COVID Guidelines and Policies, Department of Curriculum and Instruction

We are committed to your safety and academic success. Here are the latest guidelines and updates relating to COVID-19 safety, facilities access, remote learning support, and communication.

Facilities safety and access

• • Only students who need to come to campus for in-person courses or approved work should access the facilities.

• Masks are required when inside the building at all times.

  • Reusable masks will be provided to every staff, faculty, and student. Tables will be set up for distribution of masks to undergraduate and graduate students on the main floor of Peik Hall and outside LES 320. Graduate students with appointments will find masks in their mailbox.

  • Everyone is expected to follow social distancing when in the facilities. If it is not possible to maintain 6ft of distance, please wait before proceeding to use the space, particularly in restrooms.

  • Each classroom will have its own supply of cleaning agents.

  • Students and faculty should wipe down their desk space upon both entering and exiting the room. They should also sanitize their hands at the same time. Supplies for both will be provided.

  • Students should be careful to distance themselves while queuing up for class and while exiting. If students are waiting for a room to open, they should stay to the edge of the hallways, giving space for those walking through the halls.

  • Key cards are required for entering the building.

  • The elevators should be used minimally and should be used only by those requiring accommodation.

  • Socially distant study space will be provided (in hallways and in Peik 25, 27, and 31 and in the LES atrium and LES STEM office) for any students needing a space between on-campus responsibilities.

  • Tables and chairs throughout halls and study space should not be moved; signage must be followed at all times.

  • There will be a remote front desk that is staffed through zoom from 8:00-4:30 to help troubleshoot issues that come up. Simply visit z.umn.edu/CI_FrontDesk, and a staff member will assist you within a few minutes.

  • The Peik Library will be open by appointment only. Email cimail@umn.eduto check out books.​​​​​​

COVID-19 testing and notification protocol

• • Students living in on-campus housing review these steps if exposed to or test positive for COVID-19. Students living off-campus should review these steps if exposed to or test positive for COVID-19.

  • Students, faculty, staff members, or others who may have been exposed to a confirmed positive case—defined as being in close proximity (less than six feet) for 15 minutes or more with or without a face covering—will be notified by health care or public health officials through contact tracing—an interview with a public health official to learn of others who may have been exposed. Names of people who test positive or who may have been exposed will not be released, per HIPAA and FERPA rules. (from MTest Protocols and Response).

  • Visit the University’s Safe Campus website for comprehensive COVID-related news and information.

Course delivery and tech support

• • Please check MyU to confirm course delivery method, as this may change with new directives from the University. For further questions, contact your course instructor via email.

  • In-person attendance will never be required for a student concerned for their safety.

  • Email cehdhelp@umn.edu or help@umn.edu for technical support.

  • Students are not required to show their face or home background on Zoom.

  • Visit Working and Learning Off Campus resources from UMN’s Information Technology.

  • Get Internet Access Off Campus from UMN’s Information Technology page.

Communication

• • ​​​​​​Set up appointments with your advisor or instructor by email. Staff will not be on campus.

  • For research-related questions, contact your faculty advisor by email.

  • For questions related to degree completion, contact your academic advisor by email.

  • For questions regarding student teaching placements in the licensure program, you will be contacted by the Office of Teacher Education. For further questions, contact your faculty advisor by licensure area.

  • For questions regarding practica in undergraduate programs, you will be contacted by your program faculty and instructors.

  • For general questions, email ciinfo@umn.edu.

  • For tech questions, email help@umn.edu.

  • For general questions, contact the virtual front desk at z.umn.edu/CI_FrontDesk and a staff member will help assist you within a few minutes.

  • For emergencies, call 911.