Again, thank you for your participation during this period of enhanced physical distance. The final positivity rate for last week was less than 1% among participating students, indicating the decrease was maintained in our first phase. This is encouraging progress and shows that the positivity rates are currently stable for the on-campus community. As a result, the enhanced physical distance directive will be lifted beginning Sunday, Feb. 28. 

Floor study lounges will reopen Friday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. Residents must continue to abide by the maximum occupancy posted, wear masks and maintain 6 feet of distance from others. Furniture must remain as it is placed.  

As has been the case since the beginning of this academic year, guests are still strongly discouraged in your residence hall room or apartment, and overnight visitors are prohibited. Both the resident(s) and guest must wear masks and maintain 6 feet of physical distancing. The maximum number of visitors for spring semester in any residential unit is one additional person. This applies to a four-bedroom apartment, a double room, a single room, etc. We sincerely need compliance with this guest policy to keep it in effect, so we appreciate your understanding and support.

Remember, we need all residents to continue abiding by the MSU Community Compact, which includes completing a daily health screening form and participating weekly in the COVID-19 Early Detection Program.  

Upcoming Break Days: March 2-3 
We hope you will take advantage of the semester break days to get some much-needed rest and self-care. Faculty have been asked not to assign work during these days, and we truly hope you can use this time to reset as we move into the second half of the spring semester. 

It is important to remember this break is not intended to be a replacement for spring break. As COVID-19 cases continue to decline both locally and elsewhere, it is natural to be hopeful that things are returning to normal. But we must not let our guard down now, or we could find ourselves in another situation where we must enforce more stringent safeguards.

Students should not travel outside of East Lansing. Those who do travel must submit an Early Detection Program saliva sample within 24 hours of their return to campus in addition to their regular weekly sample. Students should self-quarantine until they receive a cleared test result. Increased positivity rates from travel will require us to review and potentially implement an enhanced distancing directive again. 

Winter Fest 
Consider joining your fellow Spartans at Winter Fest on March 2 or 3. Learn more about the event and all health expectations if you plan to join us at studentlife.msu.edu/winter-fest. 

Help us by encouraging your friends and peers to continue wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance, and adhering to health and safety standards. It’s on all of us 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