UMN Art Response: Public Health Alert

The Department's MFA Program housed in the Regis Center for Art

Dear Department of Art Students, Faculty, and Staff,

With both a sense of urgency and of hopefulness, I write to you today to provide an overview of COVID-19 preparedness at the University of Minnesota and within the Department of Art.

If you have not done so already, please stay abreast of the messages from University of Minnesota President Gabel (most recent March 16, 2020) and from Dean John Coleman (most recent March 16) on the move to online course delivery beginning March 18 through the end of the semester, remote working, and overall University preparedness planning for COVID-19. Additionally, you will find updates on the University’s Safe Campus site, along with information from Dean Coleman and the College of Liberal Arts on the CLA Neighborhood’s COVID-19 page

The following sources provide relevant accurate information:

We take our role as educators as vitally important. Providing a safe and inclusive learning environment is essential to our approach. This value will continue to guide our actions and plans for the remainder of the semester. 

Given the uniqueness and nuances of our varied art practices and curriculum, I am continuing to consult with faculty and staff leadership to address the complexities of delivering art practice and critical practice courses online and to ensure continuity of our educational, educational, and community outreach programs. For responses to student questions, please visit: https://cla.umn.edu/art/news-events/story/q-dept-art-students

By this time faculty should have been in touch with students regarding changes to course content for online delivery. If for some reason you have not heard from your instructor please contact them immediately. 

We will continue to be in touch with you as updates occur and maintain an ongoing update for Department of Art specific information on the website: art.umn.edu

Please share your concerns and questions regarding your courses and the department’s plans using this FORM. Your responses will help faculty and staff leadership address discipline and department-specific questions and support measures. Until further notice, the Regis Center for Art will be closed as of Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 p.m. Students have until Wednesday, March 18 at 5:00 to pick up your belongings and materials from the Regis Center for Art. The building is in swipe card-only mode until that time, and after that students will no longer have access to the building.

Please note: people entering the building are expected to follow CDC protocols and best practices for social distancing remaining at least 6 feet from others and no more than 10 people in a group. 

In the face of the COVID19 pandemic, we are at a moment in human history that requires deep and abiding compassion for others; regardless of racial, religious, ethnic, gender, or political differences. At this moment the world is inextricably interconnected and our job is to care about each other. Please take care of your self and those in your life and follow the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines on social distancing and handwashing hygiene to protect us all.

Thank you all in advance for your patience, flexibility, and understanding.

Sincerely,
Lynn Lukkas, Professor and Chair,
Department of Art
 

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