Message from the Office of the President: Fall Semester 2021, an International Travel Update, and Community Resources

March 12, 2021
Campus Affairs

Dear Twin Cities students, faculty, and staff,

I write today with updates about our Fall 2021 semester plans. With optimism and caution, we plan to return to our pre-pandemic environment in our teaching, research, service, and other facets of in-person and on-campus life. I’d like to explain what that means, what we know as of today, and where there is still uncertainty.

You can read more in today’s press release.

Last year, virtually to the day, we were wrestling with the unknown implications of the pandemic and the significant disruptions that were occurring in our personal and professional lives. A year has passed and we have persevered. Now, the promise of the vaccine and the personal sacrifices each of you have made have positioned us to plan for a physical return and the ability to be together once again on campus this fall.

We have emerging, positive trends related to the pandemic, including estimated vaccination rates and the high degree of compliance by each of you, and Minnesotans overall, that have reduced the spread of the virus. In fact, earlier today, Governor Tim Walz announced a rollback of some large group and other pandemic restrictions. We are reviewing today’s developments and will share additional information in the coming days about how such changes may impact us.

As has been the case during the past year, unforeseen changes in the pandemic may cause us to adjust our planning, and we will certainly do so consistent with state guidance and public health considerations. We are optimistic, however, that the positive trends we’re seeing today will continue.

Planning for fall in this way will also help students prepare for fall course registration in April,  knowing there will be an increased number of fall courses taught in person by our distinguished faculty. Similarly, we as faculty and staff can continue the intense planning necessary to prepare for fall courses, programs, and on-campus activities, including in University-owned housing, dining facilities, and other student services.

Widespread access to COVID-19 testing for all students, faculty, and staff will continue, as well as requirements for face coverings and physical distancing, until further notice.

While there are still many questions and details to resolve, we will continue to consult with you and update you as our planning takes shape. For many faculty and staff, this action may raise particular questions about what a return to campus will look like and when it can be expected. We are working on those issues and will share more guidance in the coming weeks.

I hope you all feel optimism about the future and celebrate the collective progress in vaccinating Minnesotans. Meanwhile, we remind everyone that the simplest things, like wearing a mask and avoiding large gatherings, are among the best actions you can take to help control the pandemic.

International Travel while on University Business

The University has extended the restriction on University-purpose international travel until April 30, 2021. We continue to monitor public health guidance in anticipation of possibly removing the restriction in late spring or early summer. There continues to be an exception process available for faculty, staff, and graduate students who must travel internationally as part of their University research or scholarship. This restriction applies only to international travel for University purposes and not to personal travel. Specific guidance on international travel is available from the U.S. Department of State.

Community Resiliency Resources

We continue to find ourselves amidst other ongoing challenges in our community and nationally. Remember that the University has many resources to help you navigate through such challenges. They include:

Voice, Art, and Community Series

I hope you will mark your calendars for the next Voice, Art, and Community series program on April 1. The University’s Institute for Advanced Study will present Dakota writer, speaker, and editor Diane Wilson at 3:30 p.m. in a virtual event. She will share the true story of the Dakota women who inspired her new novel, The Seed Keeper.

Finally, earlier today the Board of Regents met and discussed a number of topics, including taking public comment on the use of body cams by University of Minnesota police departments. You can find a summary of the meeting on our News page.

Thank you for all you have done to help us reach this hopeful moment. Please continue to stay healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest regards,
Joan Gabel