In a story published on Sunday, March 22, titled “Confusion about compensation leaves student workers scrambling,“ the Minnesota Daily painted the perspective of a small number of students employed by the University as broad “confusion” about student worker pay during the University’s extended reduced operations, which began at 5 a.m. today on Monday, March 23. 

I appreciate the concern students and other members of the University community have in light of the uncertainty we all are facing from COVID-19. Be assured that the University remains committed to what was communicated to all students, faculty, and staff systemwide over the past week: all student workers (and all employees) will continue to be paid in an uninterrupted way through the end of the semester, regardless of the work you are completing in the current circumstances.

This message was clearly shared by President Gabel in four separate emails and other information shared recently across the University system. In particular, the relevant part of the updated policy regarding extended reduced operations was included in her March 19 message. This and other information is updated regularly and archived on our Safe Campus website.

Written by Chuck Tombarge, chief public relations officer for the University of Minnesota.

This letter to the editor has been lightly edited for style and clarity.