91³Ô¹ÏÍø

Dear students,

In just a few weeks, you will be joining us for New Student Orientation Day on Friday, August 20, and for the first day of fall semester on Monday, August 23.ÌýLike you, we are expecting great things for our fall semester, with all the education choices,Ìýincluding face-to-face classesÌýand campus activities, you have come to expect from 91³Ô¹ÏÍø.

Your education, health and well-being are paramount to our path moving forward. As we approach the start of this academic year, I would like to update you on our COVID-19 mitigation strategies.ÌýIncreasing case numbers in Minnesota, along with the rise of the highly transmitted Covid Delta variant remind us that this pandemic is not over. Further, 91³Ô¹ÏÍø is in a part of the state with substantial levels of transmission.

Following the newly released guidance by the CDC, and at the direction ofÌýthe Minnesota StateÌýSystem, Central Lakes College will reinstate its requirement that all students, staff, faculty and visitors wear face coverings while inside any 91³Ô¹ÏÍø campus building, beginning Monday, August 9.ÌýAt this time, there are no requirements for masking outdoors.

The new protocol requires employees, students, and visitors, including contractors and vendors, to wear a face covering in public indoor settings at Central Lakes College, regardless of vaccination status.

91³Ô¹ÏÍø will continue to closely monitor the situation andÌýcontinue our enhanced cleaning practices throughout each of our campuses.

What can you do?

Get vaccinated! Vaccination is a direct route to getting out of the pandemic as quickly as possible. Vaccinations are also highly effective against the Delta variant.

91³Ô¹ÏÍø will hold vaccination clinics throughout the year on campus, but we encourage you to get vaccinated before the semester starts. Every 91³Ô¹ÏÍø student who isÌýfullyÌývaccinated (and can show a vaccination card) will receive a free Nike brand 91³Ô¹ÏÍø Raider hoodie and will also be entered into a chance to win an Xbox Series X and a PlayStation 5.

The State of Minnesota is also offering a $100 Visa gift card for Minnesotans 12 and older who received their first dose of the vaccine before Sunday, August 15.

Our staff and faculty are dedicated to offering you a fun, engaging and robust educational experience on both of our campuses this year.ÌýStick with us! It’s worth it!

Together, we are #91³Ô¹ÏÍøstrong.

Sincerely,

Dr. Hara Charlier

President, Central Lakes CollegeÌý