New Mexico Tech President Dr. Stephen G. Wells and Socorro Mayor Dr. Ravi Bhasker
discuss the steps New Mexico Tech and the City of Socorro have implemented to prepare
for the Fall 2020 semester. (July 7, 2020)
New Mexico Tech is committed to continuing to assist our campus community in managing
COVID-19 related issues. The following tool has been developed to assist our faculty
and staff administrators in their response to your inquiries. After reviewing this
page, if you need more information, please submit your question, comment, or issue
via the following form. It will be reviewed and routed to the appropriate campus official
for response.
NOTE: Please do not use this form to report health information. If you are ill or have
been exposed to COVID-19, stay home. Get medical care if you need it. If you need
a COVID-19 test, contact your doctor or the Department of Health coronavirus Hotline
at 1-855-600-3453.
As New Mexico Tech continues to prepare a safe, healthy campus for the coming semester
that complies with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s Executive Orders and
direction from the New Mexico Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control,
the COVID-19 Task Force has issued updated policies for all NMT employees.
Key Requirements for NMT Campus During the COVID-19 Pandemic
June 23 8:15 p.m. MST
President Wells has issued a memo outlining the key requirements for NMT's campus
during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please see the following links for more information:
New Mexico Tech, in full compliance with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham's
Executive orders, the New Mexico Department of Health, and the Center for Disease
Control, has released its Phased Reopening Plans for its campus and facilities. Please
see the following link for detailed information.
President Wells' Statement on ICE Decision Reversing International Student Restrictions
July 15, 1:15 p.m. MST
New Mexico Tech President Stephen G. Wells released a statement regarding Tuesday's
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcement reversing its proposed plans
to restrict international student visas.
President Wells' Statement on ICE Ruling Regarding International Students
July 8, 4:55 p.m. MST
New Mexico Tech President Stephen G. Wells released a statement regarding the Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcement regarding International students.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham recently extended the state’s emergency
public health order through July 15 and issued a severe warning about the risk of
New Mexico being forced to re-enact more severe public health restrictions in order
to curb the spread of COVID-19 across the state.
New Mexico Tech Offering On-Campus and Online Instruction Options for Fall 2020
May 21, 10:15 a.m. MST
New Mexico Tech has released preliminary details of the university’s plans for Fall
2020 semester course instruction. Instruction will take place on campus, with a hybrid
distance education option available to students as well. Details are available at
the following link:
The health and safety of the New Mexico Tech community is a top priority for our administration.
We are closely monitoring developments involving the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) through the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). New Mexico Tech will continue to actively monitor the situation via the NMDOH and
the CDC, and we will follow their recommendations as they respond to any new developments.
Update Archive
New Mexico Tech Face Coverings Update, Work From Home Order Extended Through June
30
May 19, 8:30 a.m. MST
In keeping with New Mexico’s modified public health order, New Mexico Tech now requires
that face coverings be worn by everyone while in public places on our campus. We are
in the process of obtaining masks for faculty, staff, and all returning students in
the fall.
As a reminder, all summer classes will be delivered via online instruction.
New Mexico Tech also continue to follow the guidelines of the original order with
strict social distancing and the closure of high-intensity contact locations like
the gym and the Fidel Center. NMT’s golf course has reopened with specific restrictions.The work-from-home order for Tech employees has been extended through the end of June,
and NMT official out-of-state travel remains restricted.Anyone traveling to NMT’s main campus from out of state will be required to self-isolate
for 14 days.
New Mexico Tech Graduation Moved to May 16
April 28, 2:15 p.m. MST
New Mexico Tech has announced that the 2020 Commencement ceremony will be moved to
Saturday, May 16, in order to accommodate the challenges of finishing the semester
and conducting the ceremony online.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. France Cordova, a world-renowned scientist and
former Director of the National Science Foundation. A resident of Santa Fe, Dr. Cordova
is a longtime higher education administrator and is extensively published in astrophysics.
Governor Extends Emergency Order 2020-022 to May 15
April 23, 6:15 p.m. MST
SANTA FE – On Wednesday, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state's coronavirus infection
rates are showing signs of flattening and state officials can slowly ease up on current
business restrictions.
At the same time, Lujan Grisham warned that relaxing social distancing guidelines
and other COVID-19 coronavirus public health orders too soon could reverse New Mexico's progress
in slowing the virus' community spread. Lujan Grisham extended the public health emergency orders, guidance, and advisories issued by her and the Secretary of Health through at least
May 15 and announced the creation of a 15-member Economic Recovery Council to advise
the Governor's Office while creating a phased plan to safely reengage the New Mexico economy.
New Mexico Tech Transitions to Online Course Instruction for 2020 Spring Semester
April 1, 5:25 p.m. MST
New Mexico Tech is resuming the Spring 2020 semester of instruction on Monday, April
6, via online course instruction. Students looking for information please click on
the following link:
Governor Officially Extends Emergency Order to April 30
Essential businesses further restricted to limit gatherings; New Mexicans must stay
home to prevent further spread of virus
April 6, 5:02 p.m. MST
SANTA FE – With COVID-19 cases still rising in New Mexico, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Monday
extended her public health emergency order and announced the extension of related
public health orders to encourage social distancing and preserve safety equipment
for health care workers. Per the order, all guidance and advisories issued by the
governor and secretary of health are in effect through at least April 30.
The amended public health order further restricts business operations as a means of combating continued congregating
in spaces outside the home. The order is effective 8 a.m., April 7.
As in the original public health order, New Mexicans are instructed to stay at home except for emergency or essential outings, and non-essential businesses that had been ordered to close in-person operations
must remain closed.
The amended order includes a new requirement that all retail operations that are considered
essential businesses – including grocery stores – shall limit occupancy in their retail
spaces. The maximum number of customers in the retail space must be equal to 20 percent
or less of the maximum occupancy of the retail space, as determined by the relevant
fire marshal or fire department.
If and when customers are waiting outside of a retail space, they must do so in compliance
with social distancing protocols including the requirement that they maintain a distance
of at least six-feet from other individuals and avoid person-to-person contact.
Hotels, motels, RV parks, and other places of lodging shall not operate at more than
25 percent of maximum occupancy, per the amended order. This is reduced from 50 percent.
Additional entities that are deemed non-essential as part of the amended order and
must cease in-person operations are automobile dealerships, payday lenders and liquor
stores.
Businesses seeking clarity on essential or non-essential status may send inquiries
to covid.exemption@state.nm.us.
ON ENFORCEMENT: Reports of non-compliance can be made to NMSP.COVID19@state.nm.us or to your local police or sheriff’s department's non-emergency line. The state of New Mexico will explore and put into use all mechanisms for enforcement.
There are civil and criminal penalties for violating a public health order.
The extension also applies to a series of public health orders issued by Department
of Health Secretary Kathy Kunkel because their duration was linked to the executive
order. Those orders include:
Limiting nursing home visitation (March 13);
Limiting mass gatherings (March 16);
Closing casinos, horse-racing facilities and restaurants and bars (except for pickup
and delivery) and restricting hotel and motel operations (March 19)
Closing all non-essential businesses and nonprofits (March 23);
Prohibiting non-essential health care services to conserve personal protective equipment
for COVID-19 workers (March 24);
Regulating the sale and distribution of personal protective equipment due to COVID-19
related shortages (March 24).
The extension of social distancing guidelines is designed to reduce the number of
COVID-19 cases overall and to postpone a surge in cases for as long as possible. The
longer the surge can be delayed, the smaller it will be and the more time the state
will have to increase the number of hospital beds and medical supplies.
ON FACE COVERINGS: The Department of Health has recommended that New Mexicans wear cloth, non-medical
masks when traveling outside the home for essential outings in alignment with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has advised “the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of
the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting
it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home
from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health
measure.” According to the CDC, cloth face coverings should not be placed on young
children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious,
incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
A cloth, non-medical mask is not a replacement for physical distancing. An instructional
video about how to make a non-medical face covering can be viewed here.
From New Mexico Tech President, Dr. Stephen G. Wells:
"On March 10th, I assembled a task force of individuals from across campus and in
the community to provide collective viewpoints, to help plan, and to enact New Mexico
Tech’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This team represents most of the key divisions
and components of our university, which provides critical advice and consultation
to the university president. This also includes recommendations from local medical
doctors. I can assure you that the individuals on this task force work effectively
as a team and work tirelessly to help keep our campus and our community healthy and
safe. The task force currently meets regularly every weekday morning from 9-10:30
am and other times as developments warrant.
If you are interested in tracking what issues are being addressed during the meetings,
we will make the meeting minutes available in the near future.
I have also provided the list of task force members below so that you may forward
questions, concerns and issues to the appropriate individual and then they, in turn,
can bring such issues to the meetings.
I know this has been a very stressful few weeks as we move quickly to address the
COVID-19 outbreak, and I’m grateful for your continued strength and patience. I want
you to know that we care about you and we realize you are trying to balance your efforts
with work, family, and stress, and we want you to know that we are here to support
you anyway we can."
Task Force Members: Dr. Stephen Wells Dr. Aly El Osery Bruce Kite Carlos Romero David Manzano Dr. Douglas Wells Iver Davidson James Scott Joann Salome Judith Mcshannon Dr. Kevin Wedeward Mitchell Tappen Dr. Nelia Dunbar Dr. Peter Mozley Dr. Peter Phaiah Dave Lepre Dr. Randall Gann Dr. Robert Balch Dr. Thomas Engler Thomas Guengerich Dr. Van Romero Dr. William Stone Dr. Cleve McDaniel Donald Monette Mayor Ravi Bhasker Joe Franklin Scott Scarborough Vanessa Grain
Skeen Library Closed to the Public
March 25, 2:56 p.m. MST
Starting March 24th, Skeen Library is closed to the public until further notice. Online
resources are still available to those with an active library account which can access
these materials. For more information, click here.
Public Health Emergency Order Closing All Businesses and Non-Profit Entities Except
for those Deemed Essential
March 23, 2020 4:46 p.m. MST
Earlier today, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham ordered the closure of all
non-essential businesses and non-profits, as well as announcing that gatherings be
limited to five (5) people maximum. The essential businesses are available in the New
Mexico Department of Health's updated public health order.
In order to best protect the health and wellbeing of NMT's campus and the Socorro
community, the New Mexico Tech Library has closed to the public for the time being.
The library will remain available to NMT faculty, staff and students. We appreciate
your understanding in this matter.
New Mexico Tech Operations Update
March 19, 2020 3:33 p.m. MST
It’s important that everyone on campus and in the Socorro community know that the
university administration, faculty leaders, and support staff personnel are working
diligently to ensure the health, safety, and security of everyone on campus. This
is our top priority as we navigate the issues presented by the global COVID-19 outbreak.
The university’s leadership is meeting daily to ensure we’re taking the appropriate
measures to maintain a safe working environment, as well as prepare to continue to
deliver the highest quality of education and future continuity of business operations.
New Mexico Tech is not eliminating any jobs and currently has no plans to close the
campus. All staff will continue to be paid as long as the university remains operational.
We are working within the guidelines set forth by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
to make sure we maintain operations. Our university is not only an educational and
research institution, but also serves as a critical resource for the Socorro community.
In order to stem the spread of inaccurate information about NMT and our actions in
regards to COVID-19, employees should talk directly to their supervisors for information.
Students should check their email inboxes regularly and continue to visit this webpage.
It’s important we all act responsibly in disseminating only accurate, up-to-date information.
If you come across information that is false, please let people know that we are doing
all we can to maintain operations through these challenging times and refer them to
https://nmt.edu/covid19/index.php for the most up-to-date information available.
New Mexico Tech Extends Spring Break an Additional Week & Will Provide Online Instruction
Once Classes Resume
Updated March 18, 2020 5:33 p.m. MST
President Wells announced today that New Mexico Tech has committed to two important
decisions:
"First, we will be delivering both undergraduate and graduate instruction online for
the remainder of the semester," President Wells said.
"Second, we are extending spring break for an additional week. Classes are now scheduled
to resume on April 6."
The New Mexico Tech administration is working outthe details of this effort, and
will share those details with you soon. "it’s important to me and the entire administration
that you be informed of this decision as quickly as possible, President Wells said.
The extra week of spring break will ensure the necessary preparations to deliver the
highest level of instruction possible, which includes providing full training for
the online instruction system for both students and faculty alike.
New Mexico Tech is doing everything it can to allow students to earn their credits,
stay on track, and complete their studies this semester.
Academic Affairs Launches COVID-19 Information Page for Students, Faculty, and Staff
Updated March 17, 2020 6:25 p.m. MST
New Mexico Tech's Academic Affairs Office has launched a new webpage which contains information specifically for faculty,
staff, and students concerning New Mexico Tech'sacademic responseto the COVID-19 pandemic. It's available at the following link:
President Wells announced today that New Mexico Tech is extending its spring break
through the week of March 23 in order to do all we can to ensure a safe and healthy
campus upon your return. We will continue to provide the highest level of academic
quality when you return.
Classes are scheduled to resume on Monday, March 30. The New Mexico Tech campus will
remain open during the spring break extension. Faculty and staff work schedules are
not affected by this extension.
This change in schedule will not affect the rest of the semester. Final Week will
still be May 1-6. Commencement remains scheduled for May 9.
Please be sure to monitor your email inbox for updates about the nature and venue
of the resumption of classes.
If you have any questions, please call the NMT Communication Office at (575) 835-5620
or email the office at communications@nmt.edu
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, in consultation with leadership at the New Mexico Department
of Health and Cabinet Secretary Kathyleen M. Kunkel, has declared a state of public
health emergency and has invoked the powers provided by the All Hazard Emergency Management
Act and the Emergency Licensing Act.
These measures allow for enhanced public health advisory steps that New Mexicans should
take to protect themselves, their families, and New Mexico communities from the potential
occurrence or spread of COVID-19 in our state.
In addition, Secretary Kunkel has issued a Public Health Emergency Order prohibiting
mass gatherings that bring together 100 or more people in a single room or connected
space like auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, conference centers, and theaters.
New Mexico Tech will follow the Governor’s lead on all policies regarding COVID-19.
Under the executive orders from the Governor and New Mexico Department of Health,
New Mexico Tech President Stephen G. Wells has restricted all business travel to out-of-state areas, and is urging you to exercise extreme caution with all personal out-of-state travel.
Also, all New Mexico residents are urged to:
Continue taking precautionary steps to protect your individual health, such as:
Washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Clean “high-touch” surfaces daily with regular household cleaners
Avoid sharing personal household items
Remain home (“self-isolate”) if you are sick and call the Department of Health at 1-855-600-3453 if you are exhibiting any of
the symptomsofCOVID-19
Those symptoms include fever, cough, or trouble breathing
Secretary Kunkel further advised the public to take the following preventive precautions
in the Public Health Emergency Order:
Avoid all non-essential travel including planes and cruise ships.Avoid close contact
with people who are sick.
Take everyday, preventative actions.
Clean your hands often.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after
blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%
alcohol.
To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places - elevator
buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your
sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.Avoid touching your face,
nose, eyes, etc.
Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently-touched
surfaces ( for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets,
faucets, sinks, and cell phones.)
Avoid crowds, especially in poorly-ventilated places. Your risk of exposure to respiratory
viruses like COVID-19 may increase in crowded, closed-in settings with little air
circulation if there are people in the crowd who are sick.
Travel Restrictions
Updated March 11, 2020
New Mexico Tech has placed a temporary restriction on all international business travel
and will be carefully reviewing all requests. In addition, we are also highly discouraging
all business travel nationally within the United States to those areas that have experienced
significant cases of confirmed COVID-19, such as California, Washington, and New York.
We will be continually assessing all work-related travel to COVID-19 hotspots internationally
and nationally for the foreseeable future. All NMT center directors and supervisors
have been instructed to review and restrict international business travel for their
employees as well. Finally for clarification, all international business travel on
behalf of NMT must be approved by the Office of the President.
In a further step to help safeguard our community, NMT strongly discourages students,
staff, and faculty from traveling internationally over spring break as well as for
the remainder of the semester. This is a critically important issue for our international
population, as they may encounter restrictions on returning to the United States,
and consequently negative impacts to their U.S. visa status. If students, staff, or
faculty travel internationally and encounter problems returning to the U.S., all costs
associated with restoring U.S. visas or other such travel-related issues will be incurred
by the individual and not New Mexico Tech.
Should a member of the New Mexico Tech community:
travel to any international “hot spot” areas related to COVID-19 (i.e., China, Italy, etc.);
during any travel (international or domestic) come in contact with someone known to
display symptoms of COVID-19; or
during any travel (international or domestic) come into contact with someone know
to have COVID-19 then: the individual must NOT return to campus and must self-quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days, as well as follow protocol
provided at sites such as the following CDC link:
Students should inform Acting Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Peter Phaiah, of
their quarantine immediately by emailing him at peter.phaiah@nmt.edu. NMT employees need to notify, by email, their immediate supervisor before the quarantine
takes effect.
There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness
is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory
diseases, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household
cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands as thoroughly and frequently as possible for a minimum of 30 seconds.
