We moved to remote learning over interim because it was the safest option for students, faculty and staff given the cold and flu season and the high rate of COVID-19 cases.
All of the Community Standards and Yellow Alert Level Conditions that were in place at the end of the fall semester remain in place, and we expect that will continue to be the case throughout Interim. This means:
- Residence Halls and Honor Houses are closed to visitors, including students who live in other residence halls or houses. Students should only enter residence halls/houses they reside in.
- You need to limit yourself to your “household” bubble on campus. The Minnesota Department of Health defines this as your residence hall floor or housemates. This includes eating and other activities. No more than five people at a time are allowed in common areas in residence halls and student housing, and you must maintain 6 feet of physical distance.
- Meal times in Stav Hall will continue to be by appointment. Additional dining space will open in Buntrock, including Buntrock 220, 221, and 222, to ensure all diners are physically distanced.
- Masks must be worn at all times outside your room.
- All students will be required to stay on campus. If you have a critical reason to travel off campus (such as a medical appointment), please fill out this form to be reviewed and approved by Student Life.
- You must report to the college if you have a positive test result, have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, or if you have symptoms. We will no longer be using the ProtectWell app because we’re moving to exception reporting, which means that rather than report your health each day we ask that you report if you are experiencing a new or worsening unexplained health symptom(s).
**These expectations are subject to change depending on what is happening in the country, State of Minnesota, and Rice County.
All students, including those who are on campus for Interim, will need to participate in the COVID-19 baseline testing (Feb. 10-11) and the quarantine period (Feb. 9-21), much like what was done at August opening.