all f2020 comprehensive health & safety return plan · 2020. 5. 21. · a comprehensive health...

FALL 2020

COMPREHENSIVEHEALTH & SAFETYRETURN PLAN

Dear Mississippi State University Family,

As we launch our 2020 Summer Semester, I want to update everyone in the MSU family on our ongoing planning processes for the 2020 Fall Semester. Since the inception of the COVID-19 global pandemic, our guiding principle has been structuring the difficult yet critical balance between protecting the health and safety of our MSU family while, likewise, ensuring that we continue to deliver the high quality academic experiences that our students expect and deserve.

That principle continues to guide us as we thoughtfully transition to a return to more traditional university operations including guidelines to resume in-person classroom and laboratory instruction for the Fall 2020 Semester.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning has passed a resolution stating the board’s intention that all public universities make plans to resume traditional operations on their campuses in the Fall 2020 Semester. We are already compliant with that directive and have been serving as key participants in crafting policies to that end.

MSU has taken a leading role in planning for the Fall 2020 Semester among Mississippi’s eight public universities. MSU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. David Shaw was chosen by Mississippi Commissioner of Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr. to chair the 16-member Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning’s Safe Start Task Force as the state’s university system plans repopulating campuses in a safe and effective manner. MSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Regina Hyatt also serves on that group.

MSU has also taken a proactive approach to crafting our university’s specific path forward to the Fall 2020 Semester in the form of our MSU Future Planning Workgroup, led by Dr. Hyatt and featuring representation from the Faculty Senate, Student Association, Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Human Resources, MSU Health Services, MSU’s Agricultural Units, MSU Emergency Management, Foundation and Alumni, Research, and Finance. In addition, the group has sought detailed input from MSU’s Deans, Directors, and Department Heads.

I want to personally thank all those who have worked so many long hours to keep our campus operational, to contribute to the COVID-19 fight through our knowledge and research, and to systematically plan for how we move forward together.

Hail State!

Mark E. KeenumPresidentMississippi State University

LETTER FROM PRESIDENT KEENUM

1MSU ™ COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH & SAFETY RETURN PLAN

HEALTH & SAFETY .......................................................................................4 Screening Testing Contact Tracing/Exposure Notification Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION Platform Temperature Testing Kiosks Medical Protocol Based Upon Testing, Reported Symptoms, and/or Exposure Ongoing Evaluation by Crisis Action Team Face Coverings Cleaning and Sanitization Signage and Education Individuals Returning from International Travel

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH CONTINUITY ......................................................8 Change in Academic Calendar Guidance for Department Heads on Face-to-Face Instruction for Fall 2020 Classroom Density Time Between Classes Continuous Remote Learning Research and Laboratory Protocols

FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS ........................................................12 Travel Centralize, Manage Purchasing of COVID-19 Related Equipment, Supplies Tracking Expenses Related to COVID-19 Ongoing Construction Projects

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 MSU ™ COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH & SAFETY RETURN PLAN

HUMAN RESOURCES .............................................................................. 13 Employees in High Risk Categories Available Leave Categories Employee Assistance Program

CAMPUS LIFE .......................................................................................... 14 Housing and Residence Life Dining Services Student Counseling Services Student Organizations and Campus Events University Recreation Athletics Events/Meetings

CONTRIBUTORS ...................................................................................... 16 COVID-19 Task Force COVID-19 Research Committee MSU Future Planning Work Group Space Utilization Work Group Healthy Behaviors Work Group Screening Technology Work Group COVID-19 Expenditures Work Group Student Activities Work Group COVID-19 Instructional Advisory Committee Athletics Committee Online Education Task Force


HEALTH & SAFETYMississippi State University plans to return to full campus operations and in-person instruction in August 2020. To do so, our safe operations plan will promote healthy operations and mitigate some risks of COVID-19 infection and spread among our students and employees. At this stage of the pandemic, we are all aware of the importance of taking personal responsibility for our own health AND understanding how our actions affect the health of our community. The details of our plans for screening, testing, and contact tracing are outlined here.

ScreeningScreenings are non-intrusive health checks on a regular, consistent basis. Screenings will include temperature checks and self-reported health questionnaires based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mississippi State Department of Health suggestions.

Screening activities can be facilitated by the new Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION platform discussed in more detail below along with temperature check-in stations such as those shown below which will be placed in locations across campus.

All residential students will be required to complete a temperature screening every 24 hours along with the self-reported health questionnaire. Residential students will be required to use the Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION platform.

All non-residential students are strongly encouraged to complete a temperature screening and health questionnaire daily.

All employees will be required to conduct a self-screening daily prior to coming to work. This should include an “at home” temperature check and a review of potential symptoms of COVID-19 including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, and a new loss of taste or smell. The CDC offers a self-screening tool at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html for employees who would rather use that than the Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION platform.

If an employee has any of these symptoms or a fever of greater than 100.4 degrees, the employee should stay at home and may take EPSL (Emergency Paid Sick Leave), medical or personal leave unless the employee is able to telework and has a telework agreement on file. Guidance regarding this leave is available on the HRM website.

TestingTesting for COVID-19 has been and will continue to be facilitated through the Longest Student Health Center. PCR nasal swab is currently the standard for diagnosing acute infections. It should be the first test considered and likely the most accurate at this time. Where screening indicates a spread of COVID-19, community testing may be required. The Longest Student Health Center can facilitate additional types of COVID-19 testing when medically necessary.

Contact Tracing/Exposure NotificationHaving a reliable and secure mechanism for exposure tracking and notification is essential. The Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION platform will provide MSU with an important tool that can aid in this process. The information available from this contact tracing technology will allow our health professionals to reach more people faster in the event of a confirmed exposure. Participation in this technology-facilitated exposure notification is voluntary but highly encouraged. The app is designed to protect individual user privacy. The app will alert participants if they have been in close contact with a person who has reported a positive COVID-19 test.

Additionally, a team of health professionals within the LSHC will facilitate communication with persons who this technology indicates may be symptomatic and with those who are close contacts of persons who have tested positive for COVID-19. This effort will be conducted in compliance with the Mississippi Department of Health and other federal and state guidance.


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION PlatformMississippi State University will use the Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION platform to facilitate screening and contact tracing for students and employees.

Student/employee completes self-check Everbridge SAFETY CONNECTION

Self-check issues concerns – follow instructions to stay at home or contact medical professional

No symptoms, no contact – proceed with activities

Medical Advice to evaluate symptoms or exposure leads to testing and possible quarantine or return to activities

Temperature Testing KiosksTemperature testing kiosks will be placed in locations around campus to enable our students and employees to easily take their temperature throughout the day in a touchless manner. These kiosks guide individuals on where to stand and reports their temperatures within seconds.


HEALTH & SAFETY

Medical Protocol Based upon Testing, Reported Symptoms, and/or Exposure

Symptomatic Confirmed

Positive

Symptomatic Confirmed Negative

Asymptomatic Confirmed

Positive

Asymptomatic Close Contacts of COVID-19

Positive Cases

Immediate isolation for a minimum of 14 days since symptoms began. You must be symptom free for at least the last 72 hours of the isolation.

Active monitoring by University Health Services.

Immediate isolation while awaiting test results.

May return to normal activities 72 hours after symptom recovery.

Immediate 14-dayself-isolation and compliance with localpublic healthquarantine orders.

Active monitoring by University Health Services.

Self-monitor for symptom development, check temperature (subjective or measured) twice daily, and keep a log of the results.

Immediate 14-day* self-quarantine unless released earlier by University Health Services.

Self-monitor for symptom development, check temperature (subjective or measured) twice daily, and keep a log of the results.

Requires compliance with local public health quarantine orders.

*14-day quarantine exists for asymptomatic close contacts to include the mean incubation period for the infection. Asymptomatic close contact individuals may be released early from the quarantine period if they provide documented approval certifying they have been tested and tested negative. The minimum time before a test may be considered should be no less than 4 days after suspected exposure.


Ongoing Evaluation by Crisis Action TeamMSU’s Crisis Action Team will regularly monitor infection data for the campus and enable rapid decision making in the case of community spread of COVID-19. The team will maintain direct lines of communication with health care providers, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and local emergency management agencies as additional support is needed. Metrics will include screening data [number of persons participating in voluntary screening]; persons who are participating in required screening; number of positive cases; cluster/group infections by location.

Face CoveringsSubject to change in guidance from medical professionals and the CDC, all faculty, staff, students, and visitors are required to wear face coverings. Acceptable face coverings include surgical masks, N95 masks, cloth masks, or face shields and are required inside campus buildings when physical distancing (6 feet or more) cannot be achieved.

Face coverings must be worn in classrooms, labs, and shared office spaces regardless of physical distancing. MSU will provide reusable and disposable face coverings.

Face coverings are not required in individual residence hall rooms, public outdoor settings, enclosed office spaces, and dining facilities when eating.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for persons who cannot wear a face covering due to medical conditions. Students should request these accommodations via the Office of Disability Support Services. Employees should request these accommodations via Human Resources Management.

Cleaning and SanitizationAll Campus Services cleaning staff have been trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures. All classroom facilities will be deep cleaned in the overnight hours. High-touch areas including doorknobs, common areas, light switches, handrails, etc. will be cleaned frequently throughout the day. When positive cases arise, Environmental Health and Safety will determine where additional cleaning and disinfecting is required.

Employees should clean and sanitize their personal workspace. Sanitizing spray and/or wipes have been made available to each department. Classrooms will be outfitted with additional cleaning supplies that can be used by students and/or faculty members who desire to clean their individual spaces before class periods.

Signage and EducationSignage providing instructions on enhanced safety and health measures will be deployed across campus. Floor markings will be used where needed to indicate proper physical distancing and flow of traffic in dining facilities, residence halls, and other points of ingress and egress. Each building manager has been notified regarding the available signage and can order whatever signage is necessary for their particular building/space.

A comprehensive health campaign aimed at students is under development and will be deployed this summer and into the fall semester. All first-year students will complete an online module related to COVID-19 spread reduction techniques.

Individuals Returning from International TravelIn accordance with the current guidance of the CDC, all employees and students returning to campus from any international location must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Current CDC data suggests that a cloth face covering may protect the wearer and prevent the spread of the virus to others. Visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html to see CDC guidelines on the use of face coverings.


http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

ACADEMIC & RESEARCH CONTINUITY

We will use a combination of physical distancing, face coverings, and sanitization to faciliate the safest environment possible for faculty and students for in-person classes.

Change in Academic CalendarWith the approval of Mississippi’s Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees, Mississippi State has modified its Fall 2020 academic calendar. Classes will begin Monday, August 17. Fall Break is eliminated. Final exams will begin November 18 and conclude November 23. Commencement will be held on Wednesday, November 25. Meridian commencement will be December 1.

This change in the academic calendar will reduce the need for travel by our students and limit the likelihood of the virus being brought back to campus after fall break or Thanksgiving.

Guidance for Department Heads on Face-to-Face Instruction for Fall 2020Mississippi State University’s overarching guidance on Fall 2020 classes was provided by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning as follows:

May 21, 2020 Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning Resolution: The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning hereby declares that it is the Board’s intent that all of the universities under the governance of the Board shall make plans to resume traditional operations on their campuses in the Fall of 2020, to include the offering of as many in-person classes as possible, while taking into consideration the applicable guidance from the Federal Government and the Mississippi Department of Health, and while complying with any Executive Order of the Governor then in effect. The Board urges the universities to take prudent precautions in planning for resuming traditional operations and the Board recognizes that adjustments may be needed to align with changes in recommendations from health professionals.

Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and MSU recognize that face-to-face instruction is a vitally important element for all students attending the university, and as long as health guidance does not prohibit, MSU is committed to in-person

instruction to the extent possible. Our desire is that every student has a majority of their courses with some face-to-face elements. To accomplish this goal, MSU is enacting the following procedures to ensure the health of our students, staff, and faculty:

• Requiring facial coverings for all students and faculty in classrooms and teaching labs.

• Physical distancing in all teaching spaces.

• Deep sanitizing each night in accordance with CDC guidelines.

• Additional cleaning supplies available in each classroom during the day.

• Increasing time between classes to 20 minutes to allow classrooms to clear between classes, reduce traffic in hallways and common spaces, and allow students travel time between widespread classrooms.

• Signage throughout all spaces reinforcing all policies and safety measures.

• All faculty who are teaching face-to-face will have technology that allows livestream and/or video capture, enabling students who are experiencing COVID-related symptoms to view the lectures online, thus enhancing health and safety of all.

Given the Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning resolution, and the safety measures outlined above, MSU provides the following guidance to faculty and department heads in approaching Fall 2020 teaching assignments:

• Based on reduced classroom space available due to physical distancing, MSU administration’s overall goal is to have a majority of courses in each department with some face-to-face elements.

• Administration does not view this as a binary choice of online or face-to-face only; a number of combinations are possible that can work specifically for the discipline or course. Faculty are encouraged to explore creative approaches using blended and hybrid approaches this semester that maximize safety but also provide in-person instruction and interactions with students.

• All COVID-19 related medical accommodations processed and approved by the department head, dean, and Human Resources Management will be used to assign top priority for online instruction opportunities.


https://www.registrar.msstate.edu/calendars/academic-calendar/c/?year%5bvalue%5d%5byear%5d=2020&semester=fall

• Additional online-only courses may be approved within the constraints noted above and must be justified to the department head and dean.

Classroom DensityA thorough evaluation of all space on campus that could be used for in-person class instruction has been completed. No more than 50% of room capacity will be used for in-person instruction.

Time Between ClassesThe time between classes has been extended to allow 20 minutes versus 10/15 minutes for students to move between classes and to clear classrooms before the next class comes in. This should allow for more free flow between classes and less congestion in hallways and building entrances/exits.

Continuous Remote LearningColleges and departments have developed plans for a mixture of in-person, hybrid, and remote instruction. In-person, hybrid, flipped, and online determinations are made to best meet educational needs safely. Continuous remote delivery will be facilitated for all classes to ensure the ability for students to remain on their academic pathways even if they choose not to return to campus in the fall or in the event that the University must halt in-person instruction at some point during the course of the semester. Additionally, we will actively encourage students who may be feeling unwell to stay home rather than attend an in-person class given the availability of their course content online.

Research and Laboratory ProtocolsRESEARCH ACTIVITIESResearch activities, labs and facilities may resume operations if university safety protocols and physical distancing requirements are met. The guiding principles for operation include the following:

• Promote and enforce physical distancing in all areas: offices, centers, labs, training rooms, meeting areas, common areas, and outdoor activity areas. The recommended space for physical distancing remains at 6 feet.

• Face coverings are required in all laboratories and research facilities per university guidelines.

• It is the responsibility of the PI and/or supervisor managing the facility to adjust operating procedures to be consistent with university guidelines and appropriate for the research activity.

• All standard operating procedures and protocols for lab/facility safety must be maintained.

• Ensure frequent hand washing and make hand sanitizer readily available.

• Clean and disinfect high touch areas often.

• Monitor your own health and make sure everyone understands to stay home if they do not feel well.

• Be ready to adjust or adapt lab procedures. Research guidance may change as conditions change.

Supervisors are responsible for training and communicating all safety requirements to those using the facility. Supervisors and PIs are responsible for staffing to maintain physical distancing guidance.


ACADEMIC & RESEARCH CONTINUITY

• Post clear instructions/expectations to support your particular needs.

• Communicate the expectations. Hold virtual meetings to discuss protocols. Post procedures in visible locations. Make frequent spot visits. Consider holding monthly virtual meetings to promote ongoing awareness and ensure compliance.

If your situation is such you are unable to adapt and adjust while meeting the physical distance guidelines, please discuss with your Associate Dean for Research or ORED administrator.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEETINGTHE GUIDANCEPhysical Distancing • Determine the maximum occupancy allowing for social distancing (6 ft. distancing) and post signs.

• Minimize physical interactions through strategies such as shift-work and alternate-day scheduling. Modification may include staggering or alternating work schedules, supporting telework schedules, or some hybrid approach.

• You may need to rearrange spaces, remove chairs as a physical indicator of the number of people allowed in a room or space, or close break rooms to minimize the opportunity for people to congregate.

• Consider designating one entrance for ingress and one entrance for egress and establish traffic flow patterns to minimize close proximity to others during entry and exit.

• Consider floor markings as visual cues for spacing.

• Do not use shared office or break areas unless social distancing can be maintained according to the guidelines established for each facility.

• Assign work areas such as a desk or bench to specific individuals to minimize sharing. Each researcher must use only their assigned work area.

• If exceptions to physical distancing are necessary based on the type of work required, list those activities and provide clear procedures for such activities. Monitor such activities on a regular basis to ensure compliance with PPE requirements.

Frequent Cleaning and Disinfecting • Ensure regular disinfection of all touch points, such as door handles, faucet handles at workspace sinks, switches, keyboards and other common equipment. Surface disinfection should occur before and after use to ensure disinfection is complete.

• Limit the use of shared items when at all possible: pens, notebooks/logbooks, lab tools and hand-held equipment, etc. To the extent possible each person should have their own items that are not shared.

• Place a box with disinfecting supplies in each lab. Place instructions for use in the box.

• Establish procedures for individuals to use shared equipment that include disinfecting procedures and PPE requirements for accessing, using and cleaning the equipment.

• Plan for surface cleaning and disinfection between occupants using common workspace and equipment. You may have to organize new schedules with assigned times for access to space and use of equipment.

• Communicate the disinfecting procedures during training.

• Plan for and communicate personal hygiene practices: frequent handwashing; how to properly wear and dispose of gloves, proper use of face coverings or shields, etc.


HUMAN SUBJECT RESEARCHFor the duration of the pandemic, human subject research shall remain the most restrictive and should continue to be done remotely when at all possible.

On July 6, MSU began allowing face-to-face interactions for human subject research to resume given the following safety guidelines are strictly applied. Approval is required by the Office of Research Compliance using the Request Form found on the Office of Research Compliance website. Please contact the Office of Research Compliance for more details.

• Require all subjects and research personnel to wear facial coverings.

• Postpone study visits for participants in a high-risk category (older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions). Refer to CDC guidance for a full list.

• Implement participant screening regarding symptoms and contact with COVID-19 patients to minimize exposure risk (such screening questions do not require IRB approval as long as the data will not be added to the research data set). Refer to CDC guidance for COVID-19 symptoms.

The following questions are recommended for screening:

• In the past 2 weeks, have you been in close contact with anyone with confirmed COVID-19 virus who is still in their isolation period or still has symptoms? • In the last 2 weeks, have you been in close contact with anyone who is currently awaiting their COVID-19 test results? • Have you had a fever and cough within the last 24 hours that you cannot attribute to another known health condition? • Have you had a shortness of breath within the last 24 hours that you cannot attribute to another known health condition? • Do you feel generally unwell for any reason? For example, do you have new unexplained muscle aches, new sore throat, new GI distress or other new changes in your health that you cannot attribute to another known health condition or specific activity?

• Ensure that hand sanitizer and/or hand washing facilities are readily available.

• Establish rigorous disinfecting protocols for any equipment, manipulatives, or other study materials that will be used by multiple participants.

• Schedule appointments to not overlap with those of other subjects and disinfect between appointments.

Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are people aged 65 years and older, people who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and people of all ages with underlying medical conditions.

For a complete list of serious underlying medical

conditions: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-

extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html


https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html



FINANCE & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

TravelNormal approval processes are in place for essential domestic travel. Conference travel is discouraged and will not be approved without strong justification. Justification for conference travel might be service on a planning committee or presenting a paper. Keep in mind that travel for the duration of the pandemic comes with financial risks associated with unexpected, last minute cancellation or restrictions. Travel will not be allowed where shelter-in-place orders are in place. The traveler’s budget is responsible for any unexpected expenses. University-sponsored international travel is not permitted at this time.

Centralize, Manage Purchasing of COVID-19 Related Equipment, SuppliesCampus Services has facilitated a single website for the procurement of COVID-19 related equipment and supplies. These requests are made through each Building Manager/Operator and all requests should be funneled to these assigned personnel. Departments are asked to refrain from procuring these materials on their own and should expect that if items are procured outside of the Campus Services process, they will not be reimbursed unless otherwise indicated.

https://www.fm.msstate.edu/gsm

Tracking Expenses related to COVID-19The Division of Finance and Administration will be responsible for tracking all expenses related to COVID-19. Potential reimbursement under FEMA or the CARES Act or any other stimulus program will be facilitated through the Division of Finance and Administration. A work group has been formed with representation across the university to ensure proper tracking of these expenditures.

Ongoing Construction ProjectsAll university contractors involved with ongoing construction projects are responsible for the safety protocols associated with COVID-19.


https://www.fm.msstate.edu/gsm

HUMAN RESOURCES

Employees in High Risk CategoriesEmployees at high risk due to COVID-19 should contact Human Resources Management to discuss possible accommodations. For a list of those individuals that the CDC considers at higher risk, please see the following website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html

Other medical conditions may also be declared high risk by an employee’s physician.

Available Leave CategoriesEmployees may take accrued personal and/or medical leave following the usual university policies and procedures.

Additionally, 2 new categories of leave are available for all employees to use before December 31, 2020. All employees will be entitled to 2 weeks of Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL) to use for specified COVID-19 related reasons including personal illness, to care for those with specified conditions, or quarantine. Employees unable to work because the employee must care for a child whose school is closed or whose childcare provider is unavailable due to COVID-19 are entitled to use up to 10 weeks of Expanded Family Medical Leave (EFML). This gives employees a total of 12 available weeks of leave time that can be taken to care for children if their childcare provider is currently unavailable due to COVID-19.

Detailed information about this leave is available at https://www.hrm.msstate.edu/covid19. Please read this additional information thoroughly, as some categories of the COVID-19 related leave are only paid at 2/3 of an employee’s rate of pay. Employees will be allowed to supplement this 2/3 with accrued personal leave and/or medical leave, depending on the leave type used. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that this leave is recorded and paid correctly.

Employee Assistance ProgramWe recognize the difficulty the COVID-19 crisis may place on the mental and emotional well-being of faculty and staff. Employees can access the Employee Assistance Program [EAP] free of charge. All EAP services to employees are confidential and are not reported to

colleagues, departments, supervisors, administration, or to the Department of Human Resources Management. To access EAP: • Visit the web portal at www.humana.com/eap

• Enter username: msu (not case sensitive) • Enter password: msu (not case sensitive)

• Telephone counseling: 1-866-219-1232

• Face-to-Face Sessions: For a referral and information about appointments, contact LifeSynch at 1-866- 219-1232, and counselors will connect you with expertise, guidance, and support for your issue with a local provider. Up to three face-to-face sessions may be scheduled using your EAP.

COVID-19 Leave Flow availabe at: hrm.msstate.edu/pdf/covid19-leave-guide.pdf




https://www.hrm.msstate.edu/covid19

http://www.humana.com/eap

http://hrm.msstate.edu/pdf/covid19-leave-guide.pdf

CAMPUS LIFE

Housing and Residence LifeStudents and their families will experience an elongated move-in period over the course of several days to allow for the safest environment possible. We will restrict the number of persons who can assist with move-in activities and students will be provided with a time slot during which they will move-in to their individual residence hall.

Students who need a specific housing accommodation due to a COVID-19 related concern are directed to Disability Support Services. Accommodations may include assignment to a single room where medically indicated.

Housing and Residence Life will require face coverings in all common spaces when physical distancing cannot be achieved. Signage will be displayed in the interior and exterior of buildings describing COVID-19 protocols and expected standards of behavior. Visitors to residence halls will be limited.

Residential students who have COVID-19 or are suspected to have COVID-19 will be isolated in a separate location and will not remain in their assigned residence hall during this period of isolation. Housing and Residence Life will facilitate these arrangements with University Health Services.

Dining ServicesAll dining facilities will allow for to-go and pre-packaged options. Disposable goods will be used and there will be no buffets or self-service permitted in any dining facility. All transactions will be cashless. Frequent sanitization of dining facilities will occur. Density of dining halls and campus eateries will follow physical-distancing guidelines and state public health guidance.

MSU’s dining partner, Aramark, will conduct employee screening and be responsible for the provision of personal protective equipment and protective barriers to facilitate dining employee safety.

Students who are in on-campus housing designated for isolation will be provided with contact-free delivery by Dining Services.

Student Counseling ServicesWe recognize the difficulty the COVID-19 crisis may place on the mental and emotional well-being of our students. Students can access free, confidential counseling services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In-person services are provided at the Student Counseling Services office, 1st Floor, Hathorn Hall, Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. Services are available after hours and weekends by calling 662-325-2091. Workshops related to COVID-19 related stressors are available. Visit https://www.counseling.msstate.edu for more information.

Student Organizations & Campus EventsIn-person meetings and activities are permitted based upon appropriate capacity guidance from the MS Department of Health and/or CDC. Currently capacities are limited to 50% of available seating occupancy for conference spaces and 50% of available seating occupancy for theaters. Adherence to physical distancing requirements and use of face coverings in campus buildings are required. The availability of indoor spaces for campus events will be limited due to the use of space to accommodate the de-densification of classrooms. Student organizations are required to register all events through Cowbell Connect and are strongly encouraged to require RSVPs. Attendance tracking at all events will be required as well to enable communication. Student organizations are encouraged to consider outdoor events and/or virtual programming as alternatives.


https://www.counseling.msstate.edu

https://www.counseling.msstate.edu

University RecreationThe Sanderson Center is operating under guidance from the Governor of the State of MS and operating with reduced capacity. Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols are in place along with physical distancing of machines and patrons. Intramural and club sports will be facilitated in the fall semester in keeping with guidance from the CDC.

AthleticsAthletics has begun its “Return to Play” protocols and student athletes have begun their return to campus. Athletics is facilitating an extensive testing and screening protocol with all student athletes and personnel who are interacting with student athletes. Decisions regarding how athletic events will be managed in Fall 2020 are forthcoming and will be in keeping with guidance from the Mississippi Department of Health, the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

Events/MeetingsMSU hosted in-person meetings and activities are permitted based upon appropriate capacity guidance from the MS Department of Health and/or CDC. Currently capacities are limited to 50% of available seating occupancy for conference spaces and 50% of available seating occupancy for theaters. Adherence to physical distancing requirements and use of face coverings in campus buildings are required. Any event/meeting with food must include boxed meals or grab-and-go options. Buffet service or self-service is not allowed.


https://www.mmlonline.com/media/1944/executive-order-1480-extend-safer-at-home.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html

CONTRIBUTORS

COVID-19 TASK FORCEJeremy BahamAsst. Vice President, Student Affairs

Jason BarrettAsst. Extension Professor, Water Resources Institute

Thomas BourgeoisDean of Students

David BuysAsst. Professor, Food Science, Nutrition & Health Promotion

Annika CampbellAsst. Director, Office of Study Abroad

John CohenDirector of Athletics

Brent CrockerEmergency Manager, Student Affairs

John DickersonAsst. Vice President, Enrollment

Randy FollettAssoc. Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ra’Sheda ForbesAssoc. Vice President, Multicultural Affairs

Daniel HaleBusiness Administrator, Longest Student Health Center

Carla HustonDirector, CVM Enhanced Clinical Education

Regina HyattVice President, Student Affairs

Brandon JollyAssoc. General Counsel

Mary Ann JonesAssoc. Professor, Library

Julie JordanInterim Vice President for Research

Joan LucasGeneral Counsel

Mary McLendonSr. Assoc. Athletic Director, Sports Medicine & Performance

Reuben MooreInterim Vice President, Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine

Elizabeth Gregory NorthHead, Agricultural Communications

Tyler PackerPresident, Student Association

Steve ParrottChief Information Officer

Jordan RamseyAssoc. Director, Alumni Association

Andrew RendonDirector, Assessment Office, Student Affairs

Rebecca Robichaux-DavisProfessor, Curriculum, Instruction & Special Education

John RushVice President, Development & Alumni

Peter RyanExec. Vice Provost/Dean, Graduate School

Sid SalterChief Communications Officer

Susan SealExec. Director, Center for Distance Education

David ShawProvost/Exec. Vice President

Nancy SiegertChief Human Resources Officer

David Smith, D.V.M.Professor, CVM Pathobiology & Population Medicine

Kyle StewardExec. Director, External Affairs

Cliff Story, M.D.Exec. Director, University Health Services

Lee WeiskopfDirector, University Governmental Support

Don ZantVice President, Finance/Chief Financial Officer

COVID-19 RESEARCH COMMITTEEDavid BuysAsst. Professor, Food Science, Nutrition & Health Promotion

Art CosbyDirector, Social Science Research Center

Teresa GammillAsst. Vice President, Office of Research

Stephanie HycheDirector, Research Development, Office of Research Development

Giselle MunnAssoc. Dean, College of Arts & Sciences

Dan PetersonInstitute for Genomics, Biocomputing & Biotechnology

Kari ReevesAssoc. Dean, Bagley College of Engineering

Holli SeitzAsst. Professor, Communication

David SmithProfessor, CVM Pathobiology & Population Medicine

MSU FUTURE PLANNING WORK GROUPBrent CrockerEmergency Manager, Student Affairs

Regina HyattVice President, Student Affairs


Joan LucasGeneral Counsel

Reuben MooreInterim Vice President, Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine



John RushVice President, Development & Alumni


Nancy SiegertChief Human Resources Officer

Cliff Story, M.D.Executive Director, University Health Services

Don ZantVice President, Finance/Chief Financial Officer

SPACE UTILIZATION WORK GROUPAmy AdkersonAssoc. Registrar

Raymond BrooksAssoc. Dean & Director, Colvard Student Union


David HowellEngineer, Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station


Cathy LammonsExec. Director of Communications & Donor Relations, MSU Foundation

Jay LoganExec. Senior Assoc. Athletic Director, Internal Operations

Steve ParrottChief Information Officer

Les PottsAssoc. Vice President, Administration

Saunders RamseyExec. Director of Campus Services


HEALTHY BEHAVIORS WORK GROUPLeah BeasleyExec. Senior Assoc. Athletic Director, External Affairs

Carson BrantleyMarketing & Communications Graduate Asst., Student Affairs


Katie CorbanMarketing & Communications Manager, Student Affairs

Antonio GardnerAsst. Professor, Food Science, Nutrition & Health Promotion

Liv HunterMarketing Director, Student Association

Harriet LairdAssoc. Director, Public Affairs

Elizabeth Gregory NorthHead, Agricultural Communications


Leah PylateDirector, Health Promotion & Wellness

Holli SeitzAsst. Professor, Communication


SCREENING TECHNOLOGY WORK GROUPCindy BethelAsst. Vice President Intern, Office of Research


Brent CrockerEmergency Manager, Student Affairs


Tom RitterSenior Security & Compliance Officer, ITS


COVID-19 EXPENDITURES WORK GROUPBrandy AkersExec. Director of Research Fiscal Affairs, Office of Research Maggie BallardBusiness Manager II, Vice President of Agriculture, Forestry & Veterinary Medicine

Elizabeth BlaineStrategic Operations Analyst, Planning & Analysis

Cheryl BowenDirector of Budget & Planning, Student Affairs

Janet CarrawayExec. Director of Finance, MSU Foundation

Anne CookAsst. Director of Financial Services, Mississippi Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station

Kevin EdelbluteAsst. Vice President, Controller/Treasurer

Eric GeorgeSenior Assoc. Athletic Director, Finance

Crissy HathcockAsst. Director of Financial Services, Forest & Wildlife Research Center

Susan HeathDirector of Academic Fiscal Affairs, Office of the Provost

Jennifer McPhersonFinancial Analyst, Planning & Analysis

Richard SwannAsst. Director & Financial Administrator, Extension Service

Angela WallerAssoc. Director of Bus Operations, Campus Services

Christy WilderAsst. Director of Financial Services, College of Veterinary Medicine

Eric WilderInsurance & Risk Management Specialist, Controller/Treasurer

STUDENT ACTIVITIES WORK GROUPKenzie BloomArea Coordinator of Student Housing, Residence Life

Teretha ConnerAsst. Director of TRIO, Student Support Services

Santee EzellAsst. Director, Health Promotion & Wellness

Ra’Sheda ForbesAssoc. Vice President, Multicultural Affairs

Chris HawkinsAsst. Director, Center for Student Activities

Will JordanAsst. Director, Facilities & Outdoor Programming, Sanderson Center

Steven KnechtCompetitive Sports Coordinator, Sanderson Center

Serena McCoveryStudent Leadership Asst. Director, Student Leadership & Community Engagement

Jackie MullenAsst. Dean & Director, Colvard Student Union & Center for Student Activities

Tabor MullenAssoc. Dean of Students

Amelia RogersAssoc. Director, Colvard Student Union

Summer SeageCoordinator of Recreation Facilities, Sanderson Center

Lu SwitzerDirector of Student Counseling Services

John Michael VanHornAssoc. Director, Fraternity & Sorority Life

Alexis WallaceAsst. Director, Student Leadership & Community Engagement

COVID-19 INSTRUCTIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEEJason BarrettAsst. Extension Professor, Water Resources Institute

Richard BlackbournDean, College of Education

Angi BourgeoisDean, College of Architecture, Art & Design

Frances ColemanDean, MSU Libraries

Jim DunneAssoc. Vice President, Office of the Provost

Randy FollettAssoc. Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Brent FountainAssoc. Vice President, Office of the Provost

Kent Hoblet, D.V.M.Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine

George HopperDean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences & the College of Forest Resources

Mary Ann JonesAssoc. Professor, Library

Jason KeithDean, Bagley College of Engineering

Sharon OswaldDean, College of Business


CONTRIBUTORS



Rick TravisDean, College of Arts & Sciences


Chris SnyderDean, Shackouls Honors College

ATHLETICS COMMITTEEPamela Bartz Director, Sports Nutrition

Leah BeasleyExec. Senior Assoc. Athletic Director, External Affairs

Angel Brutus Director, Counseling & Sport Psychology

Thomas Callans Head Athletic Trainer/ICO

Melissa ChastangAssoc. Athletic Trainer

John CohenDirector of Athletics

Ches Fedric Assoc. Athletic Director, Facilities & Capital Projects

Eric GeorgeSenior Assoc. Athletic Director, Finance

Matt Gorby Athletic Trainer

Bo HemphillDeputy Director of Athletics, Development

Marci Hoppa Strength & Conditioning Coach, Women’s Basketball Dan Kistler Asst. Strength & Conditioning Coach, Football

Katie Lee Athletic Trainer

Jay LoganExec. Senior Assoc. Athletic Director, Internal Operations

Ryan Looney, M.D.Team Physician

Mary McLendonSr. Assoc. Athletic Director, Sports Medicine & Performance

Stephanie Mock Head Olympic Sports Strength & Conditioning Coach

Mike RicheyExec. Senior Assoc. Athletic Director, Bulldog Club


ONLINE EDUCATION TASK FORCEElizabeth BlaineStrategic Operations Analyst, Planning & Analysis

Terry Dale CruseAsst. Vice President & Head, MSU-Meridian


Deborah EakinAssoc. Professor, Psychology

Brent FountainAssoc. Vice President, Office of the Provost

Jason KeithDean, Bagley College of Engineering

Jake ManningPast President, Student Association

Jennifer McPhersonFinancial Analyst, Planning & Analysis

Sharon OswaldDean, College of Business


John RodgersProfessor & Head, Geosciences


Susan SealExec. Director, Center for Distance Education

Rick TravisDean, College of Arts & Sciences

IMPORTANT CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION LINKS

• Academic Continuity for Faculty

• Academic Continuity for Students

• Continuity for Employees

• Continuity for Researchers

• Technology Continuity for Working Remotely

• Guidance for Exposure and Contact

• Coronavirus Resources

• Fall 2020 Planning Feedback

Mississippi State University is closely monitoring news and information related to COVID-2019, the worldwide health concern known as coronavirus. MSU officials are in regular contact with the Mississippi Department of Health and other health officials to take all precautions to protect students, faculty and staff.

https://www.msstate.edu/acfaculty

https://www.msstate.edu/acstudents

https://www.msstate.edu/cfemployees

https://www.msstate.edu/cfresearchers

https://www.msstate.edu/tcworkplace

https://www.msstate.edu/coronavirus/guidance

https://www.msstate.edu/coronavirus/resources

https://w.msstate.edu/covid/fall20_planning/

https://www.msstate.edu/coronavirus

all f2020 comprehensive health & safety return plan · 2020. 5. 21. · a comprehensive health...

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