A group of Missouri S&T students faces disciplinary action for disregarding the university’s COVID-19 safety precautions and endangering the health and safety of others during an event last weekend at an off-campus residential rental property.

Local law enforcement contacted the university Saturday morning about the event, which began Friday night. University officials have identified approximately 40 undergraduate students who took part in the event. Most of them were not wearing face coverings or maintaining social distance during the gathering, according to reports.

S&T dean of students staff met with the students Monday to discuss disciplinary actions, including the potential of suspension. The University of Missouri System’s standard of conduct policies indicate that students may be subject to sanctions for violating campus policies or engaging in behavior that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.

A safe and successful fall semester requires everyone’s continued collaboration, education, and action to reinforce the importance of public health behaviors, both on and off campus. Missouri S&T student health services (SHS) reminds all students and employees to practice these simple steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 among the campus population:

• Practice physical 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.
• Check your temperature and monitor your health daily.

Any student or employee who is feeling ill or has a fever should stay home and contact their health care provider and then their instructor or supervisor to report their absence. Students and employees who are ill, as well as supervisors of employees who call in sick, also should contact COVID@mst.edu or call the COVID-19 hotline at 573-341-4902. SHS now offers antigen testing for students at a cost of $45. Care management services are available to support students who will be absent for an extended time and can be reached at cm@mst.edu or 573-341-4209.