Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
I have just a few quick updates for you today.
Dial-Back in Minnesota Restrictions and Vaccine Update
Last week, Governor Walz “dialed-back” a number of pandemic-related restrictions and we are analyzing the impact of all of them on our community. The Governor also noted that Minnesota has expanded the groups now eligible for vaccines. You can learn more about this expansion from the Minnesota Department of Health. We understand how frustrating this process can be for those seeking to be vaccinated. You may wish to use the State Vaccine Connector to assist you in locating a vaccine. Your local medical clinic or pharmacy may also be helpful resources.
Commencement
The new guidance from Governor Walz will affect events and activities in our surrounding environment. One important annual event for our campus is celebrating the accomplishments of our graduating students at commencement. Each year, more than 2,000 students successfully complete their degrees at UMD. Campus leadership and commencement planning staff continue to work through the scenarios, public health guidance, and logistics for UMD commencement activities. You can expect more updates on this in the next few weeks.
Work from Home Update
As you know, most faculty and staff have been working from home consistent with the Governor’s previous executive order and have planned to do so through June 30. But last week’s orders from the Governor included an update on work-from-home instructions. Starting in mid-April, as per the Governor, working from home is no longer mandatory.
At the University, we will continue to support working from home whenever possible for everyone’s increased safety. To provide clarity for faculty and staff, we have extended the work from home date until August 2, systemwide. We believe this extension will ensure safety and time for planning.
If you need to return to campus sooner than August 2 to conduct your work, please work with your supervisor to coordinate a return and to update your unit’s sunrise plan as needed. We continue to require facial coverings on campus, as well as physical distancing, hand washing, and avoiding crowded gatherings.
Sincerely,
Lendley C. Black
Chancellor
