COVID-19

Yes — but it will be a “new” normal, given all that we learned during COVID!  At this time, we are planning to be back to normal as far as offering classes, student activities, and student services in person again, having all campus buildings open, and welcoming the public back to visit our campuses.  Courses will continue to be offered in a variety of formats to meet student needs and provide flexibility; those formats include in-person, hybrid/mixed and fully online.  All student services offices will be open again, with most of our staff returning to campus beginning July 26th.  

Ridgewater is excited to offer its full array of courses and programs during Summer Semester 2021 through a mix of on-campus (face-to-face), remote, and online synchronous and asynchronous courses and gradually begin opening up our campuses to more in-person activities as well.  More details can be viewed on our  Summer Semester 2021 page. 

Yes. While most faculty and staff will continue to work remotely until July 26th, they will offer virtual office hours. Please reach out to your instructor if you have questions on their office hours.

You can also meet with academic advisors, financial aid officers, or admissions specialists through virtual appointments.  

Please explore our Back-to-Campus Preparedness Plan for comprehensive information on the steps Ridgewater College is taking to provide a safe and healthy environment for all members of our campus community.

Please reference the Screening and procedures for those exhibiting signs and symptoms of COVID-19 section on our Back-to-Campus Preparedness Plan for more information on what to do if you are sick. 

You may also want to refer to the COVID-19 Exposure Action Guide.

More important information from the Minnesota Department of Health:

• What to Do if You Are Sick
• Symptoms and Testing: COVID-19
• Is it COVID-19
• What to Do if You’re Waiting for COVID-19 Test Results

No.  Individuals who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, and to stay 6 feet from others.  Individuals who are vaccinated do not need to wear a mask, but may wish to wear one, and are welcome to do so. 

We don’t know, but according to the CDC and MDH, you are safe if you are vaccinated.  We strongly encourage all members of the campus community to help keep everyone safe and healthy by getting vaccinated, wearing a mask if they are not vaccinated or simply choose to do so, staying home if they are sick or not feeling well, washing their hands often, and practicing good hand, cough, and sneeze hygiene.

Minnesota State is following the guidance from the State of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health on vaccinations of our students and employees. Currently the State of Minnesota is not requiring vaccinations. We are, however, strongly encouraging our employees and students to get vaccinated. In addition, a number of our colleges and universities have been working with MDH to offer vaccination clinics to their faculty, staff, students, and campus communities, and are developing strategies to offer additional clinics prior to fall term.

Governor Walz’ Executive Order 21-23 states that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear a mask, and all people who have not been vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in accordance with MDH and CDC recommendations until they are fully vaccinated.  These guidelines are also supported by the CDC and the MDH.  As noted above, according to the CDC and MDH, you are safe if you are vaccinated.

Anyone who wishes to do so can wear a mask for self-protection. In addition, we strongly encourage all students, faculty, staff, and visitors to wear a mask if they are not vaccinated or simply choose to do so, stay home if they are sick or not feeling well, wash their hands, and practice good hand, cough, and sneeze hygiene. Again, according to the CDC and MDH, you are safe if you are vaccinated. We strongly encourage all members of the campus community/system office to help keep everyone safe and healthy by getting vaccinated.