Mask and Other Policies | COVID-19 Vaccines | COVID-19 Symptoms & Testing | Campus Life | Admissions | Employees | Other Questions

What is MSOE’s current status?

Masks are optional in all areas of campus.

Faculty, staff and students are required to report and provide proof of vaccination. Those who have not reported that they are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 may be subject to weekly surveillance testing.  

Policies and Procedures

What is MSOE’s policy regarding masks?
Effective March 28, 2022, masks are optional in all areas of campus. The MSOE Facial Covering Policy has expired. It can be found on myMSOE.edu

Are faculty permitted to set their own rules regarding masks in classrooms or laboratories? 
Because current health conditions are greatly improved in Milwaukee County and on campus and CDC guidelines no longer recommend universal masking, MSOE’s Facial Covering Policy has expired. Faculty may not require students to wear masks in classrooms or laboratories. The only exception to this is requirement of personal protective equipment (PPE) as needed based on laboratory safety rules.   

May faculty or staff continue to require masks in their personal offices?
While they may not require it, out of respect for the health, safety, comfort and privacy of others, if someone asks you to wear a mask while you are in their personal office, common courtesy is for you to put on a mask. If you are not comfortable putting on a mask, you may consider moving your meeting online or to a larger space where social distancing can take place.  

Can I obtain an accommodation that would require mask usage in a classroom, laboratory or office?
Medical accommodations apply to the individual who has obtained the accommodation and do not extend to other people. Students with specific medical challenges that might require an accommodation should reach out to Angela Moreau in Student Accessibility Services at moureau@msoe.edu. Faculty and staff should contact hr@msoe.edu for support and guidance. 

Do I need to wear a mask if I am sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19, you are asked to isolate and/or wear a mask according to the CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance and MSOE’s COVID-19 Isolation Protocol for Students. Additionally, students who are symptomatic should fill out the COVID-19 symptom reporting form.

What should I do if I feel a member of the MSOE community isn't exhibiting safe COVID-19 behavior? 
For concerns related to student behavior, please email the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@msoe.edu. For concerns related to employee behavior, please email Human Resources at hr@msoe.edu

What could cause MSOE to shut down again?
The Milwaukee Health Department, together with university administration, will make quarantine and closing decisions on a case-by-case basis.

How is the city of Milwaukee handing COVID-19, and what is their response compared to other large cities?
You can learn more about the City of Milwaukee’s Moving Milwaukee Forward Plan online.

What if I need technical support?
The Information Technology Department is offering remote support for a majority of your technical support needs. You can initiate a request for support by emailing helpdesk@msoe.edu or calling (414) 277-7288. Where remote support is deemed insufficient by the Help Desk, users will schedule an appointment for in-person support.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Where can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Use this link to search for vaccine locations based on your ZIP code. VaccineFinder - Search for COVID-19 vaccine locations.

Is MSOE providing transportation to get the vaccine?
Yes! The campus shuttle will take you to vaccination sites within its service boundaries during normal operating hours. Simply call (414) 277-7464 to request a ride. You would call the number again to request a ride back to campus when you are done. Please visit Campus Shuttle | MSOE for more information about this service.

Ride sharing apps Lyft and Uber partnered with the White House to fund free rides to and from vaccination appointments. Learn how to get your free rides with Lyft or Uber.

Why is it important to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The vaccine reduces your chances of getting sick from COVID-19 and may reduce your chance of spreading it to others.

Do I still have to wear my mask after getting vaccinated or if I've already had COVID-19?
Yes. All individuals are currently required to wear a mask in classrooms and laboratories.

Should I get vaccinated if I have already had COVID-19?
The CDC does recommend you get vaccinated, even if you’ve had COVID. There is a recommendation to wait 90 days if you were treated with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.

Is it possible for MSOE to make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory?
At this time, MSOE does not anticipate making the vaccine mandatory.

Are there incentives for us to get vaccinated?

  • Yes! Students can stop by the Dean of Students Office (CC-345) to pick up a sticker and/or button. #HipLikeKip
  • Faculty and staff can visit the Human Resources Office (CC-337) for a sticker and/or button. #IGotTheShot
  • Being vaccinated also means that an individual does not need to isolate if exposed to COVID, as long as the vaccinated person remains asymptomatic.

COVID-19 Symptoms & Testing

What should I do if I am exhibiting symptoms or feel I may have been exposed?
Students who are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, are asked to immediately put on a mask, self-isolate and report your symptoms on my.MSOE.edu. You will receive a follow-up call, assistance (if needed) in relocating to an on-campus isolation location, and guidance on obtaining a COVID-19 test. The COVID-19 Isolation Protocol for Students will help guide you through the process.

Faculty and staff should isolate in their own residence and contact their primary health care provider. Employees should alert their supervisor and the Human Resources Department. 

Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
On-campus testing is available for students who go through MSOE's COVID-19 protocol when they are symptomatic. On-campus testing is not available for close contacts, those who are asymptomatic or those who need a test to travel. Testing is offered through the City of Milwaukee, at several University of Wisconsin campuses, and at locations throughout the state. Other resources include: Healthy MKE, Curative and Advocate Aurora.

What is the protocol if a student tests positive for COVID-19?
Please report your symptoms on myMSOE and review the Raider Return Plan for details.

Students also are encouraged to reach out to their professors to let them know they will not be in class and make arrangements to get lecture notes or make up missed work. If their absence extends beyond a few days, then MSOE will work with students to make accommodations to assure their education continues as best possible for their situation. Additional information is available in the Raider Return Plan.

What if I am required to quarantine? 
If you live on campus and have an MSOE meal plan, MSOE will provide you with a room and bring your meals to you through the duration of your isolation period. Students and employees who live off campus are asked to find a place within their house or apartment to self-isolate. Additional information is available in the Raider Return Plan.

Campus Life

Where can I study on campus?
All of MSOE's common areas are open.

Are visitors allowed in the residence halls?
Only MSOE students are allowed in the residence halls. No outside visitors (including family members) are allowed.

Will students in residence halls be provided cleaning supplies?
Yes. There is a cleaning supply closet on each floor of the residence halls for students. There will be disinfectant spray and paper towels available for students. We also recommend that students bring their own cleaning supplies if there is something specific they like to use.

Admissions

What is the status of campus tours? Can I bring my family for a tour at this time?
MSOE is offering campus tours and other admissions-related events. Call (800) 332-6763 to schedule your tour. Learn more at msoe.edu/visit.

Employees

Will MSOE health benefits cover COVID-19 testing?
Testing is mandated by the CARES Act and is covered at 100%. There is no limit to the number of tests a person can receive.  

I would like to request an accommodation related to COVID-19. What do I do?
Employees with certain medical conditions that place them in a higher risk category for COVID-19 and do not wish to return to campus are encouraged to contact MSOE’s Human Resources Department to discuss the established process for receiving a medical accommodation.  

How will we be notified if there are positive COVID-19 cases on campus?
Through contact tracing, you will be notified if someone you were in close contact with has tested positive. Close contact, as defined by the CDC, is being within 6 feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or longer.  

Other Questions

What is considered an “outbreak” that would close all or a portion of campus?
The Milwaukee Health Department, together with university administration, will make quarantine and closing decisions on a case-by-case basis.

If I am feeling anxious/concerned about COVID, who should I talk to?
MSOE Counseling Services is available to help you with your personal and mental health needs during the academic year. Over the summer, please contact the Dean of Students Office (deanofstudents@msoe.edu) and consult this list of mental health resources compiled by MSOE’s Counseling Services team. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has helpful resources as well.

What if I have a question that is not answered here?  
Please submit your questions and/or suggestions using this form: https://msoe.edu/raider-return/raider-return-suggestions/