COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update

COVID-19 is the name that has been given to the illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus.

There is a lot each of us can do to control the spread of this virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that we frequently wash our hands the right way and also do these other things to stop the spread of the new coronavirus and other viruses: Avoid close contact with people who are sick; cover your cough/sneeze, ideally with a tissue (throw the tissue away and wash hands); avoid touching your face; clean/disinfect surfaces regularly; stay home when you are sick; and seek medical advice if you are seriously ill.

Illness related to COVID-19 is often in the form of mild symptoms, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath; however, some patients, particularly those who suffer from other serious health conditions, have suffered from a more severe form of the COVID-19 illness. Symptoms develop 2-14 days following exposure to the coronavirus. The CDC recommends that any student or employee experiencing acute respiratory illness to include the symptom above, or those who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, should call the appropriate medical care provider in their area, not go to class or work, and limit their contact with others. Please call your medical provider before going to see them to avoid unnecessarily exposing others. It is also suggested that you contact the University at the contact information listed under the “If You have Symptoms” section earlier on this page.

Upper Iowa did receive funds from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF). Information about funds received and how they were used can be found here.

UIU will continue to consider guidance and directives from national, state and local public health agencies as decisions are made regarding Session One instruction. Currently, UIU is planning to offer face-to-face instruction during Session One at Fayette Campus, all Iowa locations, and UIU centers in Alexandria, Fort Sill, Fort Riley, Milwaukee and Rockford. All other locations are currently planning for online learning during Session One.

A reminder for students enrolled in distance education programs that UIU provides a number of resources to help you achieve success. UIU has provided online education for over 20 years and distance education for nearly 50 years. We are here to help our students succeed!

Resources for online classes.

uiuLearn demonstrtion to navigate online learning (YouTube)

UIU has developed plans to resume face-to-face learning in a safe environment. The precautions being taken extend to residence life, dining services and all other aspects important to the overall student experience. Working in conjunction with public health agencies, UIU will continue to modify and adapt our plans as needed in response to issues related to COVID-19.

Given the complexity involved with ensuring the health and safety of our UIU community at Fayette Campus, UIU’s only residential campus, you are encouraged to view the UIU Care Plan.

The Iowa Department of Public Health has advised against mass testing. UIU decided against requiring a student to provide a negative test upon arrival to Fayette due to the lack of testing availability in some regions. However, free testing is available in Fayette at Scott’s Pharmacy and students who develop symptoms or have exposure to someone who is symptomatic will be encouraged to test.

Move-in will be August 28-29. This includes student-athletes, with the possible exception of men’s soccer. Please see the move-in schedule below.

In an effort to reduce the density of students and their families in the residence halls during move-in, we are providing a specific date/time to move-in for each student. The charts below show move-in times for all students. Students will need to know their room assignment/number that was emailed to them. If a student doesn’t know their room number, they can contact Student Life at (563) 425-5215 or email: [email protected] to obtain this information.

All students must adhere to their designated move-in date and time!

Each student is allowed to have two guests to assist with moving in. You are allotted one hour to move in, so please pack accordingly to this time limit. Guests can remain in the residence hall within the hour of check-in. These move-in times will afford students the ability to meet social distancing expectations and ensure we do not overload any particular community with additional residents or guests.

Students will receive one UIU-logo mask and are encouraged to also bring their own. Faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus are currently required to wear a mask or personal face covering when in group settings or when distancing is not possible, including during the moving in to the residence halls. Distancing of six feet is encouraged when possible.

If you have questions, please contact us at (563) 425-5215 or email: [email protected].

Removal of chairs and desks and rearranging of tables from group configurations into rows will maintain distancing in classrooms. Plexiglass barriers and/or markings with tape of CDC-recommended distance will be used by professors and instructors. Plexiglass or vinyl barriers will be constructed between lab spaces. Staggered dismissal will be utilized. Doors into classroom buildings will be specifically marked as either entrances or exits. Taping and directional signage will guide students’ and staff members’ movements through hallways. All individuals will be required to wear face coverings.

UIU’s dining services are provided by Aramark, a large dining services provider that serves hundreds of universities and hospitals across the country. Aramark has an extensive plan of action to ensure guests and staff remain safe during a pandemic event. Aramark will collaborate with UIU to modify and adapt its plan as needed to ensure continued focus on student and staff health and safety as well as quality of the product provided. Some examples include modified dining hours to ensure all high touch areas are sanitized between services, daily temperature and health verification of Aramark staff, increased sanitation of high touch areas, and the elimination of self-serve buffet options.

NCAA Division II made the decision to cancel all fall sport championships in early August. Subsequently, the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference both decided to cancel all competition until January 1, 2021. Student-athletes for fall sports will still participate in practice and team activities. Questions can be directed to the UIU Athletic Department.

UIU Athletics has an extensive and detailed plan that will be enacted to keep our athletes safe during their daily workouts, practices, and team activities. Every possible precaution will be taken to ensure the safety of our student-athletes including; initial screening and detailed physical exams; daily monitoring; careful and detailed practice protocols; disinfecting of all areas on a regular basis; modifications of travel; careful monitoring of meals, meetings, and all other areas that are impacted in regard to athletic competition.

Students will receive one UIU logoed mask and are encouraged to also bring their own. Faculty, staff, students and visitors to campus are currently required to wear a mask or personal face covering when in group settings or when distancing is not possible. Distancing of six feet is encouraged when possible.

The facilities team will be increasing and disinfecting cleaning schedules for high touch points in common and public areas (classrooms, restrooms, lounge areas, etc). Every building will have a custodian assigned, either on day or night shift. Furniture in common places will be removed to ensure appropriate social distancing in these areas.

Currently, testing is not required to for Fayette Campus students. Scott Pharmacy in Fayette is participating in a drive-thru testing system in partnership with public health agencies.

Any individual testing positive will be required to self-isolate until they meet the following requirements:

• At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND
• At least 24 hours with no fever without fever-reducing medication AND
• Symptoms have improved.

Local or state public health officials will conduct contact tracing to identify any other individuals who may have been exposed. Areas on campus have been identified to isolate students who test positive for COVID-19 and additional areas will be used to quarantine those who may have been exposed. Student Life will work directly with the student to ensure that their physical and emotional needs are being met, to include meal delivery. Since all classes will have the ability to be presented virtually, the student will in most cases be able to continue their academic schedule.

Because of privacy laws, details about students or employees who test positive for COVID-19 will not be released. However, local or state public health officials may contact students or employees as part of their efforts to conduct contact tracing.

A number of companies are offering promotions to students and others to help people through this challenging time. Of few of those are listed below. Others may be added as they are brought to our attention. You are also advised to check with your current cell phone and/or internet company to determine if they are offering any promotions for existing customers.

• Families with limited incomes can apply for $5 to $10 per month internet access through AT&T Access
• Cox Connect2Compete
• CenturyLink Lifeline
• Charter Communication will offer free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a subscription.

Students are advised to maintain communication with the faculty members instructing your courses and not to wait until last moment to turn in an assignment.

Online Tutoring

There are two options for tutoring: NetTutor and Zoom tutoring.

Online Writing Assistance

Visit the Writing Center website to learn more about how to get help with writing assignments.

Disability Services questions and assistance

uiuLearn demonstration to navigate online learning (YouTube)

Other resources for online classes

If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to your academic advisor.

Vital Source is offering some of their books at no charge right now. Cengage is offering free access to all of their digital platforms and 14,000 ebooks through Cengage Unlimited for the remainder of the semester.

The Student Center Servery has been reconfigured to eliminate all cafeteria-style food service stations and arranged to assist with distancing and a limited number of seats per table. Students can eat in the dining area or food will be available for takeout. Individually wrapped items will be available in the Café. Students will be required to wear a face covering when they move about the Servery and dining hall. All staff have been trained and will follow diligently CDC protocols on infection prevention, including physical distancing, hand washing, avoiding touching the face, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and temperature checks prior to every shift. All staff will wear appropriate personal protective equipment at all times.

The student activities schedule has been significantly modified. Stay up-to-date at What’s Happenin’ UIU. Any questions call Student Life at 563-425-5215.

Based on the guidance of local health officials, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UIU developed a comprehensive reopening plan and Covid-19 guidance that prioritizes the safety and well-being of Rec Center members, staff, and the entire Upper Iowa community.

The UIU Rec Center reopened Monday, June 1.

• Monday-Thursday: 6:00 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 3:30 – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday: 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.; 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Sunday: CLOSED
• NOTE: As an added precaution, the UIU Rec Center will be closed for sanitizing and cleaning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 ¬– 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on Friday.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

• All members will be asked to wash hands or utilize hand sanitizer immediately upon entry.
• Access will be limited to current UIU Rec Center members only. Guest passes/day passes will not be available.
• Social distancing of at least 6 feet will be implemented and maintained by members and staff.
• Members are encouraged to wear face masks, especially when entering/exiting the facility.
• If you are not feeling well or think you have been exposed to somebody with Covid-19, please stay home and follow CDC/IDPH guidelines before returning to the UIU Rec Center.
• Members must scan in using their UIU ID or membership card to limit contact between members and staff.
• Members should bring their own filled water bottle. The drinking fountains and water bottle filling station will not be available for patron use.
• The locker rooms will remain closed until further notice.
  • If you left items in the locker rooms prior to the pandemic, you will be able to access those items, but you will not be able to use the locker room for other purposes.
• Single bathrooms will be available for member use.
• The upstairs group fitness room will remain closed until further notice.
• All equipment must be cleaned by the member BEFORE and AFTER use.
• Members must bring in their own basketballs, volleyballs, etc.
• All cardio equipment has been moved to court 1 in the gymnasium.
• Room capacities:
  • Free Weight Room: 6 individuals
  • Upstairs Track: 8 individuals
  • Basketball Courts: 3 per hoop
• Staff members are strongly encouraged to wear face masks during their shift.
• Rec Center staff will clean and sanitize the entrance, front desk area, and contact points frequently.
• Guidance from the IDPH and CDC is ever-changing, and we ask for your flexibility as guidelines, room capacity, etc., may change quickly and without notice.

If you are a student and are feeling overwhelmed, we invite you to call Counseling Services at 563-425-5786.

Free counseling and assistance are also available through COVID Recovery Iowa to those in Iowa affected by COVID-19.

Employees may utilize the EmployeeConnect employee assistance program by calling 888-628-4824 or visiting www.GuidanceResources.com. Login credentials and more details about the employee assistance program can be found in this document on myUIU (must login to myUIU to view document).

The following, also provided earlier on this page, are great resources for credible information that many colleges and universities, including UIU, are utilizing in their planning and decision making.