Frequently Asked Questions
Last Update: 4/16/21 | 10 a.m.
COVID-19 Exposure, Health and Wellness
On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ ‘D’ for disease, and “19” (2019) is the year the outbreak began.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
COVID-19 is a new disease, and the CDC is learning more about how the virus spreads. Please refer to the CDC website for the most current information.
According to the CDC, people with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Please refer to the CDC website for the most current information on symptoms
COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and are currently being distributed. Please refer to the CDC website for the most current information on the COVID-19 vaccines.
Click on this link to find a COVID vaccination site in Georgia: https://dph.georgia.gov/locations/covid-vaccination-site. The list is updated frequently.
The same measures that are urged to prevent the spread of any respiratory virus are increasingly important:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Frequently clean and disinfect high touch surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipes.
- For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls, consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting. If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Dry surface thoroughly.
- Practice social distancing (avoid shaking hands, maintain a 6-foot distance from individuals who are symptomatic and consider using teleconferencing instead of face-to-face meetings).
Practice other good health habits, including getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating nutritious food.
The flu (influenza) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Some of the symptoms of the flu and COVID-19 are similar, and it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone. You may need to be tested to confirm a diagnosis. Please see the CDC’s similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19 for additional details.
If you are exhibiting the following symptoms, you may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms, ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.
If you have any symptoms, immediately call the Student Health Center 24/7 COVID-19 hotline at (478) 301-7425 for a testing appointment. It is critical that employees do not report to work while experiencing symptoms.
Please call 911 with a medical emergency.
Mercer University is currently not restricting any travel that is not already restricted by federal or local governments. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State for detailed travel information.
Mercer University places a priority on the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, staff and visitors. To mitigate the risks of spreading the novel coronavirus, Mercer is emphasizing personal responsibility through the “Bears Care” initiative. For more information, visit COVID-19 Spring Plans.
As warranted, the University is sending emails to students, faculty, and staff to keep them apprised of developments that impact the Mercer community. These communications are also being posted on the University’s coronavirus website.
An important way that the Mercer family supports each other is through the spirit of community — whether that’s in person or virtually — and there’s no other community anywhere in the world like Mercer. We invite you to join The Den — an online gathering spot where you can follow the many good things that are happening across the University.
Residential Macon students who test positive for COVID-19 will have the option to return home or can be moved to isolated housing on campus or at a local hotel until they clear isolation by Student Health/Mercer Medicine.
Students living in the Lofts (with private rooms and bathrooms) will be permitted to isolate in their rooms.
Commuter students who test positive for COVID-19 will need to stay home until the Student Health Center/Mercer Medicine clears them to return to campus.
During this time, students should consult their own medical care professional regularly. Students must complete the daily Bear Check of symptoms while in isolation. Mercer Medicine monitors students’ symptoms by phone and the Bear Check. While in isolation, students will receive academic accommodations by all instructors.
Every effort will be made to identify close contacts with students who test positive, and those contacts will be notified by the Student Health Center/Mercer Medicine on safety precautions. For example, if a student tests positive, the instructor, classmates and roommates will be notified of possible exposure to COVID-19. The notification will advise them on the precautions they should or can follow, including the option to be tested, and will comply with HIPPA and FERPA regulations.
Faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 should follow medical advice and isolate at home until cleared by the Student Health Center/Mercer Medicine to return to work.
Classes will be covered by another instructor until the faculty member is cleared by the Student Health Center/Mercer Medicine to return to work. In some cases, the class may be conducted by alternate means until the faculty member is cleared.
Students who are in classes taught by an infected instructor, as well as anyone else who has been in close contact with the instructor, will be notified by Student Health on what precautions they should or can follow, including the option to be tested. Notifications will comply with HIPPA and FERPA regulations.
The Human Resources Office and the employee’s supervisor will be notified of the employee’s positive result. The supervisor will make arrangements for the employee’s work spaces to be cleaned.
Download the Mercer University COVID-19 Protocols Flyer.
All students have been asked to commit to the following pledge:
I pledge to protect myself by following recommended safety guidelines for self-care put forth by the University and immediately report to the Student Health COVID-19 Hotline (478-301-7425) if I become symptomatic or exposed to COVID-19.
I pledge to protect others by exercising proper social distancing, respecting the rights of others, and by not acting in ways that needlessly put other community members at risk.
I pledge to protect the community by participating in testing and contract tracing as requested and observe all relevant instructional signs and directions posted by the institution.
Students are expected to monitor and adhere to all policies and guidelines pertaining to COVID-19. This includes face coverings, social distancing, and student event guidelines, expectations, and protocols found on this website. Violations of these policies can result in student code of conduct charges as well as the removal of a student from a particular activity until a violation has been evaluated. Violations of any policy should be immediately reported to the Student Affairs professional in your academic area, to the Office of Student Affairs (478-301-2685 (Macon)/ 678-547-6823 (ATL)) or directly to Mercer Police (478-301-2970).
We recommend that all faculty, staff, and students take an active role in educating each other about safety protocols. We recommend the following steps for addressing perceived violations:
- ADDRESS the person by asking them to follow the expectations outlined by the University. Request in a polite and caring manner that the person follow the specific guidelines and correct their behavior.
- INFORM the person on the importance of following the expectations outlined by the University. You may reference the University’s COVID-19 policies on this website to support your efforts to obtain compliance, such as the requirement to wear a mask in class, etc. Share with the person the importance of protecting the Mercer community. Explain that we all play a part in helping to accomplish that goal by minimizing the spread of the coronavirus. If this is ineffective in achieving compliance, proceed to Step 3.
- REFER the person to the appropriate office. Violations of any policy should be immediately reported to the Student Affairs professional in your academic area, the Office of Student Affairs (478-301-2685 (Macon)/ 678-547-6823 (ATL)) or Mercer Police (478-301-2970).
Please email your positive COVID-19 results to Student Health at mytestreport@mercer.edu. In the subject line of the email, type “Macon Test” (for Macon, Savannah, and Columbus students) or type “Atlanta Test” (for Atlanta, Henry, and Douglas students). Faculty and staff should type “Employee Test” in the subject line of the email. Be sure to include your full legal name and your MUID in the body of the email.
If a student or employee is symptomatic of an infection, please call the hotline at 478-301-7425 to schedule a testing appointment at the Student Health Center on the Macon or Atlanta campus.
If a student or employee is not exhibiting any symptoms but would like to be tested or has been selected for surveillance testing, go to go.mercer.edu/covidappt to schedule an appointment at the Macon or Atlanta Student Health Center.
Mercer Medicine will bill the individual’s medical insurance provider for the test. Most insurance companies cover the full cost of the test. Mercer Medicine does not bill the student or employee for the balance of the COVID-19 test.
Yes. One step in the University’s comprehensive plan to detect and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus is randomized surveillance testing. Surveillance testing increases the timeliness of outbreak detection and response by rapidly identifying and isolating COVID-19 cases that would otherwise go undetected without testing.
Students and employees are required to participate in surveillance testing throughout the Spring 2021 Semester. Exceptions include
- students who are enrolled in totally online programs/courses,
- students and employees with University-approved accommodations who are learning/working remotely from home, and
- students and employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days.
- Students who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19
- According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
- According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
Students and employees may be selected for surveillance testing multiple times during the semester.
Testing locations:
- Macon – Student Health Center, Drake Field House, Macon Campus
- Atlanta – Student Health Center, Sheffield Building, Atlanta Campus
- Savannah – Memorial University Medical Center, Savannah Campus (Drs. Shelly or Baxter)
- Columbus – MercyMed of Columbus
- Henry and Douglas Counties – Contact the Provost’s Office at provost@mercer.edu for a list of testing facilities near the Mercer centers.
An off-campus test must be a nasal swab PCR test. Mercer Medicine does not accept antigen tests (known as rapid tests) or antibody tests.
At this time, vaccinated individuals are still required to be tested for COVID-19 if selected for surveillance testing.
No. Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to be tested if selected for surveillance testing.
According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If you were vaccinated in a different state or if for some reason you have been chosen for surveillance testing but are fully vaccinated, please email a copy of your COVID-19 vaccine card to Mercer Medicine at myvaccine@mercer.edu. Type your full legal name and MUID in the subject line of the email.
Campus Operations and General Questions
Yes! Spring semester classes will be offered on campus with reasonable and deliberate safeguards to protect students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Please refer to the University Registrar’s Office for the revised 2020-21 academic calendars for all campuses.
Mercer University is committed to providing a safe environment in which to learn, study, teach, perform research, and work. Growing scientific evidence supports that wearing an appropriate face mask is an essential strategy to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, along with social distancing and frequent hand sanitation. It is the responsibility of everyone in our community to wear appropriate face coverings to minimize risk to themselves and others. For this reason, the University is providing an appropriate face covering to each student, faculty, and staff member and has adopted the following detailed policy on wearing protective face coverings.
Mercer University COVID-19 Face Covering Policy
Everyone on campus is required to wear an appropriate face covering in shared indoor settings and outdoors when appropriate distancing cannot be maintained. Indoor settings include classrooms, hallways, lobbies, communal offices, common spaces, public restrooms, meeting rooms, libraries, and other spaces where people tend to gather. Face coverings are also required outdoors when six-foot physical distancing cannot be maintained, or during a class or event that might be held outdoors or in a tent. The face covering requirement must adhere to the following best practices.
- Face coverings must be two- or three-layer masks made with breathable, tightly woven fabric (such as cotton and cotton blends), non-medical disposable masks, or enclosed masks with a transparent panel. Masks with vents or exhalation valves may not be worn without an additional cloth covering over the vent or valve. Folded bandannas or gaiter masks or knitted masks are not allowable. Medical masks and N-95 respirators should not be used because they should be conserved for healthcare workers.
- Face coverings must fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face covering the nose and mouth and extend over the chin.
- Students, faculty, and staff must have a face covering in their possession whenever they are on campus.
- A face covering must be put on prior to entering any campus building and worn in common areas, such as elevators, lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, when traveling inside the building.
- Face coverings must be worn in classrooms, study rooms, communal workspaces, theaters, auditoriums, and other shared spaces.
- Face coverings must be worn in outdoor settings whenever at least six feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Any branding, decoration, or labeling on face coverings must be appropriate to the professional University setting.
- Guests, visitors, vendors, and contractors are expected to honor these guidelines and provide their own face coverings.
- Each person will be responsible for keeping their facial coverings clean and properly mended.
- Student non-compliance is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be reported accordingly. An incompliant student – who blatantly disregards the policy – will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs.
- Employees failing to comply are to be reported to their immediate supervisor or Human Resources.
- Under no circumstances should a student, faculty, or staff member initiate a verbal or physical altercation to force compliance with this policy. Reporting of noncompliance to the appropriate personnel is sufficient.
The following in-building exceptions apply:
- Children under the age of two are not required to mask. Children under the age of five (including those developmentally under five) who refuse to wear a mask will be exempted without documentation.
- Students in their residence hall room or apartment.
- Employees working alone in their individualized office, enclosed workspace, or behind a protective barrier.
- Anyone participating in activities in which a face mask cannot be worn or would prohibit respiratory function (e.g., eating, drinking, playing a musical instrument or singing, playing sports). Please note that these activities are limited to appropriately designated locations.
- Students, faculty, staff, or contractor in a lab, clinical, or industrial setting where indicated face coverings pose a safety hazard or insufficient protection. Face covering requirements in such settings supersede this policy.
- Students who are studying individually in enclosed study spaces
An individual with a disability that impacts their ability to wear a face covering may request a reasonable accommodation. Employees should consult with their supervisor or contact Human Resources for accommodation. Students should contact the Access and Accommodations Office at https://access.mercer.edu/students/new to apply for accommodations.
Yes! The University Center has operational hours posted on their website, https://uc.mercer.edu/hours.
Yes! The libraries are open at all locations. Please check the Library Hours website for current hours. Library entry, including 24/7 spaces, continue to be accessible only by Bear Card.
Law School Library
For updated library hours and access information, click here.
Medical School Library
For updated library hours and access information, click here.
All official email communication from the University will be sent to your Mercer email account. You may also check your Mercer email via Office 365 online. Enter your Mercer University ID number followed by @live.mercer.edu (e.g. 12345678@live.mercer.edu) and enter the same password used to access your MyMercer account.
Academic Information
Yes. The University has planned a spring academic calendar with reasonable and deliberate safeguards to protect students, faculty, staff, and guests. The revised calendar will minimize travel-associated breaks, meet accreditation-mandated contact hours per credit hour requirements, and preserve the general University calendar.
The 2021 spring semester will start on Thursday, January 7, with the last day of classes on Friday, April 30, as scheduled. In recognition of their significance to the Mercer community, the University will continue to observe the Martin Luther King Jr. and Good Friday holidays with no class meetings.
Changes for the Macon residential campus include the following:
- Spring Break is being eliminated from the schedule and replaced with midterm reading days.
Classes will not meet on February 10, February 23, March 5, and March 30. These days will serve as midterm reading days to prepare for exams and assignments. Faculty are encouraged to be available for office hours assistance.
- This year’s Breakthroughs in Engagement, Arts and Research (BEAR) Day will be observed with no class meetings. BEAR Day is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, April 15.
Please refer to the University Registrar’s Office for the revised 2020-21 academic calendars for all campuses.
The bookstore is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Online Delivery Available with Free Shipping
All textbooks can be purchased online through the campus bookstore website, https://mercer-macon.bncollege.com.
Free ground shipping is available on all orders of course materials and general merchandise.
Please remember that you may experience significantly longer shipping times than usual based on local conditions. To avoid any shipping delays that may occur with printed course materials, we recommend that you select available digital formats for any course materials you choose to purchase so that you have immediate access and are ready for the start of class.
Questions? Let us know!
- Chris Blackwell, Store Manager, bksmercer@mercer.edu
- Sophia Pope, Assistant Manager – Macon, am576@bncollege.com
- Kelsie Carayas, Assistant Manager – Atlanta, sm577@bncollege.com
Please continue to submit your summer or spring textbooks orders here.
For questions about your textbook order, please email Chris Blackwell at SM576@bncollege.com.
For current information on bookstore operations, please follow us on our social media channels.
The Office of Fellowships and Scholarships is available for advising sessions through Zoom, and students can make an appointment. The Office of Fellowships and Scholarships assists students applying for nationally and internationally competitive merit scholarship programs that support undergraduate or graduate study, research, or work experiences, here or abroad. Fellowships support students in their efforts to do great work in the world and open doors to mentoring, graduate schools, and careers. Please contact Dr. David Davis at davis_da@mercer.edu with additional questions.
Housing
The department has created a safety plan to help educate students about COVID-19 and decrease the risk of transmission. Some of the precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Move-in times will be set to minimize the number of students and guests in student housing at any one time. No more than two move-in guests will be permitted at a time during move-in.
- After move-in/return, students may not have any non-University guests in on-campus facilities.
- After move-in/return, students may have only one Mercer University guest per resident, but all students must wear masks in the room when guests are visiting.
- All students living in University-owned housing will be tested for COVID-19 prior to moving into the residence halls.
- Mercer Medical School staff provides annual training for the Housing and Residence Life staff, including COVID-19 safety training for the Resident Assistants. Resident Assistants will provide educational programs about COVID-19 safety to all residents at the beginning of the fall semester all new students arriving in the spring.
- Students will be required to read and sign a COVID-19 Acknowledgement Form before moving in, committing to safe practices within the community.
- All students will be provided a cloth mask. Housing and Residence Life recommends students bring additional masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies.
- Signs about COVID-19 safety are posted throughout the on-campus facilities.
- Sanitizer stations are located in key locations.
- Housing and Residence Life staff follow the face mask policies as required by the University.
- National Management Cleaning Services has increased the cleaning of facilities.
- Students are advised to monitor their symptoms daily and report immediately to the Student Health Center 24/7 Hotline at (478) 301-7425 if COVID-19 symptoms develop.
- Housing and Residence Life staff assist COVID-positive students who are directed to isolate.
Mercer is committed to making all of its programs, services and activities accessible to all students in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADA Amendments Act of 2008 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students requesting accommodations for a diagnosed physical, medical (chronic health condition), psychological or learning disability and temporary injuries must first self-identify by applying online for accommodations with the Office of Access and Accommodations. Through the verification process reasonable accommodations providing an equal opportunity are determined. Examples of reasonable accommodations are (but not limited to): housing with no carpet, private bedroom, 1st floor, note-taking accommodations, attendance accommodations, extended time on tests, auxiliary services and aids.
Students with a medical condition in need of accommodations due to COVID-19 would do one of the following two things to have their situation evaluated:
- Students already receiving accommodations from the Office of Access and Accommodations can request new accommodations through the department’s website.
- Students not yet receiving accommodations will need to complete the process to become approved for accommodations. Please go to https://access.mercer.edu/students/new/ and follow the procedures (online application, interview, submit documentation and a meeting to discuss accommodations approval).
For further information on this topic, a student should contact:
Katie Johnson
Mercer University
Director of Access and Accommodations
Connell Student Center, 2nd Floor
Phone: 478-301-2810
Fax: 478-301-2127
https://access.mercer.edu/
The University views the chapter houses similar to a “family” unit. Therefore, chapter members living in a Greek Village house are encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask in common spaces when only residents of the house are present.
However, if any non-residential chapter member, or other non-residential University guest enters the house, masks must be worn by all individuals in these common spaces including the kitchen, office, hallways and chapter room. As a reminder, non-University guests are not permitted in any residential space on campus, including Greek Village houses. The chapter advisor is excluded from this policy but must wear a mask as outlined above.
Residence Life
Yes. Mercer recognizes the importance that campus leadership, service, intramurals, and student organizations play as a part of the college educational experience. To mitigate risk for COVID-19 during the spring, the University has developed guidelines for student events and organizations.
The University views the chapter houses similar to a “family” unit. Therefore, chapter members living in a Greek Village house are encouraged, but not required, to wear a mask in common spaces when only residents of the house are present.
However, if any non-residential chapter member, or other non-residential University guest enters the house, masks must be worn by all individuals in these common spaces including the kitchen, office, hallways and chapter room. As a reminder, non-University guests are not permitted in any residential space on campus, including Greek Village houses. The chapter advisor is excluded from this policy but must wear a mask as outlined above.
Yes. Student organizations may hold events on or off campus as long as they follow applicable COVID-19 Event Guidelines including, but not limited to, the following: campus life approval for events over 25 persons, limit room capacities, adhere to appropriate social distancing measures, provide hand sanitizer, include screening signage and require masks for indoor events. Virtual or outdoor events are encouraged when possible.
Yes. Mercer recognizes the critical role that exercise plays in mental and physical health of our students. However, steps will be taken to mitigate risk for COVID-19 this spring.
The University will be implementing screening checks, providing hand sanitizer, and implementing other safety measures to mitigate risks during activities. Club sports will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with their advisor and the Office of Recreational Sports and Wellness.
Financial Matters
Students can continue to contact their Financial Aid Advisors via email or telephone. Students may also contact the Office of Student Financial Planning through our main line 478.301.2670. The Office of Student Financial Planning will return all messages left before 4 p.m. each day on the same day; messages after 4 p.m. will be returned on the next day.
Students may schedule meetings with their Financial Aid Advisors through Starfish. Meetings will be held via Zoom or phone conference.
Mercer Medicine will bill the individual’s medical insurance provider for the test. Most insurance companies cover the full cost of the test. Mercer Medicine does not bill the student or employee for the balance of the COVID-19 test.
Counseling
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call:
- 9-1-1
- Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225 (Georgia only)
- Mercer Police – MERPO (478-301-4357 for Macon-campus residents)
- Mercer Police – MERPO (678-547-6358 for Atlanta-campus residents)
Mercer’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) staff continue to support actively-enrolled Mercer students via telemental health services:
- Macon-based students, including all School of Medicine students, may contact CAPS Macon by calling 478-301-2862 or visiting https://counseling.mercer.edu/macon/ for additional updates and information.
- Atlanta-based students and Atlanta-area Regional Academic Centers students may contact CAPS-ATL by calling 678-547-6060 or visiting https://counseling.mercer.edu/atlanta/ for additional updates and information.
- Due to licensing laws and knowledge of resources, students continuing their studies online who are now residing out of Georgia are encouraged to visit the CAPS website for help in locating referrals or resources in your area and call CAPS if additional assistance is needed.
Please consult each individual CAPS website for additional resources and information.
- The CDC provides multiple resources on taking care of your emotional health.
Online Teaching and Learning
Visit the IT website and use the Search feature to search any topic you do not find on the home page. Contact the IT Help Desk via phone (478) 301-7000 or via their IT Service Portal for further assistance. In-person support may be available by appointment, if needed. Visit our Contact Us page frequently for our current hours of operation.
The student should first contact the instructor to explain the connectivity situation. If connectivity remains an issue, the instructor can accommodate the student by providing alternate activities and communicating regularly with the student.
Mercer’s credit hour policy provides guidelines for compliance and activities that count toward direct instructional time, many of which are asynchronous.
Yes, student success in an online course includes regularly logging into your course and staying connected. Check your course announcements and communications to ensure that you stay up to date on assignments, exams, and other course requirements.
Visit the IT website for information on accessing and using Canvas.
Contact the IT Help Desk via phone (478) 301-7000 or via their IT Service Portal for assistance with Canvas.
Zoom Video Conferencing is a simple-to-use, cloud-based video communications tool that is available to all Mercer students. This software solution offers many features including integration with Canvas, online meetings, video conferencing, webinars, questionnaires within meetings, and much more. Zoom allows you to conduct a video meeting or webinar directly from your computer, mobile device, or Zoom Configured Classrooms. Check out this quick video for an overview of Zoom Video Conferencing.
All students have Zoom accounts that can be used for classes or personal meetings/study sessions.
- Visit Zoom: http://mercer.zoom.us
- Click the Sign in button.
- Enter the same username and password used to access your computer, Mercer email, or MyMercer.
Once you have used the link above to log in and complete your Zoom account setup, you may also access Zoom from any Canvas course menu. Visit the IT website for additional Zoom resources.
Visit the IT website for instructions on how to install Zoom on your computer or mobile device.
Click here to test your audio and video equipment at your convenience. If you have problems accessing or using Zoom, contact the IT Help Desk or visit the IT website for information and tutorials about Zoom.
If you have problems accessing or using Zoom, contact the IT Help Desk or visit the IT website for information and tutorials about Zoom.
Yes, you can still join and host meetings, and you’ll be able to see and hear the video and audio from the other participants. Zoom also provides a telephone number to call in to a meeting. Zoom meetings include a chat feature, so even without audio or video, you can still communicate with the participants by typing. Visit the IT website for answers to Common Zoom Questions.
Yes, visit the IT website for instructions on how to install Microsoft Office on your computer or mobile devices.
Mercer IT has created the following online software portal to accommodate specialty software needs: https://onlineapps.mercer.edu. Check here first to see if the software your students need is already available. You will log in with your Mercer credentials.
If you do not see what you need, contact the IT Help Desk via phone (478) 301-7000 or via their IT Service Portal for assistance. The IT staff will work with you to assess specific software needs.
For common questions and on-demand tutorials, visit Mercer IT’s Zoom informational site and/or Canvas informational site.
For technical assistance, contact the IT Help Desk at 478-301-7000 or via the IT Service Portal. Visit the Contact Us page for hours of operation.
For instructional questions, contact Dr. Susan Codone (codone_s@mercer.edu), 478-301-4185 to schedule an online session.
To schedule a training session, contact Jerome Gratigny (gratigny_ja@mercer.edu).
View Mercer IT’s Working & Teaching from Home site for instructions.
Advising and Registration
Starfish is a web-based platform used for the Macon undergraduate campus and post-traditional programs. Many faculty and staff in these programs use Starfish as a tool for scheduling appointments. Students can find instructions for using Starfish here. Note that you will only be able to use this scheduling tool for faculty and staff who have enabled booking on Starfish.
Starfish is a web-based platform used for the Macon undergraduate campus and post-traditional programs. You can find instructions for setting up appointments here.
Certain Mercer resources require a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection to access from home or other remote locations. Virtual Private Network (VPN) access typically requires approval from the Human Resources department. However, to expedite the process for all of those who may need to work remotely during this uncertain time, IT has temporarily enabled VPN access for all faculty and staff. Visit the IT website for information on installing and accessing VPN. If you have trouble, contact the IT Help Desk.
Virtual Private Network (VPN) access is NOT required for all remote work. Only use a VPN if you really need it. VPN is NOT needed for Canvas, Zoom, Office 365, Outlook, Teams, or OneDrive.
Travel
Mercer University is currently not restricting any travel that is not already restricted by federal or local governments. Please refer to the U.S. Department of State for detailed travel information.
For Fully Vaccinated Travelers
According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If you are fully vaccinated:
- After travel, you are required to be tested with a nasal swab PCR test within 3-5 days of your return. Rapid tests (antigen) and antibody tests are not accepted. If you are tested off-campus, email your result to Mercer Medicine at mytestreport@mercer.edu.
- You are not required to self-quarantine after you arrive back in the United States.
- Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested immediately if you develop symptoms.
For Unvaccinated Travelers
If you are not fully vaccinated (see definition above):
- You are required to be tested with a nasal swab PCR test within 3-5 days of your return. Rapid tests (antigen) and antibody tests are not accepted. If you are tested off-campus, email your result to Mercer Medicine at mytestreport@mercer.edu.
- You must stay home and self-quarantine for 7 full days after travel and have a televisit with Mercer Medicine on Day 7 after travel. Students and employees must be cleared by Mercer Medicine before returning to campus.
Please call Mercer Medicine at 478-301-2696 to schedule the Day 7 televisit. Students should contact the Provost’s Office at 478-301-2110 or provost@mercer.edu to make arrangements for academic accommodations during the self-quarantine period. Faculty are required to provide academic accommodations to students during the 7-day self-quarantine period.
Please refer to the U.S. Department of State website for additional international travel information.
Library Resources
The Mercer Libraries offer 24/7, cloud-based eResources along with robust collections of eBooks, eJournals, eDatabases, digitized materials, and virtual Library assistance. “Cloud-based” means that these resources are always available online and do not require in-person Library access.
For any questions or concerns, contact the Librarians at library_reference@mercer.edu. You may leave a message for the Tarver Circulation Desk at 478-301-2961 or a message for the Swilley Circulation Desk at 678-547-6284.
- eBooks: 481,011
- eJournal Titles: 171,958
- Electronic Research Databases: 217
- Library Research Guides (LibGuides): 77
- Digitized Resources from the Archives: 10,000+
For any questions or concerns, contact the Librarians at library_reference@mercer.edu. You may leave a message for the Tarver Circulation Desk at 478-301-2961 or a message for the Swilley Circulation Desk at 678-547-6284.
There are a number of ways to access the Library’s electronic resources and virtual research assistance. The best place to start is on the Library’s website.
The Library has created a page with a comprehensive set of links and resources specifically designed for online users along with other useful information about the Library. Go to the Library homepage and click on the COVID-19 link at the top of the page or click here.
Here are a few places to start:
- “Using Library Resources Off-Campus”
- “Mercer University Library How-to Videos”
- “Online Research Guides and Links” (LibGuides) by Subject or Group link
- “Ask a Librarian” (Chat, Zoom, Email, or Phone)
The Research Librarians and Archivists are happy to continue offering support and research help for both students and faculty.
- Creation of short YouTube Videos: They can assist with creating short videos that demonstrate how to access resources specific to different courses. Examples of these videos can be found on the Mercer University Library YouTube page.
- Online Research Guides: Library faculty and staff have created research guides that can help identify relevant resources for students. Additionally, faculty can always reach out to library staff to create a subject specific guide for your class, e.g., for Education or Religion or Music, etc.
- Embedded Librarians: Librarians can also be embedded directly into faculty Canvas course shells in order to add content about library research and provide contact information.
- Zoom Instruction Sessions: Additionally, faculty can schedule a library instruction session, both synchronously and asynchronously, through Zoom.
The Library has also created an Ask a Librarian Zoom Room that is monitored by librarians during their regular reference hours, so that students and faculty can receive face-to-face assistance.
Check the Library Hours website for current hours. Library entry, including 24/7 spaces, continue to be accessible only by Bear Card.
You may contact Tarver Library staff in the following ways:
- Chat: Ask a Librarian link: https://libraries.mercer.edu/research-tools-help/ask-a-librarian
- Library Reference email: library_reference@mercer.edu
- By phone: Please leave a message for Tarver Reference at 478-301-2055, Tarver Circulation at 478-301-2961, and Tarver Archives at 478-301-2968.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the librarians at library_reference@mercer.edu or 478-301-2961.
Check the Library Hours website for current hours. Library entry, including 24/7 spaces, continue to be accessible only by Bear Card.
You may contact Swilley Library staff in the following ways:
- Chat: Ask a Librarian link: https://libraries.mercer.edu/research-tools-help/ask-a-librarian
- Library Reference email: library_reference@mercer.edu
- By phone: Please leave a message for Swilley Reference at 678-547-6282 and Swilley Circulation at 678-547-6284.
For any questions or concerns, please contact the librarians at library_reference@mercer.edu or 678-547-6284.
Access and Accommodations
- Students already receiving accommodations with The Access Office can log into Accommodate to request new accommodations.
- Registered students are requested to communicate with their instructors about the accommodation and implementation in the online environment.
- Students not yet receiving accommodations will need to complete the process to become approved for accommodations. Please go to https://access.mercer.edu/students/new/ and follow the procedures.
Please contact the Access and Accommodation Office. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Staff can be reached at 478-301-2810 or by email at access@mercer.edu.
Access and accommodations can be implemented in the online environment. Canvas training can provide guidance on how to change settings to provide extended time on tests, exams, and quizzes. Many classroom accommodations will be managed by the student and in coordination with the Office Access and Accommodations if needed.
Accessible materials will need to be used in course development including text-based documents, description of images that are content related, videos with captioning/transcripts, and websites.
- To check a website, use www.Wave.webaim.org.
- Captioning: Visit EASI for programs that will assist in adding captions to your own videos. For videos produced by others, be sure that there are captions or a transcript (double check the captions for accuracy).
- You can produce transcripts of Zoom recordings. See this website for directions. Please use this feature to have a transcript with each of your videos.
Faculty intending to use Zoom for live meetings and are aware of a student with hearing impairment should contact Katie Johnson in the Access Office to discuss.
The Access Office is contacting individual faculty regarding specific student needs with tips and resources.
The Access Office has information on remote accommodation implementation as well as information on how to ensure your online content is accessible, including applying extra time for exams. Contact Katie Johnson for any questions or concerns at access@mercer.edu or 478-301-2810.
Tutoring
The Academic Resource Center provides tutoring for Mercer University students at the Macon campus and the Atlanta campus. We also provide tutoring for Mercer students at the Regional Academic Centers in Douglas County, Henry County, and Macon. All of our tutoring labs operate on a drop-in basis, so no appointments are necessary.
Click the appropriate link below to view the tutoring schedule for your campus or Regional Academic Center:
- Macon Traditional Undergraduate Schedule
- Atlanta Campus Schedule
- Douglas County RAC Schedule
- Henry County RAC Schedule
- Macon RAC Schedule
You may contact the Academic Resource Center at arc@mercer.edu or 478-301-2669 with any questions or concerns.
Faculty and Staff
Employees who feel they cannot return to campus because they have an underlying health condition that they feel puts them at risk will need to complete a formal request for accommodation as provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The employee must complete a Request for Accommodation form and submit official medical documentation as outlined in the instructions on the form. Employees should contact Candace Whaley or Rhonda Lidstone in Human Resources with additional questions.
Employees who do not work their full schedule must take leave in accordance with the University’s Sick/Vacation Leave policy.
Employees must communicate with their supervisor when they will need to be absent from work for qualifying reasons under the sick leave policy or request vacation leave in advance. Also, employees should continue to use the appropriate leave code to track their leave usage on their timesheet or Bear Time report.
Non-exempt (hourly) employees
It is critical that non-exempt employees track all hours worked on their timesheet. Timesheets may be submitted electronically to Gina Edwards in Payroll and must be done so according to the established deadlines. See the Payroll website for deadlines and copies of timesheets, if needed.
Exempt (salaried) employees
Exempt employees should continue to submit their Bear Time report as usual via email at the end of the month.
No. In order to ensure the safety of those employees who are working on campus on a part-time or full-time basis, employees must not bring guests or children to campus during this time.
View Mercer IT’s Working & Teaching from Home site for instructions.
Human Resources has shared some helpful hints designed to support employees and supervisors in the areas of remote working, staying engaged, health/wellness ideas and other similar initiatives on their website: Working Through COVID-19.