At Ridgewater College, the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is a priority. We, along with our colleagues at Minnesota State, are closely monitoring the developing situation related to COVID-19 and are committed to taking steps necessary to protect the health and safety of our faculty, our staff, and our students. This web page contains the most current information on our operations and response measures. Please check back often for updates.
For all questions or concerns, please email us at covid19@ridgewater.edu.
At this time, our campuses are open for essential services for current students only. Essential services include printing, computer and internet access. Our campuses will reopen for in-person tours on July 6. To learn more about scheduling a campus tour, visit ridgewater.edu/visit.
Self-Screening Process
All students, faculty, staff and visitors must complete a health screening form shortly before or upon arrival to campus.
- The screening can be done using the link above or by using a QR Code and a smart phone once on campus. (A paper copy of the form will be available for anyone who doesn’t have a smart phone.)
- The self-screening process is quick and easy. It takes less than a minute to complete.
- The self-screening needs to be completed each day you are on campus.
Response Measure Updates
Back-to-Campus Preparedness Plan [PDF]
June 26, 2020
In-person campus visits and tours for prospective students and their families will resume on July 6. Appointments are required. Virtual visits will continue to be available.
June 18, 2020
Fall Semester Update: Ridgewater College Will Be Open for a Mix of Face-to-Face and Distance Learning Options
Ridgewater will offer its full array of courses and programs in Fall 2020 through a mix of on-campus (face-to-face), remote, and online synchronous and asynchronous courses. (Synchronous online/remote classes meet at a scheduled time, with all students together at the same time; asynchronous classes do not meet at a scheduled time). Decisions on course delivery will be based on the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, along with the effectiveness of instruction and support services for students.
Classes that need to have a hands-on component will be given priority for face-to-face delivery. The final decisions on which courses will be face-to-face should be made by mid-July. Additionally, courses that begin via distance learning (online or remote) will remain in that format for the entire semester. Please note that is a change to our previously announced decision to use a flex-format start. By making this change, our goal is to provide more certainty for students looking to make decisions about fall semester, including decisions related to housing.
For classes held on campus, our Facilities staff will be working to make sure that everything is disinfected and cleaned according to CDC and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines. When participating in activities in classrooms or labs, each person will be responsible to ensure social distancing whenever possible. In instances where activities require being closer than six feet, face masks must be worn. Because these situations may occur somewhat spontaneously in lab activities, at minimum, we will encourage everyone to wear face masks at all times. Our Back-to-Campus Preparedness Plan has more information.
As the pandemic situation continues to change, we will continue to be flexible. If a student or instructor tests positive for COVID-19, or if the virus comes back at levels that prompt another stay-at-home order, we will respond and adjust as needed. We will continue to update our plans and follow guidance from CDC and MDH, along with the Minnesota State system office and Office of Higher Education.
At this time, our plan for fall is a one-semester strategy. We will plan for spring as we know more.
Customized Training and Continuing Education Courses
Customized Training and Continuing Education at Ridgewater College is currently holding classes virtually as well as face-to-face, both on campus and off. In person classes can be scheduled, providing they are held as allowed per the latest direction of the Governor, Office of Higher Education, the Minnesota State College and Universities System, and Ridgewater College. All individuals involved in the delivery of face-to-face classes are subject to screening protocols and health guidelines as established by both the college and/or the client site hosting the classes. Please contact your Training and Outreach Manager or the Customized Training department if you have specific needs or questions.
Event Cancellations
All event cancellations and postponements are listed on our events calendar.
Contact
For more information about our emergency preparedness and pandemic response efforts, contact Beth Hepola, Director of Safety, Health & Environmental Services at 320-234-8607 or Beth.Hepola@ridgewater.edu
