March 16, 2020 — COVID-19 Message to Students

From: Glena G Temple
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 5:48 PM
Subject: COVID-19 Update from Viterbo University

Students,

Thank you for your patience as we respond to this national situation.  We know that there are a number of questions and issues that continue to surface.  The Viterbo COVID-19 Response Team is meeting regularly and making recommendations to the cabinet and the president.  This communication is meant to provide you with updates to information regarding the situation and will be posted on the Viterbo web page .

As of this afternoon there are no active cases in La Crosse County.  Our partners at the La Crosse County Health Department are providing us with regular updates and assistance as we move forward.

Classes/Academics

The faculty have been meeting and working to prepare courses for online instruction beginning next week for traditional classes.  Shortened term (adult learning, previously scheduled) online classes are already underway as of today.  The situation continues to change and an area we are actively working on is to evaluate and modify (as necessary) clinicals/field/student teaching/internships. As we implement changes, we are looking at both the safety of our students as well as virtual possibilities to meet the learning outcomes. Look for communications from your Dean and faculty as the situation changes.

Virtual tutoring in the Academic Resource Center (The ARC) will be up and running by the end of the week.  They will be utilizing Microsoft Teams which is on Office 365 (O 365). You already have access to this when you log on for email. Further information will be communicated about this soon. Writing and math specialists are currently accepting virtual appointments.  Virtual directions can be found on the ARC web page. 

The library staff reminds all students that all resources are available online.  The library will remain open with adjusted hours.  Check the hours posted on the library web page.

Students completing no-credit internships or job shadows (after March 16, 2020) are asked to email Alyssa Gostonczik with their internship/job shadow site name and supervisor contact information before moving forward. 

Housing

While Viterbo’s residential facilities are largely closed during this period of online instruction, the university is providing housing for on-campus residents who are not able to leave campus for a variety of reasons. Residential students who are returning home who need items rom your campus residence, student IDs will remain active until March 20 at 4 p.m. so students can briefly stop by to retrieve essential items (course materials, medications, personal belongings, etc.).  For safety and security reasons, student IDs will be turned off after that point for anyone not approved to remain on campus.

The Student Life office remains open, so don’t hesitate to stop by or contact them at 608-796-3844 if you have questions, would like to pick up a package (during business hours) or need assistance. Please know that the Student Life staff is here to support you. 

Building Access

Public access to campus buildings (except the Jackson Street entrance to the Reinhart Center) will be restricted beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. Viterbo ID cards will be required to enter campus buildings. Any student with questions about their Viterbo ID card should visit the campus physical plant building or contact Dawn Popp at dmpopp@viterbo.edu. A flyer listing building occupants and phone extension numbers will be posted at building entrances for visitors.A flyer listing building occupants and phone extension numbers will be posted at building entrances for visitors.

Athletics

The NAIA has cancelled the spring 2020 sports season.

Travel

Viterbo sponsored international travel has been cancelled through May 31. Avoiding all travel, including personal travel, is recommended, and non essential university travel is not allowed.

The university has been following the CDC, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), and La Crosse County Health Department to monitor the guidance on domestic travel. Though there are areas within the U.S. where there is “community transmission” of COVID-19, the CDC has not issued recommendations related to travel within the U.S. In the absence of such guidance and with the goal of delaying the onset of community transmission of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, DHS recommends the following domestic travel-related measures:

  • DHS recommends against all nonessential travel to any U.S. state where the CDC deems there is “community transmission” of COVID-19. Current locations of concern are Washington, New York, and California.
    More information can be found at: 
    CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S. webpage.
  • For all travelers returning to Wisconsin from U.S. states where the CDC has determined that community transmission is occurring, DHS recommends that those individuals self-quarantine at home for 14 days and monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 (including fever and cough). 
  • If you have been approved to remain on campus, and have travelled to one of the concern areas, please notify Student Life for assistance during your quarantine period.
  • See the La Crosse County Health Department Travel Information Flyer and News Release  for more information.

I know this situation is causing a lot of anxiety for our community as we adjust to an online environment.  Please reach out with questions or concerns to your faculty or numerous offices on campus who can assist you.  

I will continue to reach out with information as the situation changes.

Thank you,
Glena