Message to Faculty and Staff, Nov. 20, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff:

On Wednesday evening Gov. Walz issued Executive Order 20-99. The order will have an impact on how the University operates over the next four weeks. In addition to the actions I communicated to you on Wednesday, we are implementing the following mitigation efforts based on the newest executive order:

Classes will continue; most have already moved to remote or online delivery, and all will do so after Thanksgiving.
Our campus gyms and fitness facilities are closing at 9pm today. Campus Rec programs will either be stopped or become virtual. Intramural, club and recreational sports will be suspended.
Theatre and musical performances will be virtual only.
Clubs and organizations should make activities virtual whenever possible; when not possible, they will be postponed or canceled.
In-person study groups need to be limited to two people, and social distances should be observed.
The Dining Center will remain open, but seating will be limited to two people per table.
Students and employees are asked to limit campus activities between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

In general, please “lay low” for the next four weeks. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends that everyone stay home as much as possible, minimize activities and limit movements. Vice Presidents will be working with campus supervisors to review on-campus staffing for opportunities to further reduce the number of employees on campus while still providing student services and campus operations.

I know you are all working hard for our students and each other; I thank you. Our success as an institution this semester, during the most trying of circumstances, is attributed to your commitment to our great University. I also know that this deep commitment comes with a cost. Stress levels are rising with the spread of the pandemic, and many of us have to manage the pandemic’s effect on our personal and professional lives.

I want to remind you that the State of Minnesota has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that is here to help in these difficult times. All state employees can utilize this resource. The services are free and confidential; and available to you and your family members. Some of the services they provide include:

Six (6) free counseling sessions for you and your family members, per person, per year, per topic.
Six (6) free sessions in personal coaching with a life coach.
Free weekly well-being webinars.

Learn more at https://mn.gov/mmb/segip/health-and-wellbeing/eap/eap-work-life.jsp. You can log in to their services with username and password: stmn1. Or you can call a counselor at 1-800-657-3719, or (651) 259-3840.

Please know we continue to monitor the COVID situation closely, and will update you on changes as necessary. During this extremely serious surge in the pandemic, I urge you to take every precaution.

I hope you enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday, even with these additional challenges caused by the pandemic. Stay safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport
President