An outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus named "2019 Novel Coronavirus" or "COVID-19" is affecting a large number of countries around the world, including the United States. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring developments and travel advisories are in place.
Michigan Tech Updates
The University is working closely with the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and following the guidance of the CDC in monitoring COVID-19 developments. We have a pandemic preparedness plan in place, and six University task forces have convened to prepare for and respond to implications and impacts for the campus community.
COVID-19 protocols are in place and updates and frequently asked questions are organized by audience:
- Information for Faculty
- Information for Staff
- Information for Students
- Information for the Community
Questions?
If you have questions, please email covid-19@mtu.edu.
COVID-19 Symptoms
The following symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure:
- fever
- cough
- shortness of breath
As a precaution, please follow these recommended guidelines from the CDC if you are not feeling well. Most importantly, if you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms before going to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000), Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital (906-337-6500), or Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center-Houghton Clinic (906-483-1860, located in the SDC).
Additionally, all students and employees are asked to remain away from campus for 14 days if you have a fever and any one of the following:
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- are at higher risk of serious illness
We are working collectively to maximize the available services on campus for employees and students who choose to be present during this time, while remaining consistent with CDC guidance and the State Executive Orders. Your strict adherence to these guidelines will help us accomplish that goal.
Travel Advisories
For the most up-to-date travel advisories please visit CDC's Information for Travel and the US Department of State Travel Advisories. If your travel could have exposed you to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), or if you think you have been exposed in other ways, please fill out Michigan Tech's returning travelers form.
Michigan Tech Travel Restrictions
Effective March 23, there is a need for additional guidance regarding travel by students, faculty, and staff in order to protect the safety of the Michigan Tech community and the local community, while continuing to advance the University's mission.
COVID-19 Stay at Home Protocol
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional frequently asked questions are organized by audience:
- Information for Faculty
- Information for Staff
- Information for Students
- Information for the Community
General FAQs
1
What steps is the University taking to address COVID-19?
President Koubek has assembled a COVID-19 response team, consisting of University leadership and public health officials. The team has reviewed and is modifying as needed plans for preventing the contraction and/or spread of COVID-19. Six University task forces have prepared for and are responding to implications and impacts on the campus community. COVID-19 protocols are in place and updates and frequently asked questions are organized by audience:
If you think you have been exposed, please fill out Michigan Tech's Returning Travelers Form.
All employees and students are encouraged to self-monitor for any symptoms indicative of the COVID-19 virus, which, pursuant to the current CDC guidelines, include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, we encourage you to seek medical treatment and limit your contact with other individuals until cleared by a medical professional. Also, it is equally important to practice good hygiene, which includes handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer products to help mitigate the spread of the virus.
Updated March 10, 2020, 9 p.m.
2
Are group gatherings and events canceled?
All group gatherings and events are canceled, as mandated by the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order signed by Governor Whitmer on March 23. The order prohibits public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring among persons not part of a single household, effective at 12:01 a.m. on March 24, 2020.
We are compiling a list of campus events and services status updates.
No new events will be scheduled on campus while the Stay Home, Stay Safe order is in effect.
Updated April 27, 2020, 9 a.m.
3
What additional cleaning measures is the University undertaking?
Essential critical infrastructure workers who remain on campus received training from our environmental health and safety officer with the guidance of the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department and have increased the frequency of sanitizing high-touch areas such as doorknobs, railings, faucets, elevator buttons, and light switches.
Updated March 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
4
Is the University restricting international or domestic travel for students, faculty or staff?
See Michigan Tech's Stay at Home Protocol issued March 23, 2020, which supersedes the previous travel protocol, for current travel restrictions.
Updated March 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
5
I'm concerned that I may have been exposed to COVID-19. What should I do?
If you are feeling ill, please seek medical care right away. Call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms before going to the emergency room at UP Health System Portage (906-483-1000), Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital (906-337-6500) or Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center-Houghton Clinic (906-483-1860, located in the SDC).
If your travel could have exposed you to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), or if you think you have been exposed in other ways, please fill out Michigan Tech's returning travelers form.
Updated March 13, 2020, 2:30 p.m.
6
I have kids. What are my options while K-12 schools are closed?
See the University's Stay at Home Protocol issued March 23, 2020 in response to the statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. No guests, including children, are permitted on campus at this time. For University employees, if remote work or other dependent care options are not available, then you qualify for Pandemic Leave.
Updated March 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
7
Where can I find credible information about COVID-19, its symptoms, and how to prevent its spread?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have a dedicated COVID-19 website and provide regular updates on all aspects of the disease including the facts about COVID-19. You may also want to review the information provided by the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health.
Updated March 11, 2020, 8 a.m.
8
Is the Michigan Tech Student Development Complex (SDC) open?
No. The Michigan Tech Student Development Complex, Gates Tennis Center, and Systems Control Nordic Waxing Center at the Recreation Trails remain closed in accordance with guidance from the state of Michigan, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Michigan Tech Trails remain open for those practicing social distancing—find details about trail use requirements in the University's Stay At Home Protocol.
Updated April 27, 2020, 9 a.m.
9
Are refunds or extensions for SDC memberships being given?
A decision to refund or extend memberships will come at a later date.
Updated March 23, 2020, 6:30 p.m.
Inclusivity
Ethnic harassment or bullying exacerbates hatred, harms individuals, and is never justified, no matter the circumstances. These behaviors cultivate misunderstanding and fear, and hurt all of us.
Michigan Tech does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. As a University, we strive to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff are able to study, work, teach, and learn in an environment that is healthy, safe, and free from bias or discrimination.
Through our own language and conduct, we must demonstrate that health and tolerance are compatible values. Both are central elements of educational excellence.
For more information or assistance, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at diversitycenter@mtu.edu or 906-487-2920, or Institutional Equity at equity@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310. You can also report a concern.