Message from the Office for the President: Update on Mask Mandate

Dear students, faculty, and staff,

Two years ago this week, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed our state’s first case of COVID-19. This marker may seem for some like yesterday and a lifetime ago for others—or both. Most certainly, these two years have been unlike anything in our University’s history. We have persevered and in this spirit, I write today with an important update on our next steps.

Throughout the pandemic, we have aligned ourselves with the guidance from the MDH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), paying particular attention to fluctuating COVID-19 transmission rates, cases, and hospitalizations. Our ability to adapt to these changes and your continued commitment have helped keep our campuses safe—something for which we are very grateful.  As we evolve to the changing public health landscape, we are pleased to make the following updates to the Face Mask Protocol.

Effective March 21, the following indoor mask requirements will be in effect in University-owned facilities:

Masks are still required:

• In all classroom and instructional laboratory settings
• In all healthcare settings
• In all transit settings as required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). When the FTA requirement is eliminated we will remove this provision.
• In settings where masks are required due to environmental or hazardous material conditions

Masks are not required:

• In any dining setting (food courts, residential dining halls, etc.)
• In common areas (hallways, student unions, study spaces, libraries, recreation facilities, etc.)
• In all University office workspaces
• At all sporting events
• At all entertainment venues
• At spring commencement events

Individuals may continue to wear masks at any time, and in any location, as a matter of personal protection. As a community, we will continue to respect and honor the choices of all individuals who feel more comfortable wearing a mask, are immunocompromised, or who are taking additional steps to protect their families or others.

If you believe an exemption to this policy change, for a specific space, is important for public health reasons, please fill out this exemption form to request further consideration from the University.

Remember that being vaccinated and boosted, testing when needed, and taking other preventative measures, such as washing your hands and staying home when you are sick, are essential to keeping you and our community healthy.

We will continue to monitor public health data and, in consultation with our experts, will adjust our guidance as necessary.

Thank you for keeping us healthy, safe, and well.

With warmest wishes,
Joan Gabel