Frequently Asked Questions
Last Update: 7/1/20 | 1 p.m.
CARES Act Student Emergency Relief Grants
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) is one of several acts passed by the US Congress and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in the spring of 2020 for the purpose of providing relief to Americans and American businesses during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Institutions of higher education were supported by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) as part the CARES Act.
Students who were enrolled for the spring 2020 semester as of March 13, 2020, and based on U.S. Department of Education guidance, meet all of the following criteria can apply:
- The student incurred expenses directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to Covid-19;
- The student is Title IV eligible as determined by the 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The student was NOT exclusively enrolled in distance education or online courses as of March 13, 2020.
Yes, graduate students may apply.
All students who meet eligibility requirements for the CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grant will have an application link sent to their Mercer email account on May 19, 2020. Students must submit their application by 5:00 p.m. on June 1, 2020, to be considered for funding. Title IV eligible students that have not completed a 2019-20 FASFA must also have their FAFSA processed and received at Mercer by June 1, 2020, 5:00 p.m. deadline.
Eligible expenses are those expenses included in Cost of Attendance and include, but are not limited to the following expenses: food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. Applicants are required to confirm that they incurred eligible expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 by submitting a CARES Act Application.
Yes, you may apply without receipts. There is no documentation required.
Section 484 of the HEA states that Title IV eligible students must:
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate program.
- Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
- For currently enrolled students, be making satisfactory academic progress.
- Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
- Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
- File “as part of the original financial aid application process” a certification that includes: a statement of educational purpose and student’s SSN.
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.
- Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges.
- Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits.
- Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently.
- Have Selective Service registration verified.
- Have Social Security Number verified.
- Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.
Yes, you may submit a CARES Act Application. However, you must be eligible for Title IV funding as determined by having completed and filed the 2019-20 FAFSA. If you submit a CARES Act Application, the application will not be reviewed until your Title IV eligibility has been determined based on the 2019-20 FAFSA.
No, unfortunately, under Department of Education’s new guidance, undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, and international students are not eligible for CARES Act funding.
The CARES Act allocation will be divided between eligible undergraduate and graduate/professional students based on the percentage of enrollment at Mercer. Payments will be distributed to eligible undergraduate and graduate students based on need as determined by the 2019-20 FAFSA with an emphasis on providing additional support to the neediest populations. Funding for eligible students will range from $200 to $600.
The distribution of funds to eligible students will begin the week of June 1, 2020. If you meet the eligibility criteria and submitted your CARES Act Application, please contact Financial Planning if you have not received a CARES Act payment by June 15, 2020.
The CARES Act does provide some relief to students, borrowers and parents. Each student’s specific situation may be different. Additional information can be found at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/coronavirus.
Funds will be released through your student account based on your previously selected refund method. We recommend you review your refund options on the Bursar’s website.
No, balances owed on student accounts will not be deducted from the CARES Act emergency grant funds. Any balance on the account is still the responsibility of the student.
The University’s Financial Planning Office is always available to look at each student’s unique situation and evaluate all financial aid options. Please contact your Financial Planning Counselor for any special circumstances.
The Internal Revenue Services has issued the following guidance: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act.
No, CARES Act funding is not considered financial aid awarded to you and will not impact your current financial aid package.
COVID-19 Exposure, Health and Wellness
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
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.
Patients with COVID-19 have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. In severe cases, patients with COVID-19 have developed pneumonia in both lungs.
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
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 or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are a student and develop a cough or shortness of breath accompanied by a fever, immediately call the Student Health Center phone line at (478) 301-7425. The line is monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Employees should call their health care provider. It is critical that employees do not report to work while experiencing symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and chills. Faculty, staff, and students can also access a coronavirus self-checker on the CDC’s website.
If you recently traveled to countries that are listed as a CDC Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice for COVID-19, students should contact Mercer University Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Doug Pearson by email at pearson_dr@mercer.edu or by phone at (478) 301-2685 and employees should contact Human Resources by phone at (478) 301-2786, as soon as possible. If you traveled internationally to other locations, it is recommended that you conduct a self-observation period and remain alert for subjective fever, cough, or difficulty breathing for 14 days as a precaution.
Faculty and staff who anticipate traveling abroad through Aug. 31, 2020, should register that travel online. While this registry is typically reserved for University-sponsored travel abroad, we are now asking that all international travel either for University business or for personal reasons be registered using this site.
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 and implementing the following measures:
- Providing every student, faculty and staff member with a “Bears Care Kit” that includes:
- Mercer cloth mask
- Two-ounce bottle of hand sanitizer
- Digital thermometer
- Bears Care lapel pin
- Sticker with Student Health Center hotline number and list of COVID-19 symptoms
- Information card on proper mask usage and personal hygiene tips
- “Bears Care” pledge card to promote personal responsibility
- A modified fall calendar to reduce travel-associated breaks
- A screening process by Mercer Medicine for all returning students, faculty and staff
- An on-campus COVID-19 testing facility
- Special accommodations for students who need to be isolated or quarantined
- An on-campus Student Health Center with a 24/7 hotline and access to leading infectious disease experts in the School of Medicine
- Enhanced sanitizing and disinfecting protocols in all facilities
- Classes have been adjusted to allow proper social distancing
- Mandatory masks in all classrooms and laboratories
- Temperature checks at entry points to high-traffic areas
- Hand sanitizing stations throughout our campuses
- Modified food service to incorporate additional safety protocols
- Reconfigured extracurricular activities that promote healthy practices
- Signage and posters across all campuses with reminders about social distancing and healthy practices
As warranted, the University is sending e-mails 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: www.mercer.edu/coronavirus/.
As our students, faculty, and staff transition to online learning, remember that your Mercer family is always here for you. An important way that we support 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 — a new online gathering spot where you can follow the many good things that are happening across the University.
Download the Mercer University COVID-19 Protocols Flyer.
Campus Operations and General Questions
Yes! We continue to plan for fall semester classes on campus with reasonable and deliberate safeguards to protect students, faculty, staff, and guests. Classes will begin as originally scheduled, but a modified calendar will be in place that will end most classes prior to the Thanksgiving break. The University will, nonetheless, remain open after Thanksgiving break and will continue to provide regular campus operations and student services such as dining, housing, recreational facilities, and the Student Health Center.
Please refer to the University Registrar’s Office for the revised 2020-21 academic calendars for all campuses.
Yes, the University Center is currently open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday — Sunday from noon until 6 p.m. The fitness center is closed. Please check their website for additional information, https://uc.mercer.edu/hours.
In-person Library services/main floors are closed until further notice. 24/7 spaces continue to be accessible by Bear Card. To access cloud-based services, including research help, eBooks, eJournals, and electronic database access, visit the Library’s website.
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.
The Mercer Bus has suspended operations until further notice.
The Fresh Food Company (“The Caf”) on the Macon campus will be open beginning June 22 for Summer Session 2.
Monday – Friday
- Breakfast 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
- Lunch 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Dinner 5 – 6 pm..
Saturday and Sunday
- Brunch 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Atlanta food service is currently closed.
Academic Information
Yes. We continue to plan for fall with reasonable and deliberate safeguards to protect students, faculty, staff, and guests. As such, important changes have been made to the 2020-21 academic calendar.
The revised calendar will minimize travel-associated breaks, meet accreditation-mandated contact hours per credit hour requirements, preserve the general University calendar, and minimize online instruction for face-to-face courses.
Changes for the Macon residential campus include the following:
- Most classes will begin on Tuesday, August 18.
- The Labor Day holiday (September 7) and Fall Break (October 1-2) will not be observed, and classes will be held on those days.
- The last day of classes for fall term will be held on Tuesday, November 24. Students will not return to campus until the start of the spring semester as scheduled on January 7, 2021.
- Final exams will be administered online only on December 3-4 and 7-9.
The first day of classes for the Atlanta campus and the Regional Academic Centers is Monday, August 17. The Labor Day holiday (September 7) will not be observed, and classes will be held on that day. Revised calendars for those programs, schools, and colleges are posted on the Registrar’s Office website.
The School of Medicine, School of Law, and programs offered entirely online will have slightly different calendars that will be communicated to students enrolled in those programs.
Please refer to the University Registrar’s Office for the revised 2020-21 academic calendars for all campuses.
All University courses for Summer Sessions I, II, and III (full semester) will be delivered online with the exception of some Macon traditional undergraduate Session II courses and some professional school programs. It is our intent to open the Macon Campus with some face-to-face instruction in Summer Session II, beginning in late June or July. Students enrolled in the colleges of Health Professions, Nursing, and Pharmacy will receive information from their respective deans regarding summer formats. All others will follow the schedule outlined above.
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 fall 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 will be available for advising sessions through Zoom, and students can make an appointment. Many international study and internship programs have been suspended for this summer, but now is a good time for students to begin thinking about programs to consider for next year. Now is also time to begin work on applications for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Please contact Dr. David Davis at davis_da@mercer.edu with additional questions.
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 consult with your committee chair and program director. The University has approved the use of video conferencing for the defense. Conferencing via Zoom is recommended.
In the event that your committee member is unable to sign your Approvals page, the committee member may authorize another faculty member or administrator to sign on their behalf. A document (typically an email or letter) indicating such signing permission should be submitted with the Approvals page. If no such signing designee is available, the committee member may email the approval to howard_ke@mercer.edu.
Yes, scanned copies of forms may be emailed directly to snow_la@mercer.edu or howard_ke@mercer.edu.
Housing
Students with extenuating circumstances who may need campus housing over the summer may apply for housing by filling out a request on their MyMercer account. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please note that student services will be extremely limited over the summer, and on-campus dining options may not be available.
At this time the University is anticipating the return of students in campus housing for the Fall 2020 Semester. Any updates will be communicated to you via your official Mercer email. Students with questions or issues related to obtaining fall housing should call the Office of Housing and Residence Life.
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.
Event Information
Mercer University will hold the 2020 Commencement ceremonies to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements and diligent work of our newest graduates. The revised schedule is as follows:
2020 Commencement Schedule
School of Law
Friday, August 7, 1 p.m.
Hawkins Arena, Macon Campus
Macon
Saturday, August 8, 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Hawkins Arena, Macon Campus
9 a.m. Ceremony
- Stetson-Hatcher School of Business
- School of Engineering
- College of Education
- College of Professional Advancement
3 p.m. Ceremony
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- School of Music
- College of Health Professions
Atlanta
Sunday, August 9, 10 a.m and 5 p.m.
Infinite Energy Center, Gwinnett County
10 a.m. Ceremony
- School of Business
- College of Education
- College of Professional Advancement
5 p.m. Ceremony
- College of Health Professions
- College of Nursing
- College of Pharmacy
- School of Theology
The Mercer Commencement website contains detailed information for graduates and guests. Commencement ceremonies will also be livestreamed on the Mercer website. The traditional baccalaureate service will be held on Friday, August 7, at 6 p.m. in Willingham Auditorium on the Macon campus.
Mercer University is hosting a series of day camps in the month of July in compliance with government authorities, health officials and Governor Kemp’s executive orders regarding summer camps. We encourage you to check directly with the individual camp contact for announcements regarding any modifications of the program.
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.
You must email your permission request to the instructor prior to your registration date as instructors must grant permission electronically in the registration system. You will then be able to register for the course via MyMercer when your registration window opens.
After you register for the course, email registrar@mercer.edu, the instructor, and your advisor to request this option.
Complete the ‘Schedule Drop/Add’ form that can be found on the Online Registration screen in MyMercer.
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
If you recently traveled to countries that are listed as a CDC Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice for COVID-19, students should contact Mercer University Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Doug Pearson by email at pearson_dr@mercer.edu or by phone at (478) 301-2685 and employees should contact Human Resources by phone at (478) 301-2786, as soon as possible. If you traveled internationally to other locations, it is recommended that you conduct a self-observation period and remain alert for subjective fever, cough, or difficulty breathing for 14 days as a precaution.
Faculty and staff who anticipate traveling abroad through Aug. 31, 2020, should register that travel online. While this registry is typically reserved for University-sponsored travel abroad, we are now asking that all international travel either for University business or for personal reasons be registered using this site.
The Mercer on Mission office continues to monitor the evolving situation and remains in regular consultation with other University offices and relevant authorities. All Mercer on Mission programs are currently suspended, but not cancelled, at this time. If circumstances dramatically improve and safe travel can be assured in the later part of the summer or fall, we will attempt to launch MoM programs.
At this time, no new international study abroad programs are being approved. If you have committed to a study abroad summer program, you will be notified if the program is cancelled. We are taking every precaution possible in determining whether and when to decide on canceling summer programs.
Many of our study abroad partners are allowing students to complete their terms online. If you are unable to complete your program either in-country, or online from the U.S., please contact studyabroad@mercer.edu and we will connect you with your financial aid counselor to determine how your aid might be impacted by a decision to withdraw.
At this time, we are unsure about whether we will be able to support study abroad programs for the upcoming academic year; however, we are still advising students on options for study abroad experiences. If you are interested in spending a semester in another country at one of our exchange partners, please contact studyabroad@mercer.edu and we will set up an advising appointment with you via Zoom.
Faculty and staff who anticipate traveling abroad through August 31, 2020, can register that travel using the following link: https://international.mercer.edu/study-abroad/register-my-travel/.
While this registry is typically reserved for University-sponsored travel abroad, we are now asking that all international travel either for University business or for personal reasons be registered using this site. If you have already registered your anticipated travel, you do not need to re-enter your travel.
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.
In-person Library services/main floors are closed until further notice. 24/7 spaces continue to be accessible by Bear Card. Check the Library Hours website for changes.
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.
In-person Library services/main floors are closed until further notice. 24/7 spaces continue to be accessible by Bear Card. Check the Library Hours website for changes.
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.
Mercer University faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to keep library materials until you are back on campus. If you are local, you may return items using external book drops at the Swilley Library (Atlanta) or the Tarver Library (Macon). Internal book drops are available at the Douglas County Center (Lithia Springs) and the Henry County Library (McDonough). If you are in a different location, please mail items to this address:
Jack Tarver Library
Mercer University
1501 Mercer University Drive
Macon, GA 31207
If you need help paying for shipping, we can send you a mailing label for return via UPS or USPS. If you are interested in this option, please email your name, your home address including zip code, your MUID, and the total weight of your packaged items to Theresa Rhodes. We will send you a pre-paid mailing label by email.
Please send all questions to Theresa Rhodes (rhodes_tp@mercer.edu) or call her at (478)301-2031.
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
All in-person tutoring at the Academic Resource Center has been suspended. Online tutoring in writing, math, and science is available through Canvas. Appointments are not required. To obtain access to the service, you must self-enroll in the appropriate Canvas course for your campus or Regional Academic Center.
Additional information, including tutoring schedules and instructions for self-enrolling, can be found on the ARC’s website. 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 have underlying health conditions as outlined in Governor Kemp’s Executive Order and who wish to submit a request to work remotely, or do a combination of work from home and their office, should submit the request by email to their supervisor and copy Candace Whaley in Human Resources (whaley_ce@mercer.edu). Each request will be reviewed by HR and the employee’s supervisor(s) for final approval by the appropriate Senior Vice President. Human Resources will notify the employee whether the request has been approved once it has been fully reviewed.
Employees who have minor children at home requiring adult supervision because their childcare facilities/camps are not yet operational may also request to work remotely. Employees should discuss their individual situations with their supervisors, who will consult with the Provost or relevant Senior Vice President to seek approval, as long as the employee can continue to effectively work remotely. If approved, employees will be permitted to work remotely through July 2, or until such time as their childcare facility/camp reopens, whichever is sooner.
Currently, remote work approvals will extend through Thursday, July 2nd. Employees approved to telework are reminded that all teleworking arrangements are subject to change in response to the evolving situation and essential work of the University. As such, some employees may be asked by their supervisor to come to campus as needed.
Employees who do not work their full schedule must take leave in accordance with the University Sick/Vacation Leave policy.
Employees who do not work their full schedule must take leave. The prior authorization to use any form of accrued leave and the advancement of up to 2 weeks of sick leave for those with insufficient leave accruals ended as of Friday, April 17th. Beginning Monday, April 20th, employees who need to take leave must do so 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.
Employees will be paid for time worked and for any available leave accruals used in accordance with the University’s Sick/Vacation leave policy. Employees should use the appropriate leave code to track their leave usage on their timesheet or Bear Time report.
Employees who are unable to perform any of their responsibilities remotely or who do not have sufficient leave accruals will be required to take unpaid leave.
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.
- Immediately call the Mercer Medicine Hotline (301-SICK / 301-7425) to report your positive test for COVID-19 and speak to a health care professional.
- Mercer Medicine will inform Human Resources of your positive test and the length of self-isolation.
- Mercer Medicine will trace all contacts and notify Human Resources regarding those employees and locations that have been sufficiently exposed to warrant quarantine.
- Human Resources will contact you to discuss leave options available.
- Immediately call the Mercer Medicine Hotline (301-SICK) to report the health care provider’s recommendations.
- Mercer Medicine will inform Human Resources of the recommended self-isolation or quarantine.
- Mercer Medicine will trace all contacts and notify Human Resources regarding those employees and locations that have been sufficiently exposed to warrant quarantine.
- Contact the Mercer Medicine Hotline (301-SICK) to speak to a health care professional that will evaluate your situation and determine if self-isolation or quarantine is recommended OR consult with your primary care physician. If your primary care physician recommends self-isolation or quarantine please follow the steps in #2.
- If Mercer Medicine recommends that you self-isolate or quarantine they will inform Human Resources of the recommended self-isolation or quarantine.
- If self-isolation is recommended, Mercer Medicine will trace all contacts and notify Human Resources regarding those employees and locations that have been sufficiently exposed to warrant quarantine.
- Visit Mercer University’s COVID-19 web page, and scroll down to locate the link to the Coronavirus Self Checker Tool provided on the CDC website.
- If you still feel that you may be at risk, contact Mercer Medicine Hotline (301-SICK) for a health care professional to evaluate your situation and determine if self-isolation or quarantine is recommended OR consult with your primary care physician.
- If Mercer Medicine recommends that you self-isolate or quarantine they will inform Human Resources of the recommended self-isolation or quarantine.
- If self-isolation is recommended, Mercer Medicine will trace all contacts and notify Human Resources regarding those employees and locations that have been sufficiently exposed.
The University will release information regarding confirmed cases to the extent privacy laws allow.