MSU Extension

The following guidelines are current as of March 8, 2022 and are subject to change. Please check back often. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to shift and change, Michigan State University issued new guidance for the broader MSU community on March 3. These changes impact attendees of MSU Extension programs occurring on and off MSU property. Effective immediately: 

• Masks are no longer required at MSU Extension or Michigan 4-H programs, events, offices or meeting rooms. 

Volunteer Information

Before engaging in any MSU Extension activity, it is imperative that volunteers have an Active Gold or Active Silver status within Volunteer Central, be activated in 4-H Online (if applicable), and not be listed as "on leave.” Those on leave must contact their volunteer manager or program coordinator for further instructions before participating in MSU Extension events or activities as a volunteer. The Communicating Through Conflict training module is no longer required of volunteers wishing to engage face-to-face.

The health and wellbeing of MSU Extension participants, volunteers, professionals and their families remains of utmost importance. Continue to keep a record of attendance with contact information for each in-person engagement, via meeting minutes, registration, attendance logs or other methods. Volunteers and youth are also reminded about additional best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:  

• Posting signage about indoor mask requirements (when applicable)
• Meeting outside when possible
• Keeping participant numbers below maximum capacity to allow for social distancing
• Offering hand sanitizer at touch points
• Frequently sanitizing surfaces

Flexibility continues to be key and groups should continue to provide options (including virtual) for participation to ensure all participants can remain involved given their individual circumstances.

As always, MSU Extension expectations regarding programming and events will remain fluid based on ongoing changes to this guidance. In the coming weeks, local program staff may also offer additional guidance and recommendations for in-person programming, as necessary to meet local needs and issues. Please stay tuned for this helpful information and communicate any questions or concerns directly with your local professional. 

In-Person Meeting Best Practices 

As volunteers begin to re-engage in face-to-face experiences, MSU Extension would like to remind individuals of these helpful best practices to optimize meetings and events:

• Tips for running a successful 4-H meeting
• Tips for successful hybrid 4-H meetings
• Suggestions for the year’s first meeting
• Why taking attendance is an important best practice
• So You’re an Officer in Your 4-H Club
• Safe sanitizing and disinfecting
• Serving food safely
• Tips for safe potlucks
• Keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot
• Food safety always matters
• Food safety training
• Cooking for Crowds (workshop for nonprofit groups that prepare food for fundraisers or handle foods in group settings)

Overnight Guidance

MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H will host overnight events in 2022 that follow specific COVID-19 protocols and guidelines. Guidelines include both processes and considerations for planning and organizing the event, as well as expectations for attendees. Protocols are NOT optional for any youth and adults attending the event. Any individual who does not follow protocols will be sent home immediately at their own expense. After reviewing the protocols and guidelines, if a participant is not comfortable, or refuses to adhere to such, they should reconsider their participation in the event.

Guidance on State-to-state, National and International In-Person Experiences

As MSU Extension and Michigan 4-H hosts, sponsors or participates in state-to-state, national and international experiences with partners, participants must adhere to guidelines and expectations as requested by those partners.

Questions? 

Contact your volunteer manager or local program coordinator.