Proof of Vaccination and Testing Policy, Aug. 13, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

On Wednesday, August 11, Governor Tim Walz announced a new COVID-19 Proof of Vaccine and Testing policy, effective September 8, which states all state employees who are assigned to work at a workplace or otherwise provide agency services outside their home are required to either provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or be tested on a weekly basis. Chancellor Malhotra notified all Minnesota State employees about this requirement later that afternoon.

I met with members of my cabinet yesterday to determine how we would operationalize this requirement at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Thankfully, we have exceptional staff and resources, which allows us to quickly, comprehensively and confidentially receive, monitor and aggregate reports on employee vaccination and testing requirements.

As we roll out this new policy, please keep in mind that our focus is on serving students so they can safely continue their progress towards their educational goals. Further, this policy is one more step in our effort to provide a meaningful student experience in-person, online and in hybrid mode, with safety protocols in place.

I know you may have questions such as: I've been vaccinated, what do I do next? Are there exemptions? Can't I just work from home?" These and others have been compiled on the University COVID FAQs webpage. We will continue to add questions we receive and information on operationalizing the policy to the FAQs as it becomes available.

The latest information and COVID-19 related announcements can always be found on the COVID-19 and Our Campus Community webpage.  If you still have questions, please email provost@mnsu.edu.

Sincerely,

Edward S. Inch
President