Duluth is growing by thousands as Bulldogs get ready to start a new school year in the Zenith City.

“I'm looking forward to seeing students and colleagues face to face again and recreating the sense of community we had before the pandemic forced us to work and study remotely,” says Chancellor Lendley Black. “I’m proud of the outstanding work and sacrifices of our students, faculty, and staff over the past year and a half. Because of the efforts of many people, UMD has the correct precautions in place for a safe and successful 2021-2022 academic year.”

Important dates:

• New student move-in days– Wednesday and Thursday, August 25 - 26, 2021
• Bulldog Welcome Week– Wednesday, August 25- Sunday, August 29, 2021
• First day of class– Monday, August 30, 2021

More information:

New Student Move-in days– August 25 - 26, 2021

This year UMD’s move-in process is spread out over two days and through appointments from  9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25  and 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Thursday, August 26. Nearly 2,000 new students are scheduled to move-in during this time. 

“We found that last year's move-in, spread over multiple days with students scheduled, resulted in a less stressful experience for all and believe that this will help us provide a safer move-in experience this year,” says Jeremy Leiferman, director of Housing and Residence Life.

Most of the action takes place in front of Lake Superior Hall and Griggs Hall, 508 Niagara Court.

Bulldog Welcome Week– August 25- 29, 2021

Key Welcome Week photo opportunities:

Thursday, August 26, 2021 

Chancellor’s Welcome, All Class Photo

4-5:15 p.m.

Malosky Stadium 

“Emma Gilhousen, a student managing Bulldog Beginnings, and Student Association President Annie Counihan, join Chancellor Lendley Black in welcoming the class of 2025. After remarks, the entire class floods onto the field for a gigantic UMD photo.”

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Bulldog Bash

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Kirby Ballroom and Kirby Terrace

“Carnival-esque type of event to get to know each other, get introduced to campus life, and have fun. Lots of fun carnival games, food, and prizes!”

About the 2021-22 School Year

Enrollment

UMD’s Fall 2021 Freshman Class

Estimated size        2,030 (fall 2020 – 1,780)

Minnesota residents    87%

Wisconsin residents    10%

The remainder of UMD’s freshmen come from 20 other states and seven countries.

• Nearly 15% self-identify as a student of color or a Native American student
• 24% identify as a first-generation college student 
• UMD’s freshman academic profile remains strong with an average high school grade point average of 3.5 and an average ACT Composite score of 24
• The most popular freshman majors are pre-business, biology, mechanical engineering, psychology, computer science, teaching fields, criminology, and undeclared
• 78% are receiving institutional aid in the form of a university merit or need-based scholarship

Overall Enrollment

Official enrollment numbers are available two weeks after the University of Minnesota Twin Cities first day of classes.  Current estimated Duluth campus enrollment is as follows:

Undergraduate: 8,115  (fall 2020 – 8,351)

Graduate: 605  (fall 2020 – 614)

Non-degree and professional: 1,290  (fall 2020 – 1,310)

Total estimated campus enrollment: 10,010  (fall 2020– 10,275)

UMD’s decline in undergraduate student enrollment is primarily due to the smaller fall 2020 freshman class and this past spring’s large graduating class. 

Safety

This August, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents approved both mask and vaccination mandates. This means that all people in University buildings are required to wear masks and the University will add the COVID-19 vaccine to those already required for students once the FDA approves any COVID vaccine.

“We will be wearing facemasks, but they will not prevent us from having the strong sense of connections that are a hallmark of UMD campus life,” says Chancellor Black. “I’m grateful for our campus participation and cooperation as we all work together to keep our community safe.”

In addition to these safety measures, UMD’s Facilities Management team installed new air filtration systems over the summer and ordered portable air filtration units to supplement classrooms in older UMD buildings.

Hand sanitizing stations are located in key spots and spray sanitizers are also available.

COVID tests are available in Health Services for students.

More information about UMD’s Safe Campus

Course Delivery

This fall, 88% courses on-campus or blended (on campus and online). To compare, in the fall of 2020, 37% of courses were on-campus or blended format and last spring 27% of courses were on-campus or blended format. 

Dining Services

After researching best practices and in effort to encourage physical distancing, Dining Services is making some changes to its program, including:

• Continued Grubhub orders and pick-ups
• Kiosks around campus for increased access 
• New delivery model with delivery at key times and locations around campus
• New menu items
• Enhance catering services