularly checking their USM email and by logging into Canvas. In Canvas, students should check their course shells for syllabi, assignments and messages from instructors.

Center for Student Success

Faculty Resources

Faculty will be required to house their classes in Canvas, and all faculty are holding virtual student office hours. Faculty training and resources are available through the Center for Faculty Development.

COVID-19 Teaching Resources

Housing, Dining, and Activities

Modifications have been made to residence hall policies and operations. On-campus dining facilities will be open for the spring semester, and modifications have been made to all locations. Modifications have also been made to student activities, and the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement is encouraging student organizations to connect with their office well in advance to discuss event options on campus for the spring semester.

On-campus Housing

Modifications have been made to residence halls, including increased cleaning, reduced occupancy, visitation restrictions, and limited capacity in lounges, common areas and study rooms. Quarantine rooms for isolating students have also been identified for use.

Housing and Residence Life

On-campus Dining

On-campus dining facilities will be open for the spring semester. Modifications have been made to all locations, including physical distancing guides at applicable locations. Hours of operation may be adjusted for additional cleaning and sanitation, personnel shift changes, and customer flow.

Eagle Dining

On-campus Activities

There are benefits to being involved in on-campus activities as a student, and while student organizations' activities and events will look different, there are many ways to get involved. Students can connect with a Student Involvement Ambassador in Hattiesburg or Gulf Park Student Life for involvement opportunities.

Leadership and Student Involvement

Academic Success

Most student academic resources can be accessed through virtual formats or in person. On-campus Barnes & Noble locations can be accessed in person. University Libraries locations can be accessed in person by students, and virtual library resources will continue to be available.

Advisement

Advisement for Spring 2021 is available. Students should contact their advisor listed in their SOAR Student Center or schedule an advisement session with their academic advisor. The Hattiesburg Advisement Center and Gulf Park Advisement Center are offering online advisement sessions for Spring 2021.

Ask an Advisor Form

Academic Resources

Current students can access a variety of academic resources online and in person through the Center for Student Success, Gulf Park Academic Success Center, Math Zone, Speaking Center, TRIO-Student Support Services, and Writing Center.

Student Resources (PDF)

Laptop Loan Program

Eligible students can now apply for the laptop loan program. Students must be enrolled full-time and have a valid USM ID. Laptops must be picked up in person at Cook Library or Gulf Coast Library and returned at the end of the current semester. To apply, students should log in and complete the online application.

University Libraries

Commencement An expanded schedule for Commencement ceremonies in May 2021 has been announced. Spring, Summer and Fall 2020 graduates will have the opportunity to participate in May.

Student Finances Most business services and financial aid services can be handled electronically, without the need to visit offices in person.

Office for Disability Accommodations ODA facilitates accommodations and provides assistance with a variety of campus resources for eligible students.

A successful semester relies on each of us taking personal responsibility.

Face Coverings

All faculty, staff and students are required to wear face coverings in classrooms, labs, communal office space, on-campus gatherings, and in any campus setting where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

Physical Distancing

Avoid close contact with others by maintaining at least six feet of physical distance from others.

Questions Faculty and Staff Information