UMD is prepared for the start of classes with COVID-19 precautions as the framework for academic, residence, and campus services.
Academics
Hundreds of UMD instructors participated in professional development over the summer in anticipation of partial online course delivery.
This year, nearly half of undergraduate and graduate classes are either in-person or hybrids of online and in-person. This means that 79% of undergraduates and 60% of graduate students have at least one in-person or blended class on campus. UMD’s enrollment managers add the caveat that these numbers will fluctuate as students make final changes to their schedules.
The first day of class is August 31, 2020, as originally planned.
Facilities
Regular housekeeping practices are being enhanced by UMD’s facilities management teams– including frequent cleaning and sanitization of high-touch areas such as door handles, railings, and elevator panels.
Instructional signage is posted around campus, and lounge spaces are being arranged to ensure physical distancing of furniture.
Housing and Residence Life
“Living on campus is a core part of the UMD experience and we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive housing experience for students,” says Jeremy Leiferman, director of Housing & Residence Life. “That said, things will look different this year.”
Leiferman’s team is closely monitoring recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health around housing density, cleaning protocols and frequencies.
In addition, in order to support physical distancing, some rooms will be assigned fewer occupants. “We are anticipating no more than two people will occupy rooms in residence halls. Our on-campus apartments will allow for two students in each bedroom, with a total of four students in each apartment,” says Leiferman.
Move-in Days
New this year: the measured move-in.
Instead of UMD’s traditional one-day, massive effort, first year students are moving in during a designated time between Wednesday, August 26 - Friday, August 28, 2020. Returning students arrive between Saturday, August 29 and Saturday, August 30, 2020.
Bulldog Beginnings
August 17 - 30, 2020
Virtual Bulldog Welcome Week starts on Monday, August 17, before students move to campus. It includes videos and other dynamic content in online modules to help students get acquainted with their new home while still in the comforts of their old one.
The contact continues once students arrive with Welcome Back Week and First-year Events, including some incredible Recreational Sports field trips (stand up paddle boarding, rock climbing, fat tire biking, hiking, and kayaking.)
More information about UMD’s Return to Campus