| Dear MBU Community,This fall will mark my 29th MBU Welcome Weekend and, I can say without hesitation, never have I been more excited about the prospect of a new academic year than I am this year. With just over a month until the fall semester begins, it remains our utmost intent to provide students the full “MBU experience” and our planning continues to be to that end.We are gearing up for a full fall athletic schedule complete with spectators, including our home opener football game at Spartan Stadium on Aug. 28. Our weekly in-person chapel services are set to resume as are in-person classes at full or near-full capacity as well as all other activities and events. Simply put, we are ready to return to normal.As we continue to work diligently to prepare for your return, however, never has it been more important that our community continues to be vigilant in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 on our campus. Please take note of the following details regarding campus operations for the fall:As recommended by the CDC as the most significant means to ending the pandemic, MBU is strongly encouraging all students and employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. While MBU will not require proof of vaccination, studies continually show communities with higher vaccination rates have fewer confirmed cases.In accordance with public health guidance, MBU will continue to require students and employees to notify the University of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis and to follow all guidance related to isolation and or quarantine. Students who test positive for COVID-19 must not attend class in-person or participate in in-person activities until medically cleared to do so. Similarly, students who are identified as close contact of a confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis must quarantine if they have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Anticipating a strong vaccination rate and low level of community transmission, MBU will provide only limited housing for isolation/quarantine cases. Students who contract COVID-19 or who are unvaccinated and have encountered an exposure should plan to quarantine off campus.Consistent with guidance from CDC and St. Louis County Department of Public Health, students, employees, and visitors who are not fully vaccinated should wear face coverings in indoor spaces except for private living and work areas and specifically designated areas. Individuals who have personal, health or safety concerns are encouraged to continue wearing a mask.Individuals who visit one of MBU’s campuses must continue to complete the daily Spartan Safe App screening.Following St. Louis County Department of Health and CDC recommendations, the University’s COVID-19 Action Team will continue to meet regularly and make protocol recommendations accordingly. MBU’s athletic teams are set to resume normal schedules; however, teams will continue to adhere to all NAIA and AMC guidelines and safety protocols. As we make final preparations for the fall semester, we will continue to assess protocols based on current data and trends and will act accordingly to provide our students with the best experience possible while still taking measures to ensure their safety. Thank you for being part of this special community and for continuing to care for one another. |
