COVID-19 FAQs

We are excited to return to in-person classes and activities in the fall semester. We would like to thank everyone for all that you are doing in these challenging times to ensure the safety of our MSP community. The following FAQs may answer some of the questions you have regarding our return.

Will MSP return to full or partial in-person activities in the Fall semester?

• Yes, in-person classes and activities will return in the Fall semester with some adjustments to limit the amount of people gathering at any one time. Students have the option to remain online for the first semester and our intention is to be 100% in-person by the second semester. In this way, those who are not vaccinated will have three months to become fully vaccinated.

Will students, staff and faculty need to be vaccinated?

• Yes, all students, faculty and staff are required to show proof of vaccination or request an exemption for health or religious reasons. Requests for exemptions require documentation from a health care provider or religious leader.

Does that mean everyone in the building will be vaccinated?

• All students and employees attending in person during the fall semester will be vaccinated.

In addition to classes, will we be returning to in-person events as well?

• There will be some in-person events, and online events as well. We learned during the pandemic that many events can be held successfully over Zoom, and that attendance was often greater at these online events.

Are masks required indoors?

• At this time, everyone is required to wear a mask correctly indoors, including those who are vaccinated.

In addition to the mask and vaccine requirement, what is MSP doing to ensure the safety of students, staff and faculty on-site?

• MSP buildings will remain locked throughout the day; students and employees will be issued key cards for access. No visitors are permitted. All deliveries, including food ordered for individual lunches, must be met outside the building. We will have hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and masks in all communal areas, offices and classroom. Cleaning protocols have been adjusted to include daily sanitizing of surfaces. Air filtration adjustments have been made to include the addition of air filtration units in each classroom and communal spaces.

What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?

• If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and contact your faculty to let them know you will not be in class.

What is the deadline to get vaccinated and submit my information?

• All students and employees must submit proof of vaccination before the start of Fall Semester 2021.

What if I will not be fully vaccinated by the deadline?

• Individuals will not be allowed to return to in-person classes until proof of vaccination has been submitted. In order to be fully immunized, two weeks must have passed since the second dose, or for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the date of the vaccine.  Only those with full immunization may be present in-person.

Is there an option to take my classes remotely?

• Online attendance will be allowed only during the first semester of the 2021-22 academic year. Students must elect in-person or remote attendance. This decision will be in place for the entire semester; switching from online to in-person, or vice versa, is not an option.

What should I do if I am exposed to COVID?

• If you are ill or exposed to COVID do not come to campus. You must notify your faculty to make adjustments, if necessary, to your attendance. Fully vaccinated individuals exposed to COVID should be tested 3-5 days post exposure and may not return to in-person attendance until a negative COVID test is received.

At MSP, we realized that there are many uncertainties when it comes to returning to in-person learning. Together with our MSP community, we are committed to providing a safe learning environment.  We are hopeful for the future and we look forward to seeing you all on campus in the fall