We’d like to thank you for your cooperation during this period of enhanced physical distancing. We recognize this has not been easy, and it certainly has not been fun, but it was necessary. Though we are beginning to see a slight reduction in positivity rates within the on-campus community, we have not met a level deemed safe to fully lift the enhanced directive. As a result, we will take a phased approach to lifting the directive.

The directive will be reviewed and modified as necessary on a week-to-week basis. An update will be sent to students via email on Friday, Feb. 19.

It is our expectation that all students living on campus and within the East Lansing area will continue to use caution as you engage in daily activities outside of your residence. Students living on-campus are receiving a second message from us with more detailed information about our expectations of on-campus residence.

During this first phase of reopening:

• Dining halls will reopen for in-person dining, one person per table.
• Campus IM facilities will reopen for physically distanced exercise.
• The MSU Union and Student Services buildings will return to normal building hours.
• You should not gather with others — on campus or off. 

Remember: You also must continue to complete a daily health screening form and participate in the COVID-19 Early Detection Program in order to participate in any on-campus activity, including in-person classes or employment.

This is not an opportunity to break the MSU Community Compact. The compact is not a list of guidelines; it’s a list of required preventative measures that all Spartans must follow. Students who do not follow the compact may face university disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. 

If students begin to engage in unsafe behaviors, our positivity rates will spike again, and MSU will be compelled to enact another period of enhanced distancing. We do not want to do that, but we will if it helps us keep the campus community safe.

Help us by encouraging your friends and peers to continue to wear face coverings, maintain physical distance and adhere to health and safety standards. It is crucial that we continue to work together. We all have a responsibility to protect this community and each other.

Thank you for doing your part.

Sincerely,

Vennie Gore   
Senior Vice President for Residential and Hospitality Services and Auxiliary Enterprises
Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Services

Dr. David Weismantel
University Physician