Recent Program Features

Good morning,

With six weeks until classes begin in the fall, I wanted to update you on the fall planning that is taking place.

While the start of the school year feels like it is just around the corner, it’s important to note that six weeks is a very long time when we are in the midst of a pandemic. The planning we have done to date is focused on remaining flexible and ready to adapt to changing pandemic conditions. Every decision we have made is re-evaluated continuously as new guidance comes to us from the System Office, the Minnesota Department of Health, and the Minnesota Office of Higher Education.

I encourage everyone to take a look at our campus COVID-19 Preparedness Plan recently posted on the Return to Learn web site. Here is a direct link to the document:

https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/news-and-events/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-and-the-campus-community/return-to-learn/timeline-and-planning/covid-19-preparedness-plan/

That living document is a high-level overview of our safety and other plans and is updated as things change.

There are more specific plans being developed by each of the Return to Learn action teams, which are made up of administrators, faculty, staff, and students. Some of those plans, such as the notification procedures and daily self-screening guidelines, have been posted on the RTL site, here (links to student, employee, and visitor notification procedures on the right hand side of this page):

https://mankato.mnsu.edu/about-the-university/news-and-events/covid-19-novel-coronavirus-and-the-campus-community/return-to-learn/safety-measures/

Other elements of our fall plan are still in the works. I will email you to highlight essential parts as they are approved and posted.

Once again, I want to encourage everyone to be patient. The situation is fluid, and the guidance we base our work on is ever-changing. Dozens of dedicated faculty, staff, students, and administrators are working hard this summer to plan for a wide variety of scenarios. Like you, we are monitoring events closely. I will continue to update everyone at least weekly as we get closer to the start of the fall semester.

If you have specific questions, comments, or ideas, please email me at any time at: provost@mnsu.edu.

Thank you for all you do for our students and our university. Stay safe.

Kind regards,

Matt

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing today to update you on an issue that I know is very important to all of you. As the President’s Cabinet has addressed questions of COVID-19 safety, we considered how best to implement a face mask policy that would work for our campus. We offered and implemented on July 6, 2020, interim guidance to “strongly recommend” masks as part of our evolving COVID-19 Preparedness Plan that was first published two weeks ago. This matched guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health and Office of Higher Education.

Today, after hearing from many of you and further reviewing the broader research, Minnesota State system guidance, and regional conditions, we are adapting our approach on this issue:

Beginning July 20, 2020, all Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty, staff, students, and visitors will be required to wear a face covering over both the nose and mouth at all times when indoors on campus or in other university facilities, with the following exceptions:

• When alone in a private office.
• When working in an office setting, cubicle, or workstation where physical distancing can be maintained.
• When in an assigned residence hall room or apartment.
• When eating or drinking.
• When alone in a motor vehicle.
• Individuals exercising, training, or practicing in Campus Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletic facilities (both indoor and outdoor) may remove the cloth face covering while under physical exertion or in other situations where wearing a mask compromises their safety and welfare.
• Children 12 and under or anyone unable to remove a face covering without assistance.
• When another accommodation is necessary as indicated by a medical expert and granted written permission of the university.
• When an exception for a non-medical reason has been granted by university administration.

As a reminder, we will be providing two branded cloth masks to everyone in our campus community. Those masks will be distributed soon. You can see more details of this directive, including information about compliance here.

It is our duty to do everything we can to make our campus safer as we welcome students, faculty, and staff back in the fall. I believe this is the right decision for the safety and security of our campus community.

Sincerely,

Richard Davenport
President

As President Davenport communicated earlier today, the University has adopted a new face covering requirement that goes into effect on Monday, July 20. Our plan is to have the branded cloth face masks that were ordered for all employee and students delivered to all departments through intercampus mail by that time, so that those who are currently working on campus have access to them.

Additional branded face masks remaining after distribution (students will each receive two masks inside the annual fall mailing that is sent in late July or early August) will be available for purchase through Printing Services and the Copy Shops.

The University is also making branded social distancing floor decals available to those who need them for their spaces. The decals, which are available for use on either carpet or tile, can be requested through the University Stores by emailing sharon.wetzel@mnsu.edu or calling 507-389-6900.

We also want to acknowledge the questions we’ve heard regarding how teleworking employees will be notified about the transition back to their physical workspaces on campus. The intention is that supervisors will give a reasonable notice period (e.g. two weeks whenever practical) so that affected employees can make the necessary personal arrangements to prepare for the transition. If the situation around the pandemic shifts unexpectedly, supervisors will provide adjusted notice as soon as possible.

As always, all faculty and staff are encouraged to submit any questions about Return to Learn here. We will do our best to get back to you with answers as soon as possible.

Why should I do an internship?

An internship provides students with practical professional experience. This experience is crucial to help build resumes so finding a job after graduation. This experience helps students grow as people and as professionals.

An internship is not…

An internship is not a clerical or “unskilled” position nor is it an unstructured position without a clear supervisor and feedback on job performance. An internship is not something the student is already doing as a job.

What should I do before looking for an internship?

It is important for students to have material to put on their resumes. If it seems that the resume is lacking, students can volunteer around the community or join an organization on campus.

What are the requirements for doing an internship?

Students must have a 2.5 GPA in their major. Typically, students have completed at least 15 credits of their Communication Studies coursework.

Can I do an internship where I work?

This depends on what position the student holds at their work. For example, a student who cashiers at a large grocery store can intern there but not as a cashier. The store moved them into a public relations position for their internship. Students should talk to their adviser about turning a job into an internship.

Why would anyone want to hire me as an intern?

Companies and non-profits gain a great deal from interns. These students have energy, excitement and new ideas all while working hard. Students give the company service and a broad range of experiences and skills. Each party has something to gain from internships.

How many internship credits can I take?

Students can register up to eight credits of internship that can be applied to their CMST degree. Students may take an internship for up to 12 credit total but only eight credits will apply to their internship fulfillment. If an internship is taken for 12 credits, the four additional credits will count toward the 120 students need for graduation.

How many hours must I work at my internship?

In compliance with the federal policy, standard expectations are 45 hours of on-site internship experience for each credit hour earned.

How long are internships?

This can vary but, in most cases, an internship is one semester.

Can I intern in another country?

Yes! This needs to be discussed with the student’s advisor as soon as possible to make sure the internship meets all of the requirements.