SMSU extends spring break

Southwest Minnesota State University will extend its spring break through March 30, in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 and its potential impact on campus and communities.
The decision was announced by Minnesota State System Chancellor Devinder Malhotra last Thursday.
The extension of spring break will allow administrators, faculty and staff to explore alternative modes of course delivery and adjust campus learning spaces as needed.
All campus services — including residence halls, dining facilities and student support services — will remain open and appropriately staffed, including student workers.
“Our goal is to accommodate students and help them continue their education despite interruptions caused by COVID-19,” said Chancellor Malhotra.
In addition, several other steps have been taken to stem the spread of COVID-19, including:
The cancellation of on-campus gatherings and events until May 1, at which time they will be reviewed and adjusted as new information emerges.
The suspension of all Minnesota State out-of-state business-related travel for students, faculty and staff.
The suspension of all international travel related to Minnesota State, including study-abroad programs and any other activities involving faculty, staff and students.

SMSU cancels/postpones several events
Southwest Minnesota State University announced that several events there have been affected by the coronavirus and have either been cancelled or postponed.
Cancelled events include:
The GOLD College kickoff event and all spring sessions.
The “Shifting Narratives: Storytelling for Social Impact” event, scheduled for March 27.
Health Career Day, scheduled for March 18.
The International Food Festival, scheduled for April 4.
The annual African Night, “Tour De Africa ‘20”, scheduled for April 11.
The “Mustang Ovations: A Salute to Academic Success, Distinctiveness, and Meaningful Engagement”, scheduled for April 14.
Postponed events include:
The Southwest Minnesota Orchestra’s first concert of he Beethoven/SMO 2/50 Festival, “Beethoven I”, originally scheduled for March 22, has been postponed until a later date.
Art Professor Dr. Pat Brace’s presentation: “Galley Talk”, scheduled for March 23 has been postponed until a later date.
The poetry reading of Wang Ping, scheduled for April 1, is postponed until fall semester.
The Inauguration Ceremony for SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya, scheduled for April 3, has been postponed until the fall semester.
The Minnesota Agriculture and Rural Leadership graduation ceremony and 20th anniversary celebration, scheduled for April 3 at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, had been rescheduled for June 25.
The SMSU Foundation Women’s Leadership Conference, “Flourish, Grow, Lead”, scheduled for April 24, will be rescheduled at a later date.