Students at Minnesota State University Moorhead will be headed back to campus this fall, with most classes taking place in-person rather than remotely.
“We know our students are ready to be back in the classroom with face-to-face classes,” said Arrick Jackson, MSUM’s vice president of Academic Affairs. “We have created a class schedule designed to meet the many needs of our students. I believe this will allow our students to learn according to their learning style and give them more flexibility to engage in many extracurricular activities, including student clubs and organizations.”
Three-quarters of MSUM's Fall courses will be in-person or have a face-to-face component. About 25% will be fully online.
Now that Minnesotans over the age of 16 are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination, thousands more who choose to be vaccinated may do so by the time school reopens in the fall. MSUM will continue to follow mask guidance, be vigilant in cleaning practices, and utilize classroom space judiciously.
MSUM learned through the pandemic that students want to creatively arrange their classes in ways that fit their learning style, schedule and life.
In addition to students being able to choose how they want to take their classes, many student activities and services will continue to be available either in-person or virtually. For example, counseling appointments will continue to be offered virtually or in-person. Students will and are encouraged to hold club or organization meetings in-person but will still take advantage of virtual technology to provide greater access and student participation.
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“In-person classes are a huge part of what makes MSUM special. As a student, my ability to connect with faculty members and my peers in the classroom is what makes my learning experience so enriching,” said Zac Spohn, a junior business administration and political science major from Sauk Rapids, Minn. He’s also the chair of the Student Affairs Committee on MSUM’s Student Senate.
“My friends and I are excited to return to the classroom and in-person student life activities, whether that’s events on campus or student organizations,” Spohn said. “Attending these events either in-person or virtually shortens opportunity gaps while engaging as many students as possible in student life.”
While MSUM plans to resume its standard fall course delivery, the university will also vigilantly monitor campus and community COVID-19 indicators and thresholds. In consultation and guidance with many groups across campus, the Minnesota Department of Health, and Clay County Public Health, the university will implement teaching changes as needed, in a timely fashion.
“All that we’ve learned in the past year and the consultation we engage in daily will continue to be a part of our planning processes for the foreseeable future,” Jackson said. “We look forward to welcoming students back on campus, and we’re committed to giving students the best university experience we can in a safe learning environment while also protecting our campus and the community.”
