Frequent Questions for 2021–22

Updated: Aug. 4, 2021

• What is the law school’s vaccination policy?

  Beginning August 1, 2021, all students must be fully vaccinated to access the law school buildings. Students may enter the law school through the front door (near the flagpole and front security desk) or door 9 (near the Portland Ave. lot) using their student ID/access card. Students must not “tailgate” others, nor allow others to “tailgate” in. This policy serves to limit access to those who are fully vaccinated and maintain as safe an environment as possible.

  All students and employees must be fully vaccinated to have access to MHSL’s buildings. (Fully vaccinated is generally defined as 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).

  All students are asked to update their vaccine status in their student record. Students should provide this information even if you do not plan to take in-person classes in the fall semester.

  NOTE: By providing information about their vaccine status, students are certifying that it is true and correct. Knowingly providing false information about vaccination status is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and may be subject to a conduct investigation.

• Are there any exceptions to the vaccine requirement?

  There are no exceptions to the vaccine policy for the fall 2021 semester. Remote offerings are available to those who have not been vaccinated. Students who have concerns about the vaccine due to a documented disability, should contact disability services for assistance.

• Are there additional health protocols?

  • Must be fully vaccinated to have access to MHSL’s buildings.
  • Monitor health for symptoms of COVID-19 on a daily basis.
  • Stay home if feeling ill regardless of actual or suspected reason for illness.
  • Get tested if you suspect you may have COVID-19. See MDH COVID-19 Testing Sites.
  • Stay home and report if you test positive for COVID-19:

  • Stay home and complete and submit the COVID-19 Reporting Form. Information on this form is critical for the school to conduct contact tracing to limit further transmission.
  • If you are a student, please contact Dean LeMoine at lynn.lemoine@mitchellhamline.edu for further instructions. If you are an employee or visitor, please contact Michael Freer, Interim Director of Human Resources at michael.freer@mitchellhamline.edu for further instructions.
  • Return to Campus Clearance: Students and employees will be required to be evaluated before returning to campus via a telehealth screening with the law school’s occupational medicine physician. They should be prepared to discuss test results, symptoms, and exposures. The physician will document clearance and provide documentation to the Dean of Students or the Interim Director of Human Resources supporting a return-to-campus.

  • Stay home if you test positive for COVID-19 even if experiencing NO symptoms.
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and away from others, even if you do not have symptoms.
    • Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after you are close to someone with COVID-19 (exposed).
    • You can spread COVID-19 to others several days before you have any symptoms, or even if you never have any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you have been fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, you still need to stay home and away from others.

  • Return to Campus Clearance: Students and employees will be required to be evaluated before returning to campus via a telehealth screening with the law school’s occupational medicine physician. They should be prepared to discuss test results, symptoms, and exposures. The physician will document clearance and provide documentation to the Dean of Students or the Interim Director of Human Resources supporting a return-to-campus.

  • If you are in close contact to someone who tests positive for COVID-19:
  • Complete and submit the COVID-19 Reporting Form.
  • Self-monitor for symptoms (again, even if you are fully vaccinated).
  • If you develop symptoms, stay home.
  • Get tested. If you test positive, follow the instructions in the section above.
  • Maintain physical distance in common areas when feasible
  • There are no specific requirements for physical distancing at this time; however, it is advised to avoid crowding into rooms/spaces and to maintain some additional distance in common spaces if feasible.
  • Protect yourself and others (see MDH prevention guidelines)
  • Stay home when feeling ill for any reason.
  • Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.
  • Avoid shaking hands.
  • Cough and sneeze into the inside of elbow.
  • Get a seasonal flu shot when available.

• Will masks be required?

  • Mask policies are communicated via email and on the COVID-19 dashboard. Students are responsible for complying with all current mask policies. The school may take additional measures to respond to changing circumstances, as necessary.

• What about the Campus Clear App?

  • As of August 1, self-screening for COVID-19 symptoms using the Campus Clear App is not required. In place of the app, all employees and students who are on campus are required to: 1) submit confirmation that they are fully vaccinated; and 2) self-monitor for symptoms each day they are on campus. Anyone who does not meet both requirements will not be permitted in the law school building.
  • The law school reserves the right to reinstate the requirement to self-monitor using the Campus Clear App if conditions warrant.

• Will physical distancing be required?

  There are no specific requirements for physical distancing at this time; however, it is strongly advised to avoid crowding into rooms/spaces and to maintain some additional distance in common spaces if feasible.

• Will in-person classes ever be moved online?

  We will continue to closely monitor public health data and internal campus data to determine any changes to our operations or these health protocols. Any changes will be announced via the website, the Docket, Canvas, and MHSL email.

• How is the school’s Attendance Policy impacted by COVID-19?

  The Mitchell Hamline School of Law Attendance Policy applies to all Mitchell Hamline courses. Under the Attendance Policy, regular and punctual class attendance is required. Faculty must keep a record of each student’s attendance, and must report to the Dean of Students, or his/her/their delegate, any student whose absences are presumptively excessive. Missing more than 2 regularly-scheduled in-person classroom hours per credit hour (e.g., missing more than 6 classroom hours of a 3-credit course); failing to log into an online or blended course for more than one week; and missing any time during in-person preparation sessions or capstone weeks are all considered presumptively excessive absences. Faculty are authorized to impose more stringent attendance policies provided that when a faculty member imposes an attendance policy that differs from this policy, the faculty member shall publish his/her/their attendance policy in his/her/their syllabus for the course and shall make the policy available to the Vice Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs and the Dean of Students.The following adjustments to the attendance policy will apply to all remote synchronous courses:

  COVID-19 Attendance Policy for synchronous remote class sessions:

  The Mitchell Hamline School of Law Attendance Policy applies to all Mitchell Hamline synchronous remote courses. Students are responsible for attending all synchronous classes at the scheduled class meeting time. Student attendance may be measured in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: polling, hand raising, class discussions, or use of video function in Zoom.

  The school is committed to supporting students during these changing circumstances. It is important that students communicate closely with the Dean of Students if they are concerned about excessive absences. Students who are ill, or caring for someone who is ill, should contact the Dean of Students to discuss options and ongoing support.

• How can I access the law school buildings?

  Beginning August 1, 2021, all students must be fully vaccinated to access the law school buildings. Students must enter the law school through the front door (near the flagpole and front security desk) using their student ID/access card. Students must not “tailgate” others, nor allow others to “tailgate” in. This policy serves to limit access to those who are fully vaccinated and maintain as safe an environment as possible.

• May I bring guests to campus?

  Visitors are permitted in the law school building to: attend scheduled events and programs, pre-arranged individual or group meetings, and clinic appointments; use the library; or to conduct other business that has been organized by a member of the faculty/staff or a student. All visitors must complete a Visitor COVID-19 Self-Screening Form at the main entrance Security Desk to confirm they are fully vaccinated. At this time, the law school discourages drop-in visitors who are not using the library or have not arranged to meet with an MHSL individual prior to coming to campus.

• What about faculty offices or other departments?

  Faculty will offer office hours either in person, remotely via zoom, or will provide assistance via email. The following departments will offer assistance to all students whether they are on campus or remote:

  Academic Excellence

  Admissions

  Blended Learning

  Career and Professional Development

  Counseling Services

  Dean of Students

  Disability Services

  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  Financial Aid

  Registrar

  Student Accounts

  Student Services

  Please contact each department for more information.

• What if I need technical assistance?

  If you need any assistance with computer hardware or software, telephones or internet, or Panopto, Canvas, or Zoom, contact ItHelp@mitchellhamline.edu. Hours are 8am-8pm on weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekends. You may also call 651-290-6411 or visit the IT help desk, located on the first floor of the library for assistance. The Information Technology Services webpage also includes Canvas, Zoom, Panopto and other technology resources.

• How do I access the library?

  Students should proceed to the library circulation desk for further check-in procedures. The library will continue to offer remote access to its catalog, databases, and research materials as well as research librarian services by email, chat, or Zoom. For circulating books and other materials, curbside pickup or mailing services will continue to be offered.Information about library hours and health protocols can be found on the library website. Students must comply with any check-in and check-out procedures as directed by library staff.

• Am I able to study in the law school?

  Library space will be available for students who need to use the library to study or attend remote classes.

• Will I be able to participate in synchronous remote or online classes in the library?

  Library space will be available in the for students who need to use the library to study or attend remote classes.

  There will be a designated area where students can talk if participating in class, and so long as students are using headphones, they should be able to do so without disturbing others.

• What about the bookstore?

  Students can purchase textbooks and school merchandise online at the bookstore website. You can locate book lists and other required and/or recommended material through a search by term and course title. Please note that older editions are likely to vary and have different page numbers than the editions chosen by the professor.

  If you are on campus, you can find bookstore on the lower level of the school. Take the stairs leading down from the commons/cafeteria area and follow the signs.

  Questions about books or other materials should be addressed to mhsl.bookstore@MitchellHamline.edu.

• What about the cafeteria? Will there be food in the building?

  The cafeteria will resume normal operations with additional safeguards.

• What about the SBA and Student Organizations?

  All SBA and Student Organization meetings and events must follow current COVID-19 Protocols posted on the COVID-19 Dashboard. All SBA and Student Organization meetings and events being held in person must be preapproved. Students wishing to hold meetings or events on campus must submit this Event Request Form at least 2 weeks in advance of the event. Students wishing to hold meetings or events off campus should contact student.services@mitchellhamline for support at least 2 weeks in advance of the event.  We encourage students to plan for including remote participants in all events and meetings. Technology support for events (ex: recording, streaming, Zoom or webinar set-up, etc.) for any MHSL event, class, or meeting, whether on-campus, off-campus, or virtual, must be made through this form at least seven days in advance. Requests made less than seven days in advance cannot be accommodated.

• Are there financial resources available for students who have been impacted by COVID-19?

  • Students should begin with the Office of Financial Aid
  • As of October 1, 2021, all available emergency funds from all available sources have been awarded.

• I am overwhelmed. What resources are there to help?

  MHSL counselors. Our counselors continue to operate remotely using telehealth. If you would like to speak to someone on a confidential basis, you may schedule an appointment for confidential counseling services by clicking on an available appointment through the Counseling Services webpage (click on the name of the counselor to see their availability).

  Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers (LCL). LCL offers confidential assistance 24/7. You can speak to a counselor at any time at 651-646-5590 or via email at help@mnlcl.org/. Law students can also call to speak with counselors through LCL’s counseling partner, Sand Creek, by calling 651-430-3383.

  Text help for young people of color. The Steve Fund is an organization that specifically focuses on mental health for young people of color. They have a crisis text line, where students of color can text STEVE to 741741 and receive a live Crisis Counselor response.

  24/7/365 help for LGBTQIA+ youth. The Trevor Project focuses on mental health for LGBTQIA+ youth. Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text START to 678678. Chat at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now.

  Other Lawyer Assistance Programs. For students in other locations outside of Minnesota, you are encouraged to contact your local lawyer assistance program for the same free, confidential services you may receive from Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers in Minnesota. Here is a link to the information in all jurisdictions.

  Dean LeMoine. Office: 651-695-7668 Cell: 651-447-8839 lynn.lemoine@mitchellhamline.edu

• What is the law school doing to keep students and the building safe?

  The law school has created health protocols and developed various mitigation strategies to maintain a safe environment based on guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). In addition, our medical consultant who specializes in occupational medicine and public health and an environmental hygienist have been retained by the law school to consult on these protocols and strategies. The health protocols will continue to be updated as more is learned about COVID-19 transmission to maintain health and safety for students, staff, and faculty.

  The health protocols include:

  • All students and employees must be fully vaccinated to access the law school buildings.
  • Requirement to stay home for students who are diagnosed with Covid-19 or are waiting for test results, and for students who are symptomatic
  • Reducing the number students, faculty, and staff in the building
  • Promoting physical distancing in common spaces

• What should I do if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

  Stay home and report if you test positive for COVID-19

  • Complete and submit the COVID-19 Reporting Form. Information on this form is critical for the school to conduct contact tracing to limit further transmission.
  • If you are a student, please contact Dean LeMoine at lemoine@mitchellhamline.edu for further instructions.
  • Visitors should contact Michael Freer, Interim Director of Human Resources at freer@mitchellhamline.edu for further instructions.
  • Students will be required to be evaluated before returning to campus via a telehealth screening with the law school’s occupational medicine physician. They should be prepared to discuss test results, symptoms, and exposures. The physician will document clearance and provide documentation to the Dean of Students or the Interim Director of Human Resources supporting a return-to-campus.

  Stay home if you test positive for COVID-19 even if experiencing NO symptoms.

  • If you test positive for COVID-19, stay home and away from others, even if you do not have symptoms.
    • Symptoms may appear up to 14 days after you are close to someone with COVID-19 (exposed).
    • You can spread COVID-19 to others several days before you have any symptoms, or even if you never have any symptoms of COVID-19.
  • If you have been fully vaccinated and test positive for COVID-19, you still need to stay home and away from others.
  • Students will be required to be evaluated before returning to campus via a telehealth screening with the law school’s occupational medicine physician. They should be prepared to discuss test results, symptoms, and exposures. The physician will document clearance and provide documentation to the Dean of Students or the Interim Director of Human Resources supporting a return-to-campus.

• How is the school ensuring that students are not coming to school after being diagnosed with COVID-19?

  NOTE: The law school urges students to prioritize personal and community health and safety over work and class responsibilities, and to comply with the following procedures described below. The school will support you.

  The school expects all student to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms by completing a health screening checklist as a condition of coming to campus. 

  The following health screening checklist must be completed each day (self-monitoring) before coming to campus:

  Students should stay home when sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19:

  • Fever (100.4 degrees F or higher)
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Excessive fatigue
  • New severe/very bad headache
  • New nasal congestion/stuffy or runny nose
  • Cough not attributable to another health condition
  • Shortness of breath not attributable to another health condition
  • Chills not attributable to another health condition
  • Muscle pain not attributable to exercise or another health condition
  • Sore throat not attributable to another health condition
  • Any gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite

  If no symptoms, students may come to the law school.

  If one or more symptoms:

  • DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL. Stay home
  • Notify the Dean of Students LeMoine@mitchellhamline.edu
  • Notify healthcare provider
  • Find Testing Locations
  • Students who decide to get tested and are waiting test results should stay home and separate from other people in your home as much as possible. Wash your hands often and clean frequently touched surfaces.
  • See below regarding when to return to campus.

  Students will be evaluated for a return-to-campus via a telehealth screening with the law school’s occupational health provider. Students should be prepared to discuss test results, symptoms, and exposures with the occupational health provider. The occupational health provider will document clearance and provide documentation to the Dean of Students supporting return-to-campus.

• What if I get sick while I am at school?

  Students who experience symptoms at school should leave immediately or, if this is not feasible (e.g., no transportation), as soon as possible and separate from others immediately. Students who cannot leave immediately will be directed to a designated room until they are able to leave.

  Set aside concerns about class responsibilities; the school will support you.

• How is the school ensuring compliance with the Health Protocols?

  It is expected that all members of the Mitchell Hamline community will comply with these school policies. Education and community responsibility is our preferred method to address isolated occurrences of non-compliance. Repeated or widespread failure to adhere to health protocols may lead to a loss of access to building spaces, classes, or disciplinary action for students under the Student Code of Conduct.

  Specifically, reports of non-compliance with health protocols will be handled as follows:

  1. Education and Awareness. We will make every effort to resolve issues informally through education and awareness about the health protocols and the need for compliance.
  2. Students will be instructed to comply with the school’s COVID-19 health protocols. If a student refuses to comply, the student may be asked to leave the building for the day.
  3. If a student is asked to leave the building, it should be reported to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will follow up with an email to the student reiterating expectations (including a reminder of the health protocols, and the Student Code of Conduct).
  4. If a second violation is reported to the Dean of Students, a non-disciplinary warning letter will be issued to the student, noting that the student will be subject to a Conduct Code investigation if the student does not comply with the required health protocols. Students will be allowed to access the building after this warning letter is sent.
  5. Any subsequent violations may result in disciplinary action under sections 4, 4.5, or 4.6 of the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include limits to campus access or any other sanction authorized under the Code of Conduct.