July 23, 2020

The City of Milwaukee has announced that they will allow colleges and universities to reopen pending approval of each institution’s reopening plan by the Milwaukee Health Department. We are in communication with the Health Department and will be submitting the MSOE Raider Return Plan for review very shortly. We look forward to a positive response. 

I want to again emphasize that we would not be reopening if we were not confident in our ability to keep our students, faculty and staff safe. While we are eager to welcome students back to campus, this fall term will be unlike any other, as there will be numerous structural and operational safeguards in place to support appropriate safety measures while still providing the outstanding education that distinguishes our institution.

Regards,
John Walz

July 17, 2020

Dear MSOE Community,

I sincerely thank each of our faculty and staff members for the time and effort they are putting in to prepare our campus and courses for the return of students this fall. We’ve been diligent in our plans to safely reopen campus and give our students the MSOE education they expect. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are a top priority.

The same work is happening at colleges and universities throughout southeastern Wisconsin. At MSOE, we continue to plan as though students will physically return to campus and take courses in a hybrid format, ensuring that CDC and other governmental guidelines are followed.

However, under the City of Milwaukee’s current orders, institutions of higher education are not allowed to reopen until the city reaches Phase 5 of its reopening plan. I, along with the presidents and leaders of 19 southeastern Wisconsin colleges, universities, professional organizations and economic development groups, have united in our request to the City of Milwaukee to amend their plan to allow our universities to reopen.

We hope the City will respond quickly to our request. I will share more information once it is available.

Sincerely,
John Walz

July 16, 2020

Our Raider Return Task Force continues its work to ready the campus for the return of students, faculty and staff.   As mentioned in our last update, MSOE has instituted a Facial Covering Policy. Since then the City of Milwaukee has passed an ordinance requiring masks in the city. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this information.

Next week, two masks will be sent to all employees via interoffice mail so they will be ready for you when you come to campus. Details are forthcoming for student mask distribution.   

Here are some of the FAQ’s we’ve received about campus cleaning:  

How is MSOE cleaning and disinfecting buildings across campus?   

In addition to the routine custodial cleaning schedule, the university has implemented an enhanced cleaning frequency to clean and disinfect common areas and commonly touched surfaces in occupied buildings. Touchpoints such as entrance handles, handrails, elevator buttons, tables, restroom stall handles/doors are being cleaned at least once daily, five days a week, using EPA-registered disinfectants. Each person is encouraged to use hand sanitizer and wash their hands frequently.  

What can I do to help?  

Classrooms, Laboratories, Meeting Rooms
We are asking faculty and staff to help keep everyone healthy by thoroughly cleaning classrooms, laboratories and meeting rooms when they are done using the space. Terminator disinfectant, disposable paper towels, and cleaning instructions will be made available in these spaces before the start of the school year. Terminator is a heavy-duty disinfectant, cleaner, sanitizer and deodorizer. It is an effective one-step disinfectant designed for use in schools, nursing homes, hospitals, residential facilities, health clubs and more.  

Printers/Copiers
Procedures are being developed to clean printers and copy machines on a regular basis, but they will not be cleaned in between each use. You are encouraged to bring a stylus to reduce the number of times you have to physically touch the device, and to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after using the device.

Will additional hand sanitizer stations be installed?

MSOE installed more than 40 additional dispenser stations containing alcohol-based hand sanitizer throughout campus, and will continue to review needs. Dispenser stations are available at building entrances and elevators, near time clocks, and other frequently visited locations. It is recommended that each person carries their own hand sanitizer bottle as well. Although hand sanitizer can help prevent the spread of the virus, practicing the CDC’s proper hand-washing technique is considered to be more effective.

How can I disinfect my personal workspace?

Clean commonly touched surfaces several times per day this includes door handles, desks, tables, chair arms, phones, remote controls, printers, copiers and computer equipment. MSOE recommends that departments or units purchase EPA-registered disinfectants such as single-use disinfectant wipes and multi-surface spray cleaners. Always use cleaning products as recommended on manufacturer labels, including wearing disposable gloves where directed.  

Wash hands thoroughly on a routine basis as well as after cleaning. Handwashing should include the use of regular soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If soap is not immediately available, use hand sanitizer with 70% alcohol content or greater.

July 2, 2020

MSOE Facial Covering Policy

Effective July 6, 2020 and until further notice, Milwaukee School of Engineering will enforce a policy mandating that all students, faculty, staff, contractors and campus visitors wear a facial covering (1) when they are inside university buildings and vehicles, and (2) when they are outdoors on campus and social distancing of at least six feet is not possible. Facial coverings must cover the nose and mouth. 

Facial coverings may only be removed when an individual is alone in a room, more than six feet from other people when outside, or participating in activities in which facial coverings cannot practically be worn, such as eating or drinking.

You can find the complete policy online.

As a courtesy, MSOE will provide two washable cloth masks to each student and employee. If you are unable to wash these masks on a daily basis, you are required to provide additional facial coverings for yourself.  The masks are currently on order. When they arrive on campus, details will be provided via email on how to obtain your masks.

Building Access

The Raider Return Task Force is designating foot traffic patterns to help individuals move safely throughout campus buildings. This includes one-way traffic on stairwells, some elevators, and through building entrances/exits. Signage will be installed over the next few weeks

MSOE is continuing its phased approach to re-opening campus buildings within the city’s health order. If your department is interested in reopening, please send your reopening plan to Dr. Eric Baumgartner for review by the Raider Return Task Force. Faculty, staff and students are required to continue to work from home until their return to campus plan has been approved unless their job does not warrant this option. Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions.

The Grohmann Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed July 3-4 for the holiday).

The Kern Center will open with limited capacity to current MSOE faculty, staff and students July 6. No guest passes will be issued. Hours, guidelines and restrictions are posted on the Kern Center website.