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May 13, 2021: May 5 Town Hall summary and MetroSafe update

Posted Friday, May 14, 2021 | Announcements to Employees

As the pandemic evolves, we are beginning to see loosening of restrictions in public spaces. Metropolitan State is committed to maintain a safe environment even as we begin to adapt our operations to new modes and practices. We will continue to implement guidance and recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health Office of Higher Education, the CDC, Minnesota State, OSHA and ASHRAE for fall planning. Please support the use of physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and wearing face masks when you are on campus.

Upcoming Changes to Health Screening Tool

Effective May 23, Minnesota State is making changes to the use of the Health Screening Tool to enter campus buildings. More details will be forthcoming in next week’s MetroSafe email about this change. It is still important for you to stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and get tested.

May 5 Town Hall

More than 50 Metropolitan State community members attended the May Town Hall, receiving the latest updates on the university’s plans for safe return to work, the implications of the state’s reopening plan on Metro State’s campus areas, updated state telework policy, the ongoing student needs for assistance, and an upcoming on-campus outdoor gathering tentatively slated for June 18. Find a more detailed summary of the Town Hall in the President’s Office section of my.metrostate.

COVID-19 campus exposure update

For the week of April 21–April 27, Metropolitan State has reported 6 COVID-19 cases to the Minnesota State dashboard among individuals associated with our campus. Of these individuals, none were thought to be infectious while on campus. The data reported is shown below:

Students—Week of 5/5/2021 - 5/11/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 5/11/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—8 / 378

Negative—2 / 91

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 0

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—6 / 287

Contagious while on campus—0 / 21

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—6 / 266

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—2 / 283

Employees—Week of 5/5/2021 - 5/11/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 5/11/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—1 / 25

Negative—0 / 0

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 1

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—0 / 18

Contagious while on campus—0 / 2

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—1 / 22

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 16

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.

Don’t have an ID card?

We encourage you to have your ID card with you when visiting campus. Access to campus buildings will be by card access for employees and students beginning in June. If you need an ID card, you can obtain one in person or by mail from the library. Visit the library during open hours 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday

To get an ID card in person (effective May 17):

  • Library and Learning Center- Second floor. You will be asked to show a valid, government-issued photo ID (for example, a driver’s license or passport). We will take your photograph and print your ID in a few minutes.

To get an ID sent in the mail – please send an email to library.circulation@metrostate.edu with:

  • A clear, color photo of yourself
  • A picture or scan of your Minnesota driver’s license or equivalent
  • Your 8-digit student ID number or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number
  • Your mailing address

Your ID will be mailed to the address provided. Please allow 7 to 10 days for processing and mailing. The replacement fee for a lost ID card is currently being waived.

Return To Campus Planning
Beginning the week of July 5, the university will have some employees begin transitioning to work on campus. Planning work is in progress to identify specific department staffing needs starting in midsummer and into fall semester. This work includes future communication on revised telework policies and changes.

Guiding Principles for Returning to Work on Campus

  • Focus on the health and safety of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors
  • Meet the needs of our students to promote success
  • Planning by the campus continues to emphasize virtual learning, teaching, and working remotely, including flexibility and individualized approaches when possible
  • Persistence in providing an accessible, inclusive, and equitable university environment
  • Comply with all Federal, State, System, and University Guidelines
  • Maintain the financial sustainability of the university
  • Ensure all university business is conducted efficiently with a focus on continuous improvement

    Stage 1: Present–July 5, 2021
  • Emphasis on employee, student and guest safety during heightened COVID
    transmission
  • Employees who can work remotely are expected to do so
  • On campus events are limited
  • In-person courses are limited to those that require components of in-person instruction
  • In-person services are limited to critical functions, with most work remaining remote
  • Departments will start to develop a “Return to Campus” plan that identifies in-person scheduling and safety protocols
  • Work on occupancy limit guidelines for campus location workspaces

Vaccination update

All Minnesotans age 16 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage all Minnesota State staff, faculty, and students to get vaccinated. Minnesotans can use the online vaccine locator map to find vaccine locations near them and contact those health care providers with questions.

Student telehealth provider search—feedback due Sunday, May 16

A reminder that Metro State is selecting a new telehealth services provider for students. Review the recorded presentations and vendor portfolio documents from MDLIVE, Doctor On Demand, and CampusCare here: Student Telehealth Finalist Vendor Feedback

All feedback must be submitted by Sunday, May 16 to be considered in the final selection decision.