Message from President Davenport, Mar. 11, 2020
Campus Community,
The University has assembled a Pandemic Response Team that continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) epidemic and the impacts it has on our faculty, staff and students. In today’s message I share an update on our campus preparations and action, the status of university activities, and other tips and reminders. Please remember to visit often our University Webpage for the most current information and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
University Actions
I have asked several of my executive officers to closely monitor this evolving situation and recommend to me appropriate follow-up actions based on their ongoing interactions with state and federal health officials, the System Office leadership teams, and best-practices they observe in the higher education community. Additionally, I have asked all of my cabinet members to review and update their Continuation of Operations Plans (COOPs) should the COVID-19 epidemic reach pandemic level. Our Pandemic Response Team stands ready to engage if the situation escalates.
International and Domestic Travel
In my previous communications to you, I shared that the Chancellor of the Minnesota State System suspended all international travel effective on February 28, 2020. Since that time, our administration has been working diligently with affected students, faculty and staff to resolve the logistical and financial implications of cancelled trips and reservations. Please remember this suspension is “indefinite” at this time and no new international travel should be scheduled until further notice.
We had five students that were studying abroad in a Level 3 advisory area. Those students have returned home safely. Students that are studying abroad at a Level 1 or Level 2 country are not required at this time to return home. The Center for Education Abroad and Away has been in direct contact with those impacted students and will update them accordingly if their status should change.
There are no current restrictions on domestic travel.
Classes, University-Sponsored Activities and Possible Online Instruction
At this time, University classes and campus events and activities will commence as scheduled. You may have seen in the media that some higher education institutions have begun to cancel events or move their in-person classes to virtual courses/suspended classes. If the University moves in a similar direction, additional instructions and resources will be forthcoming. Faculty will receive an additional message from Interim Provost Cecil regarding resources available to faculty in the event we need to move to an online learning model for an extended period of time.
Reminders and Tips
As this situation continues to evolve rapidly, fears tend to rise to the highest level. Please remember to treat others kindly and respectfully, and do not make assumptions about COVID-19 exposure or other discriminatory comments based on perceived race, color or ethnic origins. Any concerns regarding potential discriminatory actions should be referred to our Equal Opportunity & Title IX office at eotitleix@mnsu.edu or 507-389-2986.
As a reminder, while there is currently no vaccine for COVID-19, the CDC recommends that everyone take every day preventative actions such as:
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
We continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional updates as more information becomes available. Please check your email regularly for updates regarding this situation.
Sincerely,
Richard Davenport
President
