Heading back to campus? Here’s what you need to know.

August 17, 2020

These new guides are essential reading if your work, research or studies will take you back to campus this fall.

 Students socialize outside on the UM-Dearborn campus, following social distancing practices and wearing masks.
Students socialize outside on the UM-Dearborn campus, following social distancing practices and wearing masks.

With a remote-first semester planned for the fall, far fewer people than usual will be roaming campus come September. Staffing will be limited to essential personnel. And only about 20 percent of students will attend a class on-campus.

If you’re among the faculty, staff and students who are planning to participate in on campus activities, you’ll want to check out the university’s new “back to campus” guides. One guide geared toward students has information on everything from new daily health and safety practices, to building access, to which campus services will still be available in-person and which will only be available remotely. A separate guide designed for faculty and staff covers much of the same territory, with additional guidance on navigating specific day-to-day workplace scenarios.

Some of the big takeaways include:

  • Daily health screenings will be required for anyone coming to campus.
  • Face coverings and social distancing are required, whether inside or outside.
  • Building access will be limited. To enter a building for classes or work, you’ll be asked to show your MCard, provide proof you’ve completed a daily health screening, and have your temperature checked.
  • The Mardigian Library will reopen for UM-Dearborn students, faculty and staff, but only with an external pick-up/return service near the library entrance. Other services, including research support, will be provided virtually.
  • Testing will be required for some and recommended for others. The university will use a contact tracing system to control the spread of the virus.
  • Emergency financial support and technology resources are still available for students impacted by the pandemic and the switch to remote learning.

Both guides cover a lot of the major areas you’ll probably have questions about. But with the evolving nature of the pandemic, some details are still coming into focus. You can expect the university to provide additional guidance as soon as it becomes available. Stay safe out there!