The University of St. Thomas plans to begin reopening campus June 15 and will aim to fully reopen by August 15, President Julie Sullivan wrote in an email Monday.

The COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, developed with the University Action and Response Team and posted on the St. Thomas website, will require masks to be worn in indoor common areas and approximately 630 hand sanitizers will be available around campus.

The plan noted that those on campus are expected to take their temperature twice each day in the morning and evening. Anyone who feels sick before coming to campus should not “tough it out” and stay home, and if someone becomes sick on campus, they must go home. Additionally, all community members must notify St. Thomas if they have a confirmed case of COVID-19.

“In times like these, it is hard for daily work and routines to not feel trivial. Nevertheless, we must all remind ourselves that St. Thomas’ mission truly is needed today more than ever; we must find the strength to (as our founder said) ‘ever press forward,’” Sullivan wrote.

In the email, Sullivan wrote that she and members of the UART will host an online town hall meeting from noon-1 p.m. on Friday, June 12. Key information about the plan will be summarized, and community members will be able to ask questions and give feedback. An Outlook calendar invite will be sent out to St. Thomas community members.

The feedback gathered from the meeting and a survey available until June 17 will be incorporated by UART “as appropriate,” Sullivan wrote.

In the plan, a few potential options were listed for fall 2020 course delivery, including a fully online plan, mixed-mode participation that combines in-person and online, and in-person classes for courses with small enrollments.

St. Thomas is consulting with the Minnesota Department of Health on occupancy in residence halls for fall 2020. For those planning to live on campus, the plan said that move-in will take place gradually to minimize interaction.

Campus buildings will reopen in a phased plan beginning June 15.

The plan also said that the football stadium, South Campus’ outdoor fields and the baseball field will be open beginning June 15. Those planning to use those facilities may need to present a St. Thomas ID.

“We must develop a culture of care for one another that protects the health and safety of all, with special attention to the most vulnerable, and that allows us to move forward with our work of advancing the common good,” Sullivan wrote.

Emily Haugen can be reached at haug7231@stthomas.edu.