MTU Flex Updates Blog

Author: Megan Ross

IPEC Addresses the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

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by Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture (IPEC)

As part of its “1,000 Words Project,” members of the Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture explore the many ways the COVID pandemic connects with and affects our lives. Drawing on the diverse areas of expertise among IPEC members, the “map” of the current crisis as we see it is not only global, but deep; almost no area of daily life is untouched.

In this, the third installment of essays on the crisis, IPEC touches on live art performance, patterns of discrimination in India, engineering ethics, the digital divide, and the public waning of commitment to the scientific method.

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Moving to Final Step of Return to Campus Plan

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by MTU Flex Task Force

On Monday, July 27, Michigan Tech will enter the final step of our Return to Campus Plan. Step Three concludes our return to campus and marks our transition to the Health and Safety Levels system that we will maintain from the fall semester forward.

Beginning July 27, we plan to resume campus operations at the level at which Michigan Tech will function when students return. Previous expectations outlined in Steps One and Two remain in effect, including enhanced hygiene and social distancing protocols. Of course, those who need to work from home due to health concerns are encouraged to do so, using either a flexible work agreement with their supervisor or a COVID-19 accommodation. 

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Husky Emergency Assistance Fund

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by Husky Emergency Assistance Fund Committee

The Husky Emergency Assistance Fund (HEAF) was recently established to help members of our campus community who are experiencing financial hardship, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The fund is supported by the generous donations of Michigan Tech alumni and friends. All current students, faculty, and staff who have incurred emergency-related expenses, and can demonstrate need, are welcome to apply.

To donate to the fund, get more information, or complete an application for financial assistance, visit the Husky Emergency Assistance Fund website, or contact the HEAF at heaf@mtu.edu or 906-487-1567.

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MTU Flex: COVID-19 High Risk Accommodations

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by University Marketing and Communications

COVID-19 High Risk Accommodations are reasonable modifications or adjustments to a job or work environment intended for MTU employees (including student workers). To qualify as high risk, employees should either belong to at-risk populations identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or have an at-risk person in their immediate household.

Institutional Equity and the ADA Coordinator are evaluating all accommodation requests to determine if the employee meets the high risk criteria. If you don’t qualify as high risk, talk to your supervisor. With supervisor approval, accommodations may be approved for other reasons related to COVID-19, as long as the accommodations are reasonable.

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Face Covering 101: Things to Remember

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by University Marketing and Communications

During the COVID-19 pandemic, much has been written, discussed, and even argued about the use of face coverings. Last month, Michigan Tech entered into Step Two of our Return to Campus Plan. It is important to remember that the requirements for wearing face coverings outlined in Step One — “Individuals must wear their face covering at all times indoors with the only exception being a fixed wall room with a closed door” — are still in effect for Step Two.

“Employees and students who are not able to medically tolerate a face covering should reach out for an appropriate accommodation,” said Sarah Schulte, general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees. Schulte said employees should contact the ADA Coordinator, while students should contact Student Disability Services.

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Michigan Tech Responds to Changes Impacting International Students

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by International Programs and Services

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced modifications to exemptions for non-immigrant students enrolled at colleges and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the new federal guidelines make clear, each F-1 student must take at least one in-person or hybrid course this fall. This guidance does not conflict with our MTU Flex plans for the fall semester.

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Return to Campus: Symptom Tracking/Testing

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by University Marketing and Communications

 In June, Michigan Tech began Step Two of our Return to Campus Plan. As the University prepares for Step Three, students and employees, understandably, have questions. To address the issue of tracking and testing for COVID-19, we spoke with Sarah Schulte, general counsel and secretary to the Board of Trustees and Kelly Kamm, an epidemiologist and assistant professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology.

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Huskies Serve as Virtual K-12 Tutors During the Pandemic

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by Kari Henquinet, Pavlis Honors College, Social Sciences

When the COVID-19 pandemic began this spring, it rapidly affected every facet of life, including the lives of K-12 students and families across the country when schools began closing. Schools changed gears to provide virtual and remote education almost overnight, a major challenge for teachers, students and parents alike. At the same time as universities closed, Michigan Tech students also found themselves stuck at home with plenty of their own on-line class work, but still wondering how they could help the community. As Tech students, faculty, and alumni brainstormed and connected with local educators for advice, Tech Tutors — a free, virtual tutoring program for K-12 students — was born.

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