Blue Tiger Comeback for STUDENTS

Click here to read the Blue Tiger Comeback Plan-The Lincoln University Fall 2020 Reopening Plan

Lincoln University will begin in-person classes on Monday, August 24. As with every aspect of life, the COVID-19 pandemic brings new questions on a daily basis of how to maintain the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, while also providing a collegiate experience. We are working hard to address those questions and meet the needs of everyone we serve.  

Prevention Tips 

• Masks/face coverings are required on the Lincoln University campus, unless accommodations have been requested and granted.  Students needing to request accommodations should contact:  

The Office of Access and Abilities 
Mr. Greg Holtmeyer 
573-681-5167
holtmeyerg@lincolnu.edu 

• Social distancing of six feet or more (where possible) will be promoted in all campus facilities.  
• Proper handwashing for 20 seconds or using a sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol helps stop the spread of germs.  

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER

Faculty, staff, employees, students, and campus visitors voluntarily assume full responsibility for any and all risks of illness or injury associated with exposure to COVID-19, as well as from use of any protective equipment, including face masks, that the University may voluntarily provide.

STUDENT FAQs

1. What if I am unable to wear a mask/face covering?  
   The University recognizes there may be reasons that prevent some students from wearing masks/face coverings and will work with students to explore appropriate accommodations. Please contact Mr. Greg Holtmeyer with the Office of Access and Abilities at 573-681-5167 or holtmeyerg@lincolnu.edu to request accommodations.  
    
2. How will common spaces be cleaned?  
   The custodial team will clean common spaces throughout the day, providing extra attention to high-traffic areas and surfaces that are frequently touched.  The team follows the cleaning/sanitizing guidelines recommended by the CDC.  
    
3. How will large common spaces, such as Scruggs University Center and Inman E. Page Library limit crowds?  
   Furniture has been spaced to promote social distancing and signage is in use as a reminder of the distancing guidelines.  
    
4. Can I still sit with my friends in the dining hall?  
   Students can sit with their friends in the dining hall, but please note that social distancing will also be promoted in the facility.  The dining hall seating capacity is limited to 100 people.  Masks/face coverings are required at all times except while eating.  
    
5. Will there will be campus activities? 
   

   Yes. While campus will look different and our operations will have some changes when you return this fall, we are committed to finding creative ways to provide our students an engaging and positive campus experience.

6. How will student organizations be responsible for following safety protocols at events/meetings? 
   The Office of Student Engagement and Involvement will work closely with student organizations to communicate the appropriate safety measures aligned with guidance from the CDC and our local health officials.  

7. How will move-in work for students who are living on campus?  
   In accordance with CDC guidelines for social distancing, the University has established a plan for move-in that promotes the health and safety of our residents. The plan includes contactless check-in, temperature checks and assigned times for move-in. Students are allowed to bring two helpers to assist with move-in and mask/face coverings are required.

8. What if a students suspects they have COVID-19? 
   Students who display symptoms of COVID-19 (shortness of breath; cough, fever; body aches; fatigue; sore throat; headache; congestion or runny nose; loss of taste or smell; nausea or vomiting; or diarrhea) must not attend class and should contact their local healthcare provider (or their Residential Director if living on campus). Students should stay in communication with their instructors during their time of absence. 

   Students living in campus housing will be housed in Yates Hall, a campus facility designated to quarantine students to prevent the potential spread of the virus. Students must not report to Thompkins Health Center without scheduling an appointment by phone at 573-681-5870 or by email at kirbyt@lincolnu.edu.  Students who meet specific criteria will be referred for testing.  A positive test result will require a student to vacate the campus, if possible.  If a student is unable to leave campus, the student will be housed in Hoard Hall, a campus facility designated for isolation. 

9. What if a student tests positive for COVID-19?  
   Students must not attend classes if they test positive for COVID-19.  A positive test result  for residential students will require a student to vacate the campus, if possible.  If a student is unable to leave campus, the student will be housed in Hoard Hall, a campus facility designated for isolation. Students should stay in communication with their instructors during their time of absence. 

   In accordance with CDC and the Cole County Health Department guidelines, the following criteria must be met before a student is permitted to return to campus following isolation:  
                        Must be 10 days since onset of symptoms (including if asymptomatic)    
                        Must show significant improvement of symptoms (if not asymptomatic)  
                        Must be fever free (without medication) for 72 hours       

10. What if a student is in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19? 
    If a student is in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, they will likely be contacted by local health officials in the area where the case was recorded through contact tracing. Students must not attend classes and must self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days while monitoring for any changes in their health to include shortness of breath; cough, fever; body aches; fatigue; sore throat; headache; congestion or runny nose; loss of taste or smell; nausea or vomiting; or diarrhea. Students should stay in communication with their instructors during their time of absence.    

11. How can students keep up with their classes during isolation or quarantine?  
    Students are asked to stay in communication with their instructors during their absence to stay abreast and engaged in the course material.  

12.  What is contact tracing?  
    Contact tracing helps health officials notifiy people who might have been exposed to COVID-19 so they can be tested and monitor themselves for symptoms. Conversations with the health department are kept confidential, as is the identity of anyone who tests positive. Anyone performing contact tracing will never ask for your social security number, financial information or for payment.