Winona Post: MSC Southeast planning for a safe return to campus when fall semester begins on Aug. 24

August 5, 2020

With fall semester starting in just about a month, Minnesota State College Southeast has released its COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, laying out the college's plans for a safe opening of the Red Wing and Winona campuses on August 24. The plan is available for download on the college's website at www.southeastmn.one/covid19.

"We are looking forward to the fall, when we will have a mix of in-person classes for hands-on learning, hybrid courses, and online instruction. Faculty are busy planning for fall to ensure that you are able to continue your education at MSC Southeast without interruption," said Josiah Litant, vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

Students may apply for admission, register for classes, and attend college this fall with confidence that they can continue to achieve their educational goals in a safe environment. For more information on applying for admission, go to www.southeastmn.one/apply.

The MSC Southeast Covid-19 Preparedness Plan calls for students, employees, and campus visitors to:

• Self-screen for symptoms of the disease before entering buildings
• Observe proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette
• Wear face masks or cloth face coverings inside campus buildings
• Maintain physical distancing of 6 feet or more

Classes and programs that require hands-on learning experiences will be taught on campus, with measures in place to assure physical distancing and enhanced cleaning and disinfectant routines. In addition, to reduce the number of people on campus, many general education and theory classes will be available online or in a hybrid format.

Each academic program that requires instruction on campus has developed its own specific return-to-campus plan. For example, in the auto body collision technology program, each auto body welding student will be assigned their own welding booth and related equipment. They will be the only one to use that station for the length of the term.

"We want to provide a safe environment for our students, faculty, staff, and visitors. We can accomplish this by reducing the number of individuals on our campuses, adhering to self-monitoring protocols, wearing masks, maintaining safe distancing, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying at home when feeling ill as outlined in the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan," said Interim President Larry Lundblad. "It is up to all of us to follow the guidelines."

Given the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the plan is subject to revision. The college's Emergency Response Team will meet regularly to make updates as needed following direction from Minnesota State, the Office of Higher Education, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the CDC.