COVID-19 Campus Announcements

Free COVID-19 tests are available at Willcoxon Health Center for Missouri Southern faculty, staff and students. If you are ill, please stay home and contact the health center.

For testing, email the health center at covid19hc@mssu.edu or call 417-625-9323.

Having carefully monitored campus and community numbers, the President’s Cabinet, after consultation with the MSSU COVID Task Force, has decided to slightly adjust a few aspects of the current Spring Return to Campus plan. Those updates are listed below. 

TEMPORARY INDOOR MASKING/FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

In response to current regional health data, the university is issuing the following guidance.

• All students, faculty, staff and visitors, are required to wear a mask/face covering in:
  • Classroom settings
  • Meetings and gatherings where you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations
  • Willcoxon Health Center
  • Lion Cub Academy
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional
• Masking/face covering guidelines should be followed when participating in university-sponsored activities off campus

Masks remain welcome on our campus. If you feel more comfortable wearing one, no matter the reason, you are encouraged to do so. Also, if you remain unvaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and social distance.

Requirements other than stated in this document require prior President’s Cabinet approval.

MASS GATHERINGS AND CAMPUS EVENTS (50 or more individuals)

• For mass gatherings where you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations, masks are required (see mask/face covering guidance above)
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional
• If you are not fully vaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask/face covering
• Wearing a mask/face covering is recommended (but not required) for vaccinated individuals

VISITORS

External guests are allowed on campus and must comply with the current guidelines.

The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor COVID-19 developments on campus and in the community throughout the spring semester and will keep campus advised of any necessary changes as we move forward. For full plan details visit the MSSU COVID website.

As we start the Spring 2022 semester, COVID-19 cases in our area have been on the rise but our overarching goals remain the same – to prioritize the health and well-being of our Lion family while providing an engaging, high-quality educational experience for our students.

Please review the following information highlighting some of our return to campus protocols.  Our full return to campus guide remains published on the COVID-19 web page. The guidance will be reviewed again by February 14, 2022.

We strongly encourage members of our campus community to be vaccinated — to keep you and our campus safe and so we can return to the activities we all enjoy.

CLASS DELIVERY AND SANITIZATION 

Class delivery will be in-person for spring 2022.

Every effort will be made to ensure our classrooms are cleaned and prepared for when students enter. Our custodial team is continuing to clean and disinfect areas as much as possible. Please be diligent in disinfecting your personal space or shared areas after meetings, etc. 

SICK? STAY HOME

You should stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (extreme or mild).

• These include: headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, chills, nausea, upset stomach and/or loss of taste and smell.
• Students should email or call the Willcoxon Health Center and email their instructors.
• Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their supervisor, Human Resources and the Willcoxon Health Center.

CLOSE CONTACT OR POSITIVE RESULT

Students, faculty and staff who have been identified as a close contact, or who have tested positive for COVID-19, should continue to contact the Willcoxon Health Center. MSSU is following the updated CDC guidance for isolation and quarantine, which was issued on January 4, 2022.  Employees are expected to follow the updated guidance in accordance with their vaccination status, and the Willcoxon Health Center staff will inform individuals of how to proceed.

SYMPTOM SCREENING VIA CAMPUS CLEAR

Document your symptoms every day in the Campus Clear app.

• Faculty and staff are encouraged to begin each class session or meeting with a Campus Clear check-in of those present.
• Individuals not cleared for campus access through the Campus Clear app should contact the Willcoxon Student Health Center to further discuss and assess symptoms.

TEMPORARY MASKING/FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

In response to current regional health data, the university is issuing the following guidance. Please note, social distancing is defined as a distance of 6-feet or more.

• All students, faculty, staff and visitors, are expected to wear a mask/face covering in:
  • Classroom settings
  • Meetings and gatherings that you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations
  • Willcoxon Health Center
  • Lion Cub Academy
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional.
• Masking/face covering guidelines should be followed when participating in university sponsored activities off campus.

Masks remain welcome on our campus. If you feel more comfortable wearing one, no matter the reason, you are encouraged to do so. Also, if you remain unvaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and social distance.

Requirements other than stated in this document require prior President’s Council approval.

UNIVERSITY TRAVEL

The following option(s) are available to groups of (two or more) students, faculty and staff participating in sponsored academic and co-curricular travel*, both domestic and international.

Domestic Travel

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours

International Travel

Students, faculty, staff and community members participating in any study abroad programs (including Southern Safari) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the departure date. Everyone will be required to demonstrate documented proof of being fully vaccinated. Additionally, it is likely that some airlines or countries will require a negative COVID-19 test for travel or upon arrival.

For purposes of this policy the university considers individuals to be fully vaccinated if:

• Two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
• Two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
• Boosters are strongly encouraged

Participants are advised, pre-departure, to look at the booster recommendations of the CDC; and, if their full vaccination status is expected to end during their time abroad, to discuss with their doctor whether they should or can obtain a booster shot prior to their departure.

Once fully vaccinated, study abroad participants should email a copy of their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to Dr. Chad Stebbins, director of the Institute of International Studies, at stebbins-c@mssu.edu. If you are not comfortable emailing it, you may submit a copy to the Institute of International Studies office in Webster Hall 337.

*Athletic teams will practice, compete and travel in accordance with MIAA and NCAA protocols

MASS GATHERINGS AND CAMPUS EVENTS (50 or more individuals)

• For mass gatherings that you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations masks are expected (see mask/face covering guidance above).
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional.
• If you are not fully vaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask/face covering.
• Wearing a mask/face covering is recommended (but not required) for vaccinated individuals.

VISITORS

External guests are allowed on campus and must comply with the current guidelines.

GET VACCINATED AND LOG YOUR STATUS

There are many ways to get vaccinated, and when you are ready we are here to help in this process. Visit our MSSU COVID-19 website and click on COVID-19 Vaccine Information for additional vaccination locations, FAQs and more.

The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor COVID-19 developments on campus and in the community throughout the semester, and will keep campus advised of any necessary changes as we move forward. For full plan details visit the MSSU COVID website.

The MSSU Willcoxon Health Center is no longer stocking COVID vaccines due to low demand on campus, and their availability within the community.

For those interested in starting vaccination or receiving a booster shot, several Joplin pharmacies offer same-day appointments.

You can find information on locations and availability at mostopscovid.com.

Just a reminder, stay home if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms (extreme or mild). This includes headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, upset stomach, or loss of taste/smell.

Students experiencing symptoms should email or call the Willcoxon Health Center and email their instructors.

Faculty and staff should contact their supervisor, as well as Human Resources and the health center.

Also, the CampusClear app is available as a daily self-screening survey to track any potential symptoms.

For more information, visit the university’s virus prevention page or contact the health center at 417-659-4376.

As we prepare to dismiss for the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the COVID Task Force here at Missouri Southern wishes to offer several important updates.

COVID Vaccinations and Boosters

For those who have yet to receive the initial vaccination or wish to receive a booster shot, clinics have been scheduled at the Willcoxon Health Center in Billingsly Student Center.

Clinics will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m. on the following dates:

• Thursday, Nov. 18
• Friday, Nov. 19
• Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 22-23
• Wednesday through Friday, Dec. 1-3
• Thursday and Friday, Dec. 9-10
• Wednesday, Dec. 15

Testing is also available for those who would like to schedule an appointment before leaving for the break. For more information, contact the health center at 417-625-9323.

Rising COVID and Flu Numbers

According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the seven-day average has seen a 30-percent increase in positive COVID cases, and cases for ages 18-24 are also on the rise.

If you have yet to receive a vaccination, we highly encourage you to do so.

On a similar note, don’t forget to receive your annual flu vaccine.

As you may have seen in the news this week, the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus is experiencing a surge in flu cases. Of the more than 500 cases reported so far, 77 percent of those who have fallen ill did not receive a flu vaccination this year.

The health center has the flu vaccine available for $20; those interested can call to make an appointment.

Thanksgiving Break

As you wrap up classes and head home to be with family and friends during the Thanksgiving break, please keep your health and safety – and that of others – in mind, and don’t forget to use the Campus Clear app to monitor symptoms.

We hope you enjoy the upcoming break and look forward to making that last push toward finals when we return!

Having carefully monitored campus and community numbers, the President’s Cabinet, after consultation with the MSSU COVID Task Force, has decided to slightly adjust a few aspects of the current Fall Return to Campus plan.

We strongly encourage members of our campus community to be vaccinated — to keep you and our campus safe and so we can return to the activities we all enjoy.

Below, you will see the details of Missouri Southern’s adjusted plan for the remainder of the 2021 fall semester that are effective immediately. Please note, social distancing is defined as a distance of 6-feet or more.

TEMPORARY MASKING/FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

In response to current regional health data, the university is issuing the following guidance that will be reviewed by January 18, 2022.

• All students, faculty, staff and visitors, are expected to wear a mask/face covering in:
  • Classroom settings, except where social distancing is available to everyone
  • Meetings and gatherings that you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations
  • Willcoxon Health Center
  • Lion Cub Academy
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional
• Masking/face covering guidelines should be followed when participating in university sponsored activities off campus

Masks remain welcome on our campus. If you feel more comfortable wearing one, no matter the reason, you are encouraged to do so. Also, if you remain unvaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to continue wearing a mask and social distance.

Requirements other than stated in this document require prior President’s Council approval.

UNIVERSITY TRAVEL

The following options are available to groups of (two or more) students, faculty and staff participating in sponsored academic and co-curricular travel*, both domestic and international.

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours

*Athletic teams will practice, compete and travel in accordance with MIAA and NCAA protocols.

MASS GATHERINGS AND CAMPUS EVENTS (50 or more individuals)

• For mass gatherings that you cannot social distance and you are attending to fulfill class or job obligations masks are expected (see mask/face covering guidance above)
• For the remaining spaces on campus and during non-required activities, masks/face coverings are optional
• If you are not fully vaccinated, you are strongly encouraged to wear a mask/face covering
• Wearing a mask/face covering is recommended (but not required) for vaccinated individuals

VISITORS

External guests are allowed on campus and must comply with the current guidelines.

The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor COVID-19 developments on campus and in the community throughout the fall semester, and will keep campus advised of any necessary changes as we move forward. For full plan details visit the MSSU COVID website.

Willcoxon Health Center has openings for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 9 – 11 a.m. and 12:30 – 3 p.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 417-625-9323 or email COVID19HC@mssu.edu

Welcome back to campus students, faculty and staff!

As enter the fall semester, our overarching goals remain the same – to prioritize the health and well-being of our Lion family while providing an engaging, high-quality educational experience for our students.

We strongly encourage members of our campus community to be vaccinated — to keep you and our campus safe and so we can return to the activities we all enjoy. We look forward to your participation in the vaccination incentive program.

Below, you will see the details of Missouri Southern’s interim plan for the beginning of the 2021 fall semester. The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor COVID-19 developments on campus and in the community throughout the fall semester and will keep campus advised of any necessary changes as we move forward.

CLASS DELIVERY AND SANITIZATION

Class delivery will be in-person for fall 2021.

Every effort will be made to ensure our classrooms are cleaned and prepared for when students enter. Classes will have the proper tools – such as sanitizing spray, gloves or paper towels – to make learning areas as germ-free as possible. Our custodial team is continuing to clean and disinfect areas as much as possible. Please be diligent in disinfecting your personal space or shared areas after meetings, etc.

SICK? STAY HOME

You should stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (extreme or mild).

• These include headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste and smell.
• Students should email or call the Willcoxon Student Health Center and email their instructors.
• Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their supervisor, Human Resources and the Willcoxon Student Health Center.

SYMPTOM SCREENING VIA CAMPUS CLEAR

Document your symptoms every day in the Campus Clear app.

• Faculty and staff should begin each class session or meeting with a Campus Clear check-in of those present.
• Individuals not cleared for campus access through the Campus Clear app should contact the Willcoxon Student Health Center to further discuss and assess symptoms. 

TEMPORARY INDOOR MASKING/FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

In response to current regional health data, the university is issuing the following guidance that will be reviewed by September 15.

• Effective immediately, all students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask/face covering indoors in meeting spaces where you cannot maintain six feet of social distancing.
• Except in rare cases, all persons should wear a mask in classroom settings.
• For the remaining indoor spaces on campus (such as hallways), if you are not fully vaccinated, you are expected to wear a mask. Even if you are fully vaccinated, the university strongly encourages wearing a mask in these other indoor spaces.
• Always carry a mask with you when on-campus.
• Masking/face covering guidelines should be followed when participating in university-sponsored activities off-campus.

Exceptions to these requirements and recommendations include:

• When you are alone in a workspace.
• When your workspace has at least a 6-foot distance between all employees or has a physical barrier between employees such as a plexiglass shield or cubical wall.

Some areas across campus may have different requirements that are specific to their units.

UNIVERSITY TRAVEL

The following options are available to students, faculty and staff participating in sponsored academic or co-curricular travel*, both domestic and international.

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours

*Athletic teams will practice, compete and travel in accordance with MIAA and NCAA protocols.

VISITORS

External guests are allowed on campus and must comply with the current guidelines.

MASS GATHERINGS AND CAMPUS EVENTS (50 or more individuals)

• For outdoor mass gatherings, social distancing should be observed when possible. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are expected to wear a mask/face covering. Even if you are fully vaccinated, the university strongly encourages wearing a mask/face covering.
• For indoor mass gatherings, participants should wear a mask/face covering regardless of vaccination status.

GET VACCINATED AND LOG YOUR STATUS

Vaccinations are available in the Willcoxon Health Center. To make an appointment, please call 417-625-9323.  There are many ways to get vaccinated, and when you are ready we are here to help in this process. Visit our MSSU COVID-19 website and click on  COVID-19 Vaccine Information for additional vaccination locations, FAQs and more.

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and upload an image of their COVID-19 vaccination records, or accommodation, at Med+Proctor. Providing your vaccine information will help us have a measure of vaccination rates within our campus community and guide how we might adjust our policies to promote a safe working and learning environment. Your vaccine information will be kept confidential.

We are excited that students, faculty, and staff who upload information will be entered in drawings to win fantastic prizes through our vaccination incentive program. Drawings will begin on Aug. 9. Missourians –  double your chances and enter into the state of Missouri’s vaccine incentive program.

The importance of being fully vaccinated cannot be stressed enough, which is defined as two weeks after receiving two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Even if you have had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated, as the vaccine strengthens immunity after natural infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex, challenging and fluid situation, which continues to evolve. While the variant poses a challenge, we head into this fall with the benefit of a vaccine and better knowledge of COVID-19. With your help, the campus will continue to be vigilant as we manage through this stage of the pandemic. Depending on how local and university COVID-19 numbers fluctuate, these measures may be adjusted. For additional information on the university’s response to COVID-19, please visit mssu.edu/covid-19.

Missouri Southern State University is ready to ROAR this fall by welcoming students, faculty, staff and friends back to campus for an exciting semester.

As we plan for the fall semester, our overarching goals remain the same – to prioritize the health and well-being of our Lion family while providing an engaging, high-quality educational experience for our students.

We strongly encourage members of our campus community to be vaccinated — to keep you and our campus safe and so we can return to the activities we all enjoy. We look forward to your participation in the vaccination incentive program.

Below, you will see the details of Missouri Southern’s interim plan for the beginning of the 2021 fall semester. The COVID-19 Task Force will continue to diligently monitor COVID-19 developments on campus and in the community throughout the fall semester and will keep campus advised of any necessary changes as we move forward.

CLASS DELIVERY AND SANITIZATION

Class delivery will be in-person for fall 2021.

Every effort will be made to ensure our classrooms are cleaned and prepared for when students enter. Classes will have the proper tools – such as sanitizing spray, gloves or paper towels – to make learning areas as germ-free as possible. Our custodial team is continuing to clean and disinfect areas as much as possible. Please be diligent in disinfecting your personal space or shared areas after meetings, etc.

SICK? STAY HOME

You should stay home if you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms (extreme or mild).

• These include headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or loss of taste and smell.
• Students should email their instructors and call the Willcoxon Student Health Center.
• Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their supervisor, Human Resources and the Willcoxon Student Health Center.

SYMPTOM SCREENING VIA CAMPUS CLEAR

Document your symptoms every day in the Campus Clear app.

• Faculty and staff should begin each class session or meeting with a Campus Clear check-in of those present.
• Individuals not cleared for campus access through the Campus Clear app should contact the Willcoxon Student Health Center to further discuss and assess symptoms.

TEMPORARY INDOOR MASKING/FACE COVERING GUIDANCE

In response to current regional health data, the university is issuing the following guidance that will be reviewed by September 15.

• Effective immediately, all students, faculty, staff and visitors, regardless of vaccination status, should wear a mask/face covering indoors in classrooms and meeting spaces where you cannot maintain six feet of social distancing.
• For the remaining indoor spaces on campus, if you are not fully vaccinated, you are expected to wear a mask. Even if you are fully vaccinated, the university strongly encourages wearing a mask in these other indoor spaces.
• Except in rare cases, all persons should wear a mask in classroom settings.
• Always carry a mask with you when on-campus.
• Masking/face covering guidelines should be followed when participating in university-sponsored activities off-campus.

Exceptions to these requirements and recommendations include:

• When you are alone in a workspace.
• When your workspace has at least a 6-foot distance between all employees or has a physical barrier between employees such as a plexiglass shield or cubical wall.

Some areas across campus may have different requirements that are specific to their units.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Incoming residence life students will have four options during initial check-in:

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours
• Have fully recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days
• Get tested at the time of check-in and quarantine

For additional information or questions, contact residence life at 417-659-4261 or residencelife@mssu.edu.

UNIVERSITY TRAVEL

The following options are available to students, faculty and staff participating in sponsored academic or co-curricular travel*, both domestic and international.

• Show proof of vaccination
• Show proof of a negative test within the last 72 hours

*Athletic teams will practice, compete and travel in accordance with MIAA and NCAA protocols.

VISITORS

External guests are allowed on campus and must comply with the current guidelines. 

MASS GATHERINGS AND CAMPUS EVENTS (50 or more individuals)

• For outdoor mass gatherings, social distancing should be observed when possible. If you are not fully vaccinated, you are expected to wear a mask/face covering. Even if you are fully vaccinated, the university strongly encourages wearing a mask/face covering.
• For indoor mass gatherings, participants should wear a mask/face covering regardless of vaccination status. 

GET VACCINATED AND LOG YOUR STATUS

Vaccinations are available in the Willcoxon Health Center. To make an appointment, please call 417-625-9323.  There are many ways to get vaccinated, and when you are ready we are here to help in this process. Visit our MSSU COVID-19 website and click on  COVID-19 Vaccine Information for additional vaccination locations, FAQs and more.

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and upload an image of their COVID-19 vaccination records, or accommodation, at Med+Proctor. Providing your vaccine information will help us have a measure of vaccination rates within our campus community and guide how we might adjust our policies to promote a safe working and learning environment. Your vaccine information will be kept confidential.

We are excited that students, faculty, and staff who upload information will be entered in drawings to win fantastic prizes through our vaccination incentive program. Drawings will begin on Aug. 9. Missourians –  double your chances and enter into the state of Missouri’s vaccine incentive program.

The importance of being fully vaccinated cannot be stressed enough, which is defined as two weeks after receiving two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Even if you have had COVID-19, you should still get vaccinated, as the vaccine strengthens immunity after natural infection.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a complex, challenging and fluid situation, which continues to evolve. While the variant poses a challenge, we head into this fall with the benefit of a vaccine and better knowledge of COVID-19. With your help, the campus will continue to be vigilant as we manage through this stage of the pandemic. Depending on how local and university COVID-19 numbers fluctuate, these measures may be adjusted. For additional information on the university’s response to COVID-19, please visit mssu.edu/covid-19.

For those who still wish to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, the Joplin Health Department will be offering them during Third Thursday, set for June 17 in downtown Joplin.

Vaccinations will be offered from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at City Hall, 602 S. Main St. First and second doses of the Moderna vaccine will be available.

The vaccine is free of charge. Bring a photo ID and – if it is your second dose – your vaccination card.

Walk-ins are welcome. You can also schedule an appointment on Vaccine Navigator or by calling the Health Department at 417-623-6122.