President Steve Bahls and other college officials brief campus on COVID guidelines Sept. 14.
Students asked to stay on campus as much as possible until Sept. 28
(Complete list of new requirements)
Student are asked to stay on campus, as much as possible, until Sept. 28.
Students can go to restaurants and other public venues only where there are outdoor spaces (and only use those outdoor spaces), while at the same time following the college’s masking and physical-distancing requirements.
The college has added a restriction on students going to The District of downtown Rock Island, because bars there have not shared plans to adequately address the spread of COVID-19.
Students living on campus may leave to visit family but should not visit domestic hot spots or violate other Augustana COVID-response efforts. This means to continue physical distancing, masking, and complying with the Illinois size gathering limit of 50 (whether in Illinois or other states).
Limit on student gatherings
Student gatherings not sponsored or approved by the college — whether on or off campus — will be limited to 10 people or fewer.
The restriction applies to gatherings with friends, fellow students and families. All gatherings will require physical distancing and masks.
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The college is operating under the COVID-19 mitigation plans of the Augustana Strong Task Force.
The college will operate under one of four alert levels:
Level 1 Low Alert/New Normal
Level 2 Moderate Alert
Level 3 High Alert
Level 4 Very High Alert
Movement between these alert levels will be guided by the a number of factors, including the positivity rate on campus and in Rock Island County. Currently, the college is operating at Level 2. (See Augustana College COVID Alert Levels)
Augustana's COVID-19 Testing Dashboard will be updated every Monday.
• Students, faculty and staff are asked to check their email for updates from the college. Official updates will come from covid19info@augustana.edu.
• In addition to seeking medical advice, students who have COVID symptoms, or test positive for COVID-19, or learn that they have been exposed to someone who tested positive, should immediately contact Augustana Public Safety. Call 309-794-7711.
Kirby Stockwell '17, social media and public relations specialist, gives a tour of campus with COVID-19 protocols in mind.
See a complete list of COVID-19 informational videos.
COVID Handbook and Informational Guide
The COVID Ready Response Handbook and Informational Guide contains detailed information about living on campus, COVID testing, student activities, and more.
Student activities and organizations, Greek Life and culture houses
Guidance for students for fall 2020: Being on campus
Face coverings: Policy and expectations
Testing
Voluntary surveillance testing will continue throughout the fall semester.
Make a virtual appointment
Virtual appointments now are available at many campus offices. When possible, students and families should use this service instead of going into offices in person.
COVID-19 related new policies and policy changes
Academics
The academic calendar has been revised. Students now have the option not to return to campus after Thanksgiving.
Classes will be held on Labor Day, Sept. 7.
The college will hold classes the day before Thanksgiving, Nov. 25.
The week after Thanksgiving (Nov. 30-Dec. 4) will be a study week for students in semester-long courses.
All classes will meet online only the week after Thanksgiving. Finals (Dec. 7-11) can be completed from a distance.
Residential Life and Dining Services
Information from Residential Life
Isolation and quarantine policy
Information for visitors
• Masks are required in all common areas of campus.
• All visitors and employees on campus are required to participate in a daily screening. Visit the Office of Public Safety in Sorensen Hall for an in-person screening, unless otherwise directed.
• Outside visitors will not be allowed in residence halls during the fall semester.
Notification
The college will not automatically send a campus notice if a student or employee is diagnosed with COVID-19.
Augustana will provide information as required by legal and health authorities, and will work closely with the Rock Island County Health Department.