By Matthew Weekley, Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education
Dear Michigan Tech Residents,
My name is Matthew Weekley and this is my first official week as Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education here at Michigan Tech. I’m delighted to join the Huskies family and do my part in making this residential experience feel like your second home. As a newcomer, I am learning fast, and I want to assure you that I’ve had the pleasure of supporting students in residential communities for more than 20 years on a variety of college campuses. While you can now complete your classes from your permanent residence, University residence halls and dining services are open and you are free to continue residing on campus. The Housing Services and Residence Education team will continue supporting you and the residential community.
I look forward to meeting you and working with the Huskies staff. As President Koubek stated, we all must do our part to stay vigilant to help protect each other and the community. As part of this effort, we’ve put together some important updates as you choose how to complete your studies.
Students Who Continue to Reside on Campus Must Register to Stay
To ensure everyone’s safety and security, it’s important for all students who intend to reside on campus to register with our office at the following link. (You must be logged in to your Michigan Tech account to access the form.)
Residence hall students should use this link.
Daniell Heights and shared houses students should use this link.
Students staying on campus are strongly encouraged to register by Wednesday, March 18, 2020, to ensure there is no interruption to their building access. Students continue to be free to come and go as they please, however those who do not register will have their HuskyCards deactivated on March 23 at NOON. Rest assured, students are welcome to return beyond this date and can still register at the link above to have their HuskyCard access restored. Should a student return to campus before they register, on call professional staff will assist students with registration and provide them a temporary access card.
Preventive Measures to Ensure the Community’s Safety
University staff are increasing their efforts to ensure sanitizing continues in all halls. While staff are being extra vigilant, all community members play a role in ensuring the continued health and safety of our residential communities. It is important to follow CDC guidelines to maintain proper hygiene (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes and thorough hand-washing). Recommended strategies can be found here.
Guest Rooms, Policies, and Room Changes
The University is actively reviewing its guest and visitation policy to implement safe practices for the community. While the circumstances remain fluid, residents should carefully consider invitations to guests to prevent the spread of COVID-19. From March 16 to the end of the semester, guest rooms will not be able to be utilized. Additionally, room change requests will not be honored.
Self-Reporting
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, please seek medical care right away. Call UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000) or Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital (906-337-6500)and tell them about your concerns and follow their instructions. Additionally, send an email to covid-19@mtu.edu so University staff can work with you on an action plan.
Continued Updates
This continues to be a very fluid situation for the entire world, and we promise to respond as needed to best support you. As the situation evolves, staff are working around the clock to ensure measures are in place to protect the campus community. Students and their families are welcome to utilize Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 website for updates and guidance on new developments.
The past 24 hours have given you a lot to process and some choices to make regarding the best interest of you and your family. As you consider these choices, know that we are here to assist and support you every step of the way. We’ve been proud to be your home and we’re still here for you. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Matthew Weekley
Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education