COVID-19
How do we continue to function in our new normal? What does productivity look like in an age of virtual work? How can we maintain interpersonal connection amidst isolation? These questions are being answered as we all face an unforeseen reality.
COVID-19 has ravaged its way across the globe, unfortunately infecting hundreds of thousands of people, and causing us all to use the term “social distancing.” It has made a profound impact on the way that graduate students are learning, with most Universities moving to an online format, often with the use of Zoom or other virtual conferencing services. COVID-19 has postponed plans, including for the well-deserved Commencement for our Class of 2020. The most horrible impact of COVID-19, of course, is the critical illness, and terrible loss of valuable lives. This virus will indelibly reshape the economy, academia, personal lives, and history forever.
In the meantime, as we learn to adapt, the Graduate School is operating in unique circumstances. We maintain our role as supporters of UM Graduate Students in any way possible. Our students have shifted to an all-online virtual learning format for courses for the remainder of the Spring Semester and for the Summer Semesters.
To better interface with our students and provide them with resources, the Graduate School has created “In This Together” on our website. These pages contain resources and answers to common questions for graduate students.
The main page is listed here: https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/in-this-together/.
The first subpage is “Prioritizing Well-Being”: https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/well-being/.
It has information about wellness, from University resources to the latest CDC guidelines. It also includes what to do if you do feel sick. An important section is “Managing Stress and Emotional Well-being,” including tips for staying physically well while social distancing.
The next subpage is “Excelling in Academics and Research”: https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/academics-and-research/, which details academic resources such as online virtual learning platforms. Additionally, we convey important information about the Emergency Grading procedures for graduate students. Information about research, data collection, and submitting mandatory forms are all listed as well.
The final subpage is “Financials”: https://gradschool.olemiss.edu/financials/.
It provides critical information about applying for unemployment benefits, how to address food insecurity, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Women, Infants and Children’s Nutrition Program (WIC). We also provide additional information about the graduate assistantship program and how students’ roles are adapting to promote social distancing.
We want to reiterate that we are all in this together. Together, and through communicating our successes and challenges, we will work to find answers to questions and help you continue and prosper in your graduate studies.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if our webpage does not have an answer for your specific question.
Stay safe, and stay healthy.