October 1 MetroSafe Pledge Reminder and Update
MetroSafe pledge reminder
As a reminder, face coverings are mandatory inside all Metropolitan State interior locations, and in exterior locations where physical distancing is not possible. Concern for one another is one of the hallmarks of our Metropolitan State community; show yours by following posted safety protocols and keeping our community healthy and safe to complete the fall semester.
You can signal your alignment with our MetroSafe safety steps by completing the #MetroSafe pledge, you will receive a magnetic pin that you can proudly wear during your zoom meetings or in class. Take the pledge today!
COVID-19 campus exposure update
For the week of Sept. 24–30, Metropolitan State has reported three COVID-19 cases among individuals associated with our campus. Of these individuals, zero were infectious while on campus.
As a campus with many students and employees studying and working offsite, if a positive case does not trace to an exposure/contact on campus, the campus may not be notified. Data may not be comprehensive or in real-time due to testing and reporting delays and are subject to change. Individuals, particularly those that have been at one of our locations, are also encouraged to report any COVID-19 health updates through our reporting form. As part of the Minnesota State system and in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Health, Metropolitan State posts a link to the Minnesota State COVID-19 dashboard on the website.
Fall Commencement set to be virtual, scheduled for Dec. 12
Metropolitan State University’s 107th Commencement ceremony celebrating the academic accomplishments of its students will be Dec. 12, 2020. While a virtual ceremony may not hold the same excitement as an in-person celebration, there is much we can do to make this a satisfying marker for our students, families, and our community. Stay tuned, you will receive more detailed information via email by the end of October from the Commencement Coordinator.
Drinking Fountains and Hand Dryers
You may wonder whether drinking fountains or hand dryers are okay to use during COVID-19.
Guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Higher Education indicates that water drinking fountains are okay to stay on; buttons and push bars are cleaned as high touch surfaces. You can use your elbow to activate the push bar, or just avoid the fountain if you have concerns. No touch water filling bottle filling stations are safe. Water fountain surfaces, buttons and levers are cleaned as high touch surfaces.
Hand Dryers are okay to use. Dryers that have push buttons to activate are also considered high touch surfaces.
Town Hall summary
Metropolitan State held the first of several online Town Hall meetings with President Ginny Arthur on Wednesday, Sept. 23, with 90 people present to hear about the work of the university’s Recovery Planning Steering Committee and its working sub-groups. You can find a summary of the first Town Hall online in my.metrostate.edu.
Other Town Halls are scheduled for:
Thursday, Oct. 8, 1–2:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/91268227647?pwd=QVJHc2pJdndXOWZWM1ZDUi9ULy9rUT09
Meeting ID: 912 6822 7647
Passcode: 376854
One tap mobile +13017158592,,91268227647# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,91268227647# US (Chicago)
Wednesday, Oct. 14, 4:30–6 p.m., Student-Only
Join Zoom Meeting https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96958150957?pwd=aGdUdmMyOTUvR21mTHRmN09EakdNUT09
Meeting ID: 969 5815 0957
Passcode: 376854
One tap mobile +19292056099,,96958150957# US (New York) +13017158592,,96958150957# US (Germantown)
Monday, Nov. 2, 10–11:30 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/92693680882?pwd=NzdmbHBEM2ZJemd4dEgrMWo0MHpuZz09
Meeting ID: 926 9368 0882
Passcode: 376854
One tap mobile +19292056099,,92693680882# US (New York) +13017158592,,92693680882# US (Germantown)
Thursday, Nov. 19, 4–5:30 p.m., Student-Only
Join Zoom Meeting https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96835802387?pwd=N0xoRUo1bEpWSW1SMkJ2cWI0bmd3QT09
Meeting ID: 968 3580 2387
Passcode: 376854
One tap mobile +13126266799,,96835802387# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,96835802387# US (New York)
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 3–4:30 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting https://minnstate.zoom.us/j/96217502889?pwd=Wi9lVkFMaUhxbkNkb0lmbFJPMjJYUT09
Meeting ID: 962 1750 2889
Passcode: 376854
One tap mobile +13017158592,,96217502889# US (Germantown) +13126266799,,96217502889# US (Chicago)
We encourage you to continue safe practices as we move through the fall semester, and thank you for the work you do to keep yourselves, the campus and the community safe and healthy.