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COVID-19 Updates

We ask that you follow all the guidelines for isolation found on the CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/isolation.html

Here is a summary of how to respond if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status:
  • Isolate from others at home for at least five days.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask for a full ten days anytime you are around others. Your mask may be removed earlier than day 10 if you have two sequential negative antigen tests 48 hours apart.
  • End isolation after five days only if you are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving.
  • If you do not have symptoms, end isolation after five full days following your positive test.
  • Avoid being around others who are likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Other important items:

  • As you know, Mississippi is no longer under an executive order regarding COVID-19, and leave is like leave associated with any other illness.

  • In some cases, you may be able to work from home if you test positive or are required to quarantine or isolate. Please confirm with your supervisor if that is an option and contact Angie Pickard in HR if you have questions. 

  • The college will remain on Green Alert unless indicated otherwise. 

  • Regardless of our alert status, please take these precautions: 

    • Be aware of your health and any symptoms you might have.

    • Do NOT come to work if you believe you have any primary symptoms associated with COVID-19.

    • Wear a mask if you are not comfortable without one. 

    • Practice personal social distancing if you desire.

    • Practice personal hygiene that includes frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, and maintaining a clean work environment. 

    • You are free to continue using plexiglass dividers in your office or classroom. Please coordinate with your supervisor if necessary. 

  • If your area needs anything associated with the items on this list, please contact your supervisor or Jim Price at the Physical Plant. 

The following information is in regard to the start of the Spring 2021 semester at Meridian Community College. 

If you are enrolled in University Transfer/General Education courses:   

  •  In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, University Transfer/General Education courses are being offered in a hybrid format for the Spring 2021 Semester.    
  • University Transfer/General Education Courses will meet in person beginning January 11th.  Students are asked to access their courses in Canvas, the college's course management system, prior to the first day of class.  Instructors will introduce course content, give students an overview of classroom protocol and, in certain courses, divide students into groups prior to the first day of class.
  


If you are enrolled in a Career-Technical, Nursing, or Healthcare-related program: Unless you have been contacted by your instructor, you will need to report to class at the regularly scheduled times on Monday, January 11th. If you have any questions, please contact your instructor.       


For all students: Your courses, whether you are a University Transfer/General Education student or a student in Career Technical, Nursing, or Healthcare-related programs will be utilizing Canvas. Please take some time to learn about Canvas prior to the start of the semester.   

  • In order to access Canvas, you will need your assigned EagleNet/Canvas username, which is your student ID and password. If you do not remember your password you may click here. If this does not work, you may contact enethelp@meridiancc.edu.   
  • In order to access your courses in Canvas, you should follow the instructions located here. You will have access to your Canvas courses beginning Friday, January 8. You are encouraged to log into Canvas for additional information prior to the January 11th start date.  Under no circumstances, are you to come to campus if you are running a fever or exhibiting any symptoms associated with COVID-19. 
          

In addition to checking your email regularly, please follow Meridian Community College on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for important updates, and make it a habit to view this site.

 

 

General Resources
ACCT: Latest Action in Washington Outgoing Bound Link​  (Webinar: July 30 at 1 PM)
ACT: Making the Case for College During COVID-19 Outgoing Bound Link​ ​ (Webinar: August 4 at 3 PM)
COVID 19: Learning Keeps Going​ Outgoing Bound Link​ (Website)
The Chronicle of Higher Education: The Reopened Campus - What It Will Take. How It Will Look. Outgoing Bound Link​  ​  (Special Report: Website with links to various reports and articles)
eCampus News: 3 Considerations for Community Colleges this Fall ​(Article)  Outgoing Bound Link​ 
MCCB Website: COVID-19 List of Resources​ (Google Doc) Outgoing Bound Link​ 
Office of Governor Tate Reeves: Coronavirus Updates & Resources​ (Website) Outgoing Bound Link​ 
US Dept. of Education: RECAP – White House Summit on Safely Reopening America's Schools Outgoing Bound Link​ (Website)


Conference (Virtual)
CanvasCon Online​ Outgoing Bound Link (Free Virtual Conference - October 15)


Funding Opportunities
CARES Act: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund​ Outgoing Bound Link ​(Website updated as of 7/23/2020)


Instructional Practices
Strada Public Viewpoint Webinar: The Value of Online Education​ Outgoing Bound Link  (Webinar: July 29 at 2 PM)
Encoura: Online Learning Reality Check: Implications for Fall and Beyond from CHLOE 5 Outgoing Bound Link
(Report)

Student Services
The Chronicle of Higher Education: This May Be the Worst Season of Summer Melt in Memory. Here’s How Some Colleges Are Fighting It. Outgoing Bound Link (Article)

Technology
Canva: Design For Change Training Outgoing Bound Link (10 Free Canva Training Sessions - August 3 -7) 
Microsoft: Microsoft launches initiative to help 25 million people worldwide acquire the digital
skills needed in a COVID-19 economy Outgoing Bound Link (Article)
USDA: Trump Administration Invests More Than $16 Million in High Speed Broadband in Rural
Mississippi Outgoing Bound Link (Article)

What Others Are Doing
MDE: COVID-19 Resources Outgoing Bound Link (Webpage)

 

CAMPUS SERVICES

Is the cafeteria going to be open?
Yes, the cafeteria will be open in some form this fall. Aladdin, the company who operates our food service, has developed several operating scenarios, depending on the environment during the fall semester. At the very least, students living in residence halls will receive meals. At the very most, the cafeteria will provide services like what we've enjoyed in the past with a few possible restrictions, which include social distancing/ sanitization protocol and limitations on buffet-style options such as the salad bar, but replaced with pre-packaged items. 

Will the cafeteria be open to faculty and staff?
Again, depending on the environment on August 17, the cafeteria may or may not be available to faculty, staff, and/or the public. All personnel who have a meal plan as part of their employment (residential assistants, for example) would certainly be accommodated. We will let people know ASAP, but it is not likely to be many days prior to August 17.

Will the Quave be open for the fall semester?
The Quave will have limited access and very specific rules for use.  Please contact Leanne Motes at smotes1@meridiancc.edu

What about the Wellness Center and Swimming Pool?
The Damon Fitness Center has limited access and very specific rules for use. Please contact Wade Heggie at wheggie@meridiancc.edu.

Will we have sports this fall?
The NJCAA has moved most fall sports to a spring schedule. Please contact your coach for further information.

FACEMASKS

Do we really have to wear a mask?
Yes. If you are within 6 feet of someone, you are required to wear a mask.

Can an instructor use a plastic face shield?
There are special facemasks designed for teaching that are a combination mask/shield. If you need one, please contact your Dean. Regular plastic shields are not recommended by the CDC as a replacement for a facemask.

How will we communicate to students and visitors that masks are required?
In addition to social media and signage on doors and in various locations around campus, faculty members should add expectations to the first-day handout. Deanna Smith will share information with you regarding specific wording.

What if I teach a class where a facemask might be dangerous?
If you teach a class in which a facemask might be dangerous, please contact your Dean with a request for an exception to the policy.

What if I have a condition that makes facemasks dangerous or unhealthy?
If you have a medically documented reason not to wear a facemask, please see the Dean of Students, if you are a student, and your supervisor if you are a member of the faculty or an employee.

What if a student or visitor refuses to wear a facemask or follow other protocol associated with maintaining campus safety?
For students, having those expectations outlined on the first-day handout should be helpful. Verbally sharing those expectations with students and visitors should also be helpful. If you are in a classroom setting and a student does not comply, I would encourage you to say something privately. If the student continues to refuse, please direct the student to Deanna and let the student know he/she cannot attend class without compliance. We do NOT desire classroom conflict; however, as would be the case with any campus conflict situation, if someone becomes a threat to him/herself and/or others, please notify campus police.

EXPOSURE

If I test positive, am I required to tell someone?
Yes! If you are a student, please contact your instructor and seek medical attention. If you are an employee, please contact your supervisor and seek medical attention. In addition, you are to follow the college’s Contact Tracing Policy. The Contact Tracing Intake Form, is available online at https://www.meridiancc.edu/contacttracing

If I am a student and test positive, who do I tell?
In addition to your instructors, please contact Calvin Bennett, our point person on contact tracing. In addition, please complete the Contact Tracing Intake Form. You can also email Calvin at cbennett@meridiancc.edu. Appropriate other individuals will be notified in accordance with our contact tracing policy.

If I am an employee and test positive, who do I tell?
In addition to your supervisor, please communicate with Angie Pickard. Her email address is apickard@meridiancc.edu.   In addition, please complete the Contact Tracing Intake Form, which is available on our website at www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus.  Appropriate other individuals will be notified in accordance with our contact tracing policy.

What if I am a student in housing and get sick?
You will be better served if you are able to go home and self-quarantine for 14 days or until you are no longer sick. If you are unable to return home, we have designated Eagle Hall as a quarantine facility. In addition to notifying your instructors and seeking medical attention, please contact Calvin Bennett ASAP.

What if a family member tests positive for COVID-19?
Notify your supervisor/instructor and quarantine at home. Students can work with instructors to make up missed work. Employees may work at home if job allows.

If I have to self-quarantine and I miss class, will my absences be excused?
Most of our classes are hybrid and will afford you the opportunity to work remotely and not miss instructional time even if you are quarantined. Regardless, faculty members will work with you to make up missed work. You may be asked to provide appropriate medical documentation regarding your illness.

If you are a supervisor and one of your employees is feeling sick, what do you do?
Send the employee home, stay away from the potentially infected area, contact housekeeping to do a thorough cleaning, and ask all employees to closely monitor their own health. You should also notify your supervisor. If the employee tests positive for COVID-19, he or she should follow instructions outlined in the Contact Tracing policy.

SAFETY PROTOCOL

What will be the procedure for students entering and exiting classrooms and labs?
All faculty, staff, students, and visitors are asked to self-identify any symptom associated with COVID-19 and NOT come to campus if they suspect they have symptoms or believe they have been at serious risk of exposure. Instructors will have alcohol-based wipes in a container that will be brought to each class period and will be available for students to wipe desks, computers, and lab equipment prior to and after use. Hand sanitizer will be available in or near the entrance of every classroom. Social distancing guidelines for classroom entrance and exit should be followed, particularly for classrooms with only one doorway. Instructors are encouraged to have a seating chart to assist the College with contact tracing. Note: We will not be taking temperatures when students enter campus facilities.

How will instructors utilizing large spaces, such as McCain Theater and H240, with multiple entrances be expected to distribute hand sanitizer, etc.?
Hand sanitizer will be available either in the room or outside the room and instructors are not expected to distribute. The instructor will be asked to monitor the distribution of alcohol-based wipes so that students take only enough for each class use.

What will be the procedure to keep others out of our offices if we want to leave our office doors open?
Each division will discuss the option for each instructor based on the specific office space. The Deans have a number of options faculty members can use to create an appropriate barrier.

What if we need to use college-owned transportation?
Any time you are in a vehicle with others, you run a greater risk of exposure. The safest decision is not to ride in a vehicle with someone else. If you are in a situation that requires you to be in a vehicle with another, wearing a mask, sanitizing the environment, and staying as far apart from others as possible is best.

 

The coronavirus outbreak continues to affect our daily lives. At MCC, we are readying to return to campus with strong measures in place to protect our students, faculty, staff, and community.

Important reminders!

  • MCC will open its doors on July 6. While we will be available for advising, admissions, and financial aid, please call ahead or communicate first by email.
  • Face to face classes are scheduled to begin August 17 and will be complete prior to Thanksgiving.
    Courses conducted through the Mississippi Virtual Community College (MSVCC) and certain programs requiring clinical or contact hours may extend past Thanksgiving.  
    We will offer expanded online opportunities during our Merrymester term in December.
    Spring semester 2021 will begin on January 11.
    The abbreviated calendar is to allow students to go home for several weeks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Protocol

  • Do NOT come to campus if you exhibit any symptoms associated with COVID-19 or are knowingly exposed to anyone who has had a positive test in the last 14 days.  
  • All faculty, staff, students, and visitors must wear masks when on campus and in the presence of others.  
  • Please be attentive to campus signage, which is designed to address various facets of preparedness will be placed in various locations around campus.  
  • The college is implementing strict cleaning protocol. If you become aware of a specific need, please notify a college employee.  
  • Hand sanitizer stations will be placed throughout campus, and frequent use of hand sanitizers is encouraged.
  • Social distancing will be done when possible; some classes may be held in larger spaces not typically used as classrooms. Students and visitors on campus are always expected to maintain appropriate social distances.

  • In an attempt to limit the number of people on campus, we ask that students come to campus alone. If students must bring a guest, we ask they limit the number of guests to one. 

Residence Halls

  • Housing will be offered, but common areas and gathering spaces will be blocked or be limited in access.
  • Eagle Hall will be re-opened as a quarantine facility for students who are unable to return home due to COVID-19.


Recreational and Wellness Spaces

  • Protocols are being implemented to allow limited access to the pool and wellness center and will be shared separately.
     

Contact Tracing

  • MCC is developing policies and procedures for contact tracing.


Athletics

Meridian Community College monitors information about the coronavirus shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and colleague institutions, in being proactive in reducing the coronavirus spread on-campus and our community.

 

We encourage our faculty, staff, students, and community to see our website, social media, college emails, Canvas and text message alerts for updates and information.

 

  • MCC staff are on campus weekdays during normal operating hours to help answer questions about admissions, advising, and financial aid. Live chat support at meridiancc.edu is also available Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
  • MCC will open to the public on July 6; normal operational hours will resume and new health and safety protocols will be in effect.
  • MCC will resume face-to-face classes fall 2020.
  • While on campus, follow best practices: Please wear a mask, wash your hands regularly, use hand sanitizer and maintain an appropriate distance from others (at least six feet). If you have a fever, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, or have exhibited ANY symptoms associated with COVID-19, please do NOT come to campus. 

Governor Reeves, earlier today, issued Executive Order 1483, which applies to a limited number of locations, including Lauderdale County. The order requires additional restrictions on entities in Attala, Leake, Scott, Jasper, Neshoba, Newton, and Lauderdale Counties. Effective immediately, if you can answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you are NOT permitted to come to or stay on campus.  

  • Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?
  • Are you experiencing a cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
  • Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
  • Have you had a new loss of taste or smell?
  • Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?

If so, please stay home and consult a physician.

When you are on campus, you are to wear a face mask that you replace or clean daily, maintain physical separation, at least, 6 feet, and utilize hand sanitizer, which should be made available to you.

Last, all gatherings are restricted to a maximum of 10 participants indoor and 20 participants outdoor. Face coverings must be worn outdoors when attending public events.

This executive order is in effect until Monday, May 25, 2020 at 8:00 am.

The process of adapting to new information related to the coronavirus is constant. We strongly encourage you to continuously check our webpage www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus, which is devoted to sharing updated information related to the COVID-19. Please also regularly check MCC's social media accounts.

Please continue to monitor the college website, your college email, Canvas and text messaging alerts for updates and information.

Meridian Community College continues to monitor information associated with the coronavirus. After reviewing information shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and higher education colleagues from across the state, MCC has made the following decisions in an effort to be proactive in reducing the transmission of the virus on campus and to the community we serve.

  • Celebrating our Students! On April 28, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm we are hosting an event on Facebook and Instagram to honor our student award winners for the 2019-2020 school year. Spread the word and tell people to tune in to watch how we recognize MCC’s outstanding students.
  • In the coming days, MCC will announce how we will address opportunities associated with the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Please review MCC social media outlets and our Coronavirus website for information.
  • The college has received a grant from the Woodward Hines Foundation to provide an emergency fund for students who have particular challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Computer labs, which were open prior to the shelter-in-place will be open again for students who do not have access to technology and the internet. MCC parking lots between Holladay eLearning and Webb Hall continue to have free Wi-Fi access for those who need it.
  • Beginning Monday, April 27, 2020, certain courses requiring hands-on assessment and instruction will resume with strict precautions associated with group size and cleaning protocol. Instructors will notify students regarding the schedule from Monday until the end of the semester. Some courses may require instruction past the normal ending of the spring semester. 
    We are asking that all faculty, staff, and students wear masks while they are on campus.
  • Celebrating our Graduates!
    • If you are graduating from Meridian Community College this spring, please remember that we are inviting you to walk in graduation exercises in the summer or in December.
    • Please know, also, we are planning a special event just for you!
      • Watch for details, but on May 13-15 we will provide you an opportunity to pick up a special package filled with important items related to your graduation.
      • On May 18, we will be hosting an online “live” graduation ceremony. You won’t want to miss! Please watch social media and your email for details.
  • Celebrating our Future Students! We have planned a number of opportunities to inform and celebrate our future students.
    • Summer orientations will begin THIS WEEK with an online event for top academic performing students called the “Elite Eagle Orientation.” If you believe you should be included in that group, please send a note to recruiting@meridiancc.edu.
    • If that particular event is one you can’t attend or isn’t for you, no worries. We have new student orientation events planned all summer. Please contact our recruiters by emailing your questions to recruiting@meridiancc.edu.
    • If you want a campus tour, please go to our website and request access to a video tour of our campus by following this link: www.meridiancc.edu/tour/
  • This summer is a perfect time to register for classes. Why not start your university career here? Did you know we have excellent instructors, that our general education classes transfer to most universities, and that studies show that students who start at MCC are more likely to be successful when they transfer to a university than students who started at that same university? 
    Register now for summer classes!
  • Are you a person who desires to serve others? We have 17 accredited healthcare related programs, programs designed for people who like to work with their hands, build, problem-solve, and connect goods and services with those who need them to survive and thrive. We train heroes at MCC and if you have that vision for your life, you need to be at Meridian Community College!
  • Fall classes: At this point we are planning to resume fall classes in the variety of formats that best meet student needs—face-to-face, online, and a variety of combinations. If that should have to change, we will let you know as soon as we are able.
  • If you have any questions, please let us know. The best bet is to contact your instructor with any questions. You can also use our online chat, which is available on the college website.

Meridian Community College campus will close at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, to comply with the shelter-in-place order established by Governor Tate Reeves.  This order is for Lauderdale County to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of all Mississippians.

 The campus will only be accessible to MCC Campus Police.

All online classes will continue as scheduled.  Support will be available for students through the live-chat feature on meridiancc.edu. Faculty and staff will still be available through email and voicemail.  The shelter in place order is in effect through April 20.

 We encourage our faculty, staff, students, and members of our community to continuously monitor our website, www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus, social media, college emails, canvas, and text message alerts for updates and information.

Please know our decisions have been made with a desire to focus our energies and resources on providing opportunities for our students to complete the current semester. While we are in the process of determining the time-frame parameters of the current crisis and the impact on our summer term, we fully expect to resume normal operations by the fall 2020 semester.

We encourage our faculty, staff, students, and members of our community to continuously monitor our website, www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus, social media, college emails, canvas, and text message alerts for updates and information.

Meridian Community College continues to monitor information associated with the coronavirus shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and colleague institutions from across the state. We are making every effort to be proactive in reducing the spread of the coronavirus on campus and to the community we serve.

  • All Career and Technical classes have been moved completely online until, at the very least, April 15. A decision to extend that date could be possible, but will be made at a later date.
    • Students will receive notification and instruction through Canvas.
    • If any students remain on campus in MCC’s residence halls, we encourage them to make arrangements to return to their primary residence at this time. If a student needs residence hall accommodations he/she should contact Calvin Bennett, MCC housing director, at cbennett@meridiancc.edu, ASAP.
  • YOU HAVE MORE TIME! The deadline to apply for Tuition Guarantee and other MCC Foundation Scholarships has been extended. You can now complete and submit those applications online at meridiancc.edu/scholarships. Apply online by May 1 if you are an incoming freshman or June 15 if you are a returning student.
  • GRADUATING THIS SPRING? Students can complete and submit their graduation applications online. Students eligible for May graduation will receive a complimentary cover with their diploma, as our gift to you! All fees associated with graduation have been waived and will be credited to your student account if you have previously paid this semesters graduation fees. Students must apply for graduation to receive their diploma. The Graduation Application can be found by visiting your student account on Eaglenet. The deadline to apply is May 5th.
  • LIVE CHAT. Meridian Community College has established a Live Chat feature for our website, meridiancc.edu. Students and other members of our community can access this feature during normal business hours, Monday -Thursday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. Live Chat is desktop and mobile-friendly.
  • FREE WIFI! Meridian Community College is providing free WIFI Hot Spots in several parking areas on campus. This is available for students to work on their assignments in their vehicles if they have limited access at their homes. WIFI is available in MCC’s e-learning parking lot and behind Webb Hall, above the baseball field.

Points of Pride

  • Meridian Community College is currently teaching 1,021 different classes for Spring 2020.
  • 100% of all general education university transfer academic courses were successfully converted to fully online courses at Meridian Community College.
  • Additional courses, particularly among Career and Technical/ and Health Education, have been converted to a hybrid delivery to allow for online instruction and in-person skills/lab time. These courses will follow strict sanitization protocols and social distancing recommendations while providing hands-on instruction.
  • All Meridian Community College students, faculty, and staff are receiving support and additional training for Canvas and Zoom in preparation for classes. All training is mobile-friendly, diverse in format, and includes self-paced courses, recorded videos, video conferencing, and step-by-step tutorials.
  • All Meridian Community College faculty have been provided the necessary technologies, including laptops and webcams, to deliver online instruction.
  • MCC created new video recording rooms that will provide faculty with various methods of recording and disseminating lectures.
  • MCC virtual student support services include 24/7 access to library resources, online tutoring in a variety of subjects, and digital textbooks and course materials.
  • MCC has installed Wireless Access Points (WAPs) in parking areas across campus that allows students to travel to campus and access internet while staying in their vehicle.
  • Meridian Community College will open a computer lab for at-need student use using strict sanitization protocols and social distancing recommendations in order to provide student access for internet, computer use, and printing.
  • Meridian Community College’s Student Services, including advisors, are using and will continue to use email, phone calls, and Zoom to communicate with students.
  • Admissions applications are being processed
  • Transcripts are being processed
  • Pell Grants and Loans are being disbursed
  • Financial Aid is being processed

Please know our decisions have been made with a desire to focus our energies and resources on providing opportunities for our students to complete the current semester. While we are in the process of determining the time-frame parameters of the current crisis and the impact on our summer term, we fully expect to resume normal operations by the fall 2020 semester.

We encourage our faculty, staff, students, and members of our community to continuously monitor our website, www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus, social media, college emails, canvas, and text message alerts for updates and information.

Meridian Community College continues to monitor information associated with the coronavirus shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and colleague institutions from across the state. We are making every effort to be proactive in reducing the spread of the coronavirus on campus and to the community we serve.

All MCC offices/buildings will be closed to the general public until further notice. A limited number of facilities will be open for meeting student needs. Prior to Monday, March 23, employees will be notified by their supervisor whether or not they will be reporting to campus, working from home, or be on paid administrative leave. Precautions and safe distancing accommodations will be made for on-site employees to maintain a safe environment.

Working from Home, on Campus, and Administrative Leave:

  • Supervisors will be working with employees to determine whether or not they will be working on campus, at home, or placed on administrative leave with pay.
  • The Governor's Executive Order, dated March 14, 2020, allows institutions to place personnel on paid administrative leave in light of specific criteria.
  • Individuals working from home will be required to meet specific work-related expectations, provide daily documentation of having met those expectations, and sign a telework agreement/waiver.


Facilities:

  • We are in the process of identifying buildings that will remain closed for student use.
  • Housekeeping personnel currently assigned to those facilities will be temporarily assigned to facilities currently in use for the express purpose of increasing our efforts to sanitize and clean those facilities.
  • In addition to limiting the number of buildings in use, we will be limiting the number of entrance and exit points in each building.
  • Symptoms and Treatments: Read this!
  • Symptoms: Sore throat, runny nose, fever, dry cough.
  • What to do if you are experiencing symptoms: Quarantine yourself immediately. Do NOT go to your doctor or to the hospital. Please call your doctor.
  • Self-quarantine reminder: If you have any symptoms, have been exposed to someone who does, or have traveled to places where you have likely been exposed, please self-quarantine for 14 days. A self-quarantine means you should be at home and not exposed to others--even if you believe you are not sick.
  • Important: If you have any of the symptoms above, DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS. Do not assume you are okay.


Residence Halls:

Residence halls are closed for the remainder of the semester. Students may pick up their belongings by appointment. In addition, students may receive special consideration for extended housing if circumstances prove necessary. Please note: Students will not be asked to leave residence halls who otherwise have no place to go. Please contact Calvin Bennett by email at cbennett@meridiancc.edu or by phone at 601.484.8894 to set up an appointment or to inquire about extended housing.

Classes for the Remainder of the Term:

  • Academic or University Transfer classes will be transitioning to an online format beginning March 23 and can expect to remain in that format for the remainder of the semester.
  • Career Technical Education, Allied Health and Nursing students will receive specific instructions via student email by March 22 from their instructors.

Student Aid Information:

  • Student loan disbursements are being mailed on Friday, March 20, 2020. Students will not be able to pick them up in the business office, as would normally be the case.
  • Subsequent account credit disbursements (Pell grants, scholarships, etc.) will be mailed beginning March 31, 2020.
  • It is fundamentally important that students check their mailing address prior to March 25, 2020 on Eaglenet by going to the student tab then clicking the tab for personal information.

The process of adapting to new information related to the coronavirus is constant. We strongly encourage you to continuously check our webpage www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus, which is devoted to sharing updated information related to the COVID-19. Please also regularly check MCC's social media accounts.

Please continue to monitor the college website, your college email, canvas and text messaging alerts for updates and information.

Meridian Community College continues to monitor information associated with the coronavirus. After reviewing information shared by the Mississippi State Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and higher education colleagues from across the state, MCC has made the following decisions in an effort to be proactive in reducing the transmission of the virus on campus and to the community we serve.

  • All campus activities and events at MCC are canceled through the Spring semester, resuming in the Fall.  This includes but is not limited to: Arts and Letters, Athletics, Campus Life Activities, Continuing Education, and Lifetime Quest events.
  • All rental agreements for events scheduled to be held through May 31st will be canceled, at which time future events will be reevaluated. 
  • The NJCAA announced the cancellation of all spring competitions, including practices, regular season, postseason and national championship play.
  • The NJCAA also announced updates for spring eligibility, recruiting and allowable Letters of Intent for spring sports. 
  • Spring Commencement scheduled for May 8 will be canceled.  Students will be conferred degrees at the time of completion and allowed to participate in the August or December graduation ceremonies.
  • Awards Night scheduled for April 28 will be canceled.  MCC will work toward presenting all awards through a digital album through social media.
  • Decisions concerning student residence halls are still being considered. As of now, residence halls will be open for students to return on March 22 and computer labs and student support will be made available for students who need them beginning on March 23. Students living on campus will receive additional information prior to March 22.
  • All campus-related meetings and alternative class instruction will be limited to small groups, with no more than 10 total attendees.

 

Video Update

Watch the special update from Dr. Huebner here.

 

The process of adapting to new information related to the coronavirus is constant. We strongly encourage you to continuously check our webpage www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus,   which is devoted to sharing updated information related to the COVID-19. Please also regularly check MCC's social media accounts. Our communications team is working hard to keep people informed in light of a moving target. Please be patient if it seems like answers change too quickly. The safety of our college community is important.

Prevention is Important:
The importance of preventative measures to keep yourself and others healthy is key. Washing your hands, being careful about what you touch, keeping a safe distance from others, and limiting non-essential personal travel will go a long way in stopping the spread of the virus.

Internet Safety:
With events such as the spread of the COVID-19 virus, perpetrators will exploit this opportunity to spread computer viruses and gain personal/private information through phishing attempts. Please be extremely cautious with websites and emails. Never provide user names or passwords through e-mail links. In addition, for every reliable analysis or web resource, there are countless stories with false information and unsubstantiated rumors. Please be careful.

COVID-19 Hotline:
If you have questions about COVID-19 you can now call a hotline established by the Mississippi State Department of Health. The Mississippi Coronavirus Hotline, 877.978.6453, is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Update to March 12 Statement Regarding Reporting to Work:

In light of updated information:

  • Supervisors are encouraged to identify employees who can work from home and permit them to do so. If you believe you can work from home, please contact your supervisor. This will not impact your leave time or your pay.
  • If personnel need to be on campus, they should work alone or in small groups and maintain personal distances suggested by the CDC as most appropriate for safety as it relates to the transmission of the COVID-19.
  • Our main focus next week will be the following:
    • Making the transition to online instruction for courses that are not currently delivered in that format.
    • Developing protocol for delivering courses, primarily in allied health-related and career technical programs, in the safest possible environments.
  • If you have a condition whereby you have a weakened immune system or you are, for whatever reason, more susceptible to this illness, please consult with your supervisor regarding how you can work at home. The decision to come to work is certainly yours, but you are strongly encouraged to work from home.

 

Clarification Regarding Self-Quarantine:
With the aggressive migration of the virus, we ask that you use your best judgment regarding your need to self-quarantine. Please use the following as a guideline in your decision-making.

  • If you have spent public time in an area where there are confirmed cases, please self-quarantine.
  • If you have been in an airport, please self-quarantine.
  • If you spent time at a theme park, on a cruise ship, at a concert, or in a large crowd of people in close proximity, please self-quarantine.
  • If you exhibit any of the symptoms of the coronavirus, please self-quarantine.
  • If any of the above is true for your spouse, your children, or others with whom you have spent significant time, please self-quarantine.

Important: If you are one who needs to self-quarantine, please limit your physical and proximate interaction with others, even if you don't feel sick. You certainly are encouraged to work from home during that time. Your self-quarantine will not impact your leave time or pay. 

Clarification Regarding Operations for March 16 through March 20:
We will not be open for business as usual this week. Instead, we will be working with a reduced staff who will be focused on general business operations (paying the bills, for example) as well as efforts as indicated above in preparation for modifying courses and operations in response to the pandemic. Students and members of the public will not be on campus. The college will be functionally closed as if we are on spring break as we prepare for the remainder of the semester.

A number of students who are currently enrolled in online courses have inquired regarding the availability of campus resources this week. A number of online students use the library and/or computer labs for their work. Because we are not going to be open this week, those resources will not be available. Those who have inquired have been instructed to contact their instructors. Instructors are encouraged to be particularly sensitive to the needs of students who might normally use resources on campus to complete their work.

Questions from and for Students:
We are working on an electronic document designed to help students navigate this process with as few difficulties as possible. In the meantime, students should be assured we are working hard to provide a safe environment and that they should check the webpage (www.meridiancc.edu/coronavirus), social media, and email regularly.

We are confident we will adapt and adjust and continue to provide an outstanding education for the students who attend our college. 

Please continue to monitor the college website, your college email, and text messaging alerts for updates and information.
  • MCC will extend spring break for students taking classes on campus, March 16-20. Faculty and staff will report to work for normal operations on March 16 and will be focused on converting courses to online and alternative formats. Students currently enrolled in online courses will continue as normal.
  • Classes will resume on March 23 in an online or alternative format. Some career technical programs will continue in a traditional format with added precautions.
  • MCC will restrict all out-of-state and international travel unless deemed necessary by the president.
  • Residence halls will be open for students to return on March 22 and computer labs and student support will be made available for students who need them beginning on March 23. Students living on campus will receive additional information prior to March 22.
  • Faculty, staff and students who have been to an impacted area or believe they may have come in contact with the coronavirus in another venue are asked to self-quarantine for at least fourteen days prior to returning to work or school. If a student or faculty or staff member exhibits any symptoms, we ask that they not return to the college until they have been medically cleared.
  • The Mississippi Association of Community Colleges has announced that all athletic practices and games have been suspended through March 30.
  • All campus activities and events at MCC have been canceled until further notice.
     

We strongly encourage our faculty, staff, and students to educate themselves on facts related to the coronavirus.

Coronavirus

Meridian Community College is closely monitoring news and information related to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.  To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported in Mississippi.  However, health officials worldwide recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and that the recommendations of the U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U. S. State Department, and the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) are subject to frequent change.

MCC recognizes that prevention is a key strategy with any virus and we encourage everyone to take the following daily preventative actions as recommended by the CDC:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol.


The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19. Cases have been identified in a growing number of other locations internationally, including the U.S. The link below will direct you to a map that represents cases detected and tested in the U.S. through U.S. public health surveillance systems since January 21, 2020. This includes both confirmed and presumptive positive cases reported to the CDC.

 

PDF: Stop the spread of germsPDF: What you need to know about the coronavirus


The following resources are available for COVID-19