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Aggies All IN: Returning to Campus

With the safety of all in mind, we have developed a detailed plan to protect our Aggie Family. Our COVID-19 Task Force has been hard at work to address issues surrounding our return, but all of us must take responsibility for our personal health and safety. Please follow the recommended guidelines – or take them a step further if your personal comfort level requires – and join together with the entire campus community as we embrace the ideal of all-for-one and one-for all.

Student Guidance

Information for students applies to ALL Murray State College students while on campus.  Even if you’re taking online classes, a trip to the Bookstore would put you in the middle of campus.  Please be mindful of your responsibility to yourself and others in the Murray State College campus community.  Your continued support and participation in our efforts to keep campus safe is appreciated.

Guidance for MSC Employees

Most MSC employees have returned to campus. However, some may be working remotely with the permission of supervisors.  Supervisors will continue to address timelines and work responsibilities.  However, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please notify your supervisor and seek guidance from healthcare professionals.  Do not travel to campus if you have fever or other symptoms.  Seek out medical treatment and notify your supervisor.

Health Guidelines for the MSC Campus Community

Personal Health Responsibility

The following outlines expectations of all MSC students and employees while on campus. This is not only to protect your health, but the health of our entire community. Your continued support of these guidelines is appreciated.

MSC Health Screening Form

Campus Visitors

Visitors and non-students are now allowed on Murray State College's campus, but we ask that they follow the same precautions as our students and staff, including frequent hand washing, self-monitoring health and not coming to campus if showing symptoms of any illness.Thank you for your help and participation!

Face Coverings

In accordance with current CDC and MSC Task Force recommendations, face coverings are no longer required in Murray State College facilities. Individuals may choose to continue to wear a mask in circumstances where one is not required based on their own needs. Physical distancing of at least 3 feet is still recommended and it is also recommended that everyone continue to remain vigilant with handwashing, cleaning and sanitizing, and if you are sick, take precautions to limit your exposure to others.

MSC will continue to monitor COVID cases in our community and will continue protocols for illness reporting, quarantine/isolation and track/trace. The College will release additional updates on policies and protocols as necessary. MSC’s dedication to a safe and healthy environment continues.

Positive COVID-19 Cases on Campus

Our response to a self-reported or health-department reported positive diagnosis on campus will require guidance from state and local health officials.

Quarantine, contact tracing, notification and facility disinfection procedures will be implemented.  If you or someone you know reports symptoms or tests positive for COVID-19, please fill out the MSC Illness Reporting Form. 

MSC Illness Reporting Form

Contact Tracing and Testing

Murray State is working closely with the state health department and local officials to monitor and make testing information available.  We will rely on information from health-department officials when making decisions and determining strategies to maintain a healthy campus.  Students, faculty and staff will be asked to self-monitor with regard to temperature status and potential symptoms.

Cleaning of College Facilities

MSC Maintenance provides touch-point cleaning and disinfecting on a daily basis throughout the campus.  Multiple cleanings may be performed in high-traffic areas.  Hand sanitizer and dispenser units have been installed throughout campus.  Maintenance employees will supply cleaning supplies as needed to all buildings.

Campus Communications

The MSC Communication Department will inform staff and students of any changes to safety protocols throughout the semester.  Updates will be published weekly in the Aggielite and text messages or emails may be sent through normal contact systems.  Communications will also share recommendations or concerns raised through the campus COVID-19 Task Force.

Academic Delivery of On-Campus Courses and Support

Instruction

Faculty will work to provide in-person, lecture-style instruction in as many courses as possible. 

Instructors in the laboratory and clinical settings that are not appropriate for social distancing in regard to pedagogical or safety issues may require the use of face masks and other PPE including face shields, gloves, surgical masks or other as necessary for faculty and students.

Class Schedule

Murray will continue with regular hours of instruction.  

Classrooms

 Social distancing may be used in many lecture classes depending on class size and available space.  Some classrooms may be reconfigured to allow for social distancing and large meeting rooms may be scheduled to provide ample space for safe interactions.

Office Hours

All essential offices will be staffed as usual, but may reduce hours or personnel as necessary.  Faculty may be allowed office hours, but may also engage in posted virtual office hours to accomplish social distancing.  Faculty and staff will be available to assist students as usual, if not always in person.

Finals Weeks

Tentatively, finals week will take place December 6-10 and consist of in-person exams with class instructors having the option to hold exams online. 

Library and Success Center

The MSC Library hours have returned to normal (8 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, and 4:30- 8:30 p.m. Sunday), but may be reduced to allow extra time for cleaning if necessary.  Some computers have been removed and work stations relocated to help achieve social distancing.  Library and related student success services will be available in person.

Campus Life Facilities

Student Housing

Normal procedures for student housing may be adjusted to allow for the safety of all.  Students can expect an increased frequency of cleaning.  Monitoring may be necessary if social distancing rules are not followed.

On Campus Dining

The cafeteria has been redesigned and some seating area have been reduced to allow for social distancing.  Additional areas for dining may be made available if necessary. While in-person food service has returned to normal, depending on the current situation, implementing Grab-and-Go meal options may be implemented upon the discretion of the food service manager.

The Grind
The Grind has been reopened to its previous capacity. Tables and chairs have been rearranged to allow for some social distancing.

Student Union

The Student Union will continue with increased disinfection protocols for all high-touch areas.

Gym/Work Out Facilities

The workout facility will remain open during the fall semester as staffing allows. The facility will be sanitized on an increased schedule and student-athletes will be asked to assist in keeping the facility safe for all.  Coaching staff may be contacted for additional information and team schedules.