COVID-19 FAQs

During this unprecedented time, the University of Dubuque remains committed to providing timely updates on the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to our campus community. The following FAQs reflect our current policies and resources. FAQs will be updated as the situation evolves. Please check back for the latest information.

Remember to follow UD's new mantra: Practice adaptability, patience, and forgiveness.

View Face-to-Face and Safe for Fall 2021, UD's Commitment to Your Face-to-Face Leaning Experience

UNIVERSITY OPERATIONS

Is the University of Dubuque open?

UD's main campus and LIFE sites are open.

Are any buildings closed to the general public?

Charles C. Myers Library, Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center, and Stoltz Sports Center reopened to the general public on June 1, 2021.

Will I have to wear a face covering while on campus?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

We strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our UD family both on campus and at our LIFE sites in Dubuque, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and Meridian, Idaho. Please, as we enter this new phase, practice our new mantra: Practice adaptability, patience, and forgiveness. There may be members of our UD family who wish to continue to wear face coverings even if they are vaccinated. Please feel welcome to do so if you would like.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

I'm fully vaccinated. Do I still need to wear a face covering on campus?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

Will I be expected to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19?

Evaluate for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 daily before coming to campus or leaving your residence hall. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, stay home or in your residence hall. Consult your health care provider via an initial phone consultation and contact the following individuals:

  • University of Dubuque Main Campus 
    • Students: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Student-Athletes: Erin Barsema, athletics health care administrator, at 563.589.3857 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Faculty/Staff: Julie MacTaggart, director of human resources, at 563.589.3619 or [email protected] and your supervisor
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Dubuque
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Melissa Gunnelson, senior director of LIFE advising, at 563.589.3123 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Cedar Rapids
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Karen Middleswarth, academic advisor at LIFE - Cedar Rapids, at 319.775.0204 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Meridian
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Esteban Paredes, director of LIFE admission - Meridian, at 563.589.3902 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Tempe
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Heidi Burks, academic director at LIFE - Tempe, at 480.845.0081 or [email protected]

What are the safety procedures University of Dubuque is taking to clean and disinfect main campus?

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, UD implemented additional cleaning procedures in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For instance, UD increased the cleaning of frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and high traffic areas.

Can I come to campus for a campus visit?

Yes. Schedule a campus visit here.

COVID-19 VACCINE

Where can I obtain a COVID-19 vaccination?

The University of Dubuque strongly encourages students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Visit vaccines.gov to find locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Additionally, students should visit the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center, 1994 Grace Street, for access to COVID-19 vaccine options and testing.

Are COVID-19 vaccines safe and effective?

COVID-19 vaccines were developed using science that has been around for decades. They are not experimental, and they went through all the required stages of clinical trials. Extensive testing and monitoring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines have received and continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in United States' history.

COVID-19 vaccines can keep people from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. The vaccines also help keep people from getting seriously ill even if they do get COVID-19.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Will I get sick with COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine?

None of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the United States contains the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. For more information about how COVID-19 vaccines work, please click here.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Will the COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?

No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

Learn more about mRNA and​ viral vector COVID-19 vaccines.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When am I considered fully vaccinated?

People are fully vaccinated two weeks after a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or two weeks after a single-dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Should I still monitor for COVID-19 symptoms even if I am fully vaccinated?

Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states people who are fully vaccinated should still monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, especially if they have been around someone who is sick.

Where can I find more information about COVID-19 vaccines?

Find more information about COVID-19 vaccines on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website here.

I am fully vaccinated. Do I still need to wear a face covering on campus?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

ACADEMICS

What is the plan for fall 2021?

Fall 2021 classes will be face-to-face. Remote class attendance will be available in limited and short-term situations. View Face-to-Face and Safe for Fall 2021, UD's commitment to your face-to-face learning experience.

Is the Charles C. Myers Library open?

The Charles C. Myers Library reopened to the general public on June 1, 2021.

RESIDENCE LIFE

Will residence halls be open in the fall?

Residence halls will be open in the fall. For more information, visit the Office of Residence Life Page.

Are face coverings required inside residence halls and other UD-owned housing?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

We strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our UD family both on campus and at our LIFE sites in Dubuque, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and Meridian, Idaho. Please, as we enter this new phase, practice our new mantra: Practice adaptability, patience, and forgiveness. There may be members of our UD family who wish to continue to wear face coverings even if they are vaccinated. Please feel welcome to do so if you would like.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

Are guests allowed in residence halls and other campus housing?

Non-UD students, unless authorized by the Dean of Student Formation, are not allowed in residence halls or other campus housing.

Visitors (defined as full-time UD students) may be in residence halls only during visitation hours.

How often are common areas being cleaned in residence halls?

UD will continue to implement increased cleaning and disinfecting practices on high use surfaces and in high traffic areas. This includes cleaning and disinfecting common areas, communal restrooms, and lounges.

What is the isolation and quarantine procedure for residential students?

The Office of Residence Life has adopted an isolation and quarantine procedure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This procedure will be refined as information and understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

Implementation of the isolation and quarantine procedure is coordinated by the Department of Student Life, Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center, and UD Cares Team.

The isolation and quarantine procedure applies only to residential students. UD will not provide isolation or quarantine housing to non-residential students. Non-residential students are to isolate or quarantine in their off-campus housing.

For more information on isolation and quarantine, please visit the COVID-19 Exposure Guidance Page.

ATHLETICS

Will athletic events happen in the fall?

Yes. We anticipate athletic events will happen in the fall.

How will student-athletes be protected during practice and sporting events?

The Department of Athletics is committed to the safety of student-athletes and is reviewing protocols for the 2021-2022 academic year. Please visit the Athletic Updates Page for more information.

Will spectators be allowed at fall sporting events?

Yes. Spectators will be allowed at fall sporting events.

VISITORS AND EVENTS

Are any buildings closed to the general public?

Charles C. Myers Library, Chlapaty Recreation and Wellness Center, and Stoltz Sports Center reopened to the general public on June 1, 2021.

Can I come to campus for a campus visit?

Yes. Schedule a campus visit here.

Will visitors on campus need to wear face coverings?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

We strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our UD family both on campus and at our LIFE sites in Dubuque, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and Meridian, Idaho. Please, as we enter this new phase, practice our new mantra: Practice adaptability, patience, and forgiveness. There may be members of our UD family who wish to continue to wear face coverings even if they are vaccinated. Please feel welcome to do so if you would like.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

Are events allowed to happen on campus?

On-campus events or meetings organized and conducted by University of Dubuque students, faculty, and staff - in all departments - must be submitted for review and approval through the campus portal here. Third-party events hosted on campus will be evaluated and based on campus availability. For more information, please contact the Director of Scheduling and Events at 563.589.3868 or [email protected].

Will Heritage Center host in-person performances?

Heritage Center unveiled the 2021-2022 Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series in July. Appropriately named "Artistically Resilient," the series' lineup highlights a variety of cultural and social perspectives with shows including Sampson Brothers, an Indigenous music/dance duo; If Beale Street Could Talk; and The American Soldier Solo Show along with holiday specials such as A Very Electric Christmas and Christmas at Heritage Center "O Come, All Ye Faithful." For more information, click here.

Is the Bisignano Art Gallery opened?

The Bisignano Art Gallery in Heritage Center is open noon to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year. Summer hours vary and may be by appointment only. The gallery is also open in conjunction with all major events in John and Alice Butler Hall. The gallery's online presence has been expanded with virtual versions of the exhibits at gallery.dbq.edu.

Is the Farber Box Office opened?

The Farber Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to events. 

HEALTH AND PREVENTION

How can I protect myself and others?

Everyone can do their part to help prevent the spread of germs:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
  • Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation to cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others. To learn more about the CDC's recommendations on cloth face coverings, click here.

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

If you have flu-like symptoms, whether you are vaccinated or not, stay home or in your residence hall and rest. Call your health care provider and contact the following individuals:

  • University of Dubuque Main Campus 
    • Students: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Student-Athletes: Erin Barsema, athletics health care administrator, at 563.589.3857 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Faculty/Staff: Julie MacTaggart, director of human resources, at 563.589.3619 or [email protected] and your supervisor
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Dubuque
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Melissa Gunnelson, senior director of LIFE advising, at 563.589.3123 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Cedar Rapids
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Karen Middleswarth, academic advisor at LIFE - Cedar Rapids, at 319.775.0204 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Meridian
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Esteban Paredes, director of LIFE admission - Meridian, at 563.589.3902 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Tempe
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Heidi Burks, academic director at LIFE - Tempe, at 480.845.0081 or [email protected]

Will I be expected to monitor for symptoms of COVID-19?

Evaluate for signs or symptoms of COVID-19 daily before coming to campus or leaving your residence hall. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, stay home or in your residence hall. Consult your health care provider via an initial phone consultation and contact the following individuals:

  • University of Dubuque Main Campus 
    • Students: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Student-Athletes: Erin Barsema, athletics health care administrator, at 563.589.3857 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Faculty/Staff: Julie MacTaggart, director of human resources, at 563.589.3619 or [email protected] and your supervisor
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Dubuque
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Melissa Gunnelson, senior director of LIFE advising, at 563.589.3123 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Cedar Rapids
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Karen Middleswarth, academic advisor at LIFE - Cedar Rapids, at 319.775.0204 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Meridian
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Esteban Paredes, director of LIFE admission - Meridian, at 563.589.3902 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Tempe
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Heidi Burks, academic director at LIFE - Tempe, at 480.845.0081 or [email protected]

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

People who are diagnosed with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms - from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure and may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for more information.

How does COVID-19 spread?

For the latest information on how COVID-19 is spread, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What should I do if I suspect I have COVID-19?

If you develop symptoms related to COVID-19 and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, seek care immediately. Call your health care provider before visiting the office and contact the following individuals:

  • University of Dubuque Main Campus 
    • Students: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Student-Athletes: Erin Barsema, athletics health care administrator, at 563.589.3857 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Faculty/Staff: Julie MacTaggart, director of human resources, at 563.589.3619 or [email protected] and your supervisor
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Dubuque
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Melissa Gunnelson, senior director of LIFE advising, at 563.589.3123 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Cedar Rapids
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Karen Middleswarth, academic advisor at LIFE - Cedar Rapids, at 319.775.0204 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Meridian
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Esteban Paredes, director of LIFE admission - Meridian, at 563.589.3902 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Tempe
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Heidi Burks, academic director at LIFE - Tempe, at 480.845.0081 or [email protected]

Is University of Dubuque providing testing for COVID-19?

University of Dubuque students should contact the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center to schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing by calling 563.589.3360 or emailing [email protected]. Faculty and staff can find off-campus COVID-19 testing options in Dubuque County here.

What should I do if I am diagnosed with COVID-19?

Follow the guidance provided to you by your primary health care provider and/or local public health department officials.

What is isolation?

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the COVID-19 virus from people who are not infected. For more information on isolation and quarantine, please visit the COVID-19 Exposure Guidance Page.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. For more information on isolation and quarantine, please visit the COVID-19 Exposure Guidance Page.

What is the isolation and quarantine procedure for residential students?

The Office of Residence Life has adopted an isolation and quarantine procedure in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This procedure will be refined as information and understanding of COVID-19 evolves.

Implementation of the isolation and quarantine procedure is coordinated by the Department of Student Life, Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center, and UD Cares Team.

The isolation and quarantine procedure applies only to residential students. UD will not provide isolation or quarantine housing to non-residential students. Non-residential students are to isolate or quarantine in their off-campus housing.

For more information on isolation and quarantine, please visit the COVID-19 Exposure Guidance Page.

Where can I find more information about COVID-19?

Links to additional resources on COVID-19 can be found on the COVID-19 Updates Page.

Has University of Dubuque partnered with area hospitals?

We are blessed to be in a community where we have strong health and medical care providers. MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center and UnityPoint Health-Finley Hospital continues to partner with University of Dubuque, Loras College, and Clarke University. Their willingness to lend their expertise and services provides us with a greater sense of comfort as we develop our safety guidelines, access testing, and provide care for our students, staff, and faculty.

What counseling and support resources are available?

Please take care of your brain health. Isolation is difficult for those among us who cope with depression, anxiety, and other brain health conditions. Call a friend. Support one another.

A variety of support services are available for UD students, faculty, and staff.

Students may contact the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 to schedule an appointment to speak with a brain health provider. Afterhours, students may call the crisis number at 855.581.8111. Students may also contact Campus Ministry at [email protected]. Contact information for additional resources is available on the UD Resource Guide.

Faculty and staff may contact the Office of Human Resources at 563.589.3619.

For additional information on counseling services, please click here.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Do employees need to wear a face covering while on campus?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

We strongly encourage students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Please visit www.vaccines.gov to find locations that offer COVID-19 vaccines in the United States.

Our priority continues to be the safety and well-being of our UD family both on campus and at our LIFE sites in Dubuque, Iowa; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and Meridian, Idaho. Please, as we enter this new phase, practice our new mantra: Practice adaptability, patience, and forgiveness. There may be members of our UD family who wish to continue to wear face coverings even if they are vaccinated. Please feel welcome to do so if you would like.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

I am fully vaccinated. Do I still need to wear a face covering on campus?

Face coverings are highly recommended indoors. They are required in the Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center and may be required at clinical sites and internship locations, on public transportation, etc.

Single-use face coverings are available at stations throughout campus should you forget your face covering. If you notice a station is out of face coverings, please contact the Office of Safety and Security at 563.589.3333.

TRAVEL

What is UD's policy on domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Faculty and staff should coordinate with their supervisors when scheduling domestic travel that is sanctioned and/or sponsored by UD.

For more information about travel during the pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is UD's policy on international travel during the COVID-19 pandemic?

International travel sanctioned and/or sponsored by UD is suspended through the summer 2021 term. Faculty and staff may begin preliminary planning for travel during the 2021-2022 academic year through the group travel planning and approval process. International travel may be canceled based on future pandemic-related guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and/or others. UD's COVID-19 Recovery Task Force will continue to monitor the situation.

For more information about travel during the pandemic, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What should I do after I return from traveling?

You will need to continue to self-monitor for any illness throughout the academic year and with any travel. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher, stay home or in your residence hall. Consult your health care provider via an initial phone consultation and contact the following individuals:

  • University of Dubuque Main Campus 
    • Students: Smeltzer-Kelly Student Health Center at 563.589.3360 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Student-Athletes: Erin Barsema, athletics health care administrator, at 563.589.3857 or [email protected] and your professors
    • Faculty/Staff: Julie MacTaggart, director of human resources, at 563.589.3619 or [email protected] and your supervisor
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Dubuque
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Melissa Gunnelson, senior director of LIFE advising, at 563.589.3123 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Cedar Rapids
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Karen Middleswarth, academic advisor at LIFE - Cedar Rapids, at 319.775.0204 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Meridian
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Esteban Paredes, director of LIFE admission - Meridian, at 563.589.3902 or [email protected]
  • University of Dubuque LIFE - Tempe
    • Students/Instructors/Staff: Heidi Burks, academic director at LIFE - Tempe, at 480.845.0081 or [email protected]

Feel free to use the University of Dubuque Self-Monitoring Log