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Ten new things students will see this fall semester

Compiled by Margo Kissell and Susan Meikle, university news and communications
1. A new look for Miami’s dining facilities; Miami is officially a cashless campus

Student Ordering PizzaSanitation stations, physical distancing and enhanced protocol have been added, and there will be reduced seating capacity. All staff will wear face coverings and gloves, with cashiers also wearing face shields. Buffet locations will have staff-served service, based on the customer’s selections. Food will be served in disposable containers. Seating will be limited and clearly marked for customers, or food can be taken to go.

Want an even easier way to get your favorite meals? Miami is offering mobile ordering at select a la carte locations through the GET Mobile app. Any customer can access the app, including visitors.

On your way out, don't forget to thank the Wellness Ambassadors, who will be working hard to help keep the dining areas clean as well as enforcing enhanced health and safe dining protocol. For the most up-to-date information, visit Campus Services’ Health & Safety webpage.

2. Watch the Student Life video showing “What to Expect: Fall 2020”

See how the campus has changed, what you can expect and learn how you can play a role in helping the Miami community stay healthy together. This video shows what to expect at the Regionals.

3. Curbside pickup at King, Gardner-Harvey and Rentschler libraries

Workers Adjusting Library Chair DistancesMiami’s libraries remain a quiet haven for studying, meeting friends, making deadlines and getting help with writing resources. This fall, take a look at the new six-foot distancing guidelines throughout the facilities. 

Want to get materials without getting out of your car? Check out the new curbside delivery on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at King Library in Oxford and Gardner-Harvey and Rentschler libraries at the Regionals. Also note:

  • Reduced hours for King Library and other libraries on the Oxford campus. 
  • The B.E.S.T. Library in Laws Hall is closed permanently.  
  • King Library’s MakerSpace opens by appointment starting Aug. 17.
4. Three new deans are already hard at work

Jenny Darroch started as dean of the Farmer School of Business on July 1. That same day, Michael Crowder, professor and chair of the department of chemistry and biochemistry, became associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. Crowder also is serving as interim vice president for research and innovation. Beena Sukumaran began as dean of the College of Engineering and Computing on Aug. 1.  

5. Pearson Hall renovation is complete

Tomoyasu's Biology LabThe last phase of the life sciences building renovation included newly renovated research labs and office space. Temporary lab space in Hughes Laboratories that was used during the Pearson renovation will become a new and expanded collaborative research space for four bioengineering faculty.   

6. Stanton Hall renovation is complete

The renovation of the South Quad residence hall is part of a campus-wide plan to upgrade student housing, improve accessibility and safety features, as well as add additional community and study areas, energy efficiency and upgrades to the grounds. Once certification is complete, the renovation will add to the number of LEED Silver rated buildings on Oxford campus. 

7. Fall Career & Internship Fair is now a week-long, virtual event

Career Fair Week EventsThe new Fall Career & Internship Fair Week Sept. 9-11 offers three days of connection opportunities with employers, grouped by career interest. Additional preparation workshops are available during the week, and a new “Career Fair Backstage Access” event for first-year students and first-time attendees.   

8. Welcome Weekend is virtual, packed with events

Designed to welcome new students to Miami before classes begin, the weekend begins with academic college and department welcomes, discussions about student wellness and getting involved on campus, and continues with class meetups, games and entertaining programming throughout the weekend.   

9. Committing to carbon neutrality and climate resilience

Miami Upper PondPresident Greg Crawford will sign the Presidents’ Climate Leadership Commitments (PCLC) Climate Commitment, the most comprehensive of the PCLC, on Sept. 22. A year of progress and planning has led to more new things in sustainability this year.    

10. New bike lanes on Chestnut Street

The new marked lanes in both directions will provide easy access to Oxford Area Trails, 12 miles of  paved multi-use paths around Oxford. The League of American Bicyclists in 2018 recognized Miami as a Bicycle Friendly University in recognition of its achievements in promoting and enabling safe, accessible bicycling on campus. The award recognizes the progress Miami has made toward a thriving, active transport community.