The University announced additional guidelines for students residing in University housing in a systemwide email sent Tuesday.

The new guidelines, called the Maroon and Gold Sunrise Plan, limit time on campus and include restrictions that will incrementally be lifted throughout the fall semester. This plan will work in conjunction with the MTest initiative.

“The Maroon and Gold Sunrise Plan includes four important steps for how students living in University housing will return to campus, attend classes, and ultimately, enjoy campus life in our new COVID-19 normal,” read the email sent by President Joan Gabel.

This update affects students on the Twin Cities, Rochester and Duluth campuses, who have already had move-in delayed by two weeks. The requirements do not apply to graduate and professional students, and those located on the Crookston and Morris campuses.

Maroon and Gold Sunrise Plan

Step one of the plan asks students to remain in their University housing accommodations for at least 10 days with limited access to on-campus facilities and activities.

Under step one, students should not visit other residence halls, or any off-campus businesses or residencies.

Exceptions include attending classes still held in-person, using dining facilities, attending work and health appointments or family emergencies. Students are also allowed to use campus facilities like libraries and recreational centers, and to be physically distant outdoors.

“Students who do not follow Step One requirements may face disciplinary action, including termination of a student’s housing contract,” reads the plan.

Step two of the Sunrise Plan is expected to last two weeks. At this point, students could now visit student unions, other on-campus locations and the surrounding community, according to the plan.

Step two also includes a “back home” time constraint, which asks students to be back in their rooms by 9 p.m. The “back home” requirement is pushed back to midnight under step three, which is expected to last an additional two weeks and grants students full campus access.

The final step of the plan lifts the previous requirements, but asks students to continue to wear masks, maintain distance and avoid large gatherings.

Off-campus students and surrounding communities

Off-campus students will still have access to on-campus facilities within the plan, according to the email.

“…please limit your on-campus interactions if possible. We encourage you to continue to be safe, wear a mask, maintain physical distancing from those not in your household, avoid large gatherings and get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms,” the email says.

The University is also in the process of reaching out to community partners to promote safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We will reach out to the mayors, Chambers of Commerce and local business organizations in Crookston, Duluth, Morris, Rochester, St. Paul and Minneapolis, to seek their partnership in keeping our surrounding communities safe and allowing for a successful semester for our students,” the plan reads.

This is a breaking news report. More information may be added as it becomes available.