MSC Southeast focuses on a safe and strong finish for Fall Semester

New strategies include COUNT ON ME, class changes, and Table for One

Since Fall Semester began, MSC Southeast has been fortunate that so far, the number of COVID-19 cases has been relatively low. The college is committed to helping students complete the semester successfully. 

Just before Thanksgiving, several new strategies were announced to further mitigate the hazards of COVID-19.

COUNT ON ME

MSC Southeast is joining with Winona State University and other community organizations in the COUNT ON ME campaign - five steps to take every day. 

• Mask Up - Wear a mask on and off campus when indoors, and outdoors when close to others. 
• Back Up - Keep a physical distance of at least six feet from other people in addition to wearing a mask. 
• Wash Up - Frequently wash hands for 20 seconds or longer. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in shared spaces. 
• Check Up - Each time you come to campus, take the COVID-19 Self Assessment to screen for symptoms before you arrive. 
• Check In - Text, call or spend time with friends and families to support one another during these stressful times. 

GET TESTED

Students are encouraged to get tested before and after heading home for the holidays. It is critical to be tested to learn if you are an asymptomatic carrier. Don't wait until the last minute - get results back before you travel. See our website for a list of local sites for getting tested. 

CLASS CHANGES

On a program-by-program basis, instructors are considering whether they can complete classes early and/or move in-person classes online after Thanksgiving. 

• Classes that require on-campus lab time after Thanksgiving will continue with existing safety protocols in place.
• Online classes are not affected.

GOING REMOTE

The college is moving more staff members to remote operations to further decrease the number of individuals on campus.

TABLE FOR ONE

We are decreasing the number of tables in common areas and limiting chairs to ONE per table. Since we can't wear masks while eating and drinking, we expect everyone to eat alone. After lunch, people can enjoy social time with their friends wearing masks and keeping distanced. 

Josiah Litant, Vice President of Student Affairs, said, "We've all got to do our best to avoid getting exposed to this virus. What you do off campus and over the break will impact everyone's ability to come back and complete the semester. On behalf of the college, I want to thank you. It takes all of us to make this work. We're counting on you, and please know you can count on me."