MINNEAPOLIS/ROCHESTER/WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University officials have announced they will welcome students to their Winona and Rochester campuses as scheduled in August 2020 for in-person instruction and a modified on-campus fall experience. A hybrid approach, allowing for in-person instruction for certain programs and online learning for others, is being developed for the Twin Cities Campus.
“We are devising a flexible plan of action that prioritizes the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students, while allowing students to continue receiving the highly interactive and personalized education for which Saint Mary’s is known,” said Ann Merchlewitz, general counsel and university secretary, who is co-chairing the Fall 2020 Planning Coordinating Team. “Although we know that aspects of the campus life experience will change significantly due to COVID-19 safety protocols, we are committed to providing an excellent living and learning environment, supporting our community through these changes, and continuing to follow safety guidelines set forth by the Minnesota Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
Under the leadership of the Fall 2020 Planning Coordinating Team, university officials are developing a fall plan that is adaptable, taking into account community members who fall into high risk categories, and preparing for the possibility that public health guidance could change as the school year progresses.
Specifics about self monitoring, safety protocols by department and location, academic calendar adjustments, and more details are being added to the university’s COVID-19 webpage, which can be accessed from Saint Mary’s main website, smumn.edu.
“We are looking forward to welcoming undergraduate and graduate students back to our campuses this fall,” said the Rev. James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president. “I am thankful for the careful planning that took place to allow us to open on schedule. We know that continued understanding, care, and consideration will be most helpful as we navigate this challenging new era in higher education.”