2022 JSU Safe Plan
Jackson State University released its original “Reopening JSU” plan in early 2020. The plan outlined campus operations and modified academic parameters for faculty, staff, and students returning to campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the university implemented new protocols and expectations for faculty, staff, and students, including a modified academic calendar, forms of in-person and remote course delivery, mandatory training for employees and students, daily symptom checks, and COVID-19 testing and tracing.
The JSU Campus Reopening Taskforce continues to update the “JSU Safe” plan in alignment with government orders and public health recommendations from the IHL Safe Start Task Force, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Mississippi State Department of Health. “JSU Safe” includes specific guidance about academics, student affairs, student housing, and move-in, dining services, university events, athletics, and more. Plans may be subject to change due to the unpredictability of current circumstances.
Responding to our capabilities, the university mission, and the realities of the pandemic, university plans adhere to city and state guidelines. The goal is to offer a quality learning experience. Each college has designed a learning environment reflective of our commitment to student success, degree completion, and active learning. Our strategy is to maintain a healthy and safe environment while promoting our tradition as a creative, scholarly, and nurturing community.
In March 2022, the City of Jackson issued a new executive order to lift the citywide facial covering (mask) mandate. The new order follows a similar one issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that also lifted mask-wearing requirements.
As a result, Jackson State’s campus COVID-19 guidelines are as follows:
All students are expected to comply fully with the policies, protocols, and guidelines.
Face Masks or Cloth Face Coverings: Properly worn face masks or cloth face coverings (covering both the nose and mouth) are OPTIONAL for outdoors and indoors, including all classrooms, hallways, auditoriums, instructional spaces, laboratories, common areas, shared spaces, and restrooms.
COVID-19 & Student Conduct
All students who represent the university through affiliation with any Jackson State University® organization, or any university sponsored activity, are required to be in good standing as a Jackson State University® student. Depending upon the severity of offense(s), and/or decisions rendered by the hearing officer(s) or Student Affairs Conduct Committee, students, student groups, and/or student organizations found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, and are sanctioned to student conduct probation may lead to University representation restrictions. Representation includes, but is not limited to the following: Student Government Association, athletics, band, clubs, fraternities, sororities, and organizations.
Virtual Events
The President’s Office deemed it necessary to hold virtual events for the campus community thru December 18, 2020. For Spring 2022, all University-sponsored in-person events are subject to approval by Events & Visitor Services and the Division of Student Affairs. Events will be approved on a case-by-case basis and must adhere to all University and CDC COVID-19 guidelines.
Overview
The goal of the department of Housing and Residence Life at Jackson State University during COVID-19 is to create a welcoming environment for residential students while maintaining physical distancing guidelines. The following will list logistics that the department provides to ensure the safety of residential students and staff.
All JSU™ Dining facilities are slated to undergo service changes of “to-go” and pre-packaged options. Buffets and self-service options will be suspended in all dining facilities indefinitely. All transactions will be cashless. Mobile ordering options such as Grub Hub and Bite+ will be offered for easy and convenient ordering. Students will receive a notification when their order is ready for pick up to eliminate waiting in lines.
Frequent sanitization of dining facilities will occur. The dining hall and campus eateries’ density will also follow CDC physical-distancing guidelines and state public health guidance.
In the face of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak, Jackson State University’s priority is the health, safety, and well-being of our entire campus community. We are operating in an entirely different environment.
Our plan is strategic and aligned with the guidelines from the State of Mississippi, Mississippi Institutions Higher Learning (IHL), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the federal government.
The plan is flexible and takes into account the specific needs of many units across the campus.
During this unprecedented time, Jackson State University must adapt to emerging policies and proceedings. As the university implements new ways to bring educational, social, and administrative procedures to students, faculty and staff, it is also highly important that each department changes its method of delivering services while remaining in compliance with CDC protocols.
Normal approval processes are in place for essential domestic travel. Conference travel is discouraged and will not be approved without strong justification. Justification for conference travel could be serving on a planning committee or presenting a paper. Keep in mind that travel for the pandemic’s duration comes with financial risks associated with unexpected, last-minute cancellations, or restrictions. Travel will not be allowed where shelter-in-place orders are in place. The traveler’s budget is responsible for any unexpected expenses. University-sponsored international travel is not permitted at this time.
The procurement of COVID-19 related equipment and supplies is being coordinated through the Office of the President with support from the Division of Business and Finance. These requests are made through each supervisor, and all requests should be funneled to the vice presidents of each division. Departments are asked to refrain from procuring these materials on their own. Cleaning supplies are maintained by the Department of Facilities and Construction Management.
The Office of Grants and Contracts will be responsible for tracking all expenses related to COVID-19. Potential reimbursement under FEMA, the CARES Act, or any other stimulus program will be facilitated through the Office of Grants and Contracts.