Official Statements
July 10
A Message from the President:
The pandemic of 2020 is an event unparalleled in our lifetimes, one that has impacted everyone and every institution, around the globe. Ϲ is no exception. We have diligently worked to maintain safety and security across our district, for our students, employees and extended communities. This challenge is going to continue into the near future and will have an effect as we proceed into the fall 2020 semester.
Our goal is to conduct instructional, co-curricular and business activities in a manner that is familiar and inviting, while undertaking some unfamiliar and reserved steps which are necessary to protect everyone. To accomplish this task, Hinds CC will need the support of all of our internal and external constituencies and will require a strict adherence to established protocols.
Ϲ has created a Healthy at Hinds Plan to address immediate and future activities, as well as appointed Mr. Randall Harris, Vice President for Advancement and Student Services, as the Healthy at Hinds Officer. In this capacity, he is directing the work of many within the college to implement, update and monitor the college plan. Within the plan are specific requirements for all employees, students and visitors to campus, including but not limited to the use of face coverings, personal hygiene and social distancing, as well as steps to maintain a healthy environment, including cleaning, marking and restricting certain areas of the campuses.
Because Hinds CC is such a large institution with many programs and facilities, the plan is extensive; though the plan is available for review in its entirety, the college will work to disseminate information in a manner that is thorough yet concise. We do not want to overwhelm individuals with every detail and risk anyone missing those directions and requirements that apply to everyone.
Because the pandemic has been so pervasive and unpredictable, the Healthy at Hinds Plan is also subject to alterations, as dictated by circumstance as well as local, state and federal mandates and best practices. Any changes will be promptly and widely disseminated. The most recent updates will be available on the COVID-19 tab on our website.
If you have any questions or concerns that you believe are not addressed effectively in the Healthy at Hinds plan, please contact your supervisor, the Dean of Students or email president@hindscc.edu . We remain committed to your welfare. Further, the college objective is to maximize your educational experience while minimizing the threat posed by COVID-19. Please carefully review and abide by the Healthy at Hinds Plan. Thank you for being a part of the college community.
Stay Safe,
Stephen Vacik, President
May 13
A Message from Dr. Muse:
We have missed seeing our students in our classrooms and on campus. We have missed celebrating special occasions and recognizing your achievements.
Our intention is to resume face-to-face classes and residential life for Fall 2020. Health and safety remain a top priority. To help protect our students, staff, and community we are introducing new safety procedures. Guidance from federal and state health experts will continue to guide our efforts. Details for our new procedures will be released at a later time.
In the meantime, take this time to stay focused on your educational goals. This summer every student in our summer classes will have a one-on-one mentor, a “Wingman.” They will provide extra support and encouragement in the on-line environment. We are also offering a unique “Learning to Learn Camp.” Through CARES Act funding, the camp is available at no charge.
Earning an education is powerful and will change your life! Providing the best educational experience has always been and will remain our mission.
To learn more about summer programs and other available resources, please reach out to an advisor.
We will get through this together and together we will WIN.
Sincerely,
Clyde Muse, President
April 2
Colleagues,
The last number of weeks have been a challenging time for all of us. Our lives have been transformed in a way that we could not have imagined. During these difficult times, Hinds has maintained two priorities; the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our responsibility to provide students with a quality education. I am so proud of the way that our faculty and staff have responded by transforming the instructional environment and working so diligently to provide you additional support and resources to help you be successful. I am also extremely proud of the response from our student body. I ask that everyone continue to be patient and flexible as we continue to navigate through this crisis. Despite your fears and concerns about the future, together we will persevere.
New directives have been issued over the last number of days. President Trump extended the “Slow the Spread” guidance limiting gatherings of 10 or more until April 30 and just yesterday Gov. Tate Reeves issued Executive Order No. 1466 to “Shelter in Place” beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2020 until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, April 20, 2020. What does this mean for us? Because Hinds is classified as an essential business, we are permitted to continue operations; however, in accordance with the order and the severity of the situation we plan to take further actions to limit campus access.
Following are a number of changes or updates to college operations that we want you to be aware of:
Instruction
All courses will continue to be offered through an online format for the remainder of the semester. Students should continue working on their assignments in Canvas with the goal of completing the coursework on time. Students will receive the grade earned in each course. There are a number of support resources available to students to help them achieve success. Instructors are available via email for any student needing additional support.
Students enrolled in courses that require a hands-on, laboratory or clinical component may be issued an “I” if unable to complete these requirements prior to the end of the spring term. Students graduating in May 2020 will not be required to complete MS-CPAS. Students should communicate directly with their instructor for details about completing requirements for their particular course. National Certification exams associated with particular programs will be available to students who desire to take them at a later date.
Assignment of an incomplete grade will be at the discretion of the instructor, and students must work directly with instructors to determine eligibility and to coordinate an acceptable timeframe for completing course requirements.
Graduation
Spring graduation ceremonies will be postponed until a later date. Additional details will be forthcoming.
Summer Enrollment
Enrollment for summer classes will begin as scheduled. A determination about the format of the classes (face-to-face or online) will be determined at a later date.
Residence Halls
All residence halls will be closed effective immediately for the reminder of the semester. Students can expect to receive more detailed information about move-out dates and how to schedule a move-out time via email. A pro-rated room and board refund will be distributed at the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester to those students displaced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please direct any housing related questions to reslife@hindscc.edu.
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The college will continue to operate, but at a more minimal level. Each Vice President will identify personnel, both professional and support staff, in their areas who will work on a limited basis on campus to perform critical operations such as bill payment, accounting, mail and other time sensitive duties. Work schedules will be established to limit the number of people on campus at a given time. All appointments, meetings or any business that can be conducted via Zoom, phone or other electronic mechanism should be done this way rather than in person so that building access is limited. Employees who have symptoms of illness or have been in close contact with a person who is ill should not report to work. These employees should notify their supervisor immediately and remain in self-quarantine for 14 days. If you are tested for COVID-19, in addition to remaining at home, you should report the test result to your supervisor as soon as possible per CDC guidelines.
Travel
Travel including in-state, out-of-state and international travel remains suspended through June. Only local travel is permitted and should be approved by the supervisor.
Events
The Muse Legacy farewell event that was scheduled for April 23 has been postponed until a later time. The Retirement event scheduled on April 24 and the Employee Appreciation event scheduled May 1 have been cancelled.
It is important that we continue to work together as a team in serving our students and the communities we serve while also taking appropriate precautions to maintain a safe and healthy environment. Please continue to monitor the college website, social media sites and your Hinds email for the most up-to-date information. Individuals may also contact 1-800-Ϲ for information updates. As always thank you for all that you do to make Hinds a special place.
Sincerely,
Clyde Muse, President
March 20
This is a time of uncertainty for all of us and is likely more significant than almost any critical situation we may have faced before. The impacts are far reaching. We cannot anticipate the long-term implications associated with COVID-19, nor predict how long the crisis will continue.
First, let me assure you that the health and safety of our students and employees is our first priority. These challenging times require that we adjust our normal daily routines to do what is best for all concerned. I want to commend our administrative team, as well as the faculty and staff members who are all working diligently to make the best decisions possible and be responsive to the needs of our students. Many have been working around the clock to ensure that students will be able to continue with their educational endeavors.
As an organization, our goal remains to return to normal business operations as soon as feasibly possible. In the meantime, our commitment is to take necessary precautions such as social distancing, modified work environments and modified learning environments to do our part in helping to “flatten the curve.”
Following are a number of changes and/or updates to college operations that we want you to be aware of:
Instruction
Effective March 23, all courses will be shifted to an online learning environment for an indefinite time period. Students should begin working on their assignments in Canvas. Additional accommodations will be coordinated for those classes requiring laboratory, hands-on, clinical hours or national testing. Hot spots are being established and will be functional on every campus for those students who may not have a reliable internet source.
We understand that many of you may have concerns about access to technology. In an effort to determine the level of readiness and install proper support protocols we are asking that all Ϲ employees and students (including dual credit students) take this brief survey regarding available technologies.
Employees
Effective Monday, March 23, college employees will return to work in some capacity. What this means is that each Vice President will identify personnel, both professional and support staff in their areas who will return to campus to perform routine operations such as bill payment, accounting, mail and other time sensitive duties. Vice Presidents will also make specific assignments to employees who may work remotely. Some individuals may follow a blended model. Staggered work schedules and responsibilities may be implemented to reduce the number of people on campus at a given time.
Residence Halls
We are also notifying residential students not to return to campus until further notice. Students will be allowed to return to campus at designated times between March 21 and March 24 to claim any essential items they may need (books, computers, etc.) for the foreseeable future. Please direct students having questions about housing to call 601.857.3222 or email reslife@hindscc.edu.
Meals
As a service, grab and go meals pick will be available for students who have purchased a meal plan at both the Raymond and Utica campuses. Pick-up times are as follows:
- Monday—Friday 10:30 AM—12:30 PM
- Monday—Thursday 4 PM—5 PM
On Fridays of each week students may receive one box of essentials for weekend meals. A current Hinds ID is required for those picking up meals. Meals are also available to Hinds faculty and staff.
College Facilities
- All Hinds Child Care locations will return to regular operation on March 23. Children will be screened on a daily basis for illnesses and the center directors will resume the right to limit entrance.
- The golf course will open with restrictions on March 23. For more information, please contact 601.857.5993.
- All wellness complex locations remain closed.
- Meat Merchandising will remain closed.
- Bookstores will be open on a limited basis and hours will be posted at a later time.
- Use of college facilities remain restricted for external groups for an indefinite time period.
- The assessment center and proctoring centers remain closed. Alternative options are being evaluated and additional information will be forthcoming. Please contact the appropriate center with any questions.
College Activities
All extracurricular and college hosted events have been suspended for the foreseeable future, and athletic activities are suspended for the remainder of the semester.
We are also evaluating an alternative method for graduation ceremonies scheduled for the spring. A decision regarding graduation will be determined by April 3.
Please know that we are making every effort to communicate updates with everyone simultaneously. This has proven to be difficult at times because of the rapid rate at which decisions are being made and information is changing. Due to the unpredictable nature of this situation, it is of the utmost importance that we maintain adaptability and anticipate that conditions surrounding this pandemic will continue to evolve at this rapid pace. We will be closely following the guidance provided by national, state and local authorities. As we make additional decisions and/or adapt operations, we will post updates. Please continue to monitor the college website, social media sites and your Hinds email for the most up-to-date information.
I know that all of this uncertainty can cause uneasiness, but I encourage everyone to remain calm and to stay informed. I am convinced that the Hinds family is stronger than ever. By working together, supporting one another, and providing encouragement to all of those around us, we will get through these difficult times, and we will become better because of them.
Thank you for your dedicated service and commitment to our students.
Sincerely,
Clyde Muse, President
March 19
Full details and instructions will be released Friday March 20th.
March 15
Because of these and other factors, in addition to extended spring break for students, I have determined that ALL HINDS campuses will be closed the week of March 16-20 for faculty and staff as well.
We will continue to evaluate the situation and a determination about how to proceed for the following week will be made on Thursday, March 19.
It is my goal to resume normal operations as soon as feasibly possible so that we can continue to provide our students with the educational experience that they desire and deserve.
Access to the campus is available for those faculty and staff members who need it. Additionally, I ask that you continue your preparations to transition to an online instructional program should the situation deem it necessary.
Sincerely,
Clyde Muse, President
March 13
Although the Mississippi State Department of Health is not currently recommending school closures, the college has made a number of decisions in efforts to safeguard our community and assist in slowing the potential spread of the virus.
Ϲ (along with all state public universities and several community colleges) will extend spring break an additional week. On-campus classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, March 23. Residence Halls will open at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Online classes will continue as scheduled.
Faculty and staff are required to return to work on Monday, March 16. If you traveled during spring break, it is recommended that you notify your supervisor prior to returning to campus. Anyone experiencing a fever or flu-like symptoms should not come to campus until the symptoms are resolved and approval has been granted to return to work.
While it is our plan to resume normal operations on March 23, faculty and staff should be ready to move to an online instructional program should the situation deem it necessary. Faculty should follow protocols communicated to them through their appropriate deans regarding online course migration. Remote instruction resources will be available and more information about how to access these will be forthcoming.
Effective immediately, all international and out-of-state travel is suspended until further notice.
Additionally, all Hinds athletic and other extracurricular activities are suspended immediately until March 30, 2020. This includes practices, organized work-outs, performances, competitions and any other activity not related to classroom instruction. Any exceptions require advanced approval by the President’s office.
This situation remains fluid and the plans outlined above are subject to change in response to new information or further direction from the State Department of Health. Hinds will remain diligent in placing the needs of all of our Hinds family at the forefront of our decisions. Our focus will be to maintain the quality and integrity of our instructional programs, while also limiting the potential risks of this on-going situation.
Sincerely,
Clyde Muse, President
March 5
Officials at Ϲ are actively monitoring news and information related to COVID-2019, the worldwide health concern known as coronavirus. As of March 4, 2020 there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Ϲ or in Mississippi. The college is following recommendations of The Mississippi Department of Health and other health officials to take all precautions to protect students, faculty and staff.
While the consensus among government agencies is that the general risk of exposure to COVID-19 is currently low in the United States, the college is actively planning for a range of scenarios and potential near- and longer-term impacts, with particular focus on the health and well-being of the college community, as well as on the continuation of college operations.