School of Music COVID-19 Updates

On August 23rd, 2021, President Gabel announced the University is adding the COVID-19 vaccine to the list of vaccines required for all enrolled University of Minnesota students, and University employees are required to attest to their vaccination status. On October 21, 2021, President Gabel announced that, in compliance with U.S. President Joe Biden's executive order, the University will move from attestation to requiring all faculty and staff systemwide to submit proof of vaccination. To find out more about how the University can help you with vaccination, please visit the Get the Vax 2.0 webpage.

Per President Gabel's May 11 announcement, no masks are currently required in School of Music public spaces, classrooms, practice rooms, or performance spaces. Students performing off-campus should follow the policies of the host venue.

Individuals may choose to continue to wear masks at any time or in any location as a matter of personal protection. The School of Music supports all individuals in their decisions regarding their own face coverings. If students, faculty, or staff need to request an exemption to University policy for a medical accommodation they should contact the Disability Resource Center. With specific questions about masking, cleaning, or air quality, please refer to UHS Safe Return.

There is no requirement for social distancing.

Fall instruction is currently planned to take place at full capacity and in-person throughout the University, including the School of Music. Students are expected to attend class in person unless they are sick, in which case they are encouraged to stay home. 

The College of Liberal Arts is no longer approving any modality change requests. Should you wish to change the modality of your course for a medical reason, please refer to the Disability Resource Center. Please consider this suggested syllabus language. For more information, please visit the website for the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. 

Students are expected to attend in-person classes on campus. Students with questions or specific considerations should request accommodations through Disability Resource Center. Undergraduates can consult Erica Evilla (evill001@umn.edu) and graduate students can consult their faculty advisor.

As long as teaching assistants and instructors are accessible, remote office hours are permitted. In cases where students are on campus during the day, remote office hours may need to be scheduled when most convenient for students.

Ferguson Hall’s public and University hours are available on the School of Music School of Music location and facilities page and Intranet (UMN login required). Please remember to bring your U Card to gain building access. 

University students and employees may host guests in Ferguson Hall during University Hours when it is part of their study, research, or employment at the University, but these guests must be accompanied and are not allowed to freely wander or remain in the building without their host.  Unauthorized visitors may be asked to leave.  

The host is responsible for showing their guests in and out of the building.  Propping open doors to allow access to the building is strictly prohibited.  

Hosts should ensure their guests are aware of and follow University and School of Music COVID-19 protocols while on campus.

Recitals may be scheduled during public or University hours.

The building schedule will not be modified for student recitals and other small events or meetings, but may change for large, staffed, public events such as those in Ted Mann Concert Hall.  School of Music faculty may contact Peter Remiger (premiger@umn.edu) with questions about planning a large public event within these restrictions.  

Recitals can be scheduled using the resources on the recitals intranet page. There are currently no limits on the number of attendees, but use careful judgment with the awareness that some individuals may be at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness. Recital rehearsals and performances must follow the School of Music’s COVID-19 guidelines for musical activities. Food may be served at recital receptions.

Anyone invited into the School of Music facilities must abide by the UMN policy. You will be responsible for letting an invited guest into the building, and guests should be accompanied by their host during University hours.

Students and employees pursuing their educational program off-campus with external organizations (e.g. field activities, music education) are responsible for following the pandemic-related policies of their host organization.

Outdoor spaces may be used for instruction, including the Ferguson/Ted Mann plaza, Ferguson Hall room 280 patio, and Ferguson Hall amphitheater as weather permits. Reservations must be made through the Student Services Office via the reservation instructions available on the School of Music Intranet (UMN account required for viewing). Please be aware that there are several ongoing construction projects this fall in and around Ferguson Hall.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) have issued guidance for operating HVAC systems under pandemic conditions. A special workgroup reviewed this guidance and developed a list of strategies that can reduce the potential for airborne transmission of SARS-COV-2 in University facilities. The School of Music's air handling equipment is operated based on the strategies developed by this group, and the School of Music works with Facilities Management, Energy Management, and other campus partners to ensure our air handling infrastructure is operating as effectively as possible.  More information about the additional support provided by Facilities Management during the pandemic is available here.

Some spaces are equipped with an in-room HEPA air purifier.  

The purifier should be run before, during, and after the activity. 

It’s strongly recommended to position the purifier intake in front of the primary source of airborne contaminants whenever possible, such as a wind instrument’s bell, or in front of a singer.  

If you’re considering the purchase of an air purifier for your space, please consult with Peter Remiger (premiger@umn.edu). 

Guidance for isolation and quarantine following a Positive COVID-19 test result is available on the University’s MTest website. The University’s guidance on isolation and quarantine is aligned with the CDC. View the CDC guidance