Financial Issues
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COVID-19 and inflation have created financial instability and challenges for members of our community. The pandemic has not affected all members of our community equally due to inequities in work environments, access to reliable internet, health care and health insurance access, and childcare needs. Similarly, for some, the return to more traditional operations and courses presented new economic challenges.
This page lists resources and questions that may be particularly pertinent to graduate students. We care about our graduate students and their loved ones. We are working to support those with needs through identification of resources and other mechanisms. As we obtain additional information related to graduate students, we will add to this page.
We know that the current economic situation has affected searches for jobs (although more job opportunities are opening up, we recognize that some may not be able to secure their desired position or may face new limitations with regard to type of work and/or location). One resource available to all graduate students is the Career Center at the University of Mississippi. The Career Center assists with job searches and the application process and is a resource also available to recent graduates. Additionally, MS Grad Jobs is a place where many employers list positions within the state of Mississippi.
Links to Information Related to Food and Financial Insecurity Resources
The UMatter page located at https://olemiss.box.com/s/57kof5njl7wae096c50ue5g8swovhwzl lists a number of resources including several related to food insecurity and community resources. The Food Bank is also open and operating for members of the campus community. Students can find more information about the UM Grove Grocery here. Other local resources related to financial needs resulting from disruptions caused by COVID-19 can be found at https://twitter.com/McLeanUM/status/1240324766894080001?s=20.
For individuals who have lost employment (or are currently unemployed), directions for applying for MS unemployment can be found at https://mdes.ms.gov/.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Information and the application for SNAP can be found at https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/
Women, Infants and Children’s Nutrition Program (WIC) – WIC is a special supplemental food program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children under five years of age. WIC helps you and your baby get healthy foods and healthy advice in the first years of life. You can find more information at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/41,0,128.html
The stimulus packages also offered temporary relief for federal student loan borrowers (individuals should ensure they understand the implications of suspending their payments on eligibility for other student loan repayment programs).
Limitations
Due to the ever-evolving nature of this pandemic, updates are subject to constant and rapid change.
What About My Graduate Assistantship?
Do I have to come to campus for my assistantship? Do I have to have the vaccine?
The University of Mississippi ended emergency telecommuting on June 7th, 2020. University policies do not allow graduate students in online programs to hold graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants should speak with their supervisors about the requirements of their specific positions. Graduate assistants who require accommodations should contact the Graduate School at gschool@olemiss.edu so that we can understand your situation and help identify solutions.
The University of Mississippi is following the IHL requirements. Details about documentation of vaccinations and accommodations can be found on the COVID-19 webpage.
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