MSU makes plans for 2021 spring semester
Although 2021 is bringing in some baggage from its predecessor, Mississippi State University is prepared to handle it all this coming semester.
Back in early December, MSU announced that the beginning of its spring 2021 semester would be slightly delayed from January 6 to the following Monday, January 11 to buy more time for the university to continue monitoring the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on public health and safety before students return.
“As we’ve repeatedly said, our primary responsibility is to safeguard our students, faculty, and staff during this health crisis,” MSU Executive Vice President and Provost David R. Shaw said in the university’s official statement regarding the postponement.
With State looking to start its 2021 spring semester on January 11, it has constructed a comprehensive health and safety return plan in preparation for another semester during the pandemic.
Starting on the first day of classes, students and employees will be required to complete daily non-intrusive health self-check through the Everbridge Safety Connection
app before starting the day.
First, the student or employee will go through the self-check. If there are no symptoms or contact, they may proceed with their activities. Otherwise, they will need to follow instructions to stay at home or contact a medical professional.
On campus, there will be temperature testing kiosks placed in locations around campus to enable MSU students and employees to easily take their temperature throughout the day in a touchless manner. These kiosks will guide individuals on where to stand and will report their temperatures within seconds.
Like last semester, all MSU students, employees, and visitors will be required to wear face coverings inside campus buildings at all times. Preferred face coverings include surgical masks, N95 masks, and cloth masks.
Although studies have demonstrated that they do reduce transmission compared to no face covering, face shields and neck gaiters have in some studies been shown to be less effective than face masks. When either one of those is worn, strict physical distancing of at least 6 feet must be observed at all times.
Coronavirus testing has been and will continue to be facilitated through the Longest Student Health Center for students and employees.
The MSU cleaning staff has been trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures. All classrooms will be deep cleaned during overnight hours. High-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, and handrails will be frequently cleaned throughout each day.
With the ongoing transmission of the coronavirus within the United States and around the world, students and employees may have been exposed during their domestic or international travels during the holiday season.
Regardless of where they traveled or what they did during the break, students and employees are encouraged to stay at least 6 feet from other people, wear a face covering with their nose and mouth covered in public, wash and sanitize their hands often, and to make a habit of watching their health.
Although classes are scheduled to resume on January 11, MSU will continue to monitor the impact of the coronavirus in the coming days. Students, employees, and their families should monitor the university’s website, social media accounts, and their email for update information.