Message from the Office of the President: Current Updates

March 25, 2021
Campus Affairs

Dear Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff,

Spring has arrived and I suspect many of us feel we are emerging not just from winter, but from an extended hibernation. Soon, we’ll be outside and able to engage in person. In the meantime, I’m writing today with several updates.

COVID-19 and Vaccines

We continue, as a state and nation, to “turn the corner” on this pandemic. But now, more than ever, we need to continue to execute on the basics that brought us this far. Physical distancing, wearing a face covering, washing your hands, and avoiding crowds remain the best ways you can keep yourself and others healthy.

With regard to the vaccine, for now, the University has no role in determining who is eligible for a vaccine. You can check this State of Minnesota website to review eligibility guidelines, find current vaccine locations across the state, and make appointments. You might contact your healthcare provider for an appointment as you become eligible. If there is more news on our ability to directly serve our community with vaccines, we will be sure to let you know.

Chauvin Trial Update

The trial of Derek Chauvin starts on Monday, March 29, now that jury selection has been completed. We recognize the impacts of the trial for many, and we want you to know of the resources for our entire University community, including mental health support, educational tools, information for supervisors and employees, and more:

We will continue to identify resources as we learn of and/or develop them.

In the meantime, we are monitoring for safety concerns and our team is coordinating closely with state and local governments and agencies to share real-time information among our organizations. I am also working with the emergency management team to ensure we are prepared to assess any potential concerns, develop a coordinated response as needed, and promptly communicate with you.

Return to Campus Update

Work continues among the Office of Human Resources, the Provost, and campus and unit human resources leaders toward a systemwide framework and guidance for the return to campus of faculty and staff currently working from home. As we noted last week, we will remain in work from home status through August 2, although we anticipate that many individuals, after being vaccinated, may want to start returning to campus earlier. This work will help us ensure that our return is orderly and fully informed by the guidance of our public health colleagues and the Minnesota Department of Health. We will make more information available as soon as it’s practical. In the meantime, if you need to return to campus, please coordinate your request with your supervisor or department head.

Voice, Art, and Community Series

Art and performance have long transcended specific moments in time. They provide us with new perspectives and context to approach broad questions and difficult conversations. I hope you enjoy the events available through this series and participate as you are able.

Last but not least, last Monday was World Water Day. Befitting our status as “the land of 10,000 lakes,” the University has a broad set of world-class research in water issues, ranging from Aquatic Invasive Species research and groundwater management to the Minnesota Sea Grant in Duluth, just to name a few. Our new systemwide strategic plan, MPact 2025, broadly reflects the University’s commitment to water quality and sustainability.

Please continue to stay healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel