Mayville State University (MSU) is committed to providing a healthy environment for all stakeholders. Our faculty, staff, and students are our most important assets. To this end the University will continue to remain focused on providing meaningful teaching, learning, and working experiences for everyone.
This response plan is aimed to identify how MSU can continue in-person operations; with the ever- changing guidance and data regarding COVID-19, this plan will evolve as necessary. Revisions will be in response to various public health conditions and factors, and guidance from local public health units (Traill District Health Unit, ND Department of Health (NDDoH), North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
According to the CDC, COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. MSU has continued to approach minimizing the risk and spread of COVID-19 through multiple prevention strategies, including personal prevention practices (such as handwashing, staying home when sick) and environmental prevention practices (such as cleaning and disinfection). Throughout this time of disruption, MSU employees and students have adapted to meet the continuously evolving circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors and Considerations
The COVID-19 situation has evolved, and guidance and expectations will be based on the outlined (below) factors and any additional guidance provided by the NDUS Smart Restart Taskforce, NDUS, and the ND SBHE. The MSU COVID-19 New Normal Taskforce, under the guidance of the President’s Cabinet, will continue to revise plans and develop communication to all stakeholders as conditions evolve.
MSU considers various factors when implementing campus-wide guidance and requirements. Some of the factors include:
- level of community transmission of COVID-19;
- COVID-19 vaccination coverage;
- participation in COVID-19 screening/testing events;
- any local COVID-19 outbreaks or increasing trends; and
- direction or guidance provided by the local public health unit and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).
Additionally, MSU is a mixed population, that includes individuals who are fully vaccinated and those who are not fully vaccinated; this is an important consideration that guides MSU in making decisions to minimize the risk and spread of COVID-19.
Resources and Equipment
To reduce risk and continue to align with guidelines, environmental (e.g. barriers, signage, workspaces) and personal prevention practices (e.g. social distancing, masks/face coverings) may be required. To the extent practical, MSU will seek to be consistent regarding the modifications, resources, and/or equipment provided. Centralization of purchasing most necessary items will continue, allowing MSU to maximize resources and enhance efficiency.