COVID-19 FAQs

Additional FAQs specific to Spring Semester 2022 can be found here.
- Is Ridgewater College open?
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Yes, our campuses are open to students, prospective students and the public. Our spaces will be available for lease for public events on a case-by-case basis. For students wishing to schedule a campus tour, please visit ridgewater.edu/visit.
- Will Spring Semester 2022 be back to normal?
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Yes — but it will be a “new” normal, given all that we learned during COVID! Classes, student activities, and student services will be offered in person again, with all campus buildings open for regular business hours and open to the public welcome who wish to visit our campuses. Courses will continue to be offered in a variety of formats to meet student needs and provide flexibility; those formats include in-person, hybrid/mixed and fully online. Student support services will be available both in person and virtually.
- Will Ridgewater faculty and staff still offer office hours to help students?
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Yes, office hours are times set aside by faculty to talk to students who are in need of help with their courses. Please reach out to your instructor if you have questions on their office hours. You can also meet with academic advisors, financial aid officers, or admissions specialists through virtual appointments.
- What should I do if I have been exposed, have symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19?
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The most recent guidance from the CDC related to testing and quarantine has been updated on our COVID-19 Decision Guide.
Additional resources:
- CDC (1/4/2022):
- Minnesota Department of Health:
- Do I need to wear a mask in Ridgewater College buildings?
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No. As of March 2, 2022, masks are no longer required on campus. We continue to follow guidance from the CDC and MDH, so this could change at any time based on state and local cases.
- What do I need to know about travel within the United States and internationally during the COVID19 pandemic?
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The best place to find the latest guidance regarding travel is the CDC website.
- Why isn’t Minnesota State requiring all faculty, staff, and students to be vaccinated?
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Minnesota State is following the guidance from the State of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Health on vaccinations of our students and employees. Currently the State of Minnesota is not requiring vaccinations. We are, however, strongly encouraging our employees and students to get vaccinated. In addition, a number of our colleges and universities are working with MDH to offer vaccination clinics to their faculty, staff, students, and campus communities, and are developing strategies to offer additional clinics each term.