COVID-19 Response FAQ

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

• According to the CDC, “Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.”
• The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
  •  Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Please refer to the CDC resource page for more information.

What do I do if I experience the symptoms of COVID-19?

• According to the CDC, “Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice.”
  • • Please refer to the CDC resource page for more information.
    • Stay at home except to seek medical care.
    • Practice social distancing and avoid close contact with others.

What services will the Student Success Center be able to provide?

• Tutoring in all subjects as normal via phone and shared google docs. (If that won’t suffice for a student, we can try to get more creative.)
• Academic coaching and support from Student Success personnel via phone or video meeting.
• Normal academic accommodations under ADA.
• We will help with troubleshooting, brainstorming, and problem-solving as we navigate the implementation of remote learning.
• We will help students who are ill with communicating with faculty.
• Petitions for course extensions for students with extenuating circumstances (i.e. “I got coronavirus and was impacted to the point of being unable to complete coursework for a period of time and cannot catch up before the semester ends.” The extension request deadline is April 24^th.)

What other student services will be provided?

Managing Stress

• Video counseling will allow us to continue serving our clients. If you are a new client, please fill out a counseling request form online or contact us at counseling@multnomah.edu.

Spiritual Life

• For those in need of spiritual support, Rich and Renjy are available to talk and pray with students through phone or video calls.
• Contact Rich Ward at (509) 521-7903 or Renjy Abraham at (503) 251-6428.

Community Care

• The Care Team will help with referrals to services.
• If you know a student that could be struggling with academics, relational or emotional health, please let us know by filling out a Student of Concern form. Or, please contact Becca Jones at beccajones@multnomah.edu

Food Insecurity

• The cafeteria will be open throughout the semester except during spring break.
• The Food Pantry located in the Den will be available to students and staff.
• Please consider donating if you are able.
• For the location of food services nearest you, please refer to oregonfoodbank.org.

Will the school provide computers during this period? How will this be equitable for all students?

• We are working hard to make this accessible to all our students.
• Comcast has two months of free internet for low-income students impacted. Please visit this site for more details.
• The library computers will be available.
• The computers in the dorms will remain available.
• Our IT department has a group of computers that can be purchased at a very affordable price.
• Use resources in the community where you live.
• Zoom will allow you to attend and participate in class from your other devices. If students do not have access to a smartphone, they can call in for the Zoom meeting.
• After classes, professors will send links to the recorded class sessions.

Will you refund the costs for housing and food service to those leaving campus?

• We are still working on this process and will have more information on this issue next week.

Will you refund the cost of tuition for residential students since we are teaching remotely?

• We are still working on this question and will have more information on this issue next week.
• Our goal is to help every student complete the semester and earn their class credits to be on track to graduate. We want to be fair given the unusual circumstances. Our faculty are working hard to maintain the quality of your educational experience in this different medium.

Will the Library remain open?

• Yes, but it will have limited hours. It will be closed on March 23^rd-27^th.

Will the Gym and Fitness Center remain open?

• A final decision has not been made. We are working to keep it open.

What about student workers?

• Supervisors will be communicating with their student workers about expectations and schedules for the rest of the semester.
• Students may choose to stay on campus to work.

Will student housing be available for those who must stay in the dorms?

• Yes, housing will remain open for those who do not have other living arrangements.
• Essential personnel will remain on campus for housing to operate safely.
• U-Haul has a month of free storage with no strings for students impacted. Please visit this site for more details.

Will the dining hall remain open during the rest of the semester?

• Yes, it will remain open.

Will MU offices remain open?

• Yes, they will be open except for March 23^rd-27^th.

Will professors keep weekly office hours?

• Yes, professors will still be available to students.
• Office hours may function remotely via phone call or video call if professors are more at risk for COVID-19.

After the four-week period, if public health officials determine it is safe to return to face-to-face teaching, will you open campus?

• We are still working on this question and will have more information on this issue next week.
• Our top priority is your health during this time. It is possible that we would open campus if the situation is safe.
• If campus opens, students who traveled home would not be required to return to complete their courses.

Is the graduation ceremony on May 1^st still going to occur?

• As of today, March 13, 2020, our graduation commencement ceremony will still take place on May 1^st.
• As the situation develops, decisions will be made about the attendance capacity for that event.

Will our spring sports athletes lose their eligibility?

• Based on the information we have today, no, our athletes will not lose their eligibility given the circumstances.

March 13, 2020 | News