CORONAVIRUS
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 are aware of how quickly this illness has spread and take this potential threat seriously. We will continue to do our best to ensure the campus is safe and informed. Loras plans to re-open all campus operations to include classroom delivery, co-curricular programming, residential living, and campus dining this coming Fall 2020.  

Campus Updates

5/13/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

May 13 President's Update

4/30/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

April 30 President's Update

4/29/20 COVID-19
Communication Regarding CARES Act Funding for Students

CARES Act Funding for Students

4/20/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

April 20 President's Update

4/6/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

April 6 President's Update

3/30/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

March 30 President's Update

3/22/20 COVID-19
Campus Update from President Collins

March 22 President's Update

3/19/20 COVID-19 Campus Update

March 19 COVID-19 Campus Update

3/17/20 IMPORTANT CAMPUS UPDATE: In response to Gov. Kim Reynolds "Iowa public health disaster emergency" declaration all classes are cancelled effective at noon March 17 and will resume online as planned on March 24.

3/15/20 COVID-19 Important Campus Update

IMPORTANT CAMPUS CHANGES

3/13/20 Update on COVID-19 Regarding Spring Sports

American Rivers Conference COVID-19 Statement

3/12/20 Updated communication on CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) from President Jim Collins

Adjustments to Campus Activities and Travel

3/12/20  The following has been included in an email to all students currently studying aboard and parents and guardians:

Loras Suspends Spring Study Abroad Programs

3/10/20 The following statement was sent from President Jim Collins to the faculty, staff and students of Loras College:

President Address to Campus View Expanded Timeline

Frequently Asked Questions

Students began taking classes online as of March 24, and will continue online through the end of the spring semester.
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The Loras campus is currently staffed with essential employees only. All others are working from home, per Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds request. Classes continue online for students and will continue through the end of the semester.

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How is the campus preparing for Fall classes?
The campus will continue to heed and honor directives from federal and state governments along with the CDC and health professionals. In the weeks ahead, select faculty, staff, and administrators will continue to explore all potential safety and operational protocols to include: Offering alternate class schedules and sequencing of course days to minimize class size; reviewing campus housing, dining, and fitness center approaches; using personal protective equipment (PPE) and temperature checks, as appropriate; modifying visitor and facility access policies; reviewing guidelines regarding informal and formal gatherings; as much as possible, affording work remote options for faculty/staff whose health concerns may be compromised; as much as possible, providing options for students whose health or immune conditions are compromised; providing isolation or quarantine for those who may become infected with support from our campus and local health providers.

How can students apply for CARES Act funding?
The federal government recently passed legislation (CARES Act) to enable colleges and universities to support students who have experienced financial disruption caused by the global pandemic. In order to distribute these funds to students who have experienced the greatest financial impact, Loras College has established a process for eligible students to apply for funds. Please note that the federal government has determined both the amount of funds Loras College will receive and student eligibility for funds. According to federal guidelines, only students who are eligible to complete a FAFSA may receive these stimulus funds.
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Eligible students may complete the application by following the linked button below. The application process will be open through May 15th. Awards will range from $100 to $1,000 and we anticipate that there will be greater need than we have funds to cover. We will strive to assist the largest number of students possible. All applications will be reviewed beginning May 16th and funds will be awarded by June 30th. Visit our CARES Act page for more information.

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Loras CARES Act Application.

What is #LorasTOGETHER?
#LorasTOGETHER was created to unify and provide support for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. At the request of students, we have created attire with this branding to help with the needs of area health care providers. You may access the online store at https://shop.envisiontees.com/loras-together/shop/home.
Loras impact in the Dubuque Community.
Loras’ Engineering/Mathematics faculty are using our unique 3D printer and equipment to develop health care provider shields/masks. Loras, Clarke and UD presidents are working with the CEO’s of Unity Point/Finley and Mercy One to provide area health care providers with overnight accommodations as their professions prepare for an APEX overflow of COVID-19 patients.
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?
At this point, the campus is staffed with essential employees only. All others are working from home, per Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds request. Classes continue online for students and will continue through the end of the semester.
Will Loras be open this summer?
Since numerous states have yet to reach their peak cases to include Iowa, Loras regretfully plans to cancel all summer campus operations through the end of July – camps, housing, and events. We are doing so in an effort to proceed with the utmost caution, care and safety for all. Further, we will continue to honor and fulfill health professional guidelines.
What is the impact on room and board?
Loras is issuing pro-rated refunds/credits to students who were in campus owned housing and/or on a meal plan. Information will be sent to these respective students.
Are Loras sponsored events cancelled?
Yes. Currently no events are being held on campus until further notice. Going forward we will continue to follow the CDC guidelines to keep everyone safe.
Will Commencement be held?
The Class of 2020 graduation ceremony and accompanying events will be held in conjunction with Loras’ Homecoming. The senior dinner will be held on Thursday, October 8. The Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Ceremony will be held on Friday, October 9. If, for reasons beyond our control, we can’t hold these events in October, the alternate dates of December 5 and 6, 2020 have been selected. Learn more at loras.edu/commencement 
Is Loras offering any counseling services?
Each year our counseling center at Loras assists 10-13% of the student population. Now that students are off campus our staff is offering telehealth services online. Please contact tricia.borelli@loras.edu with any questions.
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.

PREVIOUS FAQ
If I live in campus housing, do I need to move out?
Students living on campus or in campus owned housing may continue to do so until no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. Students on the meal plan may access dining venues until no later than 5 p.m., Friday, March 20. All students must leave campus or campus-owned housing with all their belongs by no later than 5 p.m. Friday, March 20.

What if I have circumstances that prevent me from leaving campus by March 20?
If students have extenuating circumstances that will require them to continue to stay on campus past March 20, they may complete a form available from the Residence Life Office, requesting to remain.
If I receive permission to remain on campus, what residential living and campus dining options are available? All residential and campus dining facilities are in the process of being cleaned. We will then lock down these facilities for the rest of the semester. Students who have extenuating circumstances remain living in one of our residential facilities and are receiving meals through our grab and go service.
Can students who remain on campus travel during spring break
No.
Have there been any cases of COVID-19 diagnosed on campus?
No, however cases have been diagnosed in the State of Iowa and in Dubuque County. We continue to monitor the situation.
Do I need to turn in my loft bed this week?
Yes. Residence Life staff alerted students to a designated drop site in their hall where they should have returned their loft bed.

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

Loras Campus resources for students, families, faculty & staff

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