COVID-19
CAMPUS UPDATES

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Loras College is committed to the safety and well-being of all students, faculty, staff and campus visitors. This website will be updated regularly with information regarding the College's preparation and response to COVID-19. We have adopted a state of proactive preparedness and are working closely with local, state and national health officials to monitor the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. We will continue to do our best to ensure the campus is safe and informed.

CAMPUS UPDATES

3/15/21 COVID-19 Update
Provost and Academic Dean, Donna N. Heald, Ph.D., encourages students to get vaccinated when available. She also recommends students be tested for Covid-19 before returning home for Easter and after returning to campus after Easter. Undergraduate classes will be fully online April 6-9 to allow the opportunity to be tested when you return to campus. Classes will resume again on April 12 in hybrid/in-person format.

 

3/12/21 COVID-19 Update
President Jim Collins (’84) announces Loras College will begin the 2021-22 academic year with in-person campus operations. This decision was made based on the understanding that the COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available throughout the summer months. While the College may still require mask wearing and social distancing under certain circumstances, the campus community has demonstrated strong compliance with the pandemic measures put into place during the current academic year. We are confident in the campus’ continued ability to navigate the pandemic’s challenges, especially since we are strongly encouraging our students and colleagues to be vaccinated upon availability. As new information becomes available and/or as the pandemic’s impact changes, Loras will modify its approach going forward as appropriate.

 

3/12/21 COVID-19 Update
Molly Burrows Schumacher, Assistant Dean of Students, provides a COVID-19 campus update including current alert status, upcoming testing opportunities, vaccine eligibility information and more.

March 12, 2021 COVID-19 Update

 

3/5/21 COVID-19 Update
This communication provides important information and updates for campus community members.

March 5, 2021 COVID-19 Update

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2/19/21 Update: Loras College plans to provide free COVID-19 testing on campus before break on March 31 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and following break on April 7, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the AWC. More information will be available to the campus community as we approach these dates.

February 19, 2021 COVID-19 Update

+- View Previous Communication & Campus Updates

2/5/21 We are pleased to announce we have only 1 new positive case and the number in quarantine/isolation are very low (18). We will continue to operate at ALERT GREEN (COVID Normal) status. Help us retain our GREEN alert status, please keep wearing your mask, washing your hands, and practice social distancing.

February 5, 2021 COVID-19 Update

 

1/29/21 COVID-19 Update
Campus COVID-19 update on isolation, quarantining, getting tested and more.

January 29, 2021 COVID-19 Update

 

1/4/21 COVID-19 Update
Loras is pleased to share that we currently have zero positive cases of COVID-19 on campus. Click below for a campus update including important information about the spring semester start, COVID testing options, and much more.

January 4, 2021 COVID-19 Update

 
Email us at marketing@loras.edu for details related to communication prior to January 1, 2021.
 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Loras welcomes prospective students and their families to visit campus in-person along with a variety of virtual visit options. Visitors are asked to call 563.588.7236 or visit loras.edu/visit to schedule an appointment. Please refrain from visiting if you are experiencing flu symptoms. When on campus, please plan to wear a protective face covering. All visits will be mindful of social distancing, with campus meeting CDC and Iowa Department of Health guidelines.

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Why does the 100% online option not cost less than the hybrid?
The coursework is the same whether a student is in class or online. A high-faculty to student ratio will continue to be the case. The expectation is for students to be engaged in their learning – including discussion, group work, and other activities at the scheduled class time with the instructor and other students. The cost of delivery does not change if in class or online.

 

While this approach is not our first choice, it is a better alternative than an independent, at-your-own- pace online program, with 100+ students enrolled in the courses.

If there is an outbreak and students are required to go online and leave campus, will there be a pro-rated refund on room, board, and meals?
If students are required to vacate campus housing, then students would receive a prorated refund on their unused housing and meal plans.  The prorated refunds would take into consideration financial aid and be calculated as follows: cost associated with the unused days in the housing and meal contracts multiplied by the percent of the total cost of attendance that the student/family pays to the college. Thus, a student’s refund is split between the college and the student based on the percent of overall costs each is contributing to the cost of attendance. For example:

Total cost of R/B for the semester $3137
Unused portion of R/B total $2000
   % of total costs paid through college    57%
   % of total costs paid by student/family    43%
R/B refund to student $860

The College took this approach in spring 2020 as it takes into account the fact that students’ aid packages are built around the total cost of attendance.

How can I submit a prayer request OR I would like to offer prayers for the Loras Community?
Loras continues to offer spiritual support and welcomes your prayer requests. To view intentions and offer your own, visit alumni.loras.edu/prayers. We also invite you to pray the Loras Prayer with us.  
Is the Loras College Campus Open?
Yes, classes are in session with a wide array of social distancing strategies implemented. Loras is open for on-campus visits in addition to our expanded virtual opportunities. Visit loras.edu/visit for more information.
Are my symptoms a cold, the flu, allergies or COVID-19?
The Loras College Health Center is available to assist and has put together a Symptoms Chart to help answer questions. As always, please contact the Health Center if you are unsure if you should get tested or quarantine.  View Symptoms Guidance Chart
Will Commencement be held?
If, for reasons beyond our control, we have to reschedule 2021 Commencement, seniors and their parents will be notified. We will ensure our Commencement information page loras.edu/commencement will be updated with the most recent information.
Where can I find the most up-to-date information on COVID-19?
Up-to-date information about COVID-19 can be found on the CDC’s website for the illness, and the Iowa Department of Public Health webpage. Campus updates will continue to be posted to this page.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Dealing With Anxiety

Whatever you are feeling is normal in an abnormal situation

Federal CARES Act

CARES Act Emergency Funding for Students

Campus Resources

Resources for students, faculty & staff - Loras network login required. 

What You Should Know

CDC: Reported US Cases of COVID-19

 

Anyone who feels ill, becomes sick or may be exposed to the coronavirus should consult with their advisor, supervisor or the Loras Health Center and self-isolate. We must do everything we can to keep our community as healthy as possible at this time.

Center for Disease Control & Prevention

There is an ongoing investigation to determine more about this outbreak. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available through the CDC.

HOW IT SPREADS

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person

SYMPTOMS

Reported symptoms have ranged from mild to severe.

WHAT TO DO IF I FEEL SICK

Stay home except to get medical care.

PREVENTION & TREATMENT

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

STIGMA & RESILIENCE

Be Respectful of others at all times.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common question and answers.

Loras College Health Center

474 Alumni Campus Center
1450 Alta Vista
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
563.588.7142