Residential Living aims to protect the health and safety of our residence hall students while minimizing the potential spread of disease within our community. In the event of a pandemic or any other public health crisis, the University may put in place additional guidelines for the safety of the community. When these events arise, students are responsible for following the protocols provided by the University and the general guidelines listed below.
Public Health Safety Strategies
As a member of the Michigan Tech community, you and your guests are equally responsible for complying with all Michigan Tech and Residential Living pandemic related regulations and policies, just as you are responsible for the regulations directly printed on the Residence Hall Terms and Conditions. As public health guidance changes during a pandemic, our protocols and guidelines will adjust accordingly.
Some examples of guidelines students might be asked to follow include, but are not limited to:
- Social distancing
- Wearing a face covering
- Participating in testing and contact tracing requests
- Daily symptom monitoring
- Limiting gatherings
- Following cleaning protocols
- Guest access restrictions
- Abiding by quarantine or isolation requirements
You will be notified of any changes to protocols and guidelines through your Michigan Tech email and you must respond to those appropriately.
Quarantine or Isolation
If exposed to or diagnosed with a disease that threatens public health, Residential Living may request or require a student to leave their assigned space and reside in an alternative isolated space away from the community until it is determined safe to return to your assigned space based on current CDC guidance and advice from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. In addition, Residential Living may request or require that a student isolate or quarantine in their assigned space until it is determined safe to return to the campus community based on current CDC guidance and advice from the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. Temporary removal from your assigned room to isolate does not constitute a termination of the residence hall contract or qualify for refund.
Cleaning
Residential Living will continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect community spaces and may provide additional cleaning as needed. In order to maintain cleaning standards, students may be asked to modify their behaviors to accommodate cleaning protocols. Facilities staff will clearly communicate cleaning regulations and schedules to ensure students are well informed of actions necessary to preserve public health.
Visitation, Guest and Capacity Limits
During a pandemic, the University must prioritize the safety of the community and may install policies that will restrict visitation and capacity from individual rooms and common area spaces. Visitation and capacity restrictions will be contingent on the needs of the pandemic. Students, as hosts, are responsible for their visitors/guests at all times and are expected to prohibit guests from campus or restrict movement between residential spaces as directed.
Reporting Concerns
Don’t ignore inappropriate behavior; speak up if you feel comfortable doing so, or find an RA or REC if you need help addressing a situation or behavior that puts our community at risk. Help to hold your friends accountable by reminding them to wear a mask, wash their hands, and stay home when they don’t feel well. If you are concerned about another student who is experiencing symptoms, you can report a concern on the Dean of Students website.
Through our own language and conduct, we must demonstrate that health and tolerance are compatible values. Both are central elements of educational excellence.
Michigan Tech does not tolerate discrimination or harassment. As a University, we strive to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff are able to study, work, teach, and learn in an environment that is healthy, safe, and free from bias or discrimination.
For more information or assistance, contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at diversitycenter@mtu.edu or 906-487-2920, or Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX at eocompliance@mtu.edu or 906-487-3310. You can also report a concern.
Additional Terms and Conditions
Your Residence Hall Contract is the basic document that states the contractual obligations between you and Michigan Technological University Residential Living. As part of this agreement, you, as a resident student, are responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures found in the Living Guide, including the Pandemic and Public-Health Informed Housing Policies Section.
In addition, by residing in Michigan Technological University's residence halls, you are assuming the risks associated with communal living and, as in a shared living environment, those risks include potential exposure to contagious viruses. You agree to release the University, its agents, and employees from any and all damages, liability, claims, expenses, or loss resulting from or arising out of your use of space within Michigan Technological University’s residence halls, including those related to the potential exposure to contagious viruses.
If you have any questions related to health and well-being in the residence halls, please contact a Residential Living professional staff member.