Student Information for Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Southwest Minnesota State University no longer requires masks indoors on campus. Following CDC guidance, current Community Levels in Lyon County are low and no longer warrant wearing a mask indoors. People may however choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask. The policy change is effective immediately.

SMSU Strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Effective, October 4, 2021 the Minnesota State College and University system is requiring that students living in university-owned or managed residence facilities and students participating in certain student extra-curricular group activities must provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination status or undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing at least weekly.  At this time, those extra-curricular activities at SMSU include intercollegiate athletics, E-sports, forensics and cheerleading.

• Student Proof of Vaccination and Testing Guidelines
• Student Proof of Vaccination and Testing FAQ

Starting Monday, March 14, there will no longer be a proof of vaccination or testing requirement for students living in residence halls or other activities designated by SMSU. No requirement will be in place for summer and fall 2022, assuming community levels and campus cases remain at “low” or “medium” levels.

No requirement will be in place for summer and fall 2022, assuming community levels and campus cases remain at “low” or “medium” levels.

Some students may remain subject to MMB Policy #1446 as student employees or according to other testing related to NCAA athletic programs.

College is a time of change that can be very exciting as well as stressful and challenging. Stress, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, loneliness, or other personal issues can affect students' well-being. SMSU Counseling Services is staffed by mental health professionals who provide confidential, short-term counseling services to enrolled students. Students do not have to be in crisis to access counseling services! To schedule a confidential appointment please call 507-537-7150 or email Counseling.Testing@SMSU.edu.

United Healthcare is offering an EMOTIONAL SUPPORT HELP LINE FOR ALL STUDENTS through one of their subsidiary companies called Optum. Their toll-free help line number, 866-342-6892, will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary and the service is free of charge and open to any student, not just international students. Students would have access to specially trained mental health specialists to support them if they feel they are experiencing anxiety or stress related to the recent developments around COVID-19.

Please do not come to campus or attend classes if you are likely contagious. Contact your healthcare provider.

SMSU students who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive case or have tested positive should follow the guidelines for quarantine and isolation. Students should complete the Student COVID-19 Self Report to notify the Office of the Provost of their exposure. Students may call 507-537-6246 if they have questions about quarantine or isolation.

Technology services are available at the Technology Resource Center.

During events like the Coronavirus outbreak (COVID 19), cyber attackers often use these opportunities to, unfortunately, try to take advantage of the situation. We ask that you pay close attention to your emails & communications during this time. Cybercriminals may try to scam you, or launch phishing attacks that attempt to get you to click on malicious links or open infected email attachments. Here are some of the most common indicators that the phone call or email you may receive is probably a scam or attack:

• Emails that end up in your junk mail often do not need to be opened. Only open an email in your junk mail if you were expecting a message.
• Any messages that communicates a tremendous sense of urgency. The bad guys are trying to rush you into making a mistake.
• Any message that pressures you into bypassing or ignoring our security policies and procedures.
• Any message that promotes miracle cures, such as vaccines or medicine that will protect you. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Be very suspicious of any phone call or message that pretends to be an official or government organization urging you to take immediate action.  

Please keep in mind Coronavirus scams and attacks can happen at work or at home, via email, text messaging or even over the phone.

How to report a suspicious email at Southwest Minnesota State University:

• Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox. Do not forward it.
• Utilize the  Report Message button on the right-hand side of the Home ribbon. If you do not see the Report Message button, please complete the following steps:
  
  1. Highlight the suspicious message in your inbox.
  2. Use the key combination  (CONTROL)(ALT)(F) on a windows machine to create a new email that automatically attaches the suspicious email (this is important).

Anytime you receive a suspicious email:

• NEVER click on the links.
• NEVER act on an email that asks for your login credentials.
• ALWAYS report it immediately. Use the instructions above.

SMSU students who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive case or have tested positive should follow the guidelines for quarantine and isolation. Students should complete the Student COVID-19 Self Report to notify the Office of the Provost of their exposure. Students may call 507-537-6246 if they have questions about quarantine or isolation