Raider Return Updates
May 4, 2022
It truly feels as though we have reached a point of near-normalcy. The number of COVID-19 cases on campus remains low and we have not seen an outbreak of cases. Thank you to everyone for taking responsibility for their health and that of others. Those who have symptoms of COVID-19 are being proactive, taking at-home tests and staying away from others if they have a positive test result.
Because of this, we are able to safely gather in classes, labs and meetings, and socially. It has been wonderful attending events again on campus with all of you and I look forward to the end-of-year celebrations that are yet to come.
We will continue to follow our COVID-19 symptom-reporting and isolation protocol through the end of the academic year. We also remind faculty and students to take non-COVID illness seriously. Please work together in the event that a student is too ill to attend class—just as you would have before the pandemic.
For summer classes and programs we will take another step toward normalcy and retire MSOE’s symptom-reporting and isolation protocol for students. Faculty, staff and students will be asked to follow the CDC’s symptom checker and self-reported care guidelines.
We applaud your persistence and perseverance in keeping yourselves and others on campus healthy. Let’s finish strong this spring.
Sincerely,
John Walz
March 22, 2022
With the number of COVID-19 cases at MSOE remaining extremely low, and Milwaukee County continuing in the CDC’s COVID-19 Community Level of Low, MSOE will further relax its mask policy. Beginning Monday, March 28, masks will be optional in all areas of campus, including classrooms and laboratories.
Students, faculty, staff and campus visitors may choose to further protect themselves by wearing masks on campus. If you are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19, you are asked to isolate and/or wear a mask according to the CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance and MSOE’s COVID-19 Isolation Protocol for Students. Additionally, students who are symptomatic should fill out the COVID-19 symptom reporting form.
The Raider Return Task Force will continue monitoring COVID-19 cases on campus and in the community and will meet regularly through the Spring term. I thank them for their work in helping to keep our campus safe the past two years, and appreciate the MSOE community’s commitment to our collective health and safety.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Feb. 24, 2022
We’ve reached another point of evolution in the pandemic and all signs – nationally and locally – indicate that it is receding. This week the City of Milwaukee’s rate of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 over 7 days has dropped to 83.2, and the percentage of test positivity rate over 7 days is 5.0%. Based on these metrics and the extremely low number of cases at MSOE, the Raider Return Task Force recommended that we modify our masking requirements.
The Leadership Team and I have decided that beginning March 1, 2022, MSOE will require that masks be worn in classrooms and laboratories. Masks will be optional in all other areas of campus. Please be sure to keep a clean mask or two with you at all times so you are prepared to enter mask-required areas.
Additionally, if you are symptomatic, please wear a mask. Students who are symptomatic should fill out the COVID-19 symptom reporting form.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Jan. 27, 2022
I am pleased to share that MSOE is experiencing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases on campus the past couple of weeks, much like what we are seeing in Milwaukee County and Wisconsin. We are encouraged by this pattern and hope it continues.
Next week begins “Week 8” of the Winter term. Based on recommendations from the Raider Return Task Force, the MSOE Leadership Team and I have determined to maintain a remote teaching option for faculty who are most at risk of experiencing negative outcomes from COVID-19. Faculty who have been teaching online may continue teaching online through the end of the quarter if they so choose. They also may decide to require students to return in person as soon as next week and may also require in-person final exams. Students should follow their faculty instructions. We feel this approach will help students be most successful in their classes by providing them with continuity of learning and the least amount of disruption. Staff who are capable of effectively performing their job responsibilities remotely and who feel that being present on campus presents an undue health risk for either themselves or someone in their household will continue to have the option to work from home. Please work directly with your supervisor if you seek to utilize this option.
It is our intent to return to regular, in-person instruction for Spring Quarter (March 7). As always, please feel free to submit your suggestions and questions to the Raider Return Team.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Jan. 14, 2022
Over the past two years, we have rallied as a community. Your commitment to the health and safety of MSOE has allowed us to keep our campus safe and open. I know these are challenging times—especially now with the spread of the Omicron variant across the U.S.—and I thank you for your hard work. This week our COVID-19 dashboard shows an uptick in the number of cases on campus. While none of these cases is severe among the student body, I urge you to continue taking precautions to protect your personal health and that of the MSOE community. Our mask mandate remains in effect.
The leadership team and I are extending the option to work from home through Jan. 28 for employees who are capable of effectively performing their job responsibilities remotely and who feel that being present on campus presents an undue health risk for either themselves or someone in their household. We will continue to monitor the campus health situation to decide whether an extension to this period is warranted. Employees should work with their supervisor if they are interested in this remote work option.
We also have made updates to the Raider Return Plan document, which is available at msoe.edu/raider-return. This includes an update to MSOE’s COVID-19 Student Isolation Protocol to bring it in line with CDC recommendations. Students who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who were exposed to the virus are reminded to report their symptoms on my.MSOE.edu.
As a final reminder, we are asking faculty and staff to report their booster vaccination status. If you have received your booster and have not yet uploaded a photo of your card, please do so at https://reportvaccine.msoe.edu.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Dec. 17, 2021
Colleges and universities across the country are starting to see increases in the number of COVID-19 cases on their campuses. Some, like Cornell University, shifted to an online-only environment at the end of their fall semester. We remain thankful that there has not been an outbreak at MSOE.
In an effort to stay ahead of this trend and keep the MSOE community protected when we return in January, I encourage you to get a COVID-19 booster shot over the Winter Break if you are eligible. We are not requiring proof of a booster shot at this time, but please keep your cards at the ready in case we need to collect this information in the future.
We also continue to monitor the federal Emergency Temporary Standard on Vaccination and Testing and are prepared to comply with the standard if it is implemented.
The Raider Return Task Force will continue its weekly meetings after Winter Break. Until then, I wish you all a safe and healthy break from the daily routine.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Sept. 30, 2021
Dear MSOE Community,
As we continue to live with a global pandemic that is ever changing, I and the MSOE Leadership Team have made the decision that students who have not provided proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Friday, Oct. 1 will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing beginning Monday, Oct. 4.
Students who are selected for the surveillance testing will receive an email from the Office of the Dean of Students with the testing instructions. Those who refuse to participate in testing will be subject to progressive disciplinary action through the Office of the Dean of Students.
As a reminder, here are the links to upload proof of your vaccination:
- Students: Please use this link to upload your vaccination card or state vaccination record: https://my.msoe.edu/ICS/Students/Health_Services.jnz?portlet=EX_FormFlow_-_Forms
- Faculty/Staff: Please upload proof of vaccination to: https://reportvaccine.msoe.edu
A testing protocol for faculty and staff who have not provided proof of vaccination will be forthcoming.
I also want to remind you that masks are mandatory in all public indoors spaces on campus. This includes in hallways, study areas and in the Dining Commons when you are not eating. Those who disregard this mandate also will be subject to progressive disciplinary action. If you observe individuals disregarding the mask mandate, please report students to deanofstudents@msoe.edu and employees to hr@msoe.edu.
I thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping our campus healthy this year.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Sept. 10, 2021
Welcome back, Raiders!
It is wonderful to see you all on campus again and I hope the first week of classes has gone well. As we kickoff the new school year, I want to share a few reminders:
- Masks are required in all public indoor spaces. If you are not wearing a mask, you may be asked to leave the building by MSOE faculty or staff.
- The mask mandate includes all workout and recreation areas of the Kern Center. You must wear a mask while working out. The only exception to this is for student athletes in the field of play, as they are required to abide by enhanced protocols in accordance with NCAA and NACC guidelines.
- The mask mandate also includes the Spitzer Dining Commons. You must wear a mask while you are not eating or drinking.
- Eating and drinking are allowed only in designated dining areas.
- Faculty, staff and students who have received the full vaccine dose must provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status by uploading a copy of their vaccination card no later than Oct. 1, 2021—even if you have already reported your vaccination.
- Students: Please use this link to upload your vaccination card or state vaccination record: https://my.msoe.edu/ICS/Students/Health_Services.jnz?portlet=EX_FormFlow_-_Forms
- Faculty/Staff: Please upload proof of vaccination to: https://reportvaccine.msoe.edu
Thank you to everyone who has provided proof so far. Our dashboard will continue to show self-reported vaccinations until the Oct. 1 deadline after which the dashboard will report those who have provided proof of vaccination. For those who are not vaccinated, if you receive the first dose of your vaccine by Sept. 19, the state of Wisconsin will issue a vaccine reward of $100! Learn more at: https://100.wisconsin.gov/.
Vaccines are readily available and accessible. See https://city.milwaukee.gov/CoronavirusResources/Covid19-Vaccination or https://www.vaccines.gov/ for more information.
Yesterday President Biden announced a requirement for employers with 100 or more employees to ensure that their workforce is fully vaccinated or require those who remain unvaccinated to produce a negative test result on a weekly basis. The Raider Return team will be reviewing the requirement as details are announced and what its implications are for MSOE.
I am confident we can maintain a safe, in-person learning environment and ask you to join me in diligently wearing your masks and providing your proof of vaccination.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Aug. 23, 2021
Dear MSOE Community,
The Raider Return Task Force continues to meet and plan for the safe return to campus. From the conversations I’ve had and feedback I’ve received, it’s clear that our collective goal is to be on campus for in-person learning. According to the CDC, all COVID-19 vaccinations currently authorized in the U.S. are effective against COVID-19 and substantially reduce the risks of more serious health outcomes.
While MSOE is currently not requiring vaccinations for any faculty, staff or students, it is our goal to have as many members as possible of our community become fully vaccinated. To help us better track our progress, all faculty, staff and students who have received the full vaccine dose (two shots for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, one shot for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) must provide proof of their vaccination status by uploading a copy of their vaccination card no later than October 1, 2021—even if you have already reported your vaccination. At that time, the Raider Return Task Force and the MSOE Leadership Team will make a determination, based on our vaccination rate and the COVID case numbers in our region, whether additional protective steps are warranted. This could include required periodic testing of all faculty, staff and students who have not been fully vaccinated.
I want to emphasize that this is not a vaccine mandate, as we fully believe that with appropriate safety precautions, we can continue to keep our community safe and offer the great in-person, hands-on instruction that is the hallmark of an MSOE education. Nonetheless, as we have clearly learned, the situation with COVID-19 can change extremely rapidly and having an accurate assessment of the vaccination status of our campus community will be a critical piece of information should additional protective measures become necessary.
Details on the process for submitting proof of vaccination will be provided by the Dean of Students Office for students and by the Human Resources Office for faculty and staff. This information will be forthcoming soon.
Thank you for your patience, once again, as we adapt to this continually changing situation.
Sincerely,
John Walz
Aug. 6, 2021
I hope this message finds you well. We are about one month from the start of classes and I am looking forward to seeing everyone in person. We’ve no doubt been on a roller coaster ride for more than a year and a half and, just when we think it might be coming to an end, we’re faced with another challenge.
With the evolution of the COVID-19 Delta variant, the CDC now considers Milwaukee County an area of high transmission. As such, the CDC and the Milwaukee Health Department recommend individuals wear masks indoors regardless of vaccination status.
MSOE is following CDC and local health department recommendations. Beginning Monday, Aug. 9, 2021 masks will be required at MSOE in public indoor settings. The MSOE Facial Covering Policy has been updated accordingly and can be found on myMSOE.edu. Please review the policy for complete details.
Our plans to return to full, in-person learning this fall have not changed. As previously announced in spring, we will no longer accommodate requests for fully-remote undergraduate or graduate learners (with the exception of graduate programs that are offered 100% online). By taking the step to mask-up, we are hopeful we can protect our community from a significant COVID outbreak, maintain a healthy and safe environment on campus, and deliver the full collegiate experience. The CDC warns that the Delta variant is much more contagious than what we dealt with last year and wearing a mask will help mitigate its spread.
Our COVID-19 dashboard currently shows 79% of faculty and staff and 39% of students have reported being vaccinated. It is imperative that you report your vaccination status. This data will inform our decision making as the pandemic changes.
- Faculty and staff should report their vaccination to hr@msoe.edu and students should use the form available at my.msoe.edu.
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
- Employees should contact HR to discuss any medical accommodation requests while students should contact the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@msoe.edu) for accommodation requests.
Please visit the Raider Return website for frequently asked questions and to share your suggestions/questions.
Sincerely,
John Walz
May 27, 2021
Throughout the pandemic we have closely followed the guidance put forth by the CDC, the State of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Health Department. The CDC has announced if you are fully vaccinated you can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal or local laws, rules and regulations, or business and workplace guidelines.
The city of Milwaukee’s mask mandate and current health order will expire on Tuesday, June 1. Face masks will no longer be required for fully vaccinated individuals and restrictions on gathering sizes and capacity will be lifted.
MSOE is following suit. Beginning June 1, masks are optional for fully vaccinated individuals on campus, and capacity limits in all of our spaces will return to normal. Masks are required for those who are not fully vaccinated. In addition, the MSOE Kern Center will return to its normal mode of operation and reopening the locker rooms. On June 15, the Kern Center will reopen to community members. Faculty, staff and students will also notice that the Rave Guardian daily wellness checks/push notifications have ended.
We have had to adapt and respond to rapidly evolving situations for more than a year now, and I am grateful for all of your work and resilience. The changes in federal and local health guidance are encouraging and show that progress is being made. We will continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and local health departments throughout the summer and provide updates regarding our COVID-19 health and safety protocols, if needed. Our pandemic response plan and associated protocols remain at the ready should we need to implement all or a portion of them in the future.
I would like to offer a few reminders:
- Faculty and staff should report their vaccination to hr@msoe.edu and students should use the form available at my.msoe.edu. These metrics will remain critical to informing our decision-making as the pandemic evolves.
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home.
- All staff should return to their pre-COVID working arrangement by July 6.
- Employees should contact HR to discuss any medical accommodation requests while students should contact the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@msoe.edu) for accommodation requests.
Sincerely,
John Walz
May 6, 2021
Registration for Fall 2021 is underway, and you’ll notice on the class schedule that MSOE is planning to return to normal, in-person classes for the 2021-22 academic year.
The Leadership Team and I, along with the Raider Return Task Force, continue to plan for the fall and bringing everyone back to campus. More information will be shared as it is finalized, but I can assure you an appropriate safety plan will be in place to accommodate in-person learning. For now, I felt it was important to let you know we will be in-person so you can begin planning accordingly.
While a limited number of undergraduate online course offerings are available, we will no longer accommodate requests for fully-remote undergraduate learners.
As the Spring Quarter comes to an end, I want to thank you all once again for your dedication to making this academic year a success during truly unusual circumstances.
Sincerely,
John Walz