Welcome to Fall 2020, a semester unlike any other! Amid the mix of excitement and uncertainty, we are so happy you are here! We’re navigating the pandemic as best we can, and we know you are too.
While there are still a lot of unknowns, we’ve gathered everything we know in one place, and will continue to stay in close communication with you this semester as we ride out these challenges, together.
As the first day of class approaches, here are 10 things to know:
1. What is WSU doing to keep campus safe?
We’ve reconfigured campus spaces to support physical distancing, provided sanitizing stations in every classroom, set up outdoor classrooms, and leveled up our cleaning protocols.
2. What can I do to keep myself and others safe?
We’re counting on every Warrior to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our campus community. Each day, we are asking everyone to follow WSU’s mask policy and health and safety guidelines. All students taking on-campus classes must take the daily self-assessment every day before coming to campus to screen for COVID-19 symptoms.
3. Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes. The state of Minnesota, the cities of Winona and Rochester, and the WSU campuses all have mask requirements that require all of us to wear masks when inside buildings. WSU requires we wear masks outside if we’re within six feet of other people — a good guideline to practice off-campus as well. WSU is providing a mask to every student and employee. On-campus students will get masks from their hall director. Mask distributions will be held on both campuses Aug. 24-28.
4. What will my classes be like?
Classes this year will be offered in three formats: in-person, online, and hybrid, which is a mix of in-person and online. To find out what format your classes are, check Student eServices. If you’d like to find classes that are a different format, you can contact the Warrior Success Center and they can help you out. No matter what class format, our faculty are excited to meet with you this semester!
5. What campus activities will be available?
For our newest Warriors, Welcome week will have a mix of in-person and online activities to help you get to know campus and meet your classmates. We encourage all students to join a student club to connect with students who share your interests. Student clubs and organizations can still meet, do activities and host events, if they follow the new health and safety guidelines.
We’ll continue to share events this semester on the WSU events calendar.
6. What can I safely do for fun in Winona?
Winona’s natural beauty and access to nature make it the perfect place to have physically distanced outdoor adventures. Most restaurants are open for take-out and patio dining. Here are nine student favorites, as well as ideas for socializing safely.
7. What if I get sick or have symptoms?
If you have symptoms, you can call Ask-A-Nurse at 507.457.2292 to discuss your symptoms with a health professional. They may recommend that you get tested for COVID-19. Testing will be available at WSU Health & Wellness Services. Our residence halls are prepared to support students who need to self-isolate. We suggest having pandemic-specific items on hand in case you need to quarantine at some point.
8. What if I struggle this semester?
Our support staff are ready to do what they do best and help you achieve your goals and support your wellbeing– whether that’s through an in-person tutoring appointment or an online counseling appointment, we’ve adapted our student services to make sure you have a successful semester.
9. How is WSU prepared to respond if the pandemic situation changes?
We have a plan prepared for when the pandemic subsides, and we can lift precautions. We also have a plan prepared for increased outbreaks that requires additional measures to protect the health and safety of our community.
We hope we don’t need the latter plan, which is why we’re encouraging everyone to mask up and do their part to help create the best-case scenario.
10. What if I have questions or concerns?
You can visit the COVID-19 Q&A hub at AskWSU. If you have additional questions, email
co**********@wi****.edu
. To share your thoughts and concerns with campus decision-makers, you can take the student survey. You can also reach out to your faculty advisor or the staff at the Warrior Success Center.
We are strong. We are resilient. We are Warriors. We are ready for Fall 2020!
