Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Campus Updates

For additional information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) please visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

COVID-19 Reporting Process for Students

Only students who test positive for Covid-19 will complete the online Covid-19 form before coming to in person learning (on campus or clinical sites). Students who have symptoms, but have not tested positive, will no longer need to report those symptoms, and should handle illness absences as they normally would through the process outlined in their course/clinical syllabus.

If a student tests positive and completes the online form, a Methodist College staff member will contact the student and determine next steps. *Please note that emails received outside of normal business hours (M-F, 8am-430pm) will be addressed on the next business day.

Students who will miss any learning experience, including class, clinical, practicum, externship, internship, field placement, or internship are responsible for notifying their faculty AS INDICATED IN THE SYLLABUS FOR THE COURSE. PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS MUST ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS IN THE SYLLABUS FOR THE COURSE. Students in a clinical/lab/field placement/practicum/internship course will not be permitted to miss a majority of these experiences unless it is due to a documented medical limitation (Healthcare Provider Required). This restriction will not apply if the Governor or Health Department of the State of Illinois places higher education under a restriction, such as a return to Level 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan.

August 20, 2021

Communication to Students Reference COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Methodist College is committed to providing a safe environment that protects the health of students, patients, healthcare workers, visitors, and the communities we serve. Recognizing the serious consequences that COVID-19 can have, compliance with the COVID-19 vaccination program outlined within this policy is required of all Methodist College students. This requirement for all Methodist College students aligns with our parent company, UnityPoint Health.

This policy applies to all current and newly enrolled students, even those in online programs or taking online classes for the semester regardless of their residency location. This policy includes all booster doses, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Medical and religious exemptions are available as well as a deferral for pregnant women.

If the student does not upload proof of full vaccination by the deadline set for that semester, at 11:59pm, they will be administratively withdrawn from all classes.

The student, faculty, and Security will be notified immediately.
The student's badge will be deactivated.
A grade of "W" (withdraw) will be posted for every class not completed. This may have consequences for progression in some academic programs.
The student is responsible for all outstanding fees and costs as posted in their ledger according to the refund policy and calendar.
Students can permanently withdraw from the college by following the existing procedure with the Registrar.
Students can request a Leave of Absence by following the existing procedure with the Registrar. The student is responsible for all outstanding fees and costs as posted in their ledger. Students requesting a Leave of Absence will be eligible for readmission if they:

> Meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirement
> Meet the readmission requirements of the program for which they are applying for readmission

Tuition Refund Schedule for Spring 2022: 16 week or First-8-week courses:

On or before 1/24/2022	100%
1/24/2022 to 1/31/2022	75%
2/1/2022 to 2/7/2022	50%
2/8/2022 and beyond	0

Tuition Refund Schedule for Fall 2021: Second-8-week Courses:

On or before 3/18/2022	100%
3/19/2022 to 3/25/2022	75%
3/26/2022 to 4/1/2022	50%
4/2/2022 and beyond	0

July 30, 2021

Methodist College Masking Guidelines

Due to the change in CDC guidance, effective Saturday, July 31, all UnityPoint Health facilities, including Methodist College, are reinstituting universal masking for all employees, students, and guests regardless of vaccination status. Students and Faculty must mask in all clinical sites as well.

Fully vaccinated team members and students are required to mask. This change is to ensure additional, incremental safety measures are in place given the new Delta variant currently circulating and increasing community transmission levels.

Students and employees should continue to monitor their symptoms for fever and any signs of symptoms of illness regardless of vaccination status. If experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, students should immediately complete the Student COVID-19 Absence Reporting Form and contact instructors. Students with symptoms, should not attend an in-person class or clinical. A Dean will contact the student to discuss the situation and determine next steps.

The college, along with UPH, will continue to align our COVID-19 mitigations with our regulatory institutions. Please monitor email, the website, and the college's social media sites for updated information.

As before, students are expected to supply their own masks, however masks are available at the Security desk if needed.