Fall 2021 Semester COVID-19 Updates
(This message is being distributed to all current students and College employees)
Welcome to fall semester! Classes and services continue to be available through online, hybrid and on-campus formats. As guidance from the Governor, the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities continues to adapt to changing circumstances relating to COVID-19, Minneapolis College will continue to assess the level of activities that can occur on campus.
Please stay informed about courses, services and resources by visiting minneapolis.edu and checking College email frequently. Protecting the health and safety of the entire campus community remains the top priority for Minneapolis College. Everyone's compliance with the following protocols will help maintain the current level of having NO known cases of the coronavirus being transmitted on campus!
Face Coverings
Minneapolis College requires everyone on campus wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while indoors, regardless of vaccination status. A face covering can be paper or cloth, as long as it meets the following criteria:
- Fits snugly against the sides of the face
- Covers the nose and mouth completely
- Is secured over the nose and mouth
- Any face coverings that incorporate a valve that is designed to facilitate easy exhaling, mesh masks or masks with openings, holes, vents or visible gaps in the design or material are not sufficient because they allow droplets to be released from the mask.
Disposable face coverings are available at the Public Safety Desks located in multiple areas around campus. Locations of the Public Safety Desks are:
- 3rd Floor Ramp
- Ask Me Desk Technical Building Skyway
- 1st Floor Technical Building
- 1st Floor Fine Arts
- 1st Floor Bowman Hall
- 1st Floor Science
- 1st Floor MEC
Vaccinations
All Minneapolis College employees working on campus are required to either show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or be tested at least weekly. The policy applies to employees (including student workers), contractors, vendors, volunteers and interns. Minnesota State has not mandated proof of vaccination or required testing for most students. However, students participating in clinical, internship or extra-curricular activities may be required to show proof that they are vaccinated. The College will inform you if you fall into such a group.
Social Distancing
Three feet of social distancing will be maintained in classrooms, study areas and common areas. In other locations on campus, such as offices, people should maintain a physical distance of at least three feet whenever possible. Please exercise additional awareness in areas of congregation such as the T-Building plaza to help maintain three feet of distance. If social distancing cannot be maintained, interactions should be limited to less than 15 minutes or moved to a remote platform. [OC1] Instructors are encouraged to use seating charts this semester to assist in contact tracing if needed.
Important Reminders
- The pandemic is not over.
- COVID-19 vaccine locations and data can be found on the State of Minnesota Vaccine Connector webpage.
- Frequent hand washing prevents the spread of diseases.
- Practice physical distancing when in any public place.
- Anyone who isn't feeling well, or thinks there is a chance that they could be contagious to others, should not enter campus.
- Get tested if you experience symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Additional answers to pandemic questions are provided in this Frequently Asked Questions document. This includes specific information such as building hours, what services and courses are available on campus and online, resources, cleaning protocols and more. For ongoing updates regarding Minneapolis College's pandemic response, please visit minneapolis.edu/covid.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considerations for higher education institutions.