COVID-19 and return to campus resources

The latest information from the University of Minnesota in regards to COVID-19 and return to campus can be found on the Safe Campus website.

Top things you need to know (updated 5/1/22)

  • Proof of vaccination: Due to a federal contract mandate, the University is requiring all faculty, staff, graduate and undergraduate student workers, adjuncts, professionals in training, and postdoctoral associates systemwide to submit proof of vaccination. A process for requesting a medical or religious exemption is available (with testing requirements for those that qualify for an exemption). Read more in Vice President Ken Horstman's Nov. 23 message.
  • Mask requirement on campus: Face masks are currently required only in posted healthcare spaces, spaces that require Personal Protective Equipment because of environmental or hazardous material risks, and in isolation spaces. Face masks are no longer required in other University buildings or venues. Learn more by visiting the face coverings information webpage.
  • Vaccination information: The University of Minnesota continues to strongly encourage all members of our community to get vaccinated. Our “Get the Vax 2.0 website” can help answer any questions you or your family may have about the vaccines. Vaccinations are available at Boynton Health.
  • Building access: The University is working to balance public access to campus with greater security and will offer limited public hours in certain buildings, while allowing some buildings to require a U Card to enter. All faculty, staff and students should carry their U Card at all times when on campus, to ensure access. If you need a U Card, avoid the lines, upload your photo, and pick up your card early, if possible.
  • Flexible staff schedules: As staff return to campus, the University of Minnesota issued Work. With Flexibility. guidance that governs flexible work arrangements. The college also offers guidance on flexible work arrangements in CSE that reinforces key aspects of the University’s approach and includes additional guidance at the college level. For more information on campus parking or public transit, visit the Parking and Transportation Services Return to Campus website.
  • Information about COVID-19 cases: Dean of the Medical School Jakub Tolar sent messages to students and faculty and staff about being informed and informing others about COVID-19 cases.

Computer Science & Engineering contact information

To ensure the health and safety of our students, staff, faculty, and guests, the main Computer Science & Engineering office in Keller Hall is closed to the public.

The CS&E front desk will be open but restricted to those who have a scheduled meeting with a staff member from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. The front doors to our office will be locked, and instructions will be provided to those who have a scheduled visit to our office regarding entry.

For the fastest response, please contact the appropriate staff member as listed below:

  • Front Desk: Questions can be directed to csdesk@umn.edu.
  • Purchasing: Questions should be directed to cspurch@umn.edu.
  • Human Resources: Questions should be directed to cshr@umn.edu.
  • Payroll: Questions should be directed to cspay@umn.edu.
  • Undergraduate advising: Students can make appointments online at csci.appointments.umn.edu or email csciug@umn.edu for advising services.
  • Graduate advising: Students can make appointments online at csgrad.appointments.umn.edu or email csgradmn@umn.edu for advising services. 
  • Not sure who to contact: Email csdesk@umn.edu or call 612-625-4002.

Return to campus resources

CS&E graduate student information

Resources for graduate students

Advising updates

  • Students can make virtual and phone appointments online at csgrad.appointments.umn.edu or email csgradmn@umn.edu for advising services.
  • All drop-in advising has been cancelled until further notice. Advisors will be offering virtual appointments M-F during normal business hours, however, quick advising questions that have normally been addressed during drop-in hours can be sent to csgradmn@umn.edu.
  • To participate in meetings remotely, please be sure to log into Zoom before any scheduled virtual meeting to get comfortable with its features and layout.

Information on scheduled or planned OPE/Thesis Defense/Master’s Plan A or B Defense:

  • Students pursuing a Computer Science Ph.D., Data Science M.S. or Computer Science M.S. plan A or B can complete their oral presentation either in person or remotely. Zoom is the preferred option for this and is free to use for all University of Minnesota students, faculty and staff. You are able to schedule a “meeting” and invite your committee. Please let us know if you have difficulty with this process.
  • If you will be delivering a Ph.D. final defense, please be sure to share the details with the graduate programs staff at csgradmn@umn.edu. The University requires that all such final doctoral defense presentations be made public, you can do so through Zoom or in front of a live audience.
  • The Graduate School requires that any defense conducted remotely be viewed concurrently by all committee members. This means that you should not record your defense for view by your committee.

Form signatures

  • All students in the computer science or data science graduate program who need to submit a graduate degree plan form should do so electronically. If you have a faculty advisor, they can sign then scan the document to you or to csgradmn@umn.edu. We will take care of the rest.

CS&E undergraduate information

Resources for undergraduate students

Advising updates

  • Students can make virtual and phone appointments online at csci.appointments.umn.edu or email csciug@umn.edu for advising services.
  • All drop-in advising has been cancelled until further notice. Advisors will be offering virtual appointments M-F during normal business hours, however, quick advising questions that have normally been addressed during drop-in hours can be sent to csciug@umn.edu.
  • To participate in meetings remotely, please be sure to log into Zoom before any scheduled virtual meeting to get comfortable with its features and layout.

CS&E faculty information