Campus Update on Covid Response, Nov. 23, 2021
Dear Mavericks,
I wish to thank all of you for your continued efforts to make our campus safe and active as we near the end of the semester. As you are likely aware, cases of COVID-19 are rising throughout Minnesota and within our region. However, our campus positivity rate remains lower than the community rate, and we are not seeing evidence of campus-based transmission.
Nonetheless, last week Chancellor Malhotra convened a phone call with all system presidents to discuss post-Thanksgiving campus operations. We were encouraged to review our COVID mitigation and management protocols and consider making additional adjustments to de-densify campus foot traffic for the remainder of the semester. This message will outline our approach to classes for the remainder of the semester, as well as expanded on-campus vaccine and testing options.
We will maintain our established class and finals schedule when we return from Thanksgiving break. In particular, any in-person activities can occur as planned, though instructors are asked to consider additional mitigation efforts such as increased social distancing, hybrid or smaller group options when appropriate, and reducing/eliminating activity that would require removal of face coverings. Faculty may elect to move in-person instruction to remote instruction if they feel student learning will not be compromised. Any changes to course delivery mode should be communicated to students as soon as possible.
As we head into the holiday season, it’s important that we continue to be diligent about wearing masks, respiratory etiquette and staying home when feeling unwell. It is also important to test regularly and provide vaccines to those still in need. I am pleased to announce that we’ve been able to add a series of COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics during the last week of classes. Below are specifics and links you can use to sign up.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics: In partnership with Hy-Vee and Blue Earth County, the University is providing four Vaccine Clinics for all students, faculty, staff, and family members ages 5 and up; booster shots will be available at three of those clinics for those who are 18 and older. If you wish to receive the booster, you must be at least six months out from your second Pfizer or Moderna dose or at least 2 months out from the Johnson & Johnson dose. All clinics will be hosted in Carkoski Commons.
- Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, from 1:00-4:00 pm
- Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, from 9:00 a.m.-Noon
- Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, from 9:00 a.m.-Noon
- Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 (1st & 2nd dose clinic only, no boosters), from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 pm
Weekly Testing. Weekly testing will continue through the semester break every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in Carkoski Commons. Employees without a Proof of Vaccine on file will need to test weekly to remain eligible to work on campus.
Please direct any questions or report any positive COVID-19 cases to the Healthcare Hotline 507-389-2030.
Be sure to read tomorrow’s Ideas in Action newsletter for important information about commencement and university operations during winter break.
Again, thanks for all your efforts and best wishes to you for a safe holiday weekend.
Sincerely,
Edward S. Inch
President
