Sharing updated information with the Simpson College community is vital in ensuring the health and wellness of the Simpson Family. You can visit the Simpson College COVID–19 webpage for additional information and updates.
Protocol Education
Simpson College realizes that one key to the entire Simpson community adhering to the guidelines and protocols that have been implemented below is understanding how COVID-19 is spread, the symptoms and risks of COVID-19, and being familiar with Simpson’s new protocols. Therefore, a mandatory Moodle Course has been created that will speak to these areas as well as bystander intervention practices to help empower everyone to directly address situations in which we see people not following guidelines. For our protocols to be effective, the entire Simpson community must come together and move forward as #ONESimpson.
Spring 2021 Testing Update
Beginning spring 2021, randomized testing of all full-time students will take place on the Indianola campus to begin the semester. Testing will take place Monday-Wednesday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Students will be notified Friday morning if randomly selected to be tested the following week and will receive full instructions on how to access their testing codes
RANDOM TESTING BEGINS THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASS.
Those students selected that first week of class will be notified Friday, Jan. 16. Student-athletes who are being tested weekly as part of their team, as well as students who have had COVID in the past 90 days, will not be part of the random testing. As long as randomly tested students are asymptomatic and haven’t been in direct contact with someone who tested positive there are no restrictions while waiting for test results.
Spring 2021 COVID-19 Testing
We will use a random number generator to select the students to be tested. Initially, we’ll be testing 20 percent of our full-time students each week; if we find consistently low COVID rates we may reduce that number to 10 percent of full-time students. We will not include athletes who are regularly being tested as part of their team, students who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 90 days or students who are currently under instructions to quarantine. Students who have received a COVID-19 vaccination are still included in the random testing.
We will email the randomly selected students Friday to let them know they need to be tested the following week.
Part of the randomness of sampling is that it is possible to get selected multiple times or none. Even if you were tested previously, you still need to participate if you’re selected again.
Athletes who are on a team which is undergoing regular testing will not be included in the random testing selection.
If you have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days you are not included in the random testing process. Make sure Health Services is aware that you have previously tested positive.
Students who have received a COVID-19 vaccination are still included in the random testing.
No, but you must be able to provide documentation of test results from within the past seven days if you are randomly selected.
Spring 2021 COVID-19 Testing (continued)
Compliance with the random testing is required for all full-time students. Because the emerging science is clear that a high percentage of COVID-19 transmission occurs through close contact with asymptomatic individuals, random testing of students without COVID symptoms is an important component of our plan to keep our entire community as safe and healthy as possible. Students who do not comply with the testing requirement will be subject to the student conduct process.
As long as you haven’t been in direct contact with someone who tested positive or have COVID-19 symptoms, there are no restrictions while you’re awaiting your test results.
We’re asking students who are testing as part of the weekly random process to get their tests Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday so that we have results prior to the weekend. Testing is done at the Campus Services building (410 N 1st St.), located across the street from Station Square apartments.
Yes, but you must cover the cost and provide documentation of results by Thursday of the week you are required to be tested.
Absolutely! We are still doing free testing for anyone who is recommended to be tested or who wishes to know their COVID status. Simpson’s general COVID testing is done Monday – Friday, 1:30-2:30 p.m., at the Campus Services building (410 N 1st St.), located across the street from Station Square apartments.
General
No. In keeping with our commitment to ensure the Simpson College community remains safe and healthy – and our proven ability to do so with proper social distancing and mask usage – we will continue to follow these practices on our campus for the foreseeable future.
Feb. 8, 2021
Yes! Simpson College has partnered with TestIowa to offer free, COVID-19 testing to members of the campus community Monday through Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the Campus Services building (across the street from Station Square). This testing site is not open to the public.
If you are a student, make sure to use your Simpson College address: 701 N. C Street, Indianola, IA 50125
School Selection:Simpson College as your testing site
You will receive a QR code. The QR code is REQUIRED to get tested
Testing takes place at the Campus Services building (410 N 1st St.), located across the street from Station Square. Testing is conducted Monday through Friday from 1:30-2:30 p.m. You do not need to make an appointment. Please wear a mask and bring your QR code (either on your mobile device or printed).
All current information and timely updates can be found at simpson.edu/covid19. Information will also be posted on the college’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
The college also maintains and responds to all questions submitted the email address: COVIDResponse@simpson.edu.
The health and safety of Simpson College students, faculty and staff remain at the forefront of decisions and protocols implemented by the Simpson College Crisis Management Team. The College continues to monitor information surrounding COVID-19 and is following guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Department of State, Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and other agencies.
Specific details regarding protocols may be found below.
According to the Iowa Department of Public Health in an update on Jan. 13, 2021:
“There is no evidence at this time to suggest a difference in clinical outcomes with this variant. And there is also no evidence at this time to suggest that the currently available vaccines would not still be effective against this variant. So far, many countries and several states in the U.S. have reported finding the new variant. Iowa has evaluated 12 samples so far and has not found the new variant at this time.
“The Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) is submitting 10 samples to CDC biweekly to contribute to the surveillance effort. Future plans are for SHL to sequence 45 samples of SARS-CoV-2 per week to contribute to surveillance information in a timely manner. At this time, samples for sequencing will be randomly selected to help monitor not just for the B.1.1.7. variant, but for potential emergence of other variants as well.”
Tuition will be covered in full, with a combination of your federal, state and Simpson scholarships and grants. You would be responsible for all fees, room and board.
It is urgent that you schedule an appointment with Financial Aid to determine your federal loan eligibility should you choose to take a fifth year or a ninth semester. There are limits in your federal loan eligibility, and you may not have any remaining to help cover the room and board expenses.
If you have already submitted your graduation application, you will receive the tuition waiver but YOU WILL NOT be eligible for federal or state financial aid of any type. For the current 2020-2021, the cost of room, board and fees, which will be covered by you in the fifth year is $10,062. This amount will increase over the years. This should help you make a much more informed decision about the fifth-year option.
Health and Well-Being
Wash your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
It’s especially important to wash:
Before eating or preparing food
Before touching your face
After using the restroom
After leaving a public place
After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
After handling your cloth face covering
After changing a diaper
After caring for someone sick
After touching animals or pets
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
Inside your home/residence hall:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
Outside your home/residence hall: Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and people who don’t live in your household.
Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk.
Cover your mouth and nose with a face cover when around others
You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
Everyone should wear a cloth face cover in public settings and when around people who don’t live in your household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Do not spit.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.
Monitor Your Health Daily
Simpson College will require all students, faculty and staff that will be on campus to monitor and report their health via a Moodle Check-in.
It’s essential to notify the proper individuals of your illness so the college can monitor the general health of the campus community. Your health information will remain confidential.
Students should contact Katie Lee, director of Health Services, at katie.lee@simpson.edu. Employees should contact Mimi Bartley-Nancarrow, director of Human Resources at mimi.bartley-nancarrow@simpson.edu.
Monitor your health and watch for symptoms which 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
Diarrhea
A full and updated list of COVID-19 symptoms can be found here. If you develop any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you isolate yourself from others.
Simpson College Counseling Services will continue to be available to students via phone or video counseling Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment, email counseling.services@simpson.edu or call 515-961-1332.
Things to know about tele-counseling provided by Simpson College Counseling Services:
Most sessions will be conducted via video or phone.
Sessions remain confidential.
Initial sessions will be 30-45 minutes.
Regular sessions will be 45-60 minutes.
If you would like to schedule a session, Counseling Services will send you links to paperwork to complete prior to your session and you will get an online meeting request for your appointment time.
Simpson College is strongly encouraging the exclusive use of face masks while on campus. Face masks have been found to be the most effective means of protection from the COVID-19 virus – for yourself and others. The others – face shields, bandanas, gaiters and fleeces – have been determined to be less than ideal and, in some cases, have found to actually spread the disease. Bandanas, gaiters and pulling your shirt up over your mouth and nose have been found to be ineffective and are not acceptable face coverings under Simpson College’s guidelines and protocols. Face masks are a proven barrier between you and others. This is a way for all of us to keep each other as safe and healthy as possible. Remember, wearing a face mask is about protecting others. Face shields should only be used by those who are unable to wear a mask.
You are. We encourage you to follow best practices regarding COVID-19 while in transit and while spending time with you family. Please remember your Moodle Check-ins while you are home and especially when you get back to Simpson.
No. Under the higher education guidelines from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for responding to positive cases, canceling all classes is not recommended.
Academics
Simpson College plans to return to face-to-face instruction for spring 2021. Various protocols to protect the safety of the students, faculty and staff are in place, including:
All classrooms have been assessed to indicate available seating to ensure social distancing can be met.
Classrooms must be at 50% of fire code capacity while in Orange phase.
Hand sanitizer stations have been installed in all classrooms.
Cleaning products are stocked in each classroom to be used in addition to twice daily scheduled cleanings.
Masks or face shields are required in classrooms.
Non-teaching computer labs will be closed during Orange phase.
Students will be able to remote in to needed software to complete coursework.
Students may contact Information Technology Services if they do not have a computer to explore loaner options.
No attendance penalties will be assessed to students experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms or who are in quarantine.
Virtual course work will be available for students in isolation/quarantine.
Faculty will email instructions related to course meetings.
We understand that the faculty's first priority is to effectively teach our students. We have several students who really need to be able to see our lips during lecture and we absolutely want to accommodate both them and provide the best learning experience possible. It is perfectly acceptable to wear your face shield while lecturing or leading class with it on. However, to be most effective and protective, you should only wear the shield when in the front of the classroom. You should wear a mask (unless a face shield is absolutely necessary) while walking around campus, sitting in class with anyone behind you, working one-on-one with a student in your office or in close exchanges of any kind. Please take a few minutes at the beginning of your classes to explain to the students why you are wearing the face shield while in the front of a lecture hall but nowhere else. Using some of the language above will help reinforce the message and help the students understand we aren't being arbitrary.
Campus Activities and Events
While in the Orange operational phase:
Gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people
Organized, sponsored events and activities in excess of 10 require advance approval by Student Activities and/or CMT
A mix of approved, face-to-face and virtual meetings, speakers and activities are encouraged
Additional event planning information can be found at sceventplan.com.
Simpson's intercollegiate athletics teams are operating under specific protocols determined by the NCAA, American Rivers Conference and Simspon College
At this time, the general public, faculty, staff and students will not be allowed to attend home basketball or wrestling events inside Cowles Fieldhouse. Student-athletes and coaches from both teams will be permitted two spectators that can attend. Spectators are required to wear a mask. Read the full spectator policy, including instructions on how to enter and exit the fieldhouse, at SimpsonAthletics.com. To access live video streams of home events, visit the streaming portal. (updated 1/15/21)
Housing
Simpson College students will return to campus in Orange phase, which has the following requirements:
No off-campus visitors are allowed in residence halls.
Visiting other residential rooms or buildings is not permitted.
Masks are required within the residential buildings other than in your own room/apartment or shower.
Lounges are available for computer lab, individual physically distanced study and/or kitchen use.
In all phases, students sharing the same room or apartment will be treated as ‘family units’ and do not have to socially distance from each other or wear masks while in their own room/apartment. Family units will expand by one person per roommate and also have the option to dine together in yellow phase.
We are also concerned about the social implications of our protocols - we know they are profound. But we have also watched what has occurred on campuses across the country as they brought students back this summer and immediately saw significant outbreaks on their campuses. We simply do not have the capacity to handle an outbreak of the kind of exponential spread that could happen with students living in such close quarters - that would send us back to fully remote learning. We believe that by being highly cautious in the first two weeks we have the greatest potential to go back to something a little closer to normal for the rest of the semester.
Dining
Orange phase:
Both Pfeiffer Dining Hall and Kent Campus Center will have limited seating and grab-and-go options
In Pfeiffer, a set traffic pattern, including separate entrance and exit, and queuing pace will be laid out to ensure social distancing
Kent will be arranged to maximize distance between tables
In all venues, self-serve options will be limited
No personal, refillable containers will be allowed
All students and employees are required to wear masks while moving within the dining facility to obtain meals
Yellow phase:
Grab-and-go options will remain available
Expanded seating in Pfeiffer and Kent will be available for family units
Dining groupings of family units will remain at least 6 feet apart
All students and employees are required to wear masks except when dining at a table with family unit
Students are allowed to change their board plans during the first four weeks of the term. To make a change, please contact the student development office at 515-961-1592.
Isolation/Quarantine Protocols
We know that, even with everyone in the Simpson community closely adhering to our health protocols, there is a chance that someone will contract COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will be required to isolate. If you have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, you will be required to quarantine. Key elements of isolation/quarantine include:
Students required to isolate/quarantine will be encouraged to do so at home. If unable to return home, for any variety of reasons, student will follow the on campus protocol explained below:
Temporarily move to a space on campus set aside for isolation/quarantine.
Spaces set aside for isolation/quarantine provide access to private or minimally-shared bathrooms.
Food will be delivered to students at their on-campus place of isolation/quarantine.
Students will receive support from Health Services and Counseling Services during isolation and quarantine.
ALL PERSONAL HEALTH INFORMATION WILL REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL.
Student will isolate either at home or in designated isolation/quarantine housing on campus.
Only the following individual will be notified of a student who tests positive for COVID-19.
Health Services staff
If residential, the Director of Residential Life
Registrar for academic policy purposes
Director of security for room access changes
Warren County Public Health for contact tracing
Campus Services for cleaning purposes – no name will be given
No campus wide notices will go out regarding individual positive tests
De-identified data on number of positive cases on campus will be shared with the campus weekly.
When we learn of a positive test, Warren County Public Health will assist with contact tracing.
When return from isolation guidelines from the IDPH are met, the student may move back into their former space and continue with self-observation and social distancing.
If a student has been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, the student will be asked to quarantine.
Students may quarantine by returning home, remain in their housing until if possible to do so safely or move to a quarantine room on campus.
Other
Yes, we welcome prospective students and their families to campus for visits. All visits must be pre-arranged by calling 515-961-1624. Face masks must be worn while visiting campus.
One of Simpson College’s core values is its commitment to all students. As noted in the mission, “individual attention and an unwavering commitment to inclusive education,” will always remain. Also, the college recognizes these are unprecedented times and is always available to answer questions related to financial aid.
Our financial aid letters remain our commitment to you.
If the financial situation for you or your family has changed due to COVID19, please contact us immediately to discuss possible additional options to finance your education. You can reach the financial aid office at 515-961-1596 or by email at tracie.pavon@simpson.edu.
If you are unable or struggling in some capacity to meet your financial obligation, please contact the Simpson College Business Office at 515-961-1655.
Please send in this request for this event to Crisis Management Team for approval at COVIDResponse@simpson.edu with the following information:
Name and purpose of event/meeting.
Explain the reason the event/meeting should take place face-to-face vs. virtually.
Event specifics such as date/time, anticipated number of participants and location.
Detailed description and/or diagram of event layout and plans for physical distancing, egress and ingress.
IMPORTANT! Request MUST be submitted to CMT a MINIMUM OF 2 WEEKS PRIOR to event.
To review the guidelines to ensure a safe event, please visit sceventplan.com.
