Well, it is finals week in what has truly been a semester to remember. I just cannot express enough gratitude to each of you for all you’ve done to help UMD and most importantly, our students during this time. While there are still unknowns, we are moving ahead and have pulled together as a campus community to deal successfully with many new challenges. Thank you.
Last week, President Gabel sent a message announcing a phased-in approach for the return of employees to University locations across the state. You can view the full “Sunrise Plan” and related FAQ on the Safe Campus site.
It is important to note that campus is still under Extended Reduced Operations and campus facilities are not accessible to the public and not accessible to UMD employees without approval.
As we continue to plan our return to University workplaces in thoughtful and careful ways, I want to first say that your safety is our highest priority. I recognize that some of you may wish to return to your workspace soon, and this is occurring across the University only in very limited situations—in particular, for faculty and staff who cannot complete their work from home. During this period of a phased and deliberate return to worksites across the institution, it’s important that we all remember:
- If we are able to continue working from home, we are expected to do so until further notice. This is based on guidance from state and public health officials, and the University’s own medical and public health experts. We must continue to work together to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- If you believe you need to return to campus to do your job, please consult with your supervisor/department head and follow the application process for requesting approval to return, using this form to make the request.
- If you have questions about whether you should return to campus, please consult with your supervisor/department head.
- Supervisors/department heads: If you decide to approve a submitted request, you need to route it for 2nd level approval through the e-form system. All approvals are processed electronically. For colleges, the 2nd level approval is the dean. For all other units the 2nd level approval is your vice chancellor or chancellor (for chan unit).
Below are some of the safety procedures we will put into place to support both the immediate and long-term return processes. Please note that we are following state and federal recommendations for safe workspaces.
- Social distancing is expected to continue in accordance with MDH and CDC recommendations. We are working to ensure that workspaces can accommodate social distancing requirements.
- Cloth masks are available for faculty and staff, if needed, and may be picked up at the Lund Building after May 6 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. daily. Enter the building on the College Avenue side, by the small parking lot, using the service door next to the two large loading doors. Once inside, proceed to the receiving area.
- Regular housekeeping practices are being enhanced by facilities management, including frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas such as door handles, railings and elevator panels, among others.
- All employees must do their part to keep workspaces clean and to avoid sharing workspaces and/or equipment.
- Your manager or supervisor will share additional requirements as more and more teams return to University worksites.
We all share responsibility for a safe return and I have confidence in our cooperative efforts if we approach this methodically. If you have any questions or feedback on this or any part of the plan, please reach out to me or your vice chancellor.
Thank you,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
