Skip to main content

Summer and Fall Course Registration open now. Register today to get the courses you need!
Metropolitan State University (Home)

May 20, 2021: MetroSafe Update

Posted Tuesday, June 8, 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/Campus Access
Beginning Monday, May 24, the campus health screening tool will no longer be utilized. Students and employees will have access to Saint Paul Campus buildings at exterior doors with card readers by using your ID card. The Fine Art Studio, ICES, and the Grow IT Center will be opened by request only during summer semester.

A two-week transition period will take place May 24 through June 4 at the entrance to Founder’s Hall auditorium door and the library parking lot entrance for students or employees who do not have an ID card.

The Student Center has security staffing when it is open and signage will be posted with a contact number for security. After the transition period, signage on exterior doors will include a security phone contact for access to buildings.

It remains critically important that individuals who are not feeling well or have COVID-19 symptoms stay home.

COVID-19 campus exposure update
For the week of May 12–May 18, Metropolitan State has reported 3 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 5/12/2021 - 5/18/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 5/18/2021

Case Number/ Total Reports—3 / 381

Negative—0 / 91

Unknown/ Unconfirmed—0 / 0

Positive (Reported to System Dashboard)—3 / 290

Contagious while on campus—0 / 21

Not Contagious or Not on Campus—3 / 269

Recovered (Isolation has ended)—0 / 287

Employees—Week of 5/12/2021 - 5/18/2021 / Total from 08/24/2020 - 5/18/2021

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.

Need an ID card?
We encourage you to have your ID card with you when visiting campus. Beginning on June 5 access to campus buildings will be by card access for employees and students. 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.

Face Coverings
Governor Walz announced that the state required mask mandate has ended effective May 13, 2021. Local jurisdictions and organizations are allowed to require face coverings. The leadership at Metropolitan State University will continue to monitor the guidance from city, state, and health officials. At this point and until further notice, we will continue to require face coverings when people are on any of our campus locations to promote the health and safety of our campus community.

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.

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.

COVID-19 vaccination can help reduce your deductible
Signed up with Virgin Pulse? Get 200 points toward reducing your deductible by getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Those eligible employees earning 300 total points by Oct. 31, 2021 receive a $70 reduction to their deductible. For more information on the state’s well-being program partnership with Virgin Pulse, visit Minnesota Management and Budget’s well-being program page.