Dear Students,
State governments across the country are considering issuing orders to “shelter in place.” Shelter in place would likely mean that all non-essential travel is locked down and people are ordered to stay in their homes or at their place of residence. There is a growing possibility that Minnesota and/or the federal government will make that declaration in the coming days. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is holding a press conference at 2 p.m. today and we expect to have more information at that time.
If you have not been granted permission to remain on campus, we recommend that you depart as soon as possible. While the College has given a deadline of Sunday, March 22 at 5 p.m., it is beginning to look like a shelter in place order could come sooner than that. We do not want you to be in transition if that is avoidable. Again, if you are leaving campus, we recommend that you do it now.
Students who have petitioned and been approved to stay on campus will still be able to do so. Dining Service will still provide food, although options and hours may be significantly impacted if a shelter in place order is given. All other offices could likely close for the duration of the order and services would be available only by phone or online.
If you are already away from campus, do not return at this time. We are diligently working to develop a plan for students to retrieve their belongings (or make arrangements for us to store them). Again, if you are not currently on campus, you are not allowed to return at this time.
The Financial Aid office continues to work on providing information for families about cost adjustments. We know people are anxious to receive this information and believe we will have individualized information to you next week.
One final note: Our office has received word that there may be a large party planned before students leave. Do not host or participate in such a gathering. I know that your plans have been significantly impacted by this unprecedented global situation, but I ask that you think of others at this time. Public health depends on each of us to do our part to limit group gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19. Gathering in a large group to socialize at this time would be inappropriate and I expect better than that from all of you.
I know that the possibility of a shelter in place order changes plans for many of you, but we want you to consider the possibility of this declaration in the coming hours or days. If you have any questions, please call the Gustavus COVID-19 hotline at 507-933-6449.
Sincerely,
JoNes
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