COVID-19 Causes an Unexpected 3-Week Break
The COVID-19 outbreak forces Anoka-Ramsey Community College to close down to minimize the spread, give teachers time to explore alternative teaching methods.
March 25, 2020
Anoka-Ramsey students were unexpectedly given two extra weeks off school in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, also known as the Coronavirus. The Minnesota State system allowed for extra time off after spring break so faculty and staff could figure out an alternative teaching methods to minimize the spread of the virus.
Email communication to the student body about the COVID-19 outbreak started on March 6. The emails kept students up–to–date with what is happening on campus and gave students advice on how to stay healthy.
Once classes resume April 6 faculty will “either put their classes online or to find alternative ways to offer classes that will meet the recommendations of the Minnesota Department of Health,” according to an email sent out by Dean of Student Affairs Lisa Harris on March 17.
Campus events of 100 or more people are cancelled until May 1 when the situation will be re-evaluated, although the May 15 graduation com
Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra
mencement ceremony is already cancelled. Large gatherings are thought to be one of the main ways the virus spreads.
A school-related travel ban was also enacted. “We are now suspending all out-of-state business travel for students, faculty, and staff, effective March 16,” Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra stated an additional email sent out March 12.
The emails sent by both the Anoka-Ramsey President’s Office and Malhotra repeatedly encouraged students to “stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick.”
The President’s Office at Anoka-Ramsey encouraged students to “clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and sur
Anoka-Ramsey President Kent Hanson
faces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe” to help lessen the spread of COVID-19.
As for on-campus safety, the President’s Office said, “On a daily basis, the college Facilities Team will clean and disinfect various contact areas including common spaces, classroom tables and chairs, and the cafeterias.”
Anoka-Ramsey’s “normal protocol will be used as needed for communications including the college website, college email, STAR ALERT (if necessary)” to keep its students updated, according to a campus-wide email.