TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: Brenda Kelly, Provost and Dean of the College
SUBJECT: COVID-19 Update | Lund Center Hours | Study Away
DATE: March 12, 2020
Gustavus continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation and take appropriate actions based on guidance from national, state, and local officials.
Tonight, Lund Center is hosting a Minnesota State High School League playoff basketball game. Out of an abundance of caution and care for members of the Gustavus community, Lund Center will open at 11:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, March 13) to allow time for additional cleaning and sanitizing of public spaces. Students, you will receive information from your professor if your class meeting location has changed. Faculty and staff with offices in Lund Center will not be able to access the building until it opens at 11:30 a.m.
After careful consideration, the College has made the difficult decision to require all students who are studying abroad to return to the United States. This choice was informed by last night’s announcement of new federal travel restrictions for Europe and the subsequent elevation of travel advisories around the world to Global Health Level III by the U.S. Department of State. Consistent with Gustavus policy regarding Department of State guidance, all study abroad students must return to the United States as soon as they are able and no later than March 30. These students will observe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) self-monitoring guidelines as appropriate and remain at home for at least 14 days. For returning students without another place to call home during this time, the College will partner with Nicollet County Public Health to provide appropriate temporary housing if self-monitoring is required.
I want to be clear that we have no reason to believe that any Gustavus students have been exposed to COVID-19 or are showing symptoms. This self-monitoring period is required of all people who are traveling to the United States from certain international destinations, and we are following CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.
The Gustavus Center for International and Cultural Education (CICE) is in contact with the students who are impacted by this decision along with their local program providers. CICE has reached out to these students and Gustavus staff stand ready to assist on an individual basis with logistical and financial support as needed as they finalize travel plans. Most of these students will complete remote coursework through their study away program provider. For students whose academic credits have been affected, the Provost’s Office, CICE, and academic departments will work with them on an individual basis to provide alternative credit-earning opportunities.
This is a fast-moving situation and the College remains committed to making the best possible decisions for all members of the Gustavus community.