Category: Students

We hope this email finds you healthy and being safe. We continue to monitor this fast-changing situation and have updated our procedures for various departure plans to give you more flexibility to choose what is in the best interest of your health and safety.

If you need to change your departure plan, you must email housing@mtu.edu. Note that in all scenarios that you must follow the strict move out social distancing guidance given to you and allow no more than two individuals who are not residents to assist you with your move. Overnight visitors are prohibited. Below are listed various scenarios that may apply to you.  

If you are actively living at home/another residence and have not been staying in your currently assigned room:

• If you’re not actively living on campus, you can email housing@mtu.edu and extend the date of picking up your personal belongings to May 16. We will update you should this date change as a result of new guidance.
• If you completed the Departure Plan form by the March 27 deadline indicating you would be out by April 12 but wish to change to a later departure date, you will still receive the housing credit as long as you are not actively residing on campus. This assumes only your property is here.

If you are actively living here on campus, planned to stay, but now wish to relocate to another residence and will no longer be using services:

• If you need to stop actively living here on campus on or before April 12, you can email housing@mtu.edu and request to change your departure plans.
• You must cease using your residence hall room/dining plan and actively live somewhere else by April 12. Only your property can remain after this date.
• You can continue to leave your property here up until May 16. We will update you should this date change as a result of new guidance.
• If you do not use our residential services and live away from campus until your departure date, you may request the $1,100 housing credit when you notify us of your change in plans.

If you are planning to continue to reside in the residence halls through May 2, 2020:

• If your plans have changed and you need to stay living in the halls through May 2, 2020, you need to email housing@mtu.edu to request that change. 
• You will not be eligible for a housing credit because you will continue to use services.
• If you are actively present in the halls, you will need to move out by May 2, 2020. 
• You will need to follow the checkout guidelines as previously given to you.
• You are required to continue following the social distancing guidance given in previous emails as you continue to live on campus.

Please note that summer Track A classes will be held exclusively online and summer housing will not be available during the Track A period. Make sure to plan accordingly.

If you need assistance or if your plans do not not fit into the three scenarios above, please contact us at housing@mtu.edu. We are happy to assist you. Please continue to practice healthy social distancing and be safe!

We have included the checkout process below for your convenience.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Express Check-Out Process

1. Bring your key and Husky Card to campus so you can properly checkout and avoid charges.
2. Come to your residence hall front desk (open 10am-4pm daily) to pick up  the Express Check-Out Form and blue Key Return Envelope. You may need to pick up the forms the day before you intend to leave.
   1. If you are unable to get the check-out paperwork from the desk, you can arrange to have the paperwork slid under your door by filling out the following form.  Please complete the form no later than 48 hours before you intend to depart.  
   2. If you need additional assistance and are unable to contact an RA or the desk, please call DUTY phone at (906) 487-3889. 
3. Please read the entirety of each document carefully as they contain important check-out information.  
4. Remove all belongings from your room.
   1. If you have a bike in storage, you have been contacted by the advisor of your building’s hall association on retrieval and storage options.  
   2. Clean your room thoroughly and return the furniture to its original configuration.
5. Self-report any damages that you are taking responsibility for on your Express Check-Out Form.
6. Provide a mail forwarding address in Banweb, and check your mailbox before leaving.
   1. Change your address with online accounts, banks, credit cards, and magazines and notify your family and friends that you have moved.
7. Complete the Express Check-Out Form and the front of the blue Key Return Envelope.  If your form is not already attached to the envelope, please do so and drop both off at the front desk of your residence hall.  If the desk is closed, please place your paperwork in the misaddressed mail slot.

While moving out, please:

• Get assistance from no more than two individuals that are not in the same residential housing facility as you.
• Do not allow anyone with a temperature of 100.4F or higher, cough, trouble breathing, or other symptoms of illness to assist you.
• Maintain at least six feet of social distance at all times unless carrying a heavy object.
• Do not use common areas.  We have closed common areas due to guidance from the state of Michigan requesting that all people maintain six feet of distance from each other and a need to protect residents staying with us from potentially being exposed to COVID-19.
• Park in the following lots if you have a pass for Lots 21 or 23:
  • DHH – Lot 10E
  • McNair – Lot 10E
  • Hillside – Lot 4
  • Wads – Lot 17 Upper
  • If you do not have a parking pass or are traveling with someone who does not have a parking pass, you can park in Lot 10 overnight with no penalties.

Damages

By participating in the express check-out process, you waive your right to challenge any charges caused by damages in your room.  Each form has a space for you to claim any damage you have caused to the room. Roommates who may have damages are encouraged to contact each other and determine who will take responsibility for the damages.  If no one is specified as the responsible party, all roommates will split the damage charges evenly. Please contact your RA or REC if you would prefer to schedule a full check-out.

By Bonnie Gorman, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Huskies—

We’re in a tough situation. I just finished watching some news reports featuring physicians and ER doctors from around the country. Several mentioned their concerns that young people are not taking this virus seriously. This is serious—more than 6,000 people have died in Italy, and New York is now the epicenter of the pandemic.

Yesterday, Governor Whitmer announced Executive Order 2020-21, “Stay Home, Stay Safe,” requiring the people of the state of Michigan to stay at home. This order went into effect today and will continue until at least April 13. The goal is to reduce the spread of the virus both in the state and across the nation. Your help is needed in adhering to this request and Michigan Tech will do all we can to assist you. Below are some guidelines, changes, and resources for your information. 

What Executive Order 2020-21 Means for Students

Students living in the residence halls are allowed to remain and a separate communication was sent yesterday providing specific instructions. If you live off campus, please be aware that the governor’s order allows you to travel in order to return to your permanent place of residence. Returning home may be worth some serious consideration—especially now, since students are no longer able to access any University classroom, laboratory, shop, computer lab, or other facility. 

If you do decide to stay, you should not be gathering in groups of more than 10 people. In addition, it is recommended that you maintain at least six feet of distance between each other. This applies to those of you working on group projects, participating in social and/or religious gatherings, and just hanging out. 

Academic Support

Even while you are studying remotely, campus services are still available. Academic advisors, Learning Centers, Career Services, Counseling Services, the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success, and my office are all available for virtual appointments and are happy to help. In addition, you can look here for some strategies to stay on track.

Remember, your conduct in an online classroom should be the same as your behavior in a physical, face-to-face classroom or lab. Here are a few netiquette tips. 

If you need internet access, here are some resources available. 

Give yourself some time to get adjusted to this new environment, and keep in mind that the date to withdraw from a class has been extended to Friday of the 14th week, April 24. 

Emergency Resources and the Husky Food Pantry

During this time of uncertainty, we realize unexpected needs may be higher than normal. Emergency resources (food, utilities, car rentals, and more) are available from a variety of sources, including generous Tech alumni and friends. If you need some help, submit the brief application. 

Since the Husky Food Pantry is located in Fisher (now closed), food packages have been made and delivered to Public Safety and Police Services. This service is ongoing; stop there if you need food (it’s like going to the grocery store and that’s permitted under the order). 

In addition, here’s a very useful guide written for students who are disrupted by COVID-19. 

Mental Health Resources

Your mental health is as important as your physical health and you need to take care of both. Find a few friends you can connect to regularly. Take a break and read a good book. If you need to talk with someone about your concerns, you can reach out to Counseling Services at 906-487-2538. Virtual appointments are available.

If you are in a crisis, text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

Shuttle Service

The Husky Campus and Daniell Heights shuttle services have been suspended until at least April 13. The Wednesday through Saturday Shopping Shuttle will continue to operate using social distancing protocol—that means no more than 10 passengers are allowed on the shuttle at any time. Please plan ahead for your shopping needs, keeping in mind that there will not be Shopping Shuttle service on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays.

The City Commuter Shuttle operated by Houghton will be suspended beginning Wednesday, March 25, until at least April 13. The City of Houghton will continue to provide on-demand service: call 906-482-6092 to request a ride. The cost within Houghton is $3 each way. The cost to Hancock is $4 each way.

Huskies, if we all do our part, we’ll get through this. Let’s continue to stick together to support one another and our community.  

Take Care, 
Bonnie

P.S. Keep an eye on the Michigan Tech COVID-19 website for updated information.

By Matthew Weekley, Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education

Dear Michigan Tech Residence Hall students,

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to work through fast-moving developments with the State’s response to COVID-19. Earlier this morning, Governor Whitmer issued a “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order for the people of Michigan.

The Governor’s order allows students to travel to return to a home or place of residence from outside this state or to return to your home within the state of Michigan. You are strongly encouraged to return to your permanent residence, assuming you are permitted to do so based on your home country’s guidelines, have what you’ll need to continue with classes, and will be safe and healthy there.

Consistent with the Stay Home, Stay Safe order, the University will now put in place the following measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:

Residence hall students are permitted to move out of the residence halls to another place of residence.

The executive order permits individuals to move to another home or place of residence. Residents planning to move off campus must follow these guidelines:

• Each student cannot be assisted by more than two individuals who are not in the same residential housing facility as the student.
• The individuals assisting with move-out may not have a temperature of 100.4F or higher, cough, trouble breathing, or otherwise feel ill.
• The individuals assisting with move-out must adhere to social distancing at all times, except while jointly carrying a heavy object.

All residence hall students residing in Wadsworth, McNair, Douglass Houghton, and Hillside MUST COMPLETE the Residence Hall Spring 2020 Departure Plan Form that was originally sent to you on Wednesday, March 18.

All residence hall students must complete the Departure Plan form as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, March 27, 2020 at 5 p.m. EST. You can select any of the departure dates available; however, to be eligible for the $1,100 residence hall credit, you must depart on or before April 12, 2020. If you have extenuating circumstances, please contact housing@mtu.edu and we can assist you. Students who choose to depart the residence halls should follow these guidelines to checkout properly.

Residents are prohibited from visiting other buildings and from having visitors

• Residents who choose to stay on campus are not permitted to visit residence halls other than their own.
• All non-Michigan Tech visitors/guests are prohibited from visiting resident students through the duration of the Stay Home, Stay Safe order (excluding the exception for those helping to move, mentioned above). 
• Residents may not have guests that exceed the number of students currently assigned to a room (example: If there are two assigned beds in a room, only two individuals can be in the room at the same time).

Dining restrictions and front desk operations

• The Campus Cafe will be closed.
• Dining operations will continue in each building for the time being.
• Front desk operations will begin limiting their hours of operation for mail/package pickup.  Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Front desks will also no longer be checking out equipment, with the exception of vacuums.

Practice social distancing and hygiene techniques

Resident students are required to continue practicing social distancing. Here are some important tips:

• It’s critically important students follow CDC guidelines to maintain proper hygiene (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands thoroughly for 20 seconds). Fully detailed guidance can be found here.
• Avoid congregating in social gatherings of 10 or more and in public venues.
• When socializing, attempt to keep a distance of about six feet from the nearest person.
• Properly dispose of personal trash such as tissues and disposable dining utensils that come into contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth and rubbing your eyes.
• Refrain from personal contact to help stop the possible transmission of the virus and other illnesses.

Make sure to continuously check Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 website for updates

This continues to be a very fluid situation for the entire world, and you are encouraged to utilize Michigan Tech’s COVID-19 website for updates and guidance on new developments.

Sincerely,

Matthew Weekley
Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education

By Bonnie Gorman, Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs

Dear Huskies—

As you know all too well, we are in uncharted territory with COVID-19, and the pace of change is dramatic. Since Monday, the Governor has issued executive orders that required us to close some of the busiest buildings on campus (like the SDC and the library) and reconfigure dining services to grab-and-go. In town, bars are temporarily closed and restaurants are take-out only.

You’re also likely aware that the federal government has restricted international travel. While no domestic restrictions have been announced, I think it’s safe to say we should at least consider it a possibility. With this in mind, all students should assess their living situation and determine if remaining in Houghton is the best option.

Regardless of whether you choose to stay in the area or go to your permanent residence, you’ll need to take care of yourself (this is stressful), stay grounded, and focus your attention on remote learning. It’s different from going to class every day. 

Be Flexible and Patient

Professors have responded in a brief period of time to deliver courses remotely, and the opportunity to learn hasn’t changed. Still, if things aren’t quite clear or you need some additional information, ask. Keep in mind, though, it may take a day or two for a reply. Everyone is trying their best and a little patience will go a long way. 

Stay on Track

It’s super easy to think, “Oh, I’ll do my class later,” and then later never comes. It is very important to make a plan and organize yourself so you stay on track. The Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success has put together some useful tips and information to get you going. Even though things are online, we’re all still here to help.

Looking to Launch Your Career

In this environment, it might be a challenge to keep your job search front and center. Career Services can help with your resume, offer interview tips, or talk through a negotiation strategy. Appointments are available virtually and can be made on Handshake. Also, co-op information and registration forms for summer co-ops can be found here.

Take a Breath—A Really Big One

If you are feeling anxious about all that’s going on, be sure to take time for yourself. Exercise (it’s easier to do at home than you think), sleep, and eat well. In addition, social distancing can foster some loneliness. Find a few friends you can stay connected to regularly. If you need to talk with someone about your concerns, you can reach out to Counseling Services at 906-487-2538. If you are in a crisis, text “START” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. To reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

#Tenacity

Sometimes #tenacity just isn’t enough. If you need a little help, increased emergency resources are available now. Huskies watch out for Huskies. Let’s stick together to support one another and our community. 

Stay Healthy, 
Bonnie

P.S. Keep an eye on the Michigan Tech COVID-19 website for updated information.

By Bonnie Gorman, Dean of Students and Vice President of Student Affairs

I was over in Wadsworth Hall yesterday and saw the long line of students waiting for their grab-and-go lunch. Thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the challenges we’re facing as we respond to the COVID-19 virus. 

While the campus remains open, the Governor issued an order on Monday that required us to close the SDC, the library, Quad Core Fitness, Gates Tennis Center, and the mineral museum. And, as you well know, there is no dining-in at the cafeterias. These requirements have diminished the Husky experience we were making every effort to support and preserve. 

Because of all of these changes, you may want to again assess your living situation, and we support you in doing so. In an effort to help, Michigan Tech is offering all students living in the residence halls (Wadsworth, McNair, Douglass Houghton, and Hillside) the option of receiving a credit of $1,100 if they check out of their room anytime before 5 p.m. on April 12, 2020.

Those of you who hold a current residence hall contract will receive an email from Residence Education and Housing Services later today, March 18, with instructions and an online form for communicating your housing plans. Regardless of whether you completed the Residence Hall Access form sent to you last week (Thursday, March 12), this new form must be completed no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 27. If you indicate that you plan to check out of your room prior to April 12, you’ll need to select the correct checkout date. If you left your room and returned your keys prior to this announcement, housing staff will be in touch soon with further information.

If you complete your checkout during the designated period, you’ll be eligible to receive a $1,100 credit, which you can receive through one of the following three options:

• Credit toward fall 2020 on-campus room and board costs
• Credit for a fall 2020 150-block meal plan (for students living off-campus)
• Credit to your student account

If you’d like to have your credit applied toward your student account, you’ll need to enroll in direct deposit if you haven’t already. The credit will be deposited to you, less any outstanding balance with the University.  

Please note that if you receive institutional funding specifically for room and board—including Resident and Operations Assistants, full in-state Leading Scholar recipients, certain ROTC students, certain student-athletes, and others—you will not be eligible for this credit. For questions on whether you qualify, contact the Student Financial Services Office at finaid@mtu.edu.

For many of you, Michigan Tech is the place you consider your primary home. I want to reassure you that our residential facilities continue to remain open and functional, and we will do all we can to protect your health and safety. 

Again, I appreciate your patience and understanding as we all work together to navigate the COVID-19 challenge. Our commitment has been and continues to be the safety and well-being of all of our campus community.  

Please continue to visit mtu.edu/covid-19 for the latest updates and information regarding campus operations. Should you have any questions, please email covid-19@mtu.edu.

Take Care, 
Bonnie