COVID-19 Prevention and Wellbeing

Through the development of a comprehensive, layered public health plan, the University of Minnesota is providing students, faculty, and staff with resources and guidance aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 on our campuses.

Prevention Strategies

• Face coverings are required on the Twin Cities campus in most situations, per the State of Minnesota and University policy. 
• Physical distancing of six feet or more should be maintained in public spaces, including in classrooms, dining facilities, residence halls, or outdoor areas. 
• All are encouraged to follow proper handwashing behaviors, self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, stay home if feeling unwell, and seek medical care from Boynton Health or a trusted medical professional.
• University facilities management teams have enhanced regular housekeeping practices. Find out more about cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer availability, and other guidance from Facilities Management.
• Learn more about Stop the Spread of COVID-19, our shared commitment to help keep our community healthy.

• The Gophers Protecting Gophers campaign encourages the University community to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, and implement other behaviors that slow the spread of COVID-19. Follow @umnsua for more updates.

Taking these steps continues to be the most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

U of M Face Covering policy

• The University requires all individuals, with limited exceptions, to wear face coverings indoors and outdoors on University property. Additionally, learn more about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s statewide mask mandate for all Minnesotans.
• Individuals who cannot wear face coverings because of health or disability reasons should contact the Disability Resource Center to explore alternative accommodations. 
• When indoors on University property, students, faculty, staff, and visitors are not required to wear a face covering in the following circumstances:
  • You are alone in a room.
  • Indoor spaces where separate, official guidance is posted.
  • In your own on-campus residence hall or apartment room. Face coverings are required in common spaces, such as hallways, bathrooms, and dining spaces.
  • When alone in a motor vehicle. Parking and Transportation Services and MetroTransit require all individuals to wear a face covering while on public transportation.
• Following guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the University allows for face coverings that include:
  • cloth masks;
  • scarves/bandanas;
  • disposable paper masks; and
  • face shield (if needed for accommodation). 
• Please review Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on mask fit and material, as well as information from University Health & Safety. Note that N95 and surgical masks should not be worn outside of health care or other specialized settings, including laboratory spaces, according to MDH.
• Some situations on campus may raise questions about how the University’s face covering policy applies. Additional guidance is provided below.
  • Face coverings are required in dining facilities and on-campus restaurants, except while eating and drinking. At all times, a physical distance of six feet must be observed.
  • When walking between classes on University grounds, face coverings are required if safe physical (i.e., six feet between individuals) distancing cannot be maintained.
  • While fraternity and sorority houses are private property and not on University grounds, students in these spaces should consider guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and requirements from the State of Minnesota for wearing face coverings and gathering.

Health and Wellbeing

• The University recognizes this is a stressful situation for many members of our community. 
  • Staff and faculty can find health and wellbeing resources through the Office for Human Resources, including mental health resources and the Employee Assistance Program.
  • The Center for Spirituality & Healing offers a Wellbeing Guide for support in managing stress and mental, and improve mental health and wellbeing.
  • For students, please find resources below. Students can also call the U of M Crisis Line at 612-301-4673 anytime or text "UMN" to 61222 on evenings and weekends.
    • International Student & Scholar Services counselors, call (612) 626-7100 to make an appointment.
    • Student Counseling Services
    • Boynton Mental Health Clinic
    • Boynton Health
    • Office of Student Affairs Care Program
    • Let’s Talk (informal drop-in consultations with a counselor)
    • Bias Response Referral Network (BRRN)

Reporting Bias

• The University is committed to creating an inclusive climate for all of our community members. The CDC offers guidance on countering stigma related to this virus. 
• We understand that the COVID-19 pandemic has, in some cases, resulted in hostile, offensive, or intimidating acts against individuals because of their perceived race, national origin, age, disability-status, or other protected identity.* These behaviors could constitute prohibited discrimination or harassment under University policy. 
• We encourage you to contact your campus resource listed below if you believe you have experienced mistreatment because you:
  • are perceived to be associated with COVID-19 because of your national origin, race, or other protected identity,
  • are perceived to have COVID-19 because of a protected identity,
  • are perceived to be vulnerable to COVID-19 because of a protected identity, have COVID-19, or have been exposed to COVID-19.
• In addition, we recognize that University members must learn and work differently given the current remote learning and working environment. If you believe that you have been denied reasonable accommodations for a disability in the remote working and learning environment, please also contact your campus resource listed below.

*protected identities include: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, familial status, disability, public assistance status, membership or activity in a local commission created for the purpose of dealing with discrimination, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Systemwide COVID-19 Response Resources

Questions?

Email the University of Minnesota at [email protected].