by Michael R. Meyer, William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning
As instructors ramp up for the fall flex semester, we want to draw attention to a number of important resources assembled. Most importantly, be sure to bookmark the Flex Fall Teaching Resources page which the CTL and IDEA Hub will be using as a “one stop shop” for questions and answers about teaching.
This is a reminder that all individuals who return to campus are required to self-monitor for symptoms using the COVID-19 Daily Symptom Monitoring Form. You must submit the form each day before coming to campus.
However, as you fill out the form, keep in mind that if you can attribute a symptom or symptoms to something other than COVID-19, you don’t have to mark those symptoms on the Daily Symptom Tracking Form.
For example, if you have a runny nose, but know the runny nose is due to allergies, you do not have to mark the box next to “congestion or runny nose” on the symptom tracker.
by University Marketing and Communications
On Wednesday (July 29), Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued Executive Order 160. Here’s what the executive order, specifically the 10-person limit, means to Michigan Tech.
The Executive Order limits indoor “social gatherings and organized events” to a maximum of 10 people. While we are not given specific definitions of these terms, the Michigan Association of State Universities has obtained clarification from the Governor’s Office that the limit is not applicable to educational or workplace environments.
by University Marketing and Communications
A large tent set up on the Michigan Tech Campus certainly is not unusual. Tents are used several times a year for events such as Industry Days and Alumni Reunions. But the 40 x 40-foot tent that went up Wednesday (July 29) between Chem Sci and EERC is serious business and will play a major role in the University’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
by University Marketing and Communications
Editor’s Note: Today we conclude our series on operations as the University has entered Step Three in our Return to Campus Plan. Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Jacqueline Huntoon discusses the dynamics between faculty and students as we approach the fall semester start.
What process should a student follow to request to study remotely during the fall semester?
Students who can make these requests fall into two categories: 1) Students who have preexisting medical conditions that put them at higher risk if they get COVID-19; and 2) Students who are facing unforeseen or extenuating circumstances and believe studying remotely is necessary. Students who fall into the first category should work with Student Disability Services to obtain permission to study remotely for fall semester. Students in the second category have been instructed to make their request through the COVID-19 Special Consideration Request Form. These requests are being reviewed by a committee that includes Michigan Tech faculty and staff members. Faculty teaching courses that include these remote-study students will be notified through the regular accommodation notification process.
by Jennifer Donovan, Parade of Nations Committee
There’s not going to be a physical Parade of Nations this fall. Due to COVID-19, the popular parade and multicultural festival that followed it have been canceled, but Parade of Nations lives. Its sponsors are still making plans to celebrate the Keweenaw’s rich international heritage in safe and healthy ways.
This year’s theme is “One World, Our World.” A logo designed by Linnea Oja of Hancock won a competition to represent the theme.
by Calvin Larson, Assistant Athletic Director – Media Relations
The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Council of Presidents voted Friday to play a conference-only schedule during the Fall 2020 sports season and will evaluate the feasibility of league competition on a sport-by-sport basis.
Playing a conference-only schedule affords GLIAC members additional time to get student-athletes back on campuses and through COVID-19 monitoring protocols, as well as the necessary time to conduct pre-season training in football, volleyball, soccer, cross country and women’s tennis. Collegiate athletics has been on hold since mid-March.
by Rick Koubek, President
Dear Members of the Michigan Tech Community:
Today marks an important milestone for our campus—we have moved to the third and final step of our Return to Campus Plan and transitioned to the Health and Safety Levels system. We entered today at Level Three, and anticipate sustaining that level through the start of classes on August 27.
The Health and Safety Levels system will allow campus activities to be modified in response to the risk factors present on campus and in the area. Thank you in advance for your patience and flexibility as we adjust to the protocols prescribed at each of the various levels.
by University Marketing and Communications
Editor’s Note: This article is part of a series detailing several aspects of campus operations as the University enters Step Three in our Return to Campus Plan.
Today (July 27), Michigan Tech completed our Return to Campus Plan and transitioned to the Health and Safety Levels that will guide our behavior from the fall semester forward. In this article, Theresa Coleman-Kaiser, associate vice president for administration, and Scott Wendt, manager of health and safety for Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), discuss specifics of the University’s plan for cleaning this fall.
by Michigan Tech Archives
Beginning Monday (July 27), the Michigan Tech Archives reading room will reopen to patrons on an appointment basis. Appointments may be requested through this form available on the library website, by emailing copper@mtu.edu, or by calling 7-2505. Please note that all appointments must be confirmed by an archives staff member via telephone or email at least 24 hours prior to the requested appointment time. Any appointment requests for Mondays must be confirmed by the close of business on the preceding Friday.