×

MLC to bring students back

NEW ULM — Martin Luther College will be opening its campus to students this fall and will be holding classes with social distancing precautions, the college announced on Friday.

The college said it is using guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health related to COVID-19 infection prevention practices. It will also be collaborating with Brown County Public Health and other local medical centers. The college said the plans is flexible, and may change as the pandemic circumstances change.

The first day of classes will be on Aug. 24. Face-to-face classes will be held through Wednesday, Nov. 25, then two more weeks of distance learning classes will be held. The first semester will end on Dec. 11, a week earlier than planned.

Student life will be affected from the time students set foot on the campus. MLC is asking returning upper-class members to move into their dorms without the help of family members, if possible. First-year and new students are asked to limit their helpers to one person.

Students and staff will be asked to conduct daily health screenings, including a temperature check, which will be logged in to a mobile or web app each day. Those with no symptoms will be cleared for work or study. Those who show symptoms will follow other protocols, including contacting the MLC Health Services.

Faces masks will be required in common building areas such as classrooms, Luther Student Center, the chapel and dormitory hallways and common areas. Students will not have to wear masks in their rooms, unless someone other than their roommate is present. Faculty don’t have to wear masks in their offices, unless they have visitors. Masks are not required outside, unless students or staff are unable to maintain safe social distancing.

Classrooms are being set up to maintain six-foot social distancing, as are the Chapel of the Christ, the auditorium and cafeteria. Plexiglass barriers have been placed in accordance with CDC recommendations where a six-foot barrier can’t be maintained.

Large group gatherings on campus will be restricted to students, faculty and staff only. Off-campus visitors will not be allowed, but the college will provide virtual opportunities to view events and gatherings wherever possible.

The Athletics Department is preparing for fall and winter athletic practices and games, depending on the guidance of the UMAC and NCAA guidelines.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today