These health protocols were announced by Interim President and Dean Peter Knapp.
They take effect Monday, June 15.
They were developed as part of the planning for the gradual re-opening of the law school, beginning with the library some time this summer and moving toward a limited number of classes on campus in the fall.
These health protocols are being implemented this summer, and an institutional Preparedness Plan is being developed for the fall semester and as long as needed thereafter.
The protocols are based on current guidance from MDH, CDC, and a medical consultant retained by the law school who specializes in occupational medicine and public health. They will be updated as more is learned about COVID-19 transmission. Guidance from these same sources will also inform the Preparedness Plan.
Health Protocols
Effective June 15, 2020, all individuals in the law school building are required to comply with the following health protocols. This includes all faculty, staff, students (n.1), and visitors (n.2) who are in the building for any length of time.
• Stay a minimum of 6 feet from others (even when wearing a face covering).
• Practice good hygiene (e.g., wash hands frequently; use hand sanitizers located throughout the building; wipe down high-touch areas in workspace).
• Wear a mask or other cloth face covering (n. 3) at all times except: (a) when working in a one person office; or (b) you work in a space with others but are able to maintain 6 feet distance from another person AND you are not getting up frequently to move to another location. Wear your mask or face covering until you reach this office or space.
• Stay home when sick or experiencing one or more of the following symptoms (n. 4) and seek medical advice: fever (100.0 degrees F or feel particularly warm), cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
• Stay home if you have been in close contact with another person who has tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days. Monitor for above symptoms for at least 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the person who has COVID-19. Seek medical advice.
Notes:
1. Generally, students are not to be in the building at this time except if it’s necessary to be on campus to do work related to a law school clinic and are under the supervision of a supervisor. These students are required to observe all health protocols. Additional protocols for students will be issued when the library opens this summer.
2. Visitors include: all vendors or external contract workers and individuals making deliveries (e.g. mail, FedEx, etc.). Visitors who do not have a mask will be provided one at the front security desk.
3. Face coverings must cover an individual’s nose and mouth. Masks are not required to be medical grade. According to MDH: “Face coverings can help to stop your germs from infecting others. This is extra important if people without symptoms can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 disease. Wearing a mask does not protect you from others who may spread the virus. You will still need to wash your hands often, cover your cough, and stay 6 feet away from others.”
4. At this time, the law school will rely on self-screening. Employees who experience symptoms or are diagnosed with COVID-19 are encouraged to contact Andrea Bien in HR. The information will be treated as confidential, but the school will contact MDH for guidance to prevent further spread of this virus.
More information
For current health-related information, we encourage you to visit the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Minnesota Department of Health websites. We will also update school information on the website.
State officials are posting updated information on the spread of COVID-19 in Minnesota here.
Contacts for questions
- On-campus students: student.services @mitchellhamline.edu
- Blended-learning students: blendedlearning @mitchellhamline.edu
- Employees should contact their manager or Andrea.Bien @mitchellhamline.edu
- Media: Doug.Belden @mitchellhamline.edu
Coronavirus updates
See All- Update to COVID protocolsPosted March 13
- New journal article details dash to create unique COVID-19 clinic at pandemic’s startPosted January 14
- Mitchell Hamline to return to CHS Field for commencementPosted January 12
- Starting Jan. 10, visitors to campus must show proof of vaccinationPosted January 6
- Starting Sept. 1, masks are required for everyone on campusPosted August 30
- Mitchell Hamline alum helps tenants struggling in pandemic economyPosted August 27
- Mitchell Hamline hosts vaccination clinic Saturday, June 26Posted June 21
- Starting Aug. 1, Mitchell Hamline faculty, staff, and students must be vaccinated to be on campusPosted May 17
- Mitchell Hamline plans some in-person classes for summer, aims to add more in fallPosted March 19
- Mitchell Hamline plans in-person commencement June 6 at CHS FieldPosted March 12