COVID-19 Updates

Email to Students: COVID-19 Things to Think About

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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.

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Email to Residence Hall Students (Douglass Houghton, McNair, Wadsworth, and Hillside): Residence Hall Credit

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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

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Email to Staff and Faculty: Additional Resources and Support for Michigan Tech Employees

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By Rick Koubek, President

Dear Faculty and Staff: 

As we come to terms with the rapid and significant disruptions to both our work and personal lives as a result of the COVID-19 disease, we continue to explore options to support the health and safety of our campus, maintain continuity of our operations, and protect the job security of our employees. To these ends, we are announcing additional employee benefits to help offset negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Additional benefits are outlined below with more details following.

  • Full-time employees will receive 80 hours of COVID-19 pandemic leave to be used in case of quarantine, isolation, or family care needs related to COVID-19 exposure, illness, or other related scenarios. Part-time employees will receive  prorated leave based on their appointment.
  • The newly created Husky WorkerReady program will assure those impacted by temporary shutdowns and slowdowns across units can continue their employment by working in areas of need.
  • Enhanced remote work protocol.  
  • Access to employee counseling and mental health services. 
  • Paid leave for trained and/or registered emergency responder volunteers.
  • Establishment of the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund.

COVID-19 Pandemic Leave

Effective immediately, the University will offer up to 80 hours of paid leave to employees for personal use if they are affected by the virus. This leave may be used in case of quarantine, isolation, or family care needs related to COVID-19 exposure, illness, or related scenarios. Please click here for more details. The COVID-19 pandemic leave will be prorated for part-time employees. This is a bank of paid time off for use only during the current pandemic and will expire June 30, 2020.  

Husky WorkerReady Program

The University will work to reassign employees whose job hours have been reduced or eliminated by the effects of the COVID-19 crisis through the new Husky WorkerReady program.  The University’s new shared talent pool program will attempt to match the employee’s talents with current University needs. Impacted employees are encouraged to enroll by clicking here.   Departments or supervisors with labor needs or individuals with questions should email or call Madeline Mercado Voelker in Human Resources at 906-487-3681. This program is in effect through May 2, 2020, unless extended.

Remote Work Protocol

We understand that each employee’s personal situation may have evolved over the past few days. Therefore, we’ve instituted a more lenient remote work protocol. At this time, if you can work from home, you are encouraged to do so. If you need to continue working on campus, consult with your supervisor and follow appropriate social distancing protocol (no more than 10 people in a space and at least six feet between people at all times). Please visit the COVID-19 website for information on working remotely and to learn more about sick, vacation, and COVID-19 pandemic leave. This protocol is in effect until further notice.

Mental Health Counseling

As a reminder, eligible faculty and staff, and their spouses and dependents, have access to up to eight free counseling sessions per person from Northstar EAP. These sessions can help manage issues that may be impacting your personal and work life. Northstar EAP’s areas of expertise include stress, depression, family and marital issues, work relationships, alcohol and substance abuse, and grief. Confidentiality is maintained in accordance with privacy laws and professional ethical standards. The University will not be notified when services are requested or used. To set up an appointment, call 906-225-3145 or schedule online at www.northstareap.com.

Volunteer Service

To support your participation as a community volunteer, regular full- and part-time employees who are trained and registered as emergency responders with the Red Cross or other similar organizations may be granted up to five days paid leave for emergency response services rendered between now and June 30, 2020. Please email or call Human Resources at 906-487-2800 to learn more about this benefit. 

Husky Emergency Assistance Fund

The Husky Emergency Assistance Fund has been established to help members of our campus community who are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. This fund will help those in need to stay in school and provide financial relief for others. Some of you may be asking how you can help. For more information, please visit the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund page or click here to give now. In the near future, the University will provide instructions on how employees and students can apply for assistance.

We appreciate all you are doing to help Michigan Tech and our local community during this time. On behalf of the entire community, thank you. 

Rick Koubek
President

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Email to Faculty, Staff, and Students: MTU COVID-19 Updates

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By MTU Communications, covid-19@mtu.edu

This email shares new updates and summarizes recent communications posted to the MTU COVID-19 website. 

MTU Profs Shift Teaching and Labs to Remote Instruction

Flipped classrooms, online courses, livestreamed lectures, technology for take-home tests. A week ago, these were innovative ways to push, blend and reframe the blurring boundaries of college classrooms that have moved into digital and real-world spaces. And now they are — almost instantly — the new norm in order to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The next few weeks will not be easy. But then no Michigan Tech class ever is. Read the full story.

What To Do If You’re Feeling Sick

In addition to concerns about COVID-19, we’re also still in the midst of cold and flu season, with allergy season right around the corner. In light of this, students and employees need to know what’s expected of them if they’re not feeling well. Please remain away from campus for 14 days if you have a fever and any one of the following: 

The University is working to maximize the available services on campus for employees and students who choose to be present during this time, while remaining consistent with CDC guidance and the State Executive Orders. Your strict adherence to these guidelines will help us accomplish that goal. Thank you.

Commencement

Commencement will not be held as a face-to-face event on May 2 as planned. We are working on a creative way to celebrate our graduates. Details will be forthcoming. Please visit mtu.edu/covid-19 for the most current information.

SDC Closure

In accordance with guidance from the State of Michigan and the CDC, the Michigan Tech Student Development Complex, Gates Tennis Center, and Systems Control Nordic Waxing Center at the Recreation Trails closed on Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m. due to concerns over the COVID-19 health situation. The closure will last through March 30, 2020. More information can be found on the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Communication Summary

March 16: Update from President Koubek to faculty, staff, and students

COVID-19 FAQs

FAQs for Students
FAQs for Faculty
FAQs for Staff

Questions and suggestions from the MTU community about the University’s response to COVID-19 can be sent to covid-19@mtu.edu. 

This email communication is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.

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Email to Faculty and Staff: Provost Communication

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By Jacqueline Huntoon, Provost Senior VP Academic Affairs

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As described in the communication you received earlier today, both the CDC and Governor Whitmer have updated their guidance related to COVID-19. 

As a result, we now know that classes will remain online through the end of the semester and that commencement will not be held as a face-to-face event on the originally scheduled date. At this time we don’t know if we will postpone the face-to-face event or hold a virtual event. We are thinking this through and will make definite plans as soon as possible.

As of today, other University locations and services will be temporarily curtailed. As of 3 pm today, per the Governor’s guidance, the J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library will be closed, along with the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Gates Tennis Center, and the public facilities in the SDC. Tech Trails remain open, although the waxing shed and other interior spaces will be closed. Finally, only grab-and-go food service will be provided on campus (including the MUB and potentially the Library cafe if appropriate arrangements can be made) and in the local community; no sit-down dining in public spaces will be allowed on campus or in the community (per the Governor’s guidance). Additional information and updates will be posted to the Michigan Tech COVID-19 website. The limitations and closures listed here will be in force until at least March 30, 2020 pending further notice.

People who need access to Library materials should view the resources available on the Library website and/or the IT website. Staff in both the Library and IT are developing strategies to help patrons and users remotely so that everyone can continue to work and learn.

Be Flexible and Plan Ahead

Given the current circumstances, it is prudent at this time for people who are able to do their jobs from home to get ready to start working from home, should that become necessary. People who are members of at-risk populations should take extra precautions. For example, some of them may need to work from home now, whereas others may choose to come to campus, but then work in isolation (whether in time or space) from others. 

Supervisors are being asked to be as flexible as possible to allow people the opportunity to get their jobs done in ways that make sense for everyone. If anyone has a question or concern, the first point of contact should be the direct supervisor. The Michigan Tech COVID-19 website also has a lot of information, including FAQs for students (and parents), staff, and faculty (including researchers). The office of the Vice President for Research has additional information available for researchers.

To ensure that we all stay connected even if some of us end up working offsite, those with Michigan Tech office phones should ensure that their voice messages are forwarded to other phones (https://www.mtu.edu/it/mitel-user-guide/), and/or email (https://www.mtu.edu/it/voicemail-to-email/), and/or get ready to access voicemail (https://www.mtu.edu/it/voicemail-off-campus/) from personal phones. 

We’re All in This Together – Thank You for Your Help!

I think everyone now knows that the University is moving to remote instruction for all regularly scheduled courses. The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning is continuing to offer guidance and support for instructional personnel who are moving their courses from face-to-face to remote instruction methods. I recognize that it is challenging for many faculty and students to make the transition from face-to-face to remote instruction under the best of circumstances. The fact that we are trying to do this all at once in less than a week has made this an incredible challenge for the entire University. I know that everyone is doing their best to meet this challenge and I thank everyone for their efforts. 

In addition to the challenges associated with changing the way we teach and learn, people across campus are also being asked to modify activities related to almost every aspect of University operation. Facilities, dining, housing, and staff members in many other areas are actively developing and implementing new protocols designed to keep everyone, including themselves, healthy. These people take great pride in their work and are thinking hard about how to continue to provide the best possible service to the University. If you know or see one of them, please tell them thank you.

A few important points for Instructional personnel to think about at this time include how to ensure that all students, whether they are in Houghton or elsewhere, receive the same instructional experience. While students are being allowed to meet in small groups on campus at the current time, it is possible that all gatherings, even of small groups, may be disallowed on campus in the future. If that happens, remote instruction will be the only option open to any of us. We all need to plan ahead in case we come to that point.

Faculty should also be determining the most important learning outcomes for each course and focus their effort on helping students achieve those outcomes. No one should expect to be able to deliver the same course remotely as they had planned to deliver face-to-face under the time constraints we are facing.

We are hearing from many students and faculty that it has become impossible to hold classes at regularly scheduled times. Many faculty and students have new responsibilities, as a result of the closure of the K-12 school system, for example, that require them to work or learn at different times than they were able to commit to even as recently as a week ago.

Michigan Tech has always prided itself on providing high-quality, face-to-face instruction that prepares students to meet real-world challenges and hit the ground running upon graduation. No one should think that the changes being implemented this semester are anything other than a response to a worldwide health crisis. The University’s commitment to excellence in education has not diminished and I know that we are all looking forward to the time when things can get back to normal. We will get there and hopefully we will get there very soon. For now, however, we simply must do the best we can under the circumstances.

Clarifications Regarding Travel

There has been some confusion regarding the travel guidelines. Here are some clarifications. 

  • If you have traveled internationally within the past two weeks, please do not come to campus for at least 14 days since the time you returned from travel. 
  • If you think/know you may have been exposed during your travels, please do not come to campus for at least 14 days since the end of your travels.

Anyone who falls into the categories listed above must fill out the Returning Travelers (COVID-19) form. This is important because it appears that people who have COVID-19 may be contagious even before they begin to show symptoms. That means that people who have traveled during the last two weeks may have been in contact with individuals who were ill even though those people didn’t appear to be ill at the time.

Health Monitoring

The CDC continually updates its information regarding signs and symptoms of COVID 19. The most common symptoms appear to be fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you, or someone with whom you have had close personal contact, has symptoms, please stay home, let your supervisor know, send an email to covid-19@mtu.edu, and call your health-care provider. 

One habit you might want to get into to monitor your personal health is to take your temperature two times each day, once in the morning and once in the evening. As of today, the CDC says that “symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.” The CDC offers some easy-to-understand flyers about how to “Stop the spread of germs” and “What to do if you are sick” that you may want to share with others (such as students and family members).

Self-Care and Care for Others

As we all continue to live through this unprecedented situation, I ask that we all remember that extraordinary challenges require extraordinary courage, trust, and empathy. Remember that every member of our University and local community may be facing enormous logistical, physical, and emotional hurdles. Please try to always assume that everyone is doing the best they can under the circumstances. Together we can try to minimize the impact of this disruption on our own lives and on our families and communities. For those who are working with students, I ask that you make a special effort to stay in contact with them. If you have a concern about a student, use the “report a concern” site to let others know. The fact that someone cares about a student can, immediately and over the long run, change that student’s life for the better.

I, and others, will do our best to keep you posted as changes are announced as we continue to monitor guidance from State and Federal sources. Please recognize that it may be necessary to make substantial changes very quickly in response to guidance we receive. Try to plan ahead as much as you can, this will reduce your personal stress and the stress on those around you. Take care of yourself–you are valuable to our University and community and we need you. Take care of those around you too.

If you have questions, send them to covid-19@mtu.edu. We are finding answers and responding to them as quickly as possible.

Jackie Huntoon
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Email to Faculty, Staff, and Students: Update to the Campus Community on COVID-19

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By Rick Koubek, President

Dear members of the Michigan Tech Community: 

Michigan Tech continues to implement its pandemic response protocols to minimize disruption to the teaching and research mission of the institution, while providing maximum flexibility to protect the health and well-being of our campus community. 

Last evening, the CDC issued guidance recommending that for the next 8 weeks, organizers throughout the United States cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more. As Michigan Tech is following CDC and State of Michigan guidance, the University is extending online learning through the end of the spring semester. A team is working on a creative solution for Spring Commencement, as this falls within the 8 week window as well.  

Additionally, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the closure of all dine-in, libraries, museums, recreational facilities, among other venues, throughout the state, limiting dining and restaurant services to drive-through and carryout. This directive applies to Michigan Tech’s Dining Services; therefore, we will transition to grab-and-go services effective at 3 p.m. today. In addition, the University will close the Student Development Complex, the Van Pelt and Opie Library, the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum, the Gates Tennis Center and the Keweenaw Commons seating area located in the Memorial Union Building beginning at 3 p.m. today. All locations will remain closed until 11:59 p.m. March 30, 2020 pursuant to the Governor’s executive order.  

Because this is a rapidly changing situation and as we learn more about COVID-19, we need to prepare for a range of possibilities. Currently, campus is open and residential and dining functions remain operational, though limited. We encourage all students to reassess their own on-campus living situation in light of the developments over the past 24 hours. 

Please visit mtu.edu/covid-19 for the latest updates and information regarding campus operations. 

Sincerely, 
Rick Koubek 
President 

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Email to Faculty, Staff, and Students: MTU COVID-19 Updates

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By MTU Communications, covid-19@mtu.edu

This email shares new updates and summarizes recent communications posted to the MTU COVID-19 website. 

New Updates

Today’s update regarding COVID-19 prevention measures on campus: The University continues to be in communication with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, which will be our primary source of information regarding test-positive cases in our community. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is releasing daily updates regarding cases in Michigan. MLive is updating a state-wide map of counties which have positive test cases.

At this time, we have no confirmed cases on our campus or in the community. However, since this is a rapidly changing situation, we are preparing for a range of possibilities. We are aware that some community members are voluntarily choosing to self-isolate for a variety of reasons — for instance, they live with a person whom the CDC considers high-risk and want to minimize the possibility of exposure. We commend them for following CDC guidance and offer our continued support.

The University remains in a position to provide our students with maximum flexibility to finish their classes. The University continues to urge students and employees to practice preventative measures, such as social distancing and regular handwashing. Gatherings of 25 people or more are strongly discouraged and gatherings of 100 people or more are prohibited.

In the face of a multitude of scenarios, we want to assure you that we remain prepared and vigilant. As we navigate this unprecedented time, the well-being of our University community is a top priority. 

Little Huskies: Little Huskies will be closed effective Monday, March 16 until at least Monday, March 30. This date is subject to change due to the ever-shifting nature of the current viral outbreak.

Little Huskies Email

Dear Gretchen’s House Families and Staff,

After careful consideration, we have decided to close all Gretchen’s House centers, effective Monday, March 16th. Gretchen’s House will remain closed for two weeks with an anticipated reopening date of Monday, March 30th. Please note that the reopening date is merely a projection and could change due to the ever-shifting nature of the current viral outbreak.

This decision was not made lightly. We have received guidance from our health consultants and families who work in the public health arena. Health, wellness, and safety of the community are a top priority for Gretchen’s House. We feel a social responsibility to help slow the spread of the virus, knowing that students and staff have family members of all ages and differing health vulnerabilities.

In addition to complying with the recommendation for social distancing, we are already finding it difficult to maintain required supplies of food and sanitation items. We project staffing shortages over the next couple of weeks as well. These concerns have weighed heavily in our decision to close temporarily.

We appreciate the support and concern many of you have expressed for our staff. Please know that all full and part-time staff with regular schedules will be paid, just as they are during snow days. For this reason, there will be no tuition reimbursement for this closing.

We know that there are families whose work is deemed essential to the health and safety of our community. We do have staff from each center who are willing to babysit for individual families in their homes. This is not meant to be a full time arrangement during the closure. Directors will provide a list of emails for those staff who are willing to be contacted for brief, temporary coverage. We are so grateful to our staff for their generosity and care for children. Please do not contact staff who have not agreed to be on this list, even if they have provided babysitting for you in the past. We want to respect all staff members’ individual decisions regarding health choices.

While we are choosing to temporarily close, we understand that this decision will cause childcare or financial hardships for some families, and for that we sincerely apologize. Our administrative team plans to meet again early next week to discuss additional measures, safety protocols, and financial policies. We will update you and communicate any changes immediately.

Sincerely,

Heidi McFadden
Executive Director
Gretchen’s House Child Care Centers

COVID-19 FAQs

FAQs for Students

FAQs for Faculty

FAQs for Staff

Questions and suggestions from the MTU community about the University’s response to COVID-19 can be sent to covid-19@mtu.edu. 

This email communication is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.

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Email to Faculty, Staff, and Students: MTU COVID-19 Updates

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By MTU Communications, covid-19@mtu.edu

This email shares new updates and summarizes recent communications posted to the MTU COVID-19 website. 

New Updates

Visitor Protocol: This protocol provides guidance regarding visitors on the Michigan Tech campus during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to protect the safety of the Michigan Tech community and the local community, while continuing to advance the University’s mission.

Commencement Update: Commencement is still scheduled as planned. The University will reconsider this decision in early April in consultation with local health officials and CDC guidance.

GLIAC Cancels All Activities Through May 31

March 12-13 Communication Summary

March 13: President Koubek’s message to faculty and staff

March 12: Message to residents from the Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education

COVID-19 FAQs

FAQs for Students

FAQs for Faculty

FAQs for Staff

Questions and suggestions from the MTU community about the University’s response to COVID-19 can be sent to covid-19@mtu.edu. 

This email communication is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.

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Email to Faculty and Staff: A Note from President Koubek

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By Rick Koubek, President

Dear MTU Community,

This has been quite a week — for our community, for our state, and for our world. Who could have imagined on Monday that we would be where we are today? As I began writing this letter on Thursday afternoon, I just received word that the NCAA canceled playoffs and our basketball team is heading back to Houghton, as will the hockey team due to the WCHA playoff cancellation. By the time I was making final edits, Governor Whitmer had announced that all of Michigan’s K-12 schools would be closed through April 5.

For Michigan Tech, the COVID-19 situation evolved at breakneck speed. On Monday, six working groups convened to plan for the potential of a COVID-19 virus spread on our campus and in our community. By Wednesday morning, it became evident that the University would need to take immediate preventive measures, one being to transition all classes to an online format before Spring Break ended. 

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of people who contract the disease will experience mild to moderate symptoms. However, there are those in our community and on campus who are at higher risk for experiencing much more serious complications. And, we know the virus is highly contagious. 

When contemplating how our campus should respond and the challenges associated with some of the options proposed, I was reminded of my first few weeks at Michigan Tech. When I started, the Administration building was shut down and my office was temporarily located in the GLRC due to another unprecedented event facing our community. Over those first few weeks, I watched the remarkable response by our entire community to rally around those who needed help, in spite of their own situations. This is when I saw the true spirit of our community in action.   

This past week, I’ve often thought of that spirit of community when we set about putting preventive measures in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in an effort to allow our local health care providers the opportunity to keep up. We implemented these changes knowing that they would, unfortunately, be disruptive and complicated. But they would also allow our community, faculty, staff, and students the maximum flexibility to adjust their behavior as necessary for their own personal health and well-being.   

We are all indebted to our faculty, staff, and students for the tasks they are and will undertake in the next few weeks. No doubt it’s a challenge, but that’s where Michigan Tech excels.

So, thank you on behalf of the campus and local community for all you are doing to help keep our families and students safe. 

Best Wishes,
Rick Koubek
President

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COVID-19 Letter to Residents

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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

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