University actions to support faculty, staff and students

Dear faculty, staff and students,

The past week in Minnesota has been remarkably difficult. Tensions have been high, as violence and protests have come to our doorstep.

So many of you have expressed your concerns and fears this week, and time after time we are in awe of the many ways our community cares for each other. Even as you are struggling to understand what’s happening in our city and state, you have taken the time to engage with our community, help our neighbors and support one another.

Our international students and scholars, and our faculty, staff and students of color—regardless of citizenship—belong here and make our University, community and state better. We condemn any actions that would disrupt the learning environment, the social cohesion and the engaged campus life that make the University of Minnesota such a remarkable place. It’s our home, and together we protect our home and each other. We urge you to remain peaceful while expressing your views in the coming days.

For those who are eager for guidance from the University about what the return to campus will look like, we write today to let you know of the actions we are taking to support our students, faculty and staff. Because the situation remains fluid, we will adapt our guidance as needed.

Support for faculty and students

We are taking actions to support students who may need accommodations for virtual attendance. This is not a blanket approach, because there is not one solution for every educational situation. Each of our schools and colleges are different in learning formats, geographic location and learner needs. Students will be receiving additional information from their dean’s office about procedures in their schools.

Classes will proceed as scheduled, in the modality outlined in the course schedule. We know many students welcome the opportunity to connect with each other and learn best in person. We also know that many students and instructors are concerned about their safety, both in class and traveling to and from where they live. Therefore, we are empowering learning accommodations (including hybrid) and shared this direction with deans, faculty and instructors earlier today.

Details about how students request learning accommodations will be shared by each college, but know that the University will make every effort to accommodate and prioritize student safety. Students should connect with their home college dean’s office, who are best positioned to understand the particulars of each situation.

Support for employees

We are committed to community, belonging and safety, and encourage staff and supervisors to collaborate to identify flexible work arrangements where needed at this time. Each team and unit should adapt the University guidance to meet the needs of their work and employees.

To ensure our buildings are as secure as possible, we are moving to badge-only access for most buildings. Be sure to carry your U Card, as most buildings will require it to enter.

We will be nimble, we will adapt as events evolve in coming weeks. We care deeply about our University community as well as our neighboring communities across the city and state. We are all actively engaged in addressing questions and concerns unique to the University. You will receive additional information from leaders as we have it.

Please take care of yourselves and each other as you return to campus.

We look forward to seeing you.

Rebecca Cunningham
President

Gretchen Ritter
Executive Vice President and Provost

Gregg Goldman
Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations

Ken Horstman
Vice President Human Resources