Recent Program Features

If you haven’t already, please be sure to read the Employee Expectations for Returning to Work information that has been posted on the Return to Learn website. The University is taking a phased approach to bringing employees back to campus, and supervisors are asked to give a reasonable notice—two weeks, whenever practical—of expected return dates to allow employees to prepare for the transition. More information is available on the website.

Departments that would like to post maximum occupancy signage for their office suites, conference rooms or other non-classroom spaces can request a consultation with the Pandemic Response Team. Customizable signs can be provided to use for those spaces after a review of the space has taken place. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Loren Jansen at  loren.jansen@mnsu.edu.

Social distancing floor decals that can be used on both tile and carpet remain available through University Stores; requests should be sent to sharon.wetzel@mnsu.edu.

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. 

Faculty interested in learning more about FlexSync classes are invited to check out the new video tutorial available through the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. CETL is working with IT Solutions to create a series of videos offering helpful information about the FlexSync model. Watch the video here. 

In other Return to Learn news: 

• Campus buildings will officially re-open on Monday, Aug. 17.

• Social distancing floor decals that can be used on both tile and carpet remain available through University Stores; requests should be sent to sharon.wetzel@mnsu.edu. 

• Departments that would like to post maximum occupancy signage fortheir office suites, conference rooms or other non-classroom spaces can request a consultation with the Pandemic Response Team. Customizable signs can be provided to use for those spaces after a review of the space has taken place. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Loren Jansen at  loren.jansen@mnsu.edu. 

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. 

To Our Student Community:

I understand that some of you have questions about how your classes will be delivered when the Fall semester starts on Aug. 24.  Right now, we are planning to offer classes in four formats: In-Person, Hybrid, Online Only and FlexSync, our newest instructional model. You will hear more from your professors about the specific classes you are enrolled in this fall, but here’s a brief description of the four formats we’re using:  

In-Person  classes will have required  face-to-face interaction in a classroom, lab or field experience. Some course components may be delivered in alternative formats, but the majority of the course is delivered in-person in a space that has been prepared to accommodate students and faculty safely.

Hybrid  courses will largely be delivered online, but they may include  some  required face-to-face interaction as well.  For example, one week the class may meet in-person; the next week, it may have online-only activities.  

Online Only  classes will be offered online, with no in-person interaction. Some online classes are  asynchronous, which means that there are no required video conference meetings; others are  synchronous, which means that you must engage with the instructor at a scheduled time. Online courses have additional fees associated to them, although those fees do not apply to classes that have moved online as a result of the pandemic. The removal of online course fees for classes that moved to online as a result of the pandemic are currently being processed; reductions will be reflected on your student tuition bill next week.

FlexSync is a  synchronous  HyFlex learning experience designed specifically with the pandemic and smaller room capacities in mind. This allows us to be nimble while maintaining face-to-face instruction.  In a FlexSync course you  can  engage with instructors  either  in the classroom  or  via Zoom.  In-person attendance may be adjusted or offered on a rotating basis to meet evolving health and safety guidelines for distancing.  There are no additional fees for FlexSync classes. 

• Note: You may see the term HyFlex on your course schedule; the Minnesota State system uses HyFlex to describe flexible classes in general—but FlexSync is Minnesota State Mankato’s more  comprehensive learning solution designed to support you.  

A quick reminder: Face coverings are now required on campus. If you are working in a campus building this summer, remember to bring a mask with you. If you have questions, refer to the information  here. 

Please keep  submitting your questions here. We will get back to you with answers as soon as possible. In the meantime, I will continue to send you email updates every week. You can also find more information by visiting  www.mnsu.edu/returntolearn.

I look forward to seeing you again in August!

Sincerely, 

Richard Davenport, 
President 

So many new Mavericks seek to win prizes at the traditional Choose-A-Palooza event that concludes in the Otto Rec Center gym. The Prize Flight will be in the Rec Center immediately after the drawing of prizes for Choose-a-Palooza. 

CHOOSE-A-PALOOZA: Friday, Aug. 22
1:00 Start; Gather for Prizes in Otto Rec Center Gym at 3:00 p.m.

Think of it as a campus-wide scavenger hunt.

On Friday, Aug. 22, starting at 1:00 p.m., get a map from your res hall lobby or the Campus Hub in the CSU and start finding the various participating offices. Along with information and goodies along the way, gather tickets from as many offices as possible. You then deposit in various prize baskets as everyone gathers in the Otto Rec Center Gym  at 3:00 p.m.

The first 350 students visiting the CSU Administrative Office also receive a balsa plane kit that will be needed to participate in the Prize Flight immediately following Choose-a-Palooza. Put your plane together and launch it at targets on the gym floor for great prizes!