HOUGHTON — At a May 11 virtual town hall meeting, a team from Michigan Technological University presented a three-step plan for a return to on-campus operations and a safe, on-time, in-person start to the fall semester.

The three-step plan will be implemented, as permitted under state mandates and health and safety protocols, by the MTU Flex Task Force. The plan is designed to maximize the potential for returning to face-to-face instruction in the fall, with appropriate safety, health and social distancing protocols in place.

Step 1 introduces limited campus operations to test systems designed to safeguard the campus community and protect those most vulnerable. In this step, the university expects a limited return of employees to campus, with remote work remaining mandatory for most employees. Step 1 is expected to take place as soon as the state “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order is lifted, with a tentative date range from about May 28 through June 22. These and all dates in the plan are subject to change, based on how the state and federal COVID-19 mitigation efforts continue to develop.

Step 2 allows additional employees to return to campus. The library and some retail services are expected to slowly reopen as well. Remote work will still be encouraged where and when effective, with particular focus on protecting vulnerable populations. Step 2 is expected to take place from about June 22 through August 16.

Step 3 is expected to begin on approximately Aug. 17. In this step, the campus will resume near-normal operations under social distancing protocols prescribed by the state. Remote work will still be encouraged for vulnerable populations.