Governor Walz has extended the “Stay at Home” Executive Order through May 18. As expected, this means that the opportunity to resume courses face-to-face will not happen this semester. Through the hard work of faculty, and patience of students, it has been reported that only 10 courses at our State universities were not able to be delivered remotely.

Campus Presidents have been encouraged to make a decision now for May-term and summer session courses. The System recommendation to campuses is to consider online/remote format as the default delivery. If some courses absolutely need a face-to-face component, there may be limited options by geographical location (minimal COVID-19 exposure) and following strict CDC guidelines to offer limited face-to-face interactions. We encourage faculty not to plan a course that is 100% face-to-face for the summer session. Consideration should also be given to planning courses with minimal face-to-face interactions for later in the summer, July/August. The IFO has continued to recommend more definitive communication from the administration regarding summer and fall planning.

Early numbers show summer enrollment is down 19% systemwide from this same point last year. We encourage faculty to make efforts to increase summer enrollment. The System Office is currently developing guidelines for campuses to use when planning for fall semester. Their guidelines will include faculty input and conversations regarding flexibility for specific campus needs.

The Governor’s order to stay home is forecasted to significantly slow the spread of COVID-19, pushing out the peak of the disease and allowing the state to continue key preparations for the pandemic. These preparations include building new hospital capacity and buying ventilators and masks, planning for how to protect those most at risk, expanding testing, and freeing up time for health care giants like the Mayo Clinic to develop critical treatments for the virus. In his address today, Gov. Walz used a powerpoint that included a lot of helpful information. Click here to see that powerpoint.

As you continue to take steps to protect your health and that of others, keep in mind that we are fighting a virus, not members of our communities. Discrimination, stereotypes, xenophobia, and racism remain as harmful to our campus and local communities as before the emergence of COVID-19.

Thank you for all of your hard work. I’m extremely proud of the work we have all done over the last few weeks in the face of a high degree of uncertainty and anxiety.

We are here for you. We are proud of you. We will continue to fight for you.