Connecting in Ways that Matter
We’ve started Fall Semester with hope in the promise of a new beginning. Coming together again on campus after challenging adjustments, we experience great opportunities for connection, both big and small. Whether it’s a chance meeting at Dunn Brothers, faculty and students collaborating on coursework, conversations after class, shared community at Fall Fest or at many other campus events, we’re connecting again in ways that matter deeply.
These connections shine through our work, our accomplishments, and our care for each other. Your efforts allow us to uphold Minneapolis College’s mission of providing access to the transformative power of education. You’ve proven, time and again, that we are stronger together. This makes me optimistic about the future—far beyond this semester.
As we mark the semester midpoint, I want to share with you a few updates.
Divisional Meetings
As we near the midpoint of the semester under the new telework guidelines, divisional vice presidents will be meeting with their departments and collecting data on operational efficiencies and ways to improve service to students and each other. I encourage you to participate in these important sessions, which will inform the telework reevaluation in January 2023.
Facilities
Improvements to the first floor of the Technical Building have been put on hold as we address budget shortfalls. Also, the Kopp Hall skyway project has been moved to spring 2023 because of a supply-chain backlog. Funding for this skyway project was provided by the state legislature as part of 2020 Higher Education Asset Preservation and Renewal (HEAPR).
Dunn Brothers on the second floor of the Technical Building now has an expanded menu including grab and go, made to order sandwiches, grill items, and salads. I encourage you to try their new offerings!
Consider using our new carpool free-parking option: two or more Minneapolis College employees and/or students who are riding in the same vehicle and produce Minneapolis College IDs are allowed into the parking ramp at no charge. To take advantage of this option, enter ramp lane one (left entrance) and speak to the cashier.
Vaccination Clinic
Vaccination is proving to be the best way to avoid serious health complications associated with illness. Minnesota Management and Budget, in conjunction with Homeland Health, is holding a flu vaccination clinic at Minneapolis College on Tuesday, October 11, 1 to 4 p.m., in T.1400.
Boynton Student Health Clinic will offer the COVID-19 bivalent booster once it becomes available to our campus. Currently, the Minnesota Department of Health is prioritizing delivery to retail pharmacies. The MN Vaccine Connector can help you find a retail pharmacy that carries the new booster.
I hope your second half of the semester is productive and fulfilling. We all get busy and focused on many priorities and opportunities, yet it’s important to take moments for gratitude and appreciation. Thank you again for your dedication to our community. These connections sustain us and help us all move forward.
Sincerely,
President Sharon Pierce