Why is Saint Mary’s confident that a 14-day quarantine at home before classes begin is a good idea, when a large percentage of cases are contracted in the home?
The density that transmits the virus is when people are crammed together in factories or frontline service work in close physical proximity to one another or the public. Unless a home is filled with a large family, many of whom are active outside the home, it is typically the safest place for someone to quarantine.
Will there be exceptions to the mask mandate for students who have medical conditions that do not allow for the wearing of a mask?
If someone has a medical condition and wearing a mask is not feasible, they should contact the Wellness Center at 507-457-1492 or wellnesscenter@smumn.edu. If appropriate, the student should fill out the accommodation form for academics.
What are the regulations of going on and off campus? How can students enjoy what Winona has to offer while still being safe?
We realize that we cannot keep students on campus all fall. Students will need to work, run errands and — yes, we are encouraging students to take advantage of the natural outdoor beauty of this area. We are asking students to stay on campus as much as possible, but when they must leave campus, they should interact responsibly (wash hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, maintain social distance, and wear a mask). If students travel out of the state or outside of the region, they should complete the travel notification form to help with contact tracing.
If one of our roommates gets sick, will we be asked to quarantine too?
If a student is symptomatic, they should be tested at the Wellness Center or Winona Health. The student will be asked to quarantine until the test comes back. Students may quarantine on campus (in the Alverna Center) or at home. We encourage them to go home if possible. If the roommate chooses to quarantine at home, the other roommates can continue living as usual. If the roommate test comes back positive, they are encouraged to go home or to quarantine at Alverna. The Minnesota Department of Health will use contact tracing to let anyone who was in close contact know whether or not they should also quarantine. You should always be watching for COVID-19 related symptoms.
Will dance classes still be held?
All students in dance classes will wear masks, and all classes have been adapted to observe social distancing. All dancers will wear footwear of some type; bare feet will not be allowed. This applies to all classes taught both on the main campus and at Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts. The occupancy rates have been reduced for social distancing. Some classes may also be moved to outdoor locations.
How will intramurals work? Will outdoor competitions like flag football and sand volleyball be allowed?
We are reviewing the slate of offerings for competitive sports and adhering to appropriate guidelines. We will announce our decision within the next few weeks.
How will the mail room be different?
There will be no difference for students. Parcel lockers will continue to be used; please remember to bring your student ID. Mail delivery to offices will remain discontinued in fall, so offices will need to pick up their mail.
If I were to leave campus to attend a wedding in the Twin Cities area, will I be required to quarantine when returning to the Winona Campus?
We strongly recommend students remain on campus as much as possible. The requirement to quarantine would be based on the event itself. Our expectation is if people travel off campus to attend an event, they practice social distancing and wear a mask. You would also be asked to fill out the travel notification form.
Will clubs still have their full budget that the senate approved for the 2020-21 academic year? If not, how will club budgets be changed this semester?
Student Senate is taking this under consideration and will be communicating with clubs.
In regards to the 27 courses that have already moved to online delivery … are there additional faculty members who are waiting for approval to teach remotely?
No additional faculty are waiting for approval. Classroom capacity will determine any additional courses that will move online, however, facilities and the registrar are actively working to ensure appropriate spaces for classes which will be completed shortly.
How will labs work, particularly if we have to go home and shift to online learning?
All faculty have been encouraged to “front load” their classes, which means prioritizing content that needs to be done in person during the first half of the semester. That way if we do have to go remote, most of the necessary face-to-face work, such as labs, will be complete.
What will the library look like and will McEnery be used?
The library will be open during usual hours, with a few adjustments for weekend hours. The entire building will be available for use. All library space has been reconfigured to allow for social distancing. Items will be available for check out, a self-checkout system has been set up at the front circulation desk to avoid contact. (Library staff will still be behind the desk to assist as needed.) Students can consult with a librarian via phone, chat, email, and Zoom appointments. Interlibrary loans will be available, but services are delayed, due to differences in library reopenings throughout the state. Study rooms will be available, but students will need to reserve all study rooms through the library webpage reservations system. Students will pick up a key to open the study room at the circulation desk and will need to leave their ID at the desk until they return the key. There will be disinfecting materials available for students to use prior to their use of any study space in the library. As required throughout campus, masks must be worn in all library common spaces.
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