See also: Covid-19 Student FAQ Page

Update 3/29/2020: Face-to-face instruction is suspended for 2 additional weeks; online instruction will start Monday 3/30

Please monitor our website at http://southeastmn.edu/COVID19 for updates. 

• For a list of helpful community support resources, see the Minnesota Office for Higher Education website.
• Higher education updates are posted on the Minnesota Department of Health website.

Minnesota State College Southeast is continuing to monitor the developing situation related to COVID-19 and is committed to taking steps necessary to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of our faculty, staff, and students. At the same time, we are striving to enable students to complete the spring semester and progress toward their educational goals.  

Minnesota Governor's Stay at Home Order

March 25, 2020 Chancellor Letter to Students re: Governor's "Stay At Home" Order
March 25, 2020 Chancellor Letter to Faculty and Staff re: Governor's "Stay At Home" Order

Academic Concerns (updated 3/29/2020)

Spring Break (March 9-13) was extended by two weeks, through March 29. Online classes and off-campus instruction will resume on Monday, March 30. As of Sunday, March 29, face-to-face course delivery has been suspended for an additional two weeks, through April 10, 2020.

• While classes were suspended during this break, academic leaders and faculty have been reviewing the most viable means for course delivery to fulfill course obligations/expectations.
• Students were contacted by MSC Southeast and their instructors for specific details on their course delivery methods. 
• No instruction or assignment deadlines took place during the extended Spring Break. 
• Please keep an eye on your college email and D2L Brightspace for communications from your instructors.

Health Concerns

Due to the fast development of the COVID-19 outbreak, all of us need to take all necessary precautions regardless of confirmed cases in any particular area.  Protect yourselves and others by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water; covering your cough and sneeze; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.  
• Practicing self-care by eating a healthy diet and taking time to rest
• Frequently cleaning all commonly touched surfaces
• Avoiding large gatherings - observe governors' Stay at Home orders
• Staying home if you are sick 

If you feel ill, please contact your healthcare provider or local medical services before visiting in person or going to the hospital emergency room. For more specific information, please review the detailed CDC guidelines: What to Do if You Are Sick

Campus Access

Effective 3/25/2020, Minnesota State College Southeast is not open to visitors who are not students, faculty, or staff. MSC Southeast students, faculty, and staff are welcome on campus to access necessary support services, the Learning Resource Center, The Pantry, and wi-fi access. The Red Wing MakerSpace is closed.

Since many employees are working remotely, the college has expanded means to deliver Student Services by email, telephone, and Zoom video conferences. See the Student FAQ for more information.

• Bookstore hours may be limited. Check the Bookstore page for current information.
• Food service has been suspended on the Red Wing and Winona Campus.

We are implementing telework for all employees where feasible while still maintaining and making available the services needed by students, faculty, and staff. For those who are on campus, we are practicing social distancing as recommended by the CDC and using alternative meeting methods. 

Events

At the direction of Minnesota State, all gatherings and events totaling more than 50 attendees have been cancelled this spring, including the following: 

Updated 3/19/2020 — The following events scheduled for Spring 2020 have been cancelled:

Travel Concerns

All out-of-state business-related travel for students, faculty and staff has been suspended effective Monday, March 16. (International college-related travel was suspended on February 28, 2020.)

Returning from Spring Break: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated their Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Travel Information. Most countries in Europe have now been designated along with China, Iran, and South Korea at Level 3 (Warning, Avoid Nonessential Travel). The rest of the world, including the United States, has now been designated at Level 2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) as a Global Outbreak Notice. (Updated 3/16/20)

Effective immediately:

Level 3: All travelers who are returning from a Level 3 country must stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.  The full guidance from the CDC is located at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/coronavirus-europe

Level 2: Travelers returning from other countries or from domestic travel need to monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.  Travelers who are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing should stay home and call ahead before seeking medical care.  The full guidance from the CDC is located at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/coronavirus-global

If you are a student who needs to self-quarantine or stay home to monitor your health after traveling, please notify Josiah Litant, Dean of Students (josiah.litant@southeastmn.edu, 507-453-1420).

If you are faculty or staff member who needs to self-quarantine or stay home to monitor your health after traveling, please notify Chad Dull (faculty) or Maryellen Kanz (staff).

General/National Guidance and Information

Refer to the CDC website for the most current and accurate information:
Centers for Disease Control Guidance and Information

Minnesota State-Specific Guidance and Information

Please visit Minnesota State Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for updates. 

See also: Covid-19 Student FAQ Page