Editor’s note: this story will be updated on an ongoing basis as more information becomes available.
University unveils plan to slowly resume campus operations
The ‘Sunrise Plan’ outlined a path forward that would gradually reopen some parts of the campus for workers. The University will provide clearance to return to campus through a return request form submitted by workers and staff. Each determination will be made on a case-by-case basis.
May 1, 2020
Deadline for pass/fail switch extended
The University announced extending the S/N, or pass/fail, switch option, allowing students to change A/F grading to S/N even after official grades are posted. The original deadline for the Pass/Fail switch option was April 30.
April 29, 2020
Classes moved online through summer semester
Due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, University of Minnesota President Joan Gabel announced in a system-wide email that all summer classes will be administered online.
April 6, 2020
U of M Regents approve Gabel’s systemwide refund plan
President Gabel’s plan called for a 100% refund on campus housing, meal plans, parking passes, and many others from March 28 until the end of the semester.
April 3, 2020
Gov. Tim Walz issues ‘Stay-at-Home’ order for 2 weeks
Governor Tim Walz issues “Stay-at-Home” executive order for the state, directing Minnesotans not to leave their homes except for essential needs until at least April 10.
March 25, 2020
Travel restriction period extended to May 31
The University extended its travel restrictions on University-funded nonessential travel from April 30 to May 31.
March 24, 2020
Dorm reimbursement encourages students to return home
The University announced that it would give students who moved out of their dorms early a flat reimbursement of $1,200 as it plans to consolidate housing. Housing and Residential Life urged residents to return home to increase social distancing, stating that the limited housing should be reserved only for students who cannot return home and students for whom University housing is their safest option.
March 23, 2020
2020 Tokyo Olympics postponed
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed until 2021, sidelining prospective Gopher Olympians for a year.
March 23, 2020
Pass/fail formalized
Following pressure from students, the University announced on March 20 that it would allow students to switch their classes to pass/fail grading, called S/N in the University system, until April 15.
March 20, 2020
Pass/fail grading option proposed
The University announced a proposal that would give students the option to switch their spring 2020 courses to pass/fail grading due to the Coronavirus outbreak. The grade change would also apply to major- and minor-required courses.
March 19, 2020
Deadline for study abroad students to return
The University set a March 20 deadline for students studying abroad to return to the U.S.
March 18, 2020
Students petition for pass/fail option
A petition is gaining traction asking the University to allow the option to switch classes to pass/fail for the remainder of the semester in order to relieve the burden on students.
March 18, 2020
Study abroad cancellation extended to July
On March 17, the University extended its suspension of study abroad programs to include summer programs starting before July 1.
March 17, 2020
UMN suspends all University-funded nonessential travel
The University suspended all University-funded nonessential travel for University community members beginning Monday, March 16. The travel restrictions begin as students return from spring break and will remain until April 30, pending further developments in the spread of the disease.
March 16, 2020
U extends online instruction until end of spring semester
The University announces on March 16 that it will cancel in-person instruction until at least the end of spring semester. The University asks that students not return to campus if they have a safe alternative. The University will ensure there is sufficient space in residence halls, although housing may be consolidated.
Graduation ceremonies are canceled, libraries will be closed, and all recreational and wellness services — aside from mental health programming — will be suspended.
March 16, 2020
Minneapolis, state declare local emergency
Mayor Jacob Frey declares a local public health emergency in Minneapolis, which includes the temporary closure or limited accessibility of restaurants, coffee shops, nightclubs and bars. Later that day, Gov. Tim Walz implemented similar measures statewide.
March 16, 2020
Study abroad programs canceled
The University cancels all of its study abroad programs and requires all students to return to the United States by March 20.
March 15, 2020
University moves to online-only instruction, extends spring break
President Joan Gabel announces all University system campuses will transition to online or alternative classes until at least April 1. The University Twin Cities’ spring break was extended two days to give faculty and staff additional time to redesign their courses.
March 13, 2020
First UMN student tests positive
One student tests positive, amid a growing number of confirmed cases in Minnesota.
March 13, 2020
University advises all study abroad students to return home, releases study abroad refund policy
Students studying abroad are asked to return home by March 20.
The University releases a policy for study abroad refunds on Thursday, March 12. The University will provide up to $500 in flight change fees.
The University cancels travel for all faculty and staff to countries assigned a Level 3 travel advisory by the CDC. The University is also encouraging those arriving back from South Korea, Italy, China or Iran to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the U.S.
March 12, 2020
Big Ten cancels all competitions
The Big Ten Conference announces that all non-conference and conference competitions through the academic year are canceled, which puts an end to every winter sport still playing and every spring sport at the University.
March 12, 2020
U.S. bans travel from Europe
President Donald Trump announces a ban on travelers arriving from Europe. The University requires all students studying abroad in Europe, not including the United Kingdom and Ireland, to return to the U.S.
March 11, 2020
WHO designates outbreak as a pandemic
The World Health Organization announces that the outbreak is considered a pandemic.
March 11, 2020
Gabel addresses Senate to discuss U’s preparation
Gabel addresses the Senate Higher Education Committee to discuss the University’s preparation for the virus.
March 10, 2020
Gabel establishes COVID-19 committee
President Gabel establishes a committee that will “manage the University’s preparation and response to COVID-19.” The committee will determine necessary policy changes and practices at the University relating to the virus, as well as identify new areas of concern, among other tasks.
March 7, 2020
First case of coronavirus in Minnesota
The person is a Ramsey County resident who had reported symptoms after traveling on a cruise ship that had a known COVID-19 case.
March 6, 2020
Two UMN students self-quarantined after exposure
Two University of Minnesota students returning from studying abroad in Europe are advised to self-quarantine after having been in close contact with an individual confirmed to have COVID-19.
March 4, 2020
University suspends programs, travel to Italy
The University suspends all travel and education abroad programs in Italy for the spring semester.
February 29, 2020
University suspends study abroad in South Korea
The University suspends student travel and study abroad programs in South Korea for the spring semester.
February 27, 2020
UMN China study abroad programs suspended
The University suspends all student travel and study abroad programs in China for the remainder of spring semester.
January 31, 2020
