Updated SGU Covid plan

​March 1, 2021
 
To: Institutional Relations
Sinte Gleska University has been advised of the measure announced by the RST President’s office to return Tribal employees to face-to-face operations in March 2021.  The University leadership assessed the impacts of this measure and determined the following mode of operations:

• Access to SGU buildings will continue to be restricted through May 28, 2021. Campus safety personnel will continue to monitor access points.
• The University will continue to exercise the COVID measures (e.g., masks in public, sanitizers, social distancing, etc.) already in place for SGU students, employees and facilities.
• For the 2021 Spring semester, SGU will continue to maintain operations for virtual academic instruction, virtual student services, business office, grants management, environmental services, campus safety, and protection of University assets.
• OL courses will continue to be offered on regularly scheduled days and times with faculty providing instruction from their offices. Student feedback has suggested this approach has been better utilizing University-based technology.
• With balance of available CARES Act (PL 116-136) funds, the University hopes to provide emergency financial aid and technology resources for students enrolled for the 2021 Spring semester.
• Administrative leave will continue to be approved for employees requiring quarantine/ medical situations. Any employee testing positive will be required to submit medical documentation when he/she returns to work.  
• SGU Campus Safety director Leo McCauley will respond to public questions about SGU’s COVID safety measures.
• SGU submitted CARES Act proposals to the Tribe for consideration of institutional needs in response to the pandemic.  The University hopes to upgrade Environmental Services including the addition of more staff. No formal action has been taken.
• SGU Nursing Department chair DeAnn Eastman-Jansen will continue to serve as the lead for COVID questions and procedures.

An institutional review is underway about plans for the 2021 summer sessions. The University finalized and submitted its Substantial Change application to the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to continue interim accreditation of distance education activities.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these challenging times. SGU employees are encouraged to exercise COVID measures.  Be safe!!