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#PeacockStrong is more than just a hashtag; it’s a movement, value and culture. To be #PeacockStrong is to have the strength and tenacity to do what’s best for all, even when it may be uncomfortable or inconvenient. As a member of the UIU family it’s up to all of us to protect not only ourselves, but also our fellow students, faculty, staff, friends and family. Health and safety guidelines have been put in place not to restrict your experience at UIU, but to make sure it remains possible.

UIU’s COVID Planning Team continues to monitor COVID-19 and receive regular guidance from public health officials. Your health safety are our top priority.

CARE Team

A member of the UIU Care Team ([email protected]) is assigned to students in quarantine and isolation to provide them with support and assistance. That individual will be the student’s go-to contact for any questions or concerns. Review UIU’s Care Plan for more details.

Prevention

Face Coverings

If you are fully vaccinated, masks are optional; it’s your choice. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are asked to wear a mask when indoors or in group settings. This guidance is in place at all UIU locations except where otherwise directed by federal, state, local, tribal or territorial laws.

Other Precautions

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 away the tissue and wash hands.
  • Avoid touching your face.
  • Clean/disinfect surfaces regularly.
  • Stay home when you are sick; seek medical advice if you are seriously ill.

Symptoms

Students are expected to self-screen daily. Any student who has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or is experiencing any unexplained symptoms should email [email protected].

People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms — from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with the following symptoms may have COVID-19:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

Some patients, particularly those who suffer from other serious health conditions or have compromised immune systems, have suffered from a more severe form of COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these or other concerning symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Bluish lips or face

If you are advised to be tested for the coronavirus, please stay home until results are known. If positive, an investigator associated with the Department of Public Health will reach out to you to help identify all people with whom you have had close contact during the period when you would have been contagious. Contact tracers will then contact those individuals; your privacy is protected, as contact tracers will not know your name.

If your test is negative, follow health care provider advice regarding return to University activities.

Questions? Contact the Care Team at [email protected].

Official University Communications

2020

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COVID-19?

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

How do I protect myself from COVID-19?

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.

Did Upper Iowa receive Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) and if so, how were they used?

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.

Is UIU canceling classes or moving them online?

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 all locations except for locations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, DeRidder, and Fort Polk, LA. These locations will have alternative learning options.

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)

What is UIU doing to ensure safety of students?

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.

How will UIU dining facilities operate safely?

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.

  • All Student Center Servery food will be available for takeout, but guests may still eat in the dining hall. Individually wrapped items will be available at the Café.
  • Face coverings are highly recommended while moving about the dining hall.
  • You are encouraged to avoid the “rush” and the crowding it creates.
  • All staff will follow CDC and Fayette County Public Health guidelines regarding the wearing of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • All staff will be trained in and required to diligently follow CDC protocols on infection prevention, including physical distancing, hand washing, avoiding touching the face, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and temp checks prior to every shift.
  • Students should not move tables and will be expected to follow distancing guidelines as
    practical.
  • Dining services policies will be continuously monitored.

What is UIU doing to keep student-athletes safe and healthy?

UIU Athletics has an extensive and detailed plan 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. Athletes are advised to speak tp their coach or athletic administrators if they have questions.

What additional cleaning is being done on campus?

Facilities is disinfecting high touch points in common and public areas.

What happens if a student tests positive for COVID-19 or is exposed to COVID-19?

Fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed are not required to quarantine but should take care to wear a mask, social distance and closely monitor symptoms for 14 days, or until they receive a negative test. If a fully vaccinated individual contracts COVID-19, they are required to isolate for 10 days, or longer if symptoms persist.

Unvaccinated students who have been identified through contact tracing to have potentially been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 will move to quarantined floors at the direction of the UIU Care Team. Symptomatic vaccinated students may be asked to quarantine to help stop the spread of sickness.

Will the campus community be notified if there is a positive case of COVID-19 on campus?

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.

Where can I find online tutoring, writing help, and other assistance?

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.

I am feeling overwhelmed by all of this. Where can I go for help?

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

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).

vax-to-school

COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge

Upper Iowa University has accepted the COVID-19 College Vaccine Challenge. The initiative, created by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education, invites colleges and universities across the country to join together in the fight to end the pandemic.