1. Coe
  2. Student Life
  3. Student Life Resources
  4. Health & Wellness
  5. COVID-19
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

How is Coe monitoring the COVID-19 situation worldwide?
A team of college officials is monitoring the outbreak of the respiratory illness COVID-19 worldwide. To assess risks related to study abroad travel, the college uses a number of resources, including consultation with governmental agencies, professional health and security organizations, schools we partner with abroad and more.

How is Coe managing COVID-19 on campus?
The college continues to monitor the situation and guidance from the CDC, Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and other agencies.

Where can I get support for mental health?
If you already have a therapist or psychiatrist, we recommend you continue to work with that provider if possible. For assistance with accessing on- or off-campus resources locally, students can contact our Health and Wellness office for assistance.

Resources for mental health services can be found on the Coe website.

All faculty and staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program that offers five free counseling sessions per year, and they can be provided via telehealth benefits. Call 866.799.2728 to access this benefit and access the Employee Assistance Program. Information can be found in my.coe on the Employee tab. For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at o-humanresources@coe.edu.

What should I do if I am experiencing financial hardship?
Contact the Office of Student Financial Services at 319.399.8240 or o-financialaid@coe.edu.

Campus Life/Residence Halls

As a reminder, students, faculty and staff must provide either COVID-19 vaccination information or documentation of a negative COVID-19 test result prior to the first day of classes. Everyone else who will be on campus during return to campus/move-in are encouraged to self-screen for COVID-19 risk prior to coming to campus and to ensure they are symptom free. Self-screening includes review of your personal interactions for the past 14 days to determine if anyone you've had close contact with recently has tested positive for COVID-19, monitoring for a personal temperature of 100.4 or greater and monitoring whether you're experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms. If a family member has had recent close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19, has a fever of 100.4 degrees or above or is experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms, they should plan to stay home and not come to campus. Students who are not vaccinated who have had recent close contact with someone who recently tested positive for COVID-19, any student who has a fever of 100.4 degrees or above or is experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms prior to move-in should contact Student Life. Student Life will work with the student to reschedule their move-in or accommodate them in alternative housing arrangements until their symptoms subside.

Can parents or family members visit the residence halls to help students move-in?
Parents and family members will be permitted to assist students with unpacking in the residence halls. Family members should be escorted by the Coe student at all times when in the residence halls. Family members are expected to follow the same safety protocols as their students.

Can I visit other Kohawks in their living space?
While we reserve the right to adjust this policy if necessary, at this time Coe residents may visit other Coe residents in other dorms/apartments/houses other than their assigned space. Students currently have access to every residence hall during the day and only their residence hall during overnight hours. Please be sure to not prop open doors. Outside and/or overnight guests should be escorted by their host at all times they are in the residence halls.
IMPORTANT: Guests are not allowed to visit any Coe-owned or -sponsored space when someone is actively in their quarantine/isolation period.

Who should I contact if I have a housing accommodation request?
Students who have health concerns related to COVID-19 are encouraged to reach out to the dean of student experience (dos@coe.edu) to plan ahead for the fall.

What if my roommate and I have different opinions related to COVID-19?
We expect all students will follow any COVID-19-related policies that are currently in place.  For areas not covered under a current policy we strongly encourage all students to have an open and honest conversation with your roommate(s) about your comfort level with masking, room visitors and other safety measures and set guidelines you can agree upon.

Personal health/student absences

What if I miss class?
Students who miss class due to illness or other extenuating circumstances are encouraged to contact their instructors as soon as possible to notify them of their absence and to determine how best to make up class time and assignments. If students are not able to contact their instructor due to their illness or personal circumstance (hospitalized, etc.), they can contact the dean of students at dos@coe.edu to assist with the notification process.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?

  • Unvaccinated students should quarantine themselves from others as quickly as possible and not attend class, activities or work and should isolate to the degree possible in their room or apartment.
  • Students should notify Health Services at o-healthservices@coe.edu or covid@coe.edu, and a professional staff member will follow up for contact tracing, quarantine/isolation instructions and temporary reassignment of housing if required.
    • COVID-19 response team members will notify the Learning Commons of quarantine or isolation requirements for students.
    • Learning Commons staff will assist with any academic accommodation needs.
  • Faculty and staff should notify their supervisor, human resources or the provost that they are not coming to work.
  • Students, faculty and staff should contact a health care provider for treatment of illness or symptoms. Testing and treatment resources are available here. Seek emergency treatment for severe symptoms.
    • Community members should get emergency medical care by calling 911 immediately for the below symptoms. When possible, notify the operator your symptoms may be related to COVID-19.
      • Symptoms include but are not limited to trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.
  • Upon completion of quarantine or isolation requirements, students, faculty and staff may return to campus activities or classes, once released by the COVID-19 response team or HR staff.

Academic Support

The Learning Commons can assist you if you need to miss classes, make up an exam or communicate with an instructor. Email learningcommons@coe.edu to be connected with a staff member who can help. If you need help with academic accommodations, please email accessibility@coe.edu.

What if I miss class?
Students who miss class due to illness or other extenuating circumstances are encouraged to contact their instructors as soon as possible to notify them of their absence and to determine how best to make up class time and assignments. If students are not able to contact their instructor due to their illness or personal circumstance (hospitalized, etc.), they can contact the dean of student experience at dos@coe.edu to assist with the notification process. In addition, they can reach out to the Learning Commons at learningcommons@coe.edu for assistance with their academic work and absences.

Travel during COVID-19

Conditions on travel and restrictions can change at any time.  If you choose to travel, we urge you to follow CDC and US Department of the State travel guidelines. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place. We strongly encourage you to check with individual destinations for information about potential restrictions and safety procedures before planning any travel.

What You Need to Know 

  • The CDC recommends that you delay travel until you are fully vaccinated.
  • Check your destination’s COVID-19 situation before traveling. State, local, and territorial governments may have travel restrictions in place.
  • Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth is required in indoor areas of public transportation (including airplanes) and indoors in U.S. transportation hubs (including airports).
  • Do not travel if you have been exposed to COVID-19, you are sick, or if you test positive for COVID-19.
  • If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, get tested both before and after your trip.

Do NOT travel if ...

  • You have been exposed to COVID-19 unless you are fully vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19 in the past 90 days.
  • You are sick.
  • You tested positive for COVID-19 and haven’t ended isolation (even if you are fully vaccinated).
  • You are waiting for the results of a COVID-19 test. If your test comes back positive while you are at your destination, you will need to isolate and postpone your return until it’s safe for you to end isolation. Your travel companions may need to self-quarantine.

International Travel

All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.

Details about travel requirements: 
Vaccine Requirement for air travel to U.S.

Many countries still have travel restrictions. Students considering personal international travel on weekends and breaks should carefully consider these restrictions as it may cause delays, mandatory quarantines or being unable to leave or re-enter the United States.
 
Students who are traveling domestically should, in addition to taking recommended measures to prevent illness, take basic precautions to prepare for potential travel disruptions:

  • Students should keep cellphones fully charged and operational and check their email at least daily.
  • Students should travel with all key documents, including their passport, visa if applicable and insurance documents. Students vaccinated against COVID-19 should carry a copy of their vaccination certificate.
  • Students should travel with a full supply of any prescribed medications, regardless of how long they plan to be away. Prescription medications need to be in their original containers.

Should I travel within the U.S.?
CDC does not generally issue advisories or restrictions for travel within the United States. However, cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been reported in all states, and some areas are experiencing community spread of the disease.  Because of this, the CDC has recommended individuals avoid travel until vaccinated at this time.

For employees

What if I have medical accommodation needs related to COVID-19 that are impacting my ability to work?
Faculty and staff should work with their treating health provider to determine any health needs that may impact work and contact their supervisor, the Provost’s Office (faculty) or a staff member in Human Resources (staff) to discuss accommodation needs.

Student employees should plan to work with their assigned departments regarding work schedules and can discuss any alternative scheduling or accommodation needs with their supervisor or Human Resources.

Students who need academic accommodations should reach out to the Learning Commons, and students who need residential accommodations should contact the Student Life Office at dos@coe.edu for assistance.
 
What health support is available to me?
Employee Assistance Program/Counseling

  • All faculty and staff have access to our Employee Assistance Program that offers five free counseling sessions per year, and they can be provided via telehealth benefits. Call 866.799.2728 to access this benefit.

How can I contact Human Resources staff with questions or concerns?
Please reach out to o-humanresources@coe.edu or your supervisor with any specific questions or concerns.