Coronavirus

TO: Alcorn State University Faculty and Staff

FROM: President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Update Campus Operations

DATE: July 10, 2020

Yesterday, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced new restrictions in 13 counties that are seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases. Claiborne and Jefferson counties are included in the governor’s mandate that require a face mask be worn in public places along with a ban on all social gatherings exceeding 10 people indoors and 20 people outdoors. This order goes into effect on Monday, July 13.

As we continue to take every precaution to ensure the health and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff and in compliance with state officials, effective immediately, University employees and visitors will be required to wear a face mask on campus. In addition, please avoid meetings of more than 10 people and use video conferencing platforms for meetings whenever possible.

The challenge of COVID-19 requires us all to work together. By wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing and good hand hygiene, staying home when sick and self-reporting exposure to the coronavirus, we can all do our part to slow the spread and ensure a safe start this fall.

TO: Alcorn State University Community

FROM: Keith A. McGee, Ph.D., Interim Provost & Executive Vice President

DATE: June 18, 2020

RE: Limited Opening of the Alcorn State University Campus at Vicksburg, MS

The Alcorn State University Campus at Vicksburg, MS, will be open to limited personnel and events as approved through the Office of the Provost and staffed by personnel approved by the Office of the Provost.

The limited opening will begin July 1, 2020.

TO: Alcorn State University Employees

FROM: President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Phased Return of Employees

DATE: May 28, 2020

Events during the past two months have presented unique challenges for our students, faculty, and staff as well as the daily operations of our Lorman, Natchez, and Vicksburg locations. Our Brave family has persevered and navigated these unprecedented events while continuing to carry out the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service in innovative ways that reflect the Brave Spirit.

On May 25 at 8 am, the executive orders (stay-at-home and the extended safer-at-home) issued by Governor Tate Reeves ended. Additionally, during the May IHL Board meeting, the Board of Trustees passed the resolution requiring all Mississippi institutions to plan for, to the extent possible, the return of students to campus for fall 2020. Although we cannot mitigate every risk, we will continue and escalate our safety, health and welfare measures including but not limited to:

• regularly sanitizing workspaces
• establishing social distance parameters
• facilitating virtual meetings
• the use of face covering

Thus, I am writing to inform you of when and how business operations will resume on all Alcorn State University campuses. The Natchez campus will reopen for limited operations on June 1 and the Vicksburg campus will reopen for limited operations on July 1.

During the month of May, a progressive and staged return of leadership and select essential employees was implemented.For this next phased re-opening, employees should expect to hear from their vice president (or direct supervisor) and/or Human Resources when they are expected to return to their work site as well any requirements for re-entry. The phased return of employees will follow the schedule below:

• June 1: All Directors/Associate/Assistant, Associate/Assistant Deans, and Select Essential Employees determined by the Vice President
• June 15: All Essential Workers
• July 1: All Employees

Teleworking or alternate work location employee assignments will conclude on the designated date listed above. Subsequent absences, including those resulting from being sent home due to temperature or COVID-19 symptoms, will require submission of a leave document in accordance with Alcorn State University’s leave policy.Those employees who have special circumstances as defined by the CDC and FMLA should consult with HR and provide documentation about any personal circumstances requiring them to remain offsite. All other employees can expect to be required to return to campus as directed.

The COVID-19 and the Campus Safe Start Taskforce are expected to provide additional recommendations related to reintroducing students to campus and campus operations. I look forward to receiving the recommendations and continuing to provide a safe environment for our campus community.

Thank you for your committed service to Alcorn State University!

TO: Alcorn State University Community

FROM: President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Update Campus Operations

DATE: May 10, 2020

Alcorn State University will begin to slowly yet strategically re-introduce select essential employees back into the campus environment until such time that it is safe to return all employees. Employees deemed necessary to return to work will be notified by their area vice president and/or supervisor. Remaining employees will continue in a telework status.

Returning employees are expected to strictly adhere to the following guidelines:

• Complete the faculty/staff self-reporting survey for out-of-state travel
• https://alcornedu.finalsite.com/discover-alcorn/coronavirus/faculty-staff-self-reporting-portal
• Report possible exposure and/or illness to your supervisor
• Temperatures will be taken at the front entry gate beginning Monday, May 11
• Practice social distancing (avoid unnecessary visiting with colleagues)
• Wear a mask
• No groups of 10 or more should gather at any time
• Continue best practices of handwashing, disinfecting, and sanitizing

With the continuing evolution of public health guidelines, the following restrictions remain in place until further notified:

• The campus remains closed to in-person business operations
• Meetings are to be held via teleconference, virtual, or Zoom
• University-sponsored domestic and international travel remains suspended

We will continue to take extra precautions to maintain a safe and sanitized environment.

TO: Alcorn State University Employees and Students

FROM: President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Update Campus Operations – Safer-at-Home

DATE: April 27, 2020

To help continue the state’s fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves issued Executive Order 1477 on April 24, 2020, which implements a statewide Safer at Home order until May 11, 2020, unless rescinded, modified or extended.

In line with the governor’s executive order, Alcorn State University will continue our current operations status until the order is lifted. Employees deemed necessary to return to work will be notified by their area vice president and/or supervisor with further instructions for returning to campus. Employees who must work on campus should continue to practice social distancing, wear a mask, and no groups of 10 or more should gather at any time.

TO: Alcorn State University Employees and Students

FROM: President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Current Campus Operating Status to Continue for One Additional Week

DATE: April 17, 2020

To help continue the state’s fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has signed Executive Order 1473 extending the statewide “shelter-in-place" for one additional week through 8 a.m. Monday, April 27, 2020.

In line with the governor’s executive order, Alcorn State University will continue our current operations status until the order is lifted. All employees currently on administrative leave and/or other alternative/remote work status shall remain in place until further notice.

Friday, April 10, 2020

Dear Alcorn State University Students,

With the transition to virtual and remote learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students were faced with an inability to return to campus for the remainder of the spring semester. As you know, we have received a number of questions about refunds for certain fees paid to the university for the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked with our sister institutions, system and state leaders to respond with clarity and equity to this unprecedented challenge. Throughout this process, our priority has been to make sure everyone affected is safe and made as whole as possible.

I am pleased to report that in support of our students and in alignment with guidance recently received from IHL, Alcorn State University will issue prorated refunds and credits to eligible students for housing, meals and parking charges for the Spring 2020 Semester. Below is general information on how the University intends to implement refunds and credits. All transactions (housing, meals and parking refunds/credits) will be processed no later than May 29, 2020. Students who remained on campus will not be eligible for refunds or credits.

HOUSING

Students who did not remain on campus to live in university residence halls after March 16, 2020 will receive a pro-rated refund of their Spring 2020 housing agreement. Students who withdrew from the university before March 16, 2020 will not be issued a refund. Additionally, students whose full housing was paid from institutional scholarships, ASU Foundation scholarships, or Alcorn Athletics will not receive a refund.

MEALS

Students enrolled in meal plans though Sodexo, our dining services partner, will have the remainder of their meal plans rolled over into Fall 2020 as a credit unless the student is graduating, in which case, the student will receive a pro-rated refund check or direct deposit on the unused portion of their plan, based on the last day of use. Flex dollar balances will be transferred to the Fall 2020 semester as well.

PARKING

The Parking Office will provide pro-rated credits to all commuter students and students who did not remain on campus to live in university residence halls after March 16, 2020. Graduating seniors will receive a refund for parking.

Please note that all refunds will be applied to students’ accounts at the university and will first apply to any current outstanding charges or balances owed. Any unused balance will be distributed to students via direct deposit or refund check. All remaining payments due on payment plans for housing, meals and parking will be prorated and late payments and financing charges will be waived through the end of the semester.

Students utilizing federal funds to pay for any portion of their housing and meals will receive a refund for any credit balance, per guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Education. These plans may be subject to change should future Department of Education guidance require modifications.

We sincerely appreciate your patience as we work to facilitate these processes and hope this plan meets your expectations in our efforts to ensure we strike the appropriate balance between applicable state laws and fairness to our students. More information, including a Frequently Asked Questions portal, will be provided soon by various offices including the Office of Residence Life, Financial Aid and Finance and Administration.

I hope everyone is continuing to stay safe and enjoy a happy holiday weekend properly social distancing with family and loved ones.

Brave Forever!

Felecia M. Nave
President, Alcorn State University

To: All Alcorn State University Employees and Students

From: Alcorn President Felecia M. Nave

RE: Notification for All Employees and Students to Shelter in Place

Date: Sunday, April 5, 2020

On Wednesday, March 31, Governor Tate Reeves announced the "Shelter-in-place" executive order #1466 to limit the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. The order requires all persons residing in Mississippi to shelter in place beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, April 3 through 8 a.m. Monday, April 20, except for essential services.

In line with the Governor’s executive order and to further reduce the employee footprint on campus, limited essential employees as designated by their area vice president will report to campus to continue critical and emergency services (i.e. Campus Police/Fire, Health Services, CITS, etc.). The campus remains operational, however, all employees should continue to work from home to the extent possible. Classes will continue to be taught remotely.

Most University buildings will be closed, except:

•Walter Washington Administration and Classroom Building (restricted access)

•Campus Public Safety Center

•Rowan Health Services Center

•Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Hall (restricted access)

•Facilities Management

•Campus Post Office

•Campus Fuel Station

Employees deemed necessary to report to campus will be notified by their area vice president and/or supervisor, provided a letter signed by the president and have their names placed on a list at each campus entrance. Employees who must work on campus should continue to practice social distancing, and no groups of 10 or more should gather at any time. Nonessential visitors to all campuses will be restricted.

All remaining essential employees who have not completed an Alternate Work Location form will be automatically placed on telework status and remote work plans will be forwarded to you via email by your supervisor.

The University’s restriction of on-campus operations will also include significantly reducing the amount of facilities staff available to provide the usual grounds maintenance and cleaning and sanitation services in University buildings.

Students still on campus will be consolidated into two residence halls on the Lorman campus. Dining services will be twice daily, take out only.

STUDENT ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES FACULTY ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

Mississippi State Department of Health HOTLINE: 877.978.6453 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F

Alcorn State University is closely monitoring the global spread of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”), which has caused outbreaks of respiratory disease in numerous countries, including the United States.

University leaders are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff. In addition, Alcorn is working closely with federal, state, and local health officials to share information and implement policies related to preparedness and prevention. As our campuses make preparations, we will have access to and heed the guidance of infectious disease and public health and safety experts.

Alcorn will share updated information on this web page as it becomes available. This page is intended to provide information about precautions and preparations that are being taken and prevention measures you can take. Please click on a link below for the latest developments.

UPDATE #14 – Saturday, March 28, 2020

Vicksburg Expansion Center Closing

UPDATE #13 – Friday, March 27, 2020

Move to Essential and Non-Essential Employees and Campus Operations

UPDATE #12 – Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Cellular, Internet, and WIFI Resources

UPDATE #11 – Sunday, March 22, 2020

Remote Classes Resume Online tomorrow, March 23rd. Alcorn State University looks forward to welcoming you back to continue your higher education experience at the “Online Reservation”.

Our CITS Canvas Team is committed to helping all students, faculty and staff transition to virtual teaching and learning. Your well-being and academic success is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as we boot up to provide you the support you need.

If you have questions, please visit alcorn.edu/canvashelp

UPDATE #10 – Saturday, March 21, 2020

As a part of the University’s response to COVID-19, we are continually working to make sure we provide a healthy and safe environment for the campus.

Students currently living on campus are reminded of the protection guidelines outlined below. The University is monitoring the situation closely and reserves the right to alter the arrangements as necessary. Read More

UPDATE #9 – Thursday, March 19, 2020

Message to Alcorn Alumni and Friends from the Office of Institutional Advancement

As most are aware, the global coronavirus pandemic, COVID-19 is evolving and casting a wide shadow over normal activities in our state, the nation and world. Alcorn State University recognizes that these fast-unfolding events are creating concern and uncertainty for all of us and want you to know our first priority is the safety and well-being of our community and to the extent possible, the continuity of University operations. Read More

UPDATE #8 – Thursday, March 19, 2020

Spring 2020 Commencement and Alumni Reunion Weekend Postponed

I am writing to inform you that the Spring 2020 Commencement and Alumni Reunion Weekend will be postponed until further notice. Read More

UPDATE #7 – Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Faculty Guidance for Transition to Virtual, Remote and Online Delivery of Courses

Alcorn State University is committed to student success, health, and the safety of the Alcorn Community. In light of the recent occurrences of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID - 19), please adhere to the following important guidelines and procedures. Read More

UPDATE #6 – Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Information for Students Living in Campus Residence Halls

The Office of Residence Life appreciates your patience and understanding as the University works diligently and carefully to make decisions and arrangements addressing the impact of this changing public health crisis of COVID-19. Read More

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UPDATE #5 – Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Message from President Felecia M. Nave

Operating guidelines and procedures for the week of March 16-March 20

As we continue to monitor and respond to the rapidly growing pandemic, I again write to share additional guidance as we embark upon our extended spring break week. I sincerely hope that everyone within the Alcorn family and your respective families are healthy and adhering to the guidance being provided by the University (www.alcorn.edu/coronavirus) and/or by the Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov). It goes without saying, the spread of COVID-19 has impacted and disrupted our lives in significant ways. Alcorn has not been immune to these massive disruptions; however, we have moved swiftly to develop and implement contingency plans that aim at keeping the health and safety of our constituents at the forefront. Read More