Healthy at MSU

Typical policies that govern excused student absences in courses for student illness (i.e., UAR 131) are relaxed for this term. Guidance from health departments and the CDC require anyone testing positive for COVID-19 to self-isolate and monitor symptoms. This guidance also requires anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 to quarantine, monitor symptoms, and seek medical attention.  Further, this guidance recommends that anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, tiredness, difficulty breathing, etc.) stay home, monitor symptoms, and seek medical attention.   

Students testing positive for COVID-19, those who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must also contact their instructor(s) as soon as possible unless incapable due to illness. Student absences due to COVID-19 illness, exposure, or symptoms, with or without documentation, should be excused and students given a flexible timeline for production, make-up, and/or delivery of missed assignments. After reviewing the specific circumstance for student absence, the instructor and student will discuss makeup of missed assignments and mutually agreed upon deadlines.  

In the case of illness/medical emergencies, if a period of extended absences is necessary (more than 15% of total class instructional time) the student should contact the Office of the Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students as soon as possible (but no later than two weeks after the period of absence). In these circumstances, documentation may be required and an institutional excuse may be provided to all of the student’s instructors.

Cloth face coverings (masks) must be worn inside university buildings at all times. There are certain exceptions to this requirement:

• Private offices – Masks are not required if alone in a private office. However, if more than one person is in the office, everyone must wear their mask.
• Residence hall rooms – Masks are not required for students who are in their own residential room. However, everyone in the room must wear their mask if a guest, visitor, or anyone else who is not assigned to that room is present. If a student leaves their own residential room, then a mask must be worn.
• Dining establishments – Masks are not required while seated and eating in ADUC or The Rock. Both conditions must be met, otherwise, masks must be worn. Social distancing should be maintained while eating. 
• Cloth face coverings (masks) must be worn outside on university property if 6’ of social distancing cannot be maintained. Mask or social distance when outside.

These expectations apply to everyone on university-controlled property – students, staff, faculty, visitors, guests, and community members.

University-supported international travel has been suspended until Oct. 31, 2020, pending further review and CDC guidance.

Students will move-out of the residence halls by Nov. 24, 2020, unless they have paid to continue under our break housing options, or are formally in need of a residence hall room to complete a credit bearing and approved clinical placement or student teaching assignment.

Commencement for Spring 2020 and Fall 2020 graduates is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21. As the University approaches that time we will evaluate the healthy options to conduct our ceremonies. Visit www.moreheadstate.edu/graduation for details about ceremonies and more.

The Office of Financial Aid is open to walk-in traffic and in-person appointments. We are asking students to comply with MSU policies by wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. Students may also email finaid@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2011 for assistance.
 

Please check the websites of each of these areas for updated hours.

• MSU Dining
• MSU Post Office
• Recreation and Wellness Center
• University Store
• Camden-Carroll Library

Following the decisions of the OVC and the PFL, there will be no competition or championships this fall.

Please visit www.moreheadstate.edu/winter for updates and details on the winter terms.