Dr. Debra Robinson, vice chancellor of student affairs, sent the following message to students on Aug. 20:

Dear Students,

Recently, the University of North Carolina, University of Notre Dame and Michigan State University have all adjusted their plans to open the fall semester with in-person classes due to the spread of COVID-19 within their campus communities. Even though most students at those campuses took seriously the risks associated with COVID-19, it only took a small number of cases on each campus to require those universities to change their plans. We don’t want Missouri S&T to end up in the same situation. I’m writing today to urge you to follow safety guidelines that will greatly reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

• Practice social distancing by staying six feet apart from your classmates and friends, whether on campus or off campus.
• Limit gatherings to fewer than 10 people – on campus and off campus.
• Wear a facial covering in all classrooms, labs and wherever you cannot maintain a physical distance of six feet or more.
• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.
• Constantly monitor your health. If you have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher or other symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and notify covid@mst.edu.

At Missouri S&T, we have taken several steps to make our campus safe for learning, teaching and working. These modifications include rearranging classrooms so that students are no closer than six feet to one another and requiring face coverings in classes, teaching and research labs, and common areas.

Now, as we prepare for the first day of classes Monday, we are asking you to establish a safe “social bubble” or “family unit” consisting of a small number of individuals (typically three to five). In addition to practicing the safety guidelines listed above, staying in your social bubble as much as possible will help minimize the possibility of transmission. But it takes time and diligence to create a safe social bubble – typically two or three weeks – so now is not the time to let your guard down. Keep your face coverings on, maintain social distancing, limit your gatherings, and wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Watch this video to learn more about forming a social bubble.

I also want to remind you that S&T policies and standards are based on university expectations as informed by federal, state and local public health guidelines. Students who disregard these policies or put at risk the welfare of our campus community may face disciplinary actions as noted in the University of Missouri Collected Rules and Regulations Section 200.10 Standard of Conduct.

If you have a concern involving students or student organizations, please contact the dean of students office or report online.

Thank you for your responsible actions for a safe and successful semester. Our goal this fall is to remain safely open with our students on campus.

Sincerely,

Debra Robinson
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs