The John D. Bower School of Population Health (SOPH) Student Handbook, the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Bulletin, and PolicyTech are the primary sources of policies and procedures for SOPH students. Individual departments and academic programs in the SOPH may also have additional student policies, procedures, and guidelines, and they may be obtained from the Program Director of each program. The Student Handbook presents information, which at the time of publication, accurately describes student-related policies. The Student Handbook is neither a contract nor an offer to contract. The SOPH may revise the Student Handbook, policies, and procedures at any time without prior notice. Additional SOPH student-related policies and procedures may be found in Workday.

History

The John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson was established in 2016 by the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning.

Mission

The mission of the John D. Bower School of Population Health is to provide world-class graduate training to prepare the next generation of scientists and health care professionals to improve the health of individuals, populations, and communities through enhancing health care systems and health policies.

Vision

The John D. Bower School of Population Health is protecting populations by addressing the multiple determinants of health.

Diversity and Inclusion Committment

The John D. Bower School of Population Health (SOPH) is committed to sharing values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to achieve excellence. Each person at the SOPH is welcomed and appreciated. We are dedicated to promoting excellence by recruiting, retaining, and cultivating a diverse group of students, staff, faculty, and administrative leaders to improve population health and reduce health disparities.

We celebrate diversity of ideology, perspectives, cultural and social identities, and experiences, and we recognize our responsibility towards the populations we serve. We understand the significance of long-standing multidisciplinary partnerships and collaborations with diverse communities to promote health equity and improve population health outcomes.

We strive to include diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity practices at the center of our daily work and learning environment. Through innovative cross-cultural teamwork, we are educating, conducting research, and implementing programs to fill the gaps between equity and health disparities.

Certificate Programs

The John D. Bower School of Population Health offers programs leading to Certificates.

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Analytics

Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Population Health Science

Degree Programs

The John D. Bower School of Population Health offers programs leading to Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

Master of Science Degree Programs

Executive Master of Science in Population Health Management

Master of Science in Biostatistics and Data Science

Master of Science in Population Health Science

Doctor of Philosophy Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy in Biostatistics and Data Science

Doctor of Philosophy in Population Health Science

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Master of Science (MS) Degree SLOs

A student who completes a master's degree should:

demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge in the discipline; the level of the material and/or the extent of mastery must be above that for the baccalaureate degree,
use and/or understand the basic methodologies of the discipline
retrieve, evaluate, and utilize information relevant to the discipline
communicate, both orally and in writing, in a manner and level of proficiency that is standard for the discipline
conduct research or produce creative work (for thesis MS)
function as a professional in the discipline (for non-thesis MS)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree SLOs

A student who completes a doctoral degree should:

demonstrate broad and advanced knowledge within the discipline
successfully use a range of methodologies of the discipline
independently perform original research
communicate effectively
function as a professional in the discipline

ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

All policies and procedures referenced below may be found in PolicyTech.

UMMC Bulletin

View the current UMMC Bulletin here.

Academic Calendar

The School of Population Health's academic calendar can be found in the SOPH section of the Bulletin.

UMMC Student Resource Guide

View All SOPH Policies and Procedures

STUDENT SUCCESS

Student Success in the Office of Student Affairs provides resources to facilitate student excellence in the academic and professional settings. These resources address the skills and behaviors essential to academic achievement, professionalism, and transition to the workforce. For information, visit Student Success.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center provides reasonable academic accommodations for students with verified disabilities on an individualized and flexible basis as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For more information or to request academic accommodations, visit the Academic Accommodations webpage or contact Student Success in the Office of Student Affairs.

NON-ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Complaints

Students have the right to complain without fear of retribution or retaliation from UMMC or its employees. Students should review the UMMC Student Complaint policy and may submit formal written complaints to the Office for Student Success within the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs using the institutional UMMC Student Complaint Form.

Title IX Sexual Misconduct

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) is committed to creating and maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from unlawful discrimination based on sex in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act, Clery Act, and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Review the UMMC Title IX Sexual Harassment and Non-Discrimination Policy.
Visit the Title IX and Sexual Misconduct webpage.
Reports of sexual misconduct may be made by emailing the Title IX Coordinator, dialing 601-815-7978, submitting the Report a Concern online form, or in person or by mail at 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.

Identification Badges

Medical Center policy requires that students wear their identification badges at all times at all facilities operated by the Medical Center. The badge should be worn with the name and photo clearly visible on the front, upper torso affixed to a collar or pocket or displayed on a short break-away neck strap close to the face. The identification badge may be used for building access, check cashing in the bookstore, library checkouts, and security identification purposes. Students who lose their ID badge should report the loss immediately to Human Resources Service Center. A nominal fee will be charged for a replacement badge. Students who come to school without their identification badge may be subject to disciplinary action up to being asked to leave the campus.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Student Accounting

The Office of Student Accounting is responsible for the assessment and collection of all charges to students, such as tuition, late registration fees, and health insurance premiums, as well as disbursing excess financial aid proceeds to students.

Prior to the beginning of the academic term, tuition, fees, and applicable insurance charges are charged to the student's account. Billing statements are available in Workday. Late fees are assessed to accounts not paid by the payment deadline.

Updated tuition costs may be found online on the Student Accounting website.

Office of Student Accounting
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Verner Holmes Learning Resource Center – 2nd floor
Phone: (601) 984-1060
https://www.umc.edu/student_accounting/

Student Financial Services

Each recipient of student financial aid must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements in order to maintain his/her eligibility for financial aid.

Scholarship and state grant programs have differing requirements for continuing eligibility. These criteria are outlined in the terms and conditions that accompany the scholarship and grant awards.

Office of Student Financial Services
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Verner Holmes Learning Resource Center, U124
Phone: (601) 984-1117
https://www.umc.edu/financialaid/

SOPH Graduate Student Stipends

PhD students may receive SOPH Graduate Student Stipends per the SOPH PhD Student Stipends policy.

SOPH Dean's Scholarship

The SOPH Dean's Scholarship is a full-tuition recruitment scholarship that may be awarded to PhD students for outstanding academic achievement.

Loans

Students may apply for funding through various loan mechanisms. Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine their eligibility.

More information regarding SOPH stipends, scholarships, and tuition, may be found on the SOPH Stipends, Scholarships and Tuition webpage.

STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION

Associated Student Body (ASB)

The ASB of UMMC serves as the governing body of all students. The SOPH is represented in the ASB by the SOPH Student Body leadership.

SOPH Student Body

The SOPH Student Body serves as the planning organization for all SOPH students. The SOPH Student Body leadership positions are elected by current SOPH students each academic year.

Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

The University of Mississippi Medical Center offers a comprehensive program of student support services through the Office of Academic Affairs, which includes but is not limited to Student Services, Student Success, Student Financial Aid, Student Accounting, Enrollment Management, Student Health, and Police and Security.

Student and Employee Health

Student and Employee Health serves as the primary resource for occupational-health services such as immunization and tuberculosis screening when needed for academic purposes, such as documentation required for clearance to participate in learning activities at other institutions. Student and Employee Health is also the preferred option for initial assessment of non-emergency occupational health related injuries that occur on weekdays between the hours of 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Student and Employee Health does not charge for provider or nurse actions in providing services to students, but charges may be incurred for laboratory or imaging services. Student and Employee Health can be contacted for appointments or questions about services by calling (601) 984-1185.

If there is a severe occupational injury or a situation, such as a blood or body fluid exposure, that requires urgent treatment at night or on a weekend, students should seek care at the UMMC Emergency Department and notify Student and Employee Health afterward. Students in Mississippi are not covered by Workers Compensation and so may incur costs related to workplace injuries. Normal health care procedures, such as billing insurance, will take place as appropriate.

Students may access primary care services through UMMC’s Quick Care clinic, which is operated by the Department of Family Medicine in the Lakeland Medical Building at 764 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS. Quick Care is a full-service primary care practice in a private, confidential setting, and will provide students a large spectrum of services, including sick visits, preventive services, and care for chronic conditions. The physician and other providers at the Quick Care clinic do not teach, evaluate, or make recommendations for student advancement. Quick Care is available Monday through Friday from 7:40 am to 4:20 pm and offers both in person and telehealth visits. To schedule an appointment at Quick Care students may call (601) 984-6800. Additionally, if students prefer to obtain primary care services elsewhere, they are free to do so.

Immunizations and Vaccinations

Students at the School of Population Health (excluding students in select distance learning programs specifically named in the policy below) are required to meet and maintain the immunization requirements found in the Immunization Requirements Policy located PolicyTech. View the policy in PolicyTech via the UMMC Intranet.

SEH does offer the Influenza, Tdap, MMR, Varicella, and Hepatitis B vaccines for current students. All vaccines are administered at a cost to the student (with the exception of Influenza). Students should pay at Student Accounting and bring receipt to SEH for vaccine. Additional information and forms here.

Student Counseling Services

Student Counseling Services, provided by licensed professional counselors housed within Student and Employee Health, include psychological diagnosis, support, and counseling for UMMC students managing the stresses and difficulties of daily life inside and outside the classroom. Specific services include assistance managing stress and anxiety; depression and grief; and adjustment, family, and relationship issues. Available interventions include evaluation, brief motivational and solution-focused therapy, wellness counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and behavioral activation. With only a few exceptions required by law, the services students receive at the Student Counseling Services are confidential. Student Counseling Services staff members have no role in any student’s academic assessment, evaluation, or promotion. Medication management is not provided within Student Counseling Services, but counselors can provide information about such resources or assist in making referrals for assessment by a prescribing provider outside of Student and Employee Health. Email scs@umc.edu or dial (601) 815-4971 for additional information or to connect with a counselor.

Student Assistance Program

TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) is a student and Employee Assistance Program (EAP). TELUS Health is a confidential EAP and an exciting and innovative well-being solution available to all UMMC employees, their family members, and UMMC students.

TELUS Health can help you feel supported 24/7, 365 days a year, with a confidential EAP that can support you anytime, anywhere with work, health, and life. TELUS Health offers help with personal and work-related issues.

TELUS Health can help you manage your reactions with well-being articles, podcasts, digital programs, tools, and resources when the world around you gets stressful. Whether you have questions about handling stress at work and home, parenting and child care, managing money, or health issues, you can turn to TELUS Health for a confidential service that you can trust!

Tellus Health
Access TELUS Health Beginning October 1, 2022, users may follow the below instructions to access TELUS Health: Go to https://login.lifeworks.com/. Log in with the username and password. Username: ummc / Password: ummceap OR Download the LifeWorks mobile app from the AppStore or Google Play on your mobile device. Log in with the username and password. Username: ummc / Password: ummceap OR For EAP or live support 24/7, call: 1-844-664-0379

For technical support, visit https://help.lifeworks.com/hc/en-us, and submit a request.

Student Health Insurance

Health insurance is required for all students enrolled at the University of Mississippi Medical Center with the following exception. Students enrolled in distance education programs with no clinical or research components requiring the physical presence of students on any UMMC campus are not required to show evidence of health insurance and are not eligible to apply for coverage on the UMMC student insurance plans. These programs include the following: School of Dentistry – Advanced Standing Dental Hygiene; School of Graduate Studies in the Health Sciences – Biochemistry Certificate; School of Health Related Professions – Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science MLT-MLS, Advanced Standing Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Health Systems Administration, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Informatics, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership and Management; John D. Bower School of Population Health – Executive Master of Science in Population Health Management, Master of Science in Population Health Science, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Analytics, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Population Health Science.

All students, except those enrolled in the programs noted above, may enroll in one of the group plans offered by the Medical Center or must demonstrate comparable coverage under another provider. Students not enrolled in the Medical Center's student group health insurance plan, except those enrolled in the programs noted above, will be required to complete a waiver online in the student portal specifying the name of their insurance carrier. The student insurance plan is administered by the Office of Student Accounting, and any questions regarding enrollment or coverage should be addressed directly to the Office of Student Accounting.

International Services

International Services provides professional support and advising services to international faculty, staff, students, and scholars and serves as a resource to all departments on immigration regulations and requirements.

Rowland Medical Library

The Rowland Medical Library (RML) is located on the second floor of the Verner S. Holmes Learning Resource Center. The RML provides resources and services to students officially enrolled in UMMC programs, faculty and employees directly involved in health education, research, and patient care.

For more information about hours, resources, and services available at the library, please visit the RML website.

Office of Enrollment Management

This office maintains the official academic records of all matriculated students and provides a wide range of services to those students. The office also works closely with each school in the admissions process of students.

Official Transcripts, enrollment verifications, degree verifications, and letters of good standing can be requested online at www.umc.edu/transcripts. There may be a fee charged for certain documents.

For additional information, please contact the Office of Enrollment Management directly.

Office of Enrollment Management
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Verner Holmes Learning Resource Center, U121
Phone: (601) 984-1080
https://www.umc.edu/registrar/

SOPH PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Students who want to take time to become involved may find useful avenues of expression in membership in professional organizations. Membership is open to students in the various professional organizations. Each department will advise students of appropriate professional organizations and opportunities for membership. As student members, there is an opportunity to increase knowledge of the discipline and to begin to establish collegial relationships with other students and practitioners within the profession.

SOPH Student Government

The School of Population Health's Student Government Council is responsible for all official student activities of the school, serves as a liaison between faculty, students, and alums, and strives to establish relationships between disciplines.

The SOPH Student Government will provide representatives to represent SOPH on the Associate Student Body Council. The ASB is the student organization on the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus, which has representatives from each school (Dentistry, Graduate Programs, Health Related Professions, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Population Health) and plans all campus-wide student activities. The SHRP Council has advisors appointed by the dean. Elected officers must maintain good academic standing. If a student is on probation, they are not eligible to serve as a student government officer.

Student Participation

The administration and faculty of the Medical Center believe that it is important to involve students in the decision-making processes that affect institutional programs, policies, and operations. More often than not, institutional policy, proposals for institutional change, or suggestions for improvement in the institution's day-to-day operation begin at the committee level. For this reason, it has long been the institution's practice to include student representatives on appropriate campus-wide and school committees.

For the most part, student activities on this campus are coordinated by the Associated Student Body (ASB) or through the respective student councils in the individual schools. The UMMC Office of Student Services assists with and supervises UMMC ASB activities daily.

Class Events

Any on-campus events that include our students, whether sponsored by a class or sponsored in name by a class and where class members will be present, should be coordinated with the SOPH Student Services Office. This includes, but is not limited to, luncheons and presentations that may be conducted by outside vendors/employers. Some events may require the approval of other offices on campus (i.e., the UMMC Compliance Office). Additional information may be requested before or after the event to meet outside approval or guidelines. To allow time for proper approvals, all events must be submitted to the Student Services Office no later than two (2) weeks before the event.

Fundraising

The SOPH Student Affairs Office and UMMC Office of Development must approve all fundraising. View the UMMC Policy in PolicyTech via the UMMC Intranet. As a guideline, any sales of clothing apparel that name a particular program or department must also include the School of Population Health with the identified department. All fundraising must be aimed at supporting departmental or class projects. Class events and fundraising will be discussed at the first SOPH Student Government Meeting in September, and reminders will remain on the agenda throughout the year.

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Responsibilities

Students are responsible for complying with all policies and procedures, rules and regulations, and other information published by the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the School of Population Health, and their academic department. In addition, students are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

Exhibit the highest standard of personal, academic, professional and ethical behavior.
Treat faculty, staff, peers, clients, patients, and others with dignity and respect.
Abide by the Code of Conduct that applies to their specific professional discipline.

Students who violate any of the above when involved in any school or school-related activity/function, whether on or off campus, will be subject to disciplinary action.

Student Rights

Mistreatment and abuse of students by faculty, residents, staff, or fellow students is contrary to the educational objectives of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the School of Health Related Professions and will not be tolerated. Mistreatment and abuse include, but are not limited to, berating, belittling, or humiliation; physical punishment or threats; intimidation; sexual harassment; harassment or discrimination based on race, gender, sexual preference, age, religion, physical or learning disabilities; assigning a grade for reasons other than the student’s performance; assigning tasks for punishment or non-educational purposes; requiring the performance of personal services; or failing to give students credit for work they have done. Students have rights as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and all appropriate federal, state, and local laws. Primary among those is the right to a fair and impartial hearing if the student is accused of misconduct or violating university regulations. Additionally, students have the right to file a complaint for alleged mistreatment. The University of Mississippi Medical Center and the School of Health Related Professions has existing policies and procedures that relate to the following: financial aid; sexual harassment; final grade appeal; parking; drugs; alcohol; firearms; student access to records; student privacy; computer/internet use; dress and professional conduct; health insurance. Issues that relate to these specific policies should be addressed to the appropriate office. The Office of the Dean or Student Services can help students with information about those policies.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA)

Visit the Office of Enrollment Management, and the Bulletin for additional information in regards to student access to records, release of information, and accuracy of education records per the FERPA regulations.

COMMENCEMENT

Graduating students are encouraged to participate in commencement regardless of the semester of graduation. Students deemed eligible for graduation (pending final requirements set by individual departments) will be asked to complete the online program completion application (including the cap and gown order form) in Workday the semester before expected graduation. Students may order commencement invitations from the UMMC Bookstore during the early spring of the graduation year. Students are expected to obtain caps and gowns from the bookstore during the latter part of the commencement week. Student commencement instructions from the Office of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs will be emailed to participating students in April before the commencement ceremony.

Commencement Exercises

Commencement is generally scheduled for late May, at 10:00 am on Friday, and usually lasts approximately two (2) hours. The Mississippi Coliseum (located on High Street in Jackson) is the traditional location for commencement.

Honors and Awards

SOPH students with a record of exceptional achievement throughout their degree program may be recognized with individual honors, scholarships, and awards at the SOPH Honors Day Ceremony. Please consult the SOPH website for a complete list of honor, scholarship, and award descriptions.

EATING AND DRINKING POLICY IN SOPH CLASSROOMS

Eating and Drinking in Classrooms

Capped bottled water is allowed in SOPH classrooms. No other form of eating or drinking will be permitted in classrooms without permission from the Office of the Dean.

Eating and Drinking in the Collaboratory

Capped bottled water is allowed in the SOPH collaboratory. No other form of eating or drinking will be permitted in the collaboratory without permission from the Office of the Dean.

PARKING SERVICES

Where to Park?

As a reminder, all students with vehicles parked on UMMC leased or owned property must comply with the Policies for Parking and Traffic Rules and Regulations located on the Parking Services website.

Students are only authorized to park at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, which includes Lots A, B, C, E, and Overflow. Stadium parking is free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The only exception is Jackson State University (JSU) home football games. Advanced notification will be provided for any parking challenges during game nights. Employee Relations will assist in arranging parking accommodations at the Stadium for students with verified disabilities and medical needs.

Students will not pull a ticket from any parking ticket machine and park for any length of time. Parking citations will be issued to violators, and continued violation of parking policy will lead to increases in administrative fines, vehicle immobilization devices (boots), academic holds through Student Accounting, and referrals to Deans for disciplinary action up to and including dismissal proceedings.

Stadium Parking Map

Due to the increased number of vehicles parking in the Stadium, a map is shown below displaying available parking spaces in the Stadium. It is important to note that there are both regular and handicapped spaces in the Stadium. To park in a handicap space, the vehicle must display an official handicap placard or tag. Some spaces are considered handicapped only on football game days. There is signage on these designated spaces.

View the Interactive Campus Map or view the map as an image.

Questions and concerns regarding parking should be posed to Parking@umc.edu.

Shuttle Bus

UMMC's shuttle service provides daily transportation to and from designated shuttle stops throughout the main campus and the stadium parking lots for patients, visitors, students, and staff. The shuttle operates Monday through Friday and does not operate on UMMC holidays. To provide timely and efficient service for the most significant number of passengers, we operate the highest number of shuttles during the morning and evening peak hours. Maps for each shuttle route are available online (more here). Students can download an app on their cell phone for bus lines, estimated arrival times, and bus stop locations (more here).

The shuttle service is free and available to all members of the UMMC community. Questions and concerns regarding shuttles should be posed to Parking@umc.edu.

Bicycles

Bicycles provide a handy way of getting around campus. When parked on campus, a bike should be locked to prevent theft. Bicycle racks are available at the north entrance of the University of Mississippi Medical Center and in front of the Translational Research building.

No Parking Areas

Cars may not be parked where the curbing is painted yellow, blue, or red, on sidewalks, at sidewalk-street intersections, across parking lines, on lawns, or in other restricted areas. No double parking is permitted. Parking is also not allowed in any private or patient parking spaces at offices or apartment buildings adjacent to the Medical Center campus.

SECURITY

Translational Research Center

Only SOPH students actively enrolled in a SOPH program with on-campus requirements will be granted building access via their UMMC student ID badge. Questions regarding building access should be directed to the SOPH Dean's Office.

UMMC Police and Public Safety Department

The UMMC Police and Public Safety Department (formerly Campus Police) uses advanced equipment and techniques for crime prevention and to carry out a number of programs and services to promote safety and security. State law grants campus police the power to enforce all state and federal criminal statutes. Officers are certified in compliance with state law to assist in providing effective campus security. The department works in conjunction with local law enforcement authorities. All reports of criminal activity will be handled and investigated in an appropriate and professional manner. Campus police officers provide 24-hour assistance to students, employees, and the public. Campus Police will escort students at night or on weekends to or from destinations on campus or the Veterans Memorial Stadium parking lot. Students who wish to be escorted should contact Campus Police at (601) 984-1360 (or extension 4-1360 if calling on campus) or by contacting a campus police officer on duty.

Firearms Policy

Because of the unreasonable and unwarranted risk of injury or death to employees, students, visitors, and patients, and in accordance with sections 45-9-101 and 97-37-17 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, the University of Mississippi Medical Center prohibits the possession of pistols, firearms, or other weapons in any form by any person other than those duly authorized (i.e., Campus Police Officers).

GENERAL INFORMATION

Alumni Chapter (SOPH)

The School of Population Health's Alumni Chapter is vital in various programs and events conducted at the School of Population Health. The SOPH alumni chapter is a key link between students, the school, faculty, alumni, and professional businesses.

Bookstore

The bookstore, located in the Norman C. Nelson Student Union building, services the health sciences community and is open Monday through Friday, from 7:45 am until 4:30 pm. Available for purchase are textbooks, medical instruments, related school supplies, insignia items, computer, software, and gifts. The bookstore can be contacted at 1-800-BKSTORE (257-8673) or by visiting their website.

Food Service

There are several food service centers and vending machines in various buildings on campus. For more dining information, visit the Dining and Menus page.

Lost and Found

Contact the SOPH Dean's Office or the Campus Police Office ((601) 984-1360) for information on articles lost or found.

Norman C. Nelson Student Union

The Norman C. Nelson Student Union houses the campus bookstore, a food court, student government offices, and meeting and event facilities. A recreation room, lounge space, a study room, and a state-of-the-art fitness center are available for students and residents. The 57,000-square-foot facility opened its doors in the fall of 1999.

Photographs

The School of Population Health and individual departments may use pictures of students in print, video, and social media. These items are used to promote the school and UMMC. If you do not wish to participate in these pictures and/or media, please notify the SOPH Dean's Office and your departmental office in writing or via email to revoke your permission.

Photocopying

Photocopy services are available in the Rowland Medical Library. A fee for photocopying may occur. All copyright regulations must be observed when using photocopy services.

Postal Services

The Post Office, located in Room N019 in the basement of the hospital's north wing, operates as a contract station of the U.S. Post Office and offers most standard services. It is open to students from 10 am – 4 pm Monday – Friday.

Posting of Notices

Medical Center policy prohibits posting notices on painted walls or any other painted surfaces, as well as on the entrance doors to any building. All departments have bulletin boards for the posting of authorized notices.

UMMC Communications and Marketing

The Office of Institutional Advancement, a center-wide service area in the Learning Resource Center, Room U015, is the only authorized channel for releasing University of Mississippi Medical Center information to the news media. The office welcomes suggestions from students for media stories or ideas for the University of Mississippi Medical Center's publications.

Student Lounge

The student lounge in the SOPH is located on the second floor, TR207.

UMMC Property

Students are not permitted to remove UMMC property from the premises. Any UMMC property a student uses must be appropriately assigned to or checked out by a faculty member. Any faculty member who possesses, uses, and removes Medical Center property from the premises for any reason must have an authorization form in hand. The department head or their designee must complete the property authorization form.

Personal use of UMMC property is prohibited. All UMMC employees or students using or possessing UMMC property can be held financially responsible for the damage or loss of the property due to negligence. Any damage, loss, or theft of the property should be promptly reported to the designated departmental representative.

Student Compliance

The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has implemented a compliance program to develop effective internal controls that promote adherence to applicable federal and state law and the program requirements of federal, state, and private health plans, furthering the fundamental mission of UMMC to provide quality care to patients. All SHRP students are required to complete a student compliance and safety training course in Canvas during program orientation and on a continued basis. Failure to complete compliance training courses will result in a Canvas hold and removal from course participation, which could result in a failing grade on scheduled course assignments and could result in dismissal from the program.

COMMUNICATION

UMMC Student Social Media Policy

The University of Mississippi Medical Center recognizes that social networking websites are popular means of communication. Students who use these websites must be aware that posting certain information is illegal. Violations of existing statutes and administrative regulations may expose the offender to criminal and civil liability, and the punishment for violations may include fines and imprisonment. Offenders also may be subject to adverse academic actions up to and including dismissal.

Students should review the Policy and Guidelines for Personal Use of Social Media document in PolicyTech.

Electronic Communications

SOPH is committed to utilizing the most advanced technology available to communicate with students. Therefore, when appropriate, the university will employ electronic means to affect such communication, and students are expected to monitor these electronic communications appropriately. To facilitate this goal, all students will be assigned an electronic mail address in "Outlook" when accepted for admission.

Electronic means may include but are not limited to, electronic mail, electronic bulletin boards, and information portals.

Guidelines:

Mass email distribution to students shall be restricted to University Departments for university business. The authority to approve email distribution in this manner rests with deans, directors, and department heads.
Electronic communication to inform students of upcoming events of interest among students may be approved for distribution by mass email.
Where appropriate, electronic communications should have the following: from address, reply-to-address, and subject line.
This policy does not apply to electronic communications between academic units and their students (i.e., an instructor sending electronic mail to students in their class, etc.).
Electronic mail, your "UMMC Outlook" account, is official communication from faculty, departments, schools, and the University.

Refer to the UMMC Acceptable Use Policy in PolicyTech via the UMMC Intranet.

COMPUTERS AND ONLINE LEARNING

If you need assistance for any computer related issue or have any questions, please contact the service desk at (601) 984-1145 or 4-1145 while on campus. The Service Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When contacting the Service Desk, please be sure to include your student ID number, phone number, and email address.

Computer Recommendations

Coursework will require ongoing use of a computer and a broadband connection to the Internet. Students, especially online students, will be expected to have a computer that meets the requirements below or purchase a computer that meets the minimum configurations required by their program. Your financial aid considerations should include the cost of meeting this requirement.

Please verify specific computer requirements with your program. Most computers are capable of meeting the following general requirements. A student's computer configuration should include:

Speakers and a microphone (for a desktop computer)
Headphones with built-in microphone (for a laptop)
Webcam (most programs will require an external webcam and microphone)
USB port
Printer
Broadband connection to the Internet and related equipment (Cable/DSL modem)
Microsoft Office Suite installed (provided by the university)

Hardware Recommendations

I5 processor 1st generation or greater
8GB of RAM or more
256 Gigabyte Hard Drive or larger
USB ports (at least 2)
1366 x 768 or higher resolution monitor
Speakers or headphones
Webcam (most programs will require an external webcam and microphone)
Wi-Fi connection
Broadband connection to the Internet and related equipment. (Cable or DSL highly recommended)
Printer

Operating System

Macintosh: OS X Big Sur (11.0)or newer OR the latest version of Windows 10 or newer

Software

Microsoft Office Suite (provided by the University)
Antivirus
Google Chrome

Chromebooks are not fully supported devices for any program. You will be required to submit assignments that can be opened using MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. If you use a Chromebook, you must be able to convert your assignments to this format.

Canvas

The School of Population Health uses Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) software to deliver course content. Once enrolled in a course in Workday, visit the Canvas website to log in and retrieve course material. You will receive an email notifying you of enrollment in a course using Canvas.

How do I access Canvas? Go to https://umc.instructure.com and log in using your full UMMC email address and UMMC network password.

Students in the online learning environment are expected to respect all who are participating in the learning community by:

honoring their right to their opinions;
respecting the right of each person to disagree with others;
responding honestly but thoughtfully and respectfully using language that others will not consider foul or abusive;
always signing your name to any contribution you choose to make;
respecting your privacy and the privacy of others by not revealing information which you deem private and which you feel might embarrass you or others;
being constructive in your responses to others in the class, and
being prepared to clarify statements that might be misunderstood or misinterpreted by others.

Respondus Monitor

The School of Population Health will use Respondus Monitor for proctored testing in online courses. This software is provided at no additional cost to the students through UMMC. However, each student is responsible for a computer that meets system requirements, an external webcam, and reliable high-speed Internet. Additional information regarding Respondus Monitor can be found within the Student Orientation Module in your Canvas course.

System Requirements

Windows: 11 or higher
Mac: macOS 10.13 to 13.0+
A broadband internet connection
Web camera (external) & microphone

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Alert U

The Alert U system will notify UMMC faculty, staff, and students of a campus emergency. Alert U provides rapid notification of emergency messages via text messaging and email. To receive alerts, students, faculty and staff must have a current cell phone number in Workday. To verify that your cell phone number is accurate, please visit Workday.

Alert U uses the Everbridge mobile safety app that allows students, faculty, and staff to instantly contact UMMC Police, check in while on campus, and safely walk to and from parking areas by sharing a location trail in the app.

To learn more about Alert U, visit the Alert U page.

Medical

In the event of a medical emergency, faculty, staff, or students should dial 5-7777 and speak with the campus dispatcher. Additionally, notify the dean's office at (601) 984-1020. The appropriate incident report should be completed within 24 hours and emailed to the dean's office.

Severe Weather

In the event of severe weather requiring immediate action, personnel in the dean's office will contact departmental offices to indicate that severe weather procedures should be followed. Each departmental office will notify departmental faculty and staff.

Fire

In the event of a fire, you should use the fire pull boxes located in each hallway and call 911 or (601) 984-6666 from a safe location. If the fire is small and can be contained, a fire extinguisher may be used to attempt to extinguish the fire. However, no faculty, staff, or student should endanger themself by trying to put out a fire.
When the fire alarm sounds, all faculty and staff should close any windows in the office or classroom in which they reside, turn the lights on, check the hallway for smoke or fire, exit the room by closing the door behind, and then exit the building as quickly and safely as possible.
Faculty, staff, and students on the elevators should exit the elevators at the nearest elevator stop and proceed out of the building by the nearest exit. If any of these exits are blocked, the nearest available exit should be used.
In no event should faculty, staff, or students in the building proceed up the stairs to the roof as the roof does not have an exit.
Primary and secondary fire marshals on each floor will seek to ensure that all persons have vacated the area.
Once faculty and staff have left the building, everyone, including any students and guests, should proceed to the mechanical building parking lot or adjacent lawn and wait for instructions from the dean, his/her designee, or security personnel. See diagrams shown below.
Please wait in these areas until instructed to leave.

Active Shooter (Run, Hide, Fight)

Information in regards to defending against an Active Shooter (also known as Run, Hide, Fight) can be found on the UMMC Police and Public Safety Department website.

RUN

Know your surroundings – have escape route and plan in mind
Run immediately – leave your belongings behind
Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
Help others escape, if possible
Do not attempt to move injured people
Prevent others from entering area where the active shooter may be
Keep your hands visible
Call 911 when you are safe

HIDE

If you can't escape, hide in an area out of the shooter's view
Lock the door or block the entry to your hiding place
Silence cell phone (including the vibrate mode) and remain quiet
Take cover behind furniture or fixtures away from doors or windows

FIGHT

Fight as a last resort and only when your life is in imminent danger
Use items around you as weapons to fight
Attempt to incapacitate the shooter
Commit to your actions...your life depends on it

SOPH TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Departments in the SOPH
Dean's Office	601-984-1020
Department of Data Science	601-984-2696
Department of Population Health Science	601-984-1206
Department of Preventive Medicine	601-815-8982

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS NUMBERS

Student Services
UMMC Campus Police (non-emergency)	601-984-1360
UMMC Campus Police (emergency)	815-7777 911 (from campus phone)
Office for Student Success	601-815-5064
Office of Enrollment Management	601-984-1080
Student Accounting	601-984-1060
Student/Employee Health	601-984-1185

Documents, Policies and Procedures

John D. Bower School of Population Health 2024 – 2025 Student Handbook

CONTENTS

Select a topic below to jump to a section.

INTRODUCTION

Administration and Departmental Leadership

Purpose of Student Handbook