President Mark E. Keenum greets students and their family members during MVNU2MSU last week. The annual move-in event was adjusted this year to ensure compliance with the university’s Comprehensive Health and Safety Return Plan. Fall semester classes begin Monday [Aug. 17]. PHOTO: Megan Bean | Public Affairs
Proactive measures can help keep health intact
The traditional allergy season will soon start while the COVID-19 pandemic is still underway, likely leading some people to wonder if they are experiencing normal allergic reactions or symptoms of the novel virus. David Buys, health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said people’s current emphasis on good health protective measures may also serve them well in avoiding other transmissible illnesses. “I am optimistic that we will see lower rates of flu transmission this year because of the precautions we are promoting for COVID-19,” Buys said. In addition to special precautions taken for the coronavirus, routine guidance includes healthy eating and physical activity.
Register today for Service D.A.W.G.S. Day
Service D.A.W.G.S. Day is a fun opportunity for MSU students, faculty and staff and members of the surrounding community to give back through volunteering. This year, Service D.A.W.G.S. Day is scheduled for Saturday [Aug. 22] from 10 a.m.-noon. The deadline to register as a participant is Friday [Aug. 21]. To minimize physical contact due to COVID-19, day-of sign-ups and transportation will be not be available. Each participant will receive a free T-shirt at his or her respective service site. Around noon or once volunteers have completed service for the day, Aramark will provide optional meal tickets for pick up at the information table on Barnes & Noble's back patio.
Athletic Academics accepting virtual tutor applications for fall 2020 semester
Mississippi State’s Department of Athletic Academic Support Services is seeking undergraduate, graduate and professional students, as well as campus faculty and staff, to serve as tutors in all subject areas for the fall 2020 semester. Tutoring for the fall semester will be virtually conducted via Webex. Applications will be accepted throughout the semester, but priority will be given to those received by Wednesday [Aug. 19]. Interested individuals can sign up for an account or log in to their account on MSU’s Career Connections website to apply through the department’s posting. Resumes and unofficial transcripts also may be emailed to Askari Rushing, Athletic Academic tutorial coordinator and assistant learning specialist, at aa2tutor@athletics.msstate.edu.
Sara Evans offering two showtimes for Saturday concert at MSU Riley Center
Individual tickets are on sale for two shows by country superstar Sara Evans on Saturday [Aug. 22] at the MSU Riley Center. Structural Steel Services and 970KK radio will present the concerts beginning at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Meticulous safety measures will be in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19. The new rules, among other things, limit seating to 50% capacity and require concertgoers to wear masks at all times inside the Riley Center.
Communicating Science Summit: 'Creating Connections' virtual workshop coming up Sept. 2
The inaugural Mississippi Science Communication Summit will bring together faculty, researchers, staff and graduate students from across the state who are interested in strengthening their skills in science communication. This online summit will include an interactive virtual workshop on Sept. 2 from 2-4:30 p.m. titled "Creating Connections." The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science will facilitate this session. The workshop will include techniques for making messages memorable, reducing use of jargon, strategizing messages, and developing an engaging online presence.
Census Bureau shortens deadline from Oct. 31 to Sept. 30, sounding alarm for Mississippi
Mississippi is responding to a surprise decision announced Aug. 3 by the U.S. Census Bureau to shorten the census deadline by one month, from Oct. 31 to Sept. 30. “I challenge everyone in the Mississippi State University family to register and ‘be counted’ for the census,” said Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum. “An accurate census count puts Mississippi in line for the maximum return of federal investment back into our state for things like highways, education, and healthcare.”
Instructional guide supports faculty with resources for innovative teaching methods
Educators across the country have adjusted to new teaching formats during the coronavirus pandemic, and as they look ahead to soon returning to in-person classrooms, the need for flexible teaching methods continues to be at the forefront of discussion among universities nationwide. Mississippi State’s Online Education Task Force is helping faculty implement a variety of teaching approaches. A new website, www.instructionalguide.msstate.edu, brings together an abundance of information to help prepare for in-person and remote instruction this fall. Resources have been compiled from the university’s Center for Distance Education, Center for Teaching and Learning, Information Technology Services and University Libraries.
S.M.A.R.T. passengers must wear face coverings
The Starkville-Mississippi State University Area Rapid Transit -- known as S.M.A.R.T. -- requires all passengers in the local community and on campus wear face coverings. Ridership capacity is 19 passengers plus the driver, and all buses are disinfected on a daily basis. For information on SMART service times and routes, please visit www.smart.msstate.edu.
Mississippi State, ParkMobile partner to provide contactless parking options for campus visitors
ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the U.S., has launched service on Mississippi State University’s campus in Starkville. Visitors on campus will be able to use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking at over 12,000 spaces around campus. With the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, campus leaders are encouraging visitors to use the app instead of the pay stations or traditional visitor passes. The ParkMobile app is available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Looking for a way to help? Give to the MSU Student Relief Fund
The Mississippi State University community continually exhibits a great sense of responsibility and caring for enrolled students that make the land-grant institution such a special place. The MSU Student Relief Fund, built with private gifts, helps those members of the student body affected with day-to-day crises or like now, the impact to their daily lives posed by COVID-19. The Dean of Students' Office assesses needs and administers the fund for acute crises that may impact students’ ability to succeed academically. The MSU Foundation accepts gifts year-round for the MSU Student Relief Fund. Contributions for this effort can be made online or by contacting the Annual Giving office at (662) 325-2466.
Smoke-free policy enhances healthy environment
Mississippi State University is a smoke-free campus. Official policy prohibits the use of any combustible or vapor products anywhere on campus property including university buildings, university grounds, university vehicles, parking areas and sidewalks. The smoke-free campus policy is part of the university's commitment to creating a healthy environment for all members of the campus community. Use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookah or other similar devices are prohibited by this policy.
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