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 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 has reinstated all campus operations to include classroom delivery, co-curricular programming, residential living, and campus dining.

CAMPUS UPDATES

10/2/20 Campus Update
Loras has reinstated all campus operations to include campus visits, hybrid classroom delivery, co-curricular programming, residential living, and campus dining. All areas, however, have flexed to adopt CDC protocols, including requirements for mask wearing, social distancing and cleaning. Students, faculty and staff are receiving weekly email updates, the current campus COVID status is published on an internal portal.

 

8/23/20 Campus Communication from President Collins
Jim Collins welcomes new students, staff, and faculty to the 2020-2021 academic year and outlines our individual and collective commitments towards a safe and healthy semester.

08/23/2020 Campus Communication

8/11/20 Campus Update from President Collins
Jim Collins offers information on COVID-19 testing, intercollegiate athletics, mask mandate, personal protection equipment, dining services and more.

08/11/2020 Campus Update

8/6/20 IMPORTANT: Tuition Free Announcement
President Collins announces the 9th and 10th Semester Tuition Free Guarantee. Loras is offering a tuition free 9th and 10th semester to assist undergraduate students in completing their bachelor’s degree.

9th & 10th Semester Tuition Free Details

+- View Previous Communication & Campus Updates

7/28/20 Campus Update from President Collins

07/28/2020 Campus Update

7/14/20 Mid-Summer Campus Update from President Collins
Jim Collins offers a mid-summer campus update along with modified plans for Homecoming, Family Weekend and Commencement.

President's Mid-Summer Update

7/7/20 COVID-19
Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students, Art Sunleaf, communicates Daily Guidelines when returning to campus (outlining expectations around monitoring symptoms and temperature regularly; instructions on what to do if you become ill; expectations around the use of face coverings; guidelines for social distancing; and much more) along with Returning to Campus and Travel Guidelines (outlining steps to keep yourself safe while traveling during a pandemic and expectations for those traveling and returning to campus).

Daily Guidelines & Expectations
Travel Guidelines & Expectations

6/10/20 COVID-19
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: President Collins announces the Loras Flex plan for the 2020-2021 academic year, especially as it relates to navigating the implications of the ongoing pandemic.

June 10 Loras Flex Announcement

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

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, the fall semester is underway 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.
Will Commencement be held?
The Class of 2020 Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 9, 2020. If, for reasons beyond our control, we are unable to hold these events on October 9,  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