We will continue to add additional questions to this page as they are developed.
- Offices/departments should update their individual websites about adapted hours/services/mechanisms for continued support.
- Employees with policy, HR or testing related questions should refer to the Human Resource FAQ regarding the virus that causes COVID-19.
Sections listed below
- Returning to Campus
- Academics
- Off Campus Programs
- On Campus Housing and Dining
- On Campus Experience
- Testing, Quarantine and Isolation
- Commuter Students
- Off Campus Support for Students
- Career Services, Centers and The Gold Commitment
- Financial Services and Student Employment
- Cleaning and Disinfection Practices
- Events and Athletics
- Guests
- Juniors/Seniors
- International Students
COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Returning to Campus
Does DePauw have on-campus courses?
Yes. Because many classes will need to accommodate both on-campus and remote learners, some classes will be taught remotely even for on-campus learners and some classes will provide a mix of face-to-face instruction and online instruction. Instructional delivery techniques may change as a result of evolving conditions.
Could all students be asked to leave campus?
Our strong desire is to not depopulate campus and with the health and safety requirements and recommendations in place along with having fewer students residing on campus and in single rooms, that we hope we will not need to do so. We will continue to make decisions that prioritizes the health and safety of students and employees and adjust as needed, including the possibility of depopulating the campus.
What are the considerations for the university to move to fully remote courses?
The health and safety of students and employees is a priority. We will monitor the spread of COVID-19 within Putnam County, the ability to effectively test all people with symptoms, the capacity of regional hospitals to treat all patients, the ability to effectively contact trace COVID-19 spread on-campus, and the number of students in quarantine and isolation housing. We will make adjustments to courses and on-campus living accordingly.
Will Winter Term continue as normal?
We have suspended all Winter Term 2021 courses with a travel component. In addition, instead of offering on-campus Winter Term 2021 courses, we will offer Winter Term courses via remote instruction. More information was provided regarding course offerings during the fall term.
Academics
What is the academic calendar for the spring term?
All classes will begin February 2 beginning with remote format for four weeks. Classes will continue in multiple formats beginning March 1, to include mixed, face-to-face and remote options. The term will finish on a normal schedule. There will not be a traditional spring break, but we will structure 5 days throughout the semester as days off from courses at regular intervals. DePauw Dialogue will occur as a virtual event on February 24. The full academic calendar can be found here.
How do grades work this spring? In particular, what are the options for enrolling in courses on a Pass/D/Fail basis?
For the spring 2021 term, each student may request to designate up to two courses to be graded as Pass/D/Fail through 4:30 pm ET on April 9, 2021. Requests may be made by students from any class year and all requests received by the deadline will be honored.
During spring 2021, courses taken Pass/D/Fail (assuming they are not failed) will count toward all University requirements including major requirements, minor requirements and general education requirements. Courses taken Pass/D/Fail do not count toward a student's GPA. Courses taken Pass/D/Fail during the spring 2021 will not count toward the usual limit on the number of pass/fail enrollments each student is permitted during their DePauw career. Students should consult with their advisors before requesting that a course be converted to Pass/D/Fail.
More information and additional questions regarding this policy can be found here.
What training have professors received?
We conducted faculty development sessions multiple times per week throughout the summer. These sessions have covered topics ranging from using specific technologies to instructional approaches for teaching remote courses and mixed courses to building community and engaging students in a remote learning environment. Faculty have had ample time to plan for remote and mixed instructional contingencies.
The cornerstone of our academic model is that students and faculty mutually engage in the process. DePauw’s faculty are committed to connecting with students in and out of the classroom. Office hours, class discussions, and one on one private meetings are what makes the DePauw experience special. It does not matter how these connections occur, but we all grow when they do. As faculty offer these opportunities and work to create welcoming environments, we call on students to step through these virtual and physical doors.
As is always the case, DePauw classes will be small, even if they are delivered online. Small class sizes means that faculty can answer individual questions and provide feedback on submitted work. DePauw classes also count for major requirements, minor requirements and general education requirements. In addition, in departments that offer multi-course sequences, taking a course at DePauw helps assure you will be prepared for the courses that follow.
How can I learn more about the instructional modes of specific courses?
The instructional mode of all classes can be identified online on the Schedule of Classes (SOC).
Who should I contact if I have questions about my schedule of classes?
Send an email to Registrarsoffice@depauw.edu or call 765-658-4141.
What do I do if I have technology needs for remote learning?
Students who are classified as “remote” during spring 2021 will receive a $500 technology grant if they did not receive such a grant in fall 2020. We hope students will use this grant for technology for remote learning.
In addition, there is a student hardware and computer loan program that Information Services Offers. For more information contact Drew Parrish at drewparrish@depauw.edu
Off Campus Programs
What is the status of off campus programs?
An update was provided to those impacted students in late October. The International Risk Assessment Committee has continued to meet regularly regarding off-campus study and made several recommendations which have been approved by the Vice President for Academic Affairs, appropriate faculty governance committees and the cabinet. DePauw has decided to suspend spring 2021 international off-campus study programs due to Covid-19.
Students have been informed of options to defer to a future semester, consider enrolling in one of many U.S. based off-campus programs still accepting applications such as the New York Arts Program, The Philadelphia Center, The Washington Center, HECUA Study USA, The Washington Media Institute, or the University of Hawaii-Manoa. Students can also pursue an independently designed international virtual internship. Questions about all of these options can be directed to the Hubbard Center by emailing hubbard@depauw.edu.
Decisions about off-campus May Term courses and summer off-campus programs will be made later this semester.
Those affected students who are not able to defer to a future semester will be reminded of the many courses offered at DePauw that focus on global and intercultural learning as they consider which classes to take this coming spring term.
On Campus Housing and Dining
If, according to the move in schedule, I move in earlier or later than others, do I pay more/less?
No. DePauw has always had students move in at various times and been accommodating to student move in needs. If we were to prorate room and board for students based on move in dates, this may result in repackaging of some student financial aid, which could result in aid decrease. Based on changes to the academic calendar, the overall number of housing days and meal days is similar to a "normal" term.
Can I have a guest in my residence hall?
Students should not be in residences that are not their own. The University is working to identify and establish living room spaces in University buildings where students can gather casually in small groups.
How do current dining services operate?
Hoover Hall is currently open for carry-out for students, faculty and staff. Additionally, Hoover is open for limited seating blocks during certain meals for students only at a limited capacity.
House corporations will determine operations for meal services within chapter facilities. House Corporations were asked to create plans for enhanced meal safety operations for operation.
Where/when should I plan to eat?
The University is encouraging students to eat in Hoover Hall or outside when available with a small, consistent social bubble or alone in their rooms. There are limited seating times available for some meals in Hoover Hall for students only. Wallace-Stewart is open for carry-out only. Cafe Allegro, Blend, and Cafe Roy are currently closed. Please note that the below options refer to typical offerings. Other options may be required or provided due to COVID-19 on-campus planning
MONDAY-FRIDAY
Hoover Hall
- Breakfast: 7:00am-10:00am
- Lunch: 11:00am-2:00pm (Hours for Corresponding Course Times listed below)
- Dinner: 5:00pm-8:00pm
C-Store
- 9:00am-11:00pm (Later Night Service provided as "Grab and Go")
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY Lunch Times
- If class at 12:25, carry out from 11:30–12:10 pm
- If class at 11:40, carry out from 12:50–1:30 pm
- All other students can carry out from 12:10–12:50 pm
TUESDAY and THURSDAY Lunch Times
- If class at 12:40, carry out from 11:40–12:30 pm
- If class at 11:40, carry out from 1:20–2:10 pm
- All other students can carry out from 12:30–1:20 pm
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Hoover Hall
- Breakfast: 9:00am-11:00am
- Brunch: 11:00am-2:00pm
- Dinner: 5:00pm-8:00pm
C-Store
- 2:00pm-11:00pm (Late Night Service provided as "Grab and Go")
What will my meal plan be?
2021 Spring meal plans will begin on Sunday, January 31st at dinner.
- All students living in DePauw-owned housing will be defaulted to the Traditional ResHall meal plan (18 swipes/week with $200 DPU Flex dollars and $50 Community dollars).
- Students living in Rector Village and UOAH will have the option to select the NonTrad ResHall meal plan (12swipes/week with $200 DPU Flex dollars and $50 Community dollars).
- Students that live in Greek Housing or who are commuting will have the option to purchase either plan but it is not required.
- The Meal Plan Change Request form will become available to students before the end of the week of January 4, 2021.
Can I bring a guest with me to grab a meal at Hoover Hall?
Only students with an active meal plan who are approved to be on campus or are commuters are allowed in the dining hall at this time.
How will quarantine and isolation meals work?
If a student lives in University-owned housing:
-
Those in quarantine will order from Hoover Hall for pick up.
-
As part of the meal plan, those in isolation will place meal orders online with dining services and have meals delivered.
For students living in Greek chapters, chapters are responsible for providing food delivery for those in quarantine and isolation housing. If House Corporations decide, they may contract with Bon Appetit at a modest charge per meal for packaging and delivery.
On Campus Experience
What offices are open for students to visit in person on campus?
The below listing includes student serving offices that are open at least between 12-5pm Monday through Friday. Many may have additional hours, so please consult their websites. This list will expand as more information is provided:
- Printing Services
- Office of the Registrar
- McDermond Center for Management and Entrepreneurship
- Prevo Science Library
- Music Library
- Academic Affairs Main Office
- Peeler Arts Center
- Tenzer Technology Center
- IT HelpDesk
- Academic Resource Center
- Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media Main Office
- Financial Aid
- Music Office
- The Center for Diversity and Inclusion
- Center for Spiritual Life
- Fraternity and Sorority Life
- The Women's Center
- Hubbard Center
- Hartman Center
- Campus Activities
- Student Accessibility Services
- Athletics
- Counseling Services
Can students on campus gather together for events? Use Welch Fitness Center?
We encourage students to gather together in very small groups while wearing masks and staying physically distant. Specific policy information on planning gatherings and events can be found here, and students should look for events to attend on CampusLabs.
Welch Fitness Center, Erdmann Natatorium, Neal Fieldhouse and the Indoor Tennis and Track Center are open for students on campus with additional health and safety guidelines including occupancy limits and crowdsource cleaning expectations. Daily hours will accommodate for additional cleaning. More information regarding this can be found here.
Campus Wellness/Recreation, Center for Spiritual Life, Campus Activities and Counseling Services will collaborate to create a schedule of events that will allow a student to support their mind, body or spirit every day of the week. Some of these activities will be in-person (appropriately distanced and masked) and others will be offered virtually.
What activities are available for students?
- Always check Campus Labs for virtual or in-person on-campus events that may be hosted by Campus Life or Student Groups.
- Athletics will be hosting regular virtual fitness courses.
- The DePauw Nature Park and People Pathways are open for physically distanced activities.
- Student Academic Life will be working with various departments across campus to create more 'living room' spaces and host more university-wide events for spring 2021.
Do students on campus still have to follow the health guidelines?
Yes. All of our previously published Health and Safety Guidelines, including the requirement to wear a mask inside University owned and operated spaces, still apply to all students and employees while on campus for the fall term. These Guidelines will be periodically reviewed and re-evaluated in light of health data from the state, county, and campus.
Do ALL students need to complete any education about COVID-19 prior to their arrival on campus?
Yes. All students will be required to complete a COVID-19 module through SafeColleges, an online learning platform. Students will receive instructions via their campus email.
How have classroom spaces adapted to new public health guidance?
All learning spaces will be modified to permit at least six feet between each person in the room. Wherever possible, doors will be dedicated and marked as either entrances or exits. Please do not move furniture in classroom spaces.
What health services are available on campus?
The DePauw Health Wellness Center will be open to students on campus as per usual, as will Counseling Services. For more information regarding specific services and hours of operation, please visit https://depauwhealth.org/wellness-center-hours-for-students/ or https://www.depauw.edu/campus-life/wellness/counseling-services/
What academic support is available on campus?
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) in the Asbury Hall (rooms 115 and 118) will offer assistance. (https://www.depauw.edu/academics/academic-resources/academic-resource-center/)
Where can I study on campus?
Roy O. West is scheduled to be offline for the year although all library services (including full access to support from librarians) will be available online. Students may study in open buildings keeping a proper 6ft or more physical distance with masks, and are also encouraged to use their room or outside on the physical grounds for studying.
As a student approved to live on campus, am I allowed to travel? Can I go home for a few days?
Yes. Guidelines can be found here. We ask that all students who choose to travel maintain all DePauw health and safety protocols including social distancing, masking, and health screening and inform campus upon their return. All campus community members should be aware that the more they travel the more risk they incur of becoming infected with the virus that causes COVID-19.
How does mail pickup work?
The Student Post Office webpage reflects mail room operational plans. Hours and general information is posted for all students. The page will continue to be updated as any plans change.
Testing, Quarantine and Isolation
How does asymptomatic testing work for the DePauw community?
Students will be selected for testing by random assignment. The employee testing program is opt-in. Our testing partner, Affinity, generates a list to be contacted for an in-person test. A visit for a test, which will be at the Union Building on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays takes approximately 15 minutes, and you can schedule a time that works best to help reduce your wait.
After you are checked in by staff, a trained collector will use a specialized swab to collect mucus from your lower nose. The swab is then put into a sterile contained and sealed for transport to the lab.
Students who will be in residency on campus or attending classes on-campus will be required to participate in DePauw’s COVID-19 testing protocol and daily symptom screening. Two tests will be required within a seven day period prior to arrival on campus.
Students whose first test result indicates they tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 may not come to campus without express permission. These individuals will have specific instructions sent to them by Student Academic Life. These students are still able to begin their courses remotely.
Students will additionally be required to complete a daily self-symptom screen. DePauw will cover the costs of all testing.
If you have questions or concerns about completing the test prior to your arrival, or testing in general please contact Stevie Baker-Watson, Associate Vice President for Campus Wellness, at steviebaker-watson@depauw.edu.
What happens if I have been clinically diagnosed positive or tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19/asked to isolate?
The University has reserved rooms for on campus students who have been clinically diagnosed positive or tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19. Commuter and remote students will be asked to isolate in their current living situation and not come to campus. Students being asked to isolate will be temporarily moved and given instructions.
A student who tests positive and develops symptoms must isolate for 10 days from onset and be fever-free for 72 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and have a reduction in symptoms over the 10 day period. A student who tests positive but never develops symptoms must isolate in their designated residence for 10 days after the date the positive specimen was collected.
DePauw Health Wellness Center will provide specific instructions to students who are required to isolate.
More information for students can be found here.
What happens if I am told to quarantine?
If you are a close contact of a person diagnosed with COVID-19 you will be required to quarantine and provided specific direction on what to do next. A close contact is a person who spends more than 15 minutes within six feet of a positive COVID-19 person from the 48 hours prior to the positive person’s symptom onset until the positive COVID-19 person isolates themselves (or from 48 hours prior to the test collection date if the positive person never develops symptoms). While mask use decreases the risk of infection, at this time it does not change recommendations for quarantine.
You must wear a mask anytime you leave your room. You may leave your room to get a meal order, to use the bathroom or go outside to exercise or take a walk. You may study in an outside space alone while practicing physical distancing and wearing a mask.
More information for students can be found here.
What happens if through the case investigation or contact tracing process I am asked about behaviors that would otherwise fall under Community Standards and University discipline?
DePauw has approved a COVID-19 Case Investigation and CONTACT TRACING AMNESTY policy.
Case Investigation is the phrase used to describe the process of interviewing individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. This interview will also be used to identify people who are their close contacts (people who have been exposed) so we can work with them to interrupt disease transmission.
The focus of the COVID-19 Case Investigation and Contact Tracing Amnesty Policy is to address barriers that may prevent students from sharing all information needed to allow the University to contact trace effectively. Any information shared during the contact tracing process will not be used in the University Community Standards process, even if a violation of University policy occurred.
What do I need to do for daily symptom screening?
On a daily basis, individuals should take their temperature with the thermometer they brought in their kit and assess for key indicators of illness: a fever of 100.40F or higher, dry cough, shortness of breath, congestion or runny nose, diarrhea, nausea, sore throat, muscle pain/fatigue, chills, new loss of taste or smell. Record this information on a piece of paper, or in an app so you can easily assess it if asked by a health care provider. If you have a fever, dry cough or shortness of breath, you should stay home and contact DePauw Health Wellness Center.
Can I go home if I've been put in isolation or quarantine?
Commuter Students
How is DePauw defining commuter students?
Any student attending any number of classes on-campus, using on-campus facilities, or engaging in other approved University activities, including athletics practices is a commuter student.
What guidelines will commuter students be asked to follow?
Commuter students will be required to follow the Health Practice Recommendations and Requirements including universal masking, a return to campus health protocol (testing and symptom screen) and be available for asymptomatic, random testing throughout the term, as well as perform daily symptom checks while on campus. All enrolled students are expected to follow all university policies and the student code of conduct.
Can commuter students use DePauw facilities and spaces outside of attending classes?
Yes, as long as they follow all university policies including the Health Practice Recommendations and Requirements, including those for social distancing, gathering and event sizes, and full participation in contact tracing should illness occur.
Can commuter students opt into a meal plan?
Only students living in University housing are required to be on the COVID-19 plan. Students commuting to campus who wish to purchase a meal plan can opt-in to any of the other meal plan options. Those options can be viewed here: https://www.depauw.edu/studentacademiclife/campusliving/diningoptions/meal-plans/
Are quarantine and isolation spaces offered to commuter students?
No. We have isolation and quarantine spaces saved for resident on-campus students, and will ask commuter and remote students to quarantine and isolate in their current residential location.
Off Campus Support for Students
What mental health support will be offered to students who are off campus?
Counseling Services will continue to be available and accessible to students living and learning remotely. Virtual service options will include individual counseling, support groups, consultation and referral, crisis support, online resources, and various psychoeducational workshops and programming opportunities. Please note that participation in certain ongoing services may be more limited depending on students’ state of residence and current telemental health practice laws. However, immediate and after-hours support, consultation, resources, and referral assistance will remain available at all times. Please refer to https://www.depauw.edu/campus-life/wellness/counseling-services/ for more information.
Will academic support still be available to me?
The full slate of DePauw support services and resources will remain available to all students, including peer tutoring, the Academic Resource Center (W, Q and S Centers), peer mentors, dedicated library personnel to help you with research and assignments, career and internship services, and professional development programming available from our many other centers.
Career Services, Centers and Gold Commitment
How is the university supporting students preparing for job applications and graduate school?
Hubbard Center Advisors, Faculty Advisors and our Fellowship Advisors are all eager to work with juniors and seniors on graduate and professional school applications, fellowship applications, career discernment and job searches. All advisors will be prepared to conduct virtual meetings with video conferencing software.
Will the career fair(s) still happen?
-
Several fairs were held in the fall term.
-
Additionally, the Hubbard Center is working with employers to bring information sessions, recruiting events, and interviews to students virtually.
-
You can find information about these and other upcoming fairs in Campus Labs by searching the Events List using the Networking Event category.
How do I apply for internship credit?
Students can receive Extended Studies credit for a summer internship by applying through Handshake once they have secured a position. Simply go to the CareerCenter tab in your Handshake account, click on Experience and from there select “request a new experience”. If you are interested in the Summer Internship Grant, which is a stipend of up to $3000 awarded to students who have applied and will be working for full-time, unpaid internship with a government agency, a non-profit or a start-up. To learn more about internships, you can attend the virtual group advising on Tuesday afternoons at 4 pm or contact the hubbardcenter@depauw.edu to make an appointment.
What are some career/internship prep opportunities?
The Career Development team in the Hubbard Center will conduct virtual workshops to assist all students in the job and internship searches and graduate and professional school application support. The workshops will cover Networking Etiquette, Resumes & Cover Letters, Behavior Interviewing, Conducting a Job & Internship Search, Writing a Personal Statement, Considering Graduate/Professional School, and How to Make the Most of a Fair. Specific information on live sessions will be shared in Campus Labs. These sessions will also be available through our website for viewing by students 24/7.
Will there be networking opportunities for students?
Yes! In addition to the Spring Career & Internship Fair on March 11th, the Hubbard Center is planning a variety of virtual events in collaboration with other Centers, departments, and organizations throughout the spring term. Examples include, but are not limited to: industry-specific programming with DePauw alumni, alumni outreach in targeted geographic areas, and individual advising through virtual appointments with Hubbard Center staff. All programming will be listed in Campus Labs and can be searched via the Events List using the Networking Event category. All events will be recorded and available for those who are unable to attend. Appointments are available now and can be scheduled in SSC, on our webpage at https://www.depauw.edu/academics/centers/hubbard/, or by contacting the Hubbard Center via email at hubbard@depauw.edu.
How will students continue with the Gold Commitment?
-
Students in the classes of 2022 and 2023 who were eligible for the Commitment at the beginning of the 2019-20 academic year remain eligible for the Commitment in the 2020-21 academic year. Commitment programming includes both virtual synchronous and asynchronous opportunities during the spring term. Students in the class of 2023 can read more about Sophomore Commitment programming here and students in the class of 2022 can read more about Junior Commitment programming here.
-
Students in the class of 2024 can continue completing qualifications for the Commitment during the spring term. More information can be found on the First-Year Commitment Professional Programming page.
-
Students can track their Commitment progress at any time on their Gold Commitment Path in Campus Labs. Instructions about how to view a Path in Campus Labs can be found here. Full details about Gold Commitment qualifications can be found on the Commitment for Current Students page. Any questions about the Gold Commitment can be directed to goldcommitment@depauw.edu.
Can I still apply to study off-campus in 2021-2022?
Yes! Applications for fall 2021 are due on December 1st and spring 2022 on March 1st. All applications are submitted through Horizons. Join the Hubbard Center for a weekly information session on Off-Campus Study every Thursday at 4 pm ET. Or schedule an appointment with an off-campus study advisor.
Financial Services and Student Employment
Is DePauw reducing tuition for those studying remotely?
We will not be adjusting tuition, however, for students who choose or are required to study off campus, we will not be charging room and board, and we will discount the student comprehensive fee by 25%.
We will also be providing two COVID-19 related grants. All remote learners enrolled at DePauw (whether fall, spring or both), regardless of full or part-time, will receive one $500 Technology Grant for 2020-21. These will be credited to student accounts in the fall for all students enrolled and studying remotely in the fall. They will be credited in the spring to any student enrolled and studying remotely in the spring who did not receive the grant in the fall (either because they were not enrolled in fall or because they were enrolled and on-campus).
All juniors and seniors, enrolled at DePauw, regardless of full-time or part-time, will receive one $500 Professional Development Grant for 2020-21. These will be credited to student accounts in the fall semester if the student is enrolled in the fall; they will be credited in the spring semester if an eligible student enrolls in the spring after not being enrolled in the fall.
In addition, we will continue to have an emergency fund for students with documented special needs.
DePauw’s tuition is based on the opportunity to earn academic credit. Throughout any temporary (and hopefully short-term) adjustments requiring remote learning that may be required during the pandemic, students will continue to be eligible to earn full credit towards graduation without interruption.
As a private, not-for-profit university, DePauw carefully considers and sets the tuition paid per academic credit based on all instructional costs plus campus operating costs; those include salaries for all faculty and staff who are needed to fully support our students as they earn their degrees, plus all other resources and services available to students whether they are on-campus or remote learners, including advising, tutoring, career services, facilities and grounds cleaning and maintenance, and more. Additionally, we expect expenses to be higher than normal during this coming academic year due to increased protocols, materials, and resources needed for health and safety reasons.
DePauw faculty and staff are committed to providing all students outstanding instruction, advising and support services, in person and/or remotely, to ensure uninterrupted progress towards earning their degrees.
Where can I find details regarding DePauw's participation the CARES act?
Detailed reporting is available here.
Will DePauw still charge the comprehensive fee to students who are remote?
Students who will be fully remote learners will receive a 25% discount of the Comprehensive Fee. Though they are learning away from campus, students will still have access to telehealth services from DePauw Health (see their website for how to schedule an appointment), access to mental health support from Counseling Services and access to virtual fitness classes provided by the Welch Fitness Center (virtual classes resume August 31) . Students will also be able to participate in student organizations and those organizations are funded through the Student Activity Fee portion of the Comprehensive Fee. For these purposes, remote students will still pay a portion of the Comprehensive Fee for the term.
Cleaning and Disinfection Practices
Is hand sanitizer being provided for students and employees?
Hand sanitizing stations and disinfecting wipes are placed throughout the campus in classrooms, offices, and public spaces. Everyone is expected to wash or sanitize hands at every transition from one space to another. Students are responsible for hand sanitizing and disinfecting within their personal space i.e. residence hall room.
How often are classrooms and offices being disinfected?
Each classroom, faculty and staff office, labs, lounge, restrooms, general public is stocked with hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Students and Faculty are asked to assist in disinfecting the surfaces they use such as desktops and chair handles (see above). Facilities staff cleans and disinfects classrooms five nights a week.
Additionally, several buildings with classroom spaces have been outfitted with a special ionization system.
How are public spaces being cleaned and disinfected?
Public spaces are cleaned on a nightly basis five nights a week. Additionally they are disinfected with CDC approved disinfectant.
What other health and safety details are in place for those on campus?
In addition to the cleaning and disinfecting measures described above, there is educational signage. Classrooms and public areas are de-densified to encourage and foster proper social distancing. Many classrooms in several buildings have been outfitted with a special Ionization Purifications System (more information here). Additional outdoor seating and trash receptacles have been provided throughout campus. Restrooms in academic buildings are being converted to touchless fixtures.
Events and Athletics
Will on-campus events continue?
Information about university event hosting can be found here. Students can find information about in-person and virtual events on CampusLabs.
Will School of Music performances continue?
Yes.
Currently, all events in the Green Center will be presented without an audience. This allows us to safely make music and meet the university guidelines for masks and visitors.
More and current information can be found on the School of Music coronavirus page.
What is the status of athletics on campus?
Detailed information regarding how athletics will function in the winter and spring can be found here.
Guests
What is the current guest policy?
For the purposes of this policy, the term ‘guest’ refers to any non-DePauw community member who is present on University premises or at a University-sponsored activity. This includes, but is not limited to: family members of DePauw students and employees, prospective students and their families, alumni, academic guests, contractors, visiting athletics teams and staff, athletics officials, and vendors conducting business with the University, including making deliveries to the University.
Remote students are restricted from all campus property due to not having participated in the COVID-19 student testing policy.
More detailed, specific, and current information regarding off-campus guests can be found here.
Can prospective students and their families visit campus?
Prospective students and their families may still visit campus, but we will continue to limit the number and keep current restrictions until further notice. All appointments should be scheduled through the Office of Admissions; prospective students are limited to two additional guests for campus visits.
As a parent, can I visit my child in their living unit mid-semester?
Unfortunately, no guests can enter campus housing units unless there are extenuating circumstances. Our personal residence spaces need to be a place where all students can control their environment and feel as protected as possible from a random introduction of the virus.
If there are extenuating circumstances, such as a student’s illness, please call the Housing & Residence Life Office for assistance during regular business hours (765-658-4500) or DePauw Police after hours and on weekends (765-658-5555).
What is the policy for use of Lilly and fitness spaces?
Juniors/Seniors
What additional grants or loans are being provided to upperclass students?
All remote learners enrolled at DePauw (whether fall, spring or both), regardless of full or part-time, will receive one $500 Technology Grant for 2020-21. These will be credited to student accounts in the fall for all students enrolled and studying remotely in the fall. They will be credited in the spring to any student enrolled and studying remotely in the spring who did not receive the grant in the fall (either because they were not enrolled in fall or because they were enrolled and on-campus).
All juniors and seniors, enrolled at DePauw, regardless of full-time or part-time, will receive one $500 Professional Development Grant for 2020-21. These will be credited to student accounts in the fall semester if the student is enrolled in the fall; they will be credited in the spring semester if an eligible student enrolls in the spring after not being enrolled in the fall.
International Students
Are US Consulates and Embassies open?
On July 13th, the US Department of State announced that US embassies and consulates are beginning the phased resumption of routine visa services. Check your nearest US consulate's website for updates regarding the status of its services. You may also look up current visa wait times for all embassies and consulates.
Visa appointment considerations:
-
You may be eligible for an expedited interview appointment based on your school start date.
-
The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment (e.g. I-20 showing your start date).
-
In all cases, you must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee and SEVIS I-901 fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will the embassy or consulate consider your request for an expedited appointment.
-
For example, if you are applying for a student visa in China, you can find the expedited visa appointment information here.
-
If possible, check appointment availability of other US consulates in addition to your preferred consulate.
I've heard that during the COVID-19 emergency, DHS is permitting I-20s to be electronically signed and shared. Are US consulates and customs officials aware of this guidance?
On May 12, DHS announced that they coordinated with both the Department of State (which oversees US embassies and consulates) and Customs & Border Protection regarding the policy to allow electronic issuance and signing of Forms I-20 for the duration of the COVID19 emergency. Both agencies are in support of this action.
My visa is expiring and I am unable to travel to my home country currently. What should I do to renew it?
You may stay in the U.S. on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your immigration status by being in possession of a valid I-20 and by meeting normal enrollment requirements. (Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the U.S.).
How is the university advising international travelers who have been outside of the US?
Students who have been outside the U.S. in any of the 14 days prior to arriving on campus will be expected to self-quarantine on campus for 14 days as per CDC guidelines.
How can I meet with my academic advisor?
Academic advisors look forward to meeting students as usual, although meetings may be conducted virtually. Please contact your academic advisor directly.