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Coronavirus Information

NIACC Covid-19 Dashboard

These numbers include all faculty, staff, and students in the NIACC community.
Last upated 12/02/2020


# Current Positives (or Inconclusives)
12
# In Quarantine
(In the care of the college or at home)
50


Self-Quarantine: An individual who has been exposed to COVID-19 will stay at home or in their residence hall room while separating themselves from others and monitoring health. They will be contacted daily to assess symptoms and health status. Individuals will remain in self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days from the point of exposure (incubation period is three to 14 days) unless they are excused by the College’s contact tracers.

Campus Infection Rate (percent of total campus currently testing positive): 0.47%

0.47%

Covid-19 in Iowa
A lot of big changes have been happening in the past few months and this page will give you an overview of the plans that we continue to work on in order to keep our students, faculty, and staff safe and healthy and to provide the college experience that our students expect and deserve.  This plan will be updated as the need arises.
If you test positive for Covid-19, or come in contact with someone who has been confirmed positive, please send an email to CovidHR@niacc.edu and let us know. Your information will remain confidential but it will help us monitor the situation on campus.

Keeping Everyone #HealthyAtNIACC

We’re happy to have students, faculty, and staff back on campus for another great year of learning, making friends, and experiencing life on campus. Things are different this year, we know, but if everyone does their part to keep our community healthy, we hope that disruptions will be kept to a minimum.

Below you will find some of the strategies that we have put in place along with resources that are available to ensure that the campus runs smoothly and students continue to reach their educational goals.

Here’s What You Can Do:

Everyone needs to do their part to protect themselves and the NIACC community which includes:

  • Wear a face covering – whenever you are inside a building or in close proximity to others
  • Maintain a safe social distance – at least 6 feet
  • Wash or sanitize hands often – there are many sanitizing stations around campus
  • Stay home when ill – if you don’t feel well stay and alert your instructor
  • If you test positive for Covid-19, or come in contact with someone who has been confirmed positive, please send an email to CovidHR@niacc.edu and let us know. Your information will remain confidential but it will help us monitor the situation on campus.
  • Complete the self-assessment found on TrojanHome whenever your health situation changes

Things to Know While on Campus

Face coverings should be worn in all indoor spaces on campus-hallways, classrooms, restrooms, Rec Center, and the Activity Center. The only time face coverings should be removed on campus is when someone is eating at one of the individual tables in the Activity Center or while walking outside further than six feet away from the closest person.

If you forget to bring a mask to campus, a limited number of masks will be available at these locations:

  • Student Learning Center (Beem)
  • Health Division office and Pappajohn Center (McAllister)
  • BookZone (Activity Center)
  • HR office (Administration building)
  • Rec Center office

All classrooms have been arranged so that students have at least 6 feet between themselves and the instructor. If students must be closer than six feet at any time, they should be wearing both a face covering and goggles with a maximum exposure under six feet of 15 minutes.

Attendance Statement:

The College expects all students to attend all classes in which they are enrolled; however, if students must be absent, they should make arrangements in advance of the absence with their instructors. Students absent because they are official college representatives or attending an official college event must make advance arrangements with the instructor to complete all work missed before the absence. Attendance will be taken in two ways this semester: attending and participating in class meetings and the completion of online material and assignments. Students testing for or quarantined due to COVID-19 are expected to communicate with their instructors to develop course completion plans.

Institutional Statement:

Because of the unknown situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, NIACC reserves the right to transition any individual course, academic semester, portion of a course, or portion of an academic semester to an alternative mode of delivery including virtual delivery (synchronous or asynchronous), hybrid, or online.

Updates

  • 4/3/2020 - End of Academic Year Decisions

    Dear North Iowa Area Community College Students, Faculty, and Staff,

    As we continue to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) has made a decision to continue all courses online for the remainder of the spring semester.

    Academic and Student Services

    • Online instruction will continue through the end of the spring semester.
    • Laboratories, studios, performance instruction, computer labs, and other experiential learning sections will not be held in person through the remainder of the spring semester. Substitute assignments or makeup activities will be at the discretion of the instructor and/or division chairperson.
    • Academic support services, including tutoring, academic advising, counseling, and media services will be provided online or by phone.
    • For essential services, including Student Counseling, call 641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC

    The College remains open to support online instruction and provide critical operations and services; however, supervisors and employees are directed to accommodate flexible work arrangements to support social distancing.

    Spring Commencement Postponed

    We regret that we must also postpone the spring commencement ceremony. Graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a commencement ceremony at some point in the future.

    Graduates will receive their diplomas and diploma covers via mail as soon as grades are finalized and transcripts are updated.

    Student Housing Refunds

    Refunds will be given on a per diem basis beginning March 16 through May 1 to students who are still enrolled in their NIACC classes. To clarify, the amount is equal to a 100% refund of room and meal plan payments for the dates of March 16-May 1.

    If you occupied your room after March 15, 2020, your refund will be adjusted accordingly based on the date of your departure from campus.

    Refunds will be processed when NIACC receives the stimulus package included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act” (S. 3548) and will be applied to the remaining balance due on your NIACC bill. Any remaining balance will be refunded via check and mailed to your permanent address on file with the College.

    Tuition and Mandatory Fees

    We will not issue refunds for tuition and mandatory fees. While the transition to online instruction represents a significant change, both for you, as well as our faculty and staff, we are committed to offering a quality educational experience and supporting you as you strive to reach your educational goals.

    BookZone Spring Returns and Summer Purchasing

    The BookZone staff is working through the process for spring book return. More information will be communicated in the coming days regarding options for book returns. For information regarding book returns for spring semester and summer/fall purchasing call 641-422-4500 or visit online at www.niaccbookzone.com.

    College Events and Meetings

    All college events and activities will be canceled or moved online for the remainder of the spring semester (through May 1).

    Summer Class Registration Open

    Keep striving to meet your academic goals by registering for summer classes. Check out the NIACC Summer Class schedule here.

    NOTE: If face-to-face classes are unable to be held, the classes listed in the schedule will be moved online if possible.

    Session 1: May 13 – June 7
    Session 2: June 10 – July 19
    Session 3: July 22 – August 23

    Continuing Education

    All Continuing Education activities and courses will be canceled or moved online for the remainder of the spring semester (through May 1).

    Stay Connected

    Please check your NIACC email frequently for college communications about our response to COVID-19, and also check www.niacc.edu/about/coronavirus-information for campus updates and answers to frequently asked questions.

    In closing, I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding as we navigate the challenging days ahead. I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing you back on campus in the near future.

    Sincerely,

    Steve Schulz, NIACC President

  • NIACC Media Advisory

    NIACC CLOSES CAMPUS IN EFFORT TO PROTECT STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY FROM CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

    In light of the State of Public Health Disaster Emergency declaration by Governor Kim Reynolds, NIACC has decided to close the main campus and all NIACC centers to the general public. A limited number of staff will continue to work on campus to maintain business and educational continuity but the majority of staff and faculty will begin working at home effective Monday, March 23.

    The current plan, which is subject to change, includes:

    • Beginning Monday, March 23, all face-to-face classes, including labs and hands-on courses, will be suspended until April 13. However, to the extent possible, those classes will be moved online to allow students will be able to complete their current classes. Instructors will be reaching out to current students with more information.
    • Classes that have moved online, will remain online until at least April 13.
    • Continuing Education classes are suspended until April 13.
    • All college buildings and locations will close their doors on Friday, March 20, 2020 at 4:00p.m. to everyone except for those identified employees needed on-campus to perform specific in-person tasks required to maintain business and educational continuity, and the safety of the campus from March 20 through April 13.
    • All events, including Performing Arts events, scheduled to be held at NIACC are cancelled until further notice.
    • The Pappajohn Center will continue to serve as a resource for local businesses, however all contacts will occur online. Updates will be posted on their website and Facebook page.

    Although the majority of NIACC’s faculty and staff will not be on campus, they will be available to students, prospective students, businesses, and the wide variety of people that rely on NIACC for education and services. Phone lines have been rerouted, and staff are available via the phone, email, and Zoom calls.

    Students will have full access to their instructors via the telephone and email, as well as through their online class software. All offices, such as advising, financial aid, and the business office will be reachable via the telephone and email. It is important to reiterate the college is still operating and providing educational instruction via an online format and is serving NIACC students.

    The admissions office will be holding virtual office hours and virtual campus tours for prospective students.

    The health and safety of NIACC staff, faculty, students and the communities of North Iowa is an absolute priority. As always, NIACC strives to be an important resource to the community, especially at this difficult time. NIACC will continue to send updates and remain transparent for as long as the COVID-19 outbreak affects business-as-usual in our community.

    We want to emphasize there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC. These measures are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty. Ongoing updates will be posted online at: https://www.niacc.edu/coronavirus. Questions from the public can be directed to covid@niacc.edu.

    Media can contact Valerie Zahorski-Schmidt at 641-422-4001 to schedule interviews with President Schulz.

  • 3/12/2020

    MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SCHULZ TO THE NIACC COMMUNITY Following the declaration by the World Health Organization that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached a global pandemic level, North Iowa Area Community College will be taking measured steps to help reduce the spread of the virus and limit exposure to the NIACC community. March 16-20, following spring break, face-to-face classes on the NIACC Campus will not meet. Online courses will meet as planned. Beginning March 23, the majority of NIACC classes will transition online until further notice.

    • Lecture format classes will move online.
    • Select lab-based, hands-on classes will continue to meet in-person as scheduled.
    • Any exceptions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.
    • Students in Continuing Education classes will be contacted by NIACC staff in the coming days.

    Instructors will be reaching out to students by March 20 to clarify if a class is online or in person and explain expectations for students moving forward. Students can expect to hear from their instructor by March 20 at the latest. The NIACC campus and all NIACC centers will remain open. In an effort to provide educational continuity, computer access will be available on campus in the Student Learning Center, the Media Center, and McAllister Hall rooms 105 and 110 for those students who do not have access to a computer or the Internet. The Recreation Center on the main campus will be closed to all students, faculty, staff, and outside visitors until further notice. This measure will allow the college to significantly decrease the number of students and visitors on campus, and in doing so will reduce the risk of exposure to the NIACC community. Note: All athletic practices and activities will be suspended until further notice as of Friday, March 13, 2020. Student-athletes can expect communication from their respective coaches in the near future. Students traveling home for spring break are strongly encouraged to stay home, to avoid the risk of infection. NIACC’s residence halls will be open. Students who currently live on campus and wish to remain there must register with Student Services by filling out the Housing Exemption Form by noon on Friday, March 20, 2020. Dining services will also be open, but may be provided on a limited basis. Additional housing information is forthcoming. Administration will continue to monitor the outbreak with the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and local health officials. If the spread of the virus worsens, NIACC may implement additional safety measures as needed. Ongoing updates will be posted to this webpage (www.niacc.edu/coronavirus). We want to emphasize there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC. These measures are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty. Additional communication is forthcoming and I do appreciate your patience as we work through this unprecedented challenge. If you have any questions, please send them to covid@niacc.edu. Thank you, Steve Schulz, President North Iowa Area Community College

  • 3/11/2020

    NIACC Students, The coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve and change quickly. NIACC is closely monitoring the developing situation and is taking the necessary steps to protect the health and safety of the entire NIACC community. We are receiving continuous updates from the CDC, and both State and County Public Health agencies. We have been implementing several measures to maintain a safe environment on campus, including:

    • Deep cleaning of the campus over spring break
    • Addition of more hand sanitation stations across campus
    • Ramped up cleaning schedule of common areas throughout campus for the remainder of the semester (computer labs, doorknobs, tables, etc.)

    Please contact your instructor if you are unable to return to class after spring break. We strongly encourage you to remain at home if health symptoms arise. If you are ill and need to miss class, your instructor will work with you to determine alternate arrangements. Since this is a situation that is changing daily, the following online resources are available to help keep you updated: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Iowa Department of Public Health Steps you can take:

    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home when you are sick.
    • Cover your mouth with your upper arm or tissue when coughing or sneezing.
    • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

    We will continue to update you on the NIACC coronavirus information webpage and through campus emails as necessary. Please also make sure your NIACC Alert cell phone information is up to date in the case of emergency communications that may be necessary. You can make updates in the TrojanHome Portal, under NIACC Alerts Cell Phone Change. This is an extremely fluid situation at this point, so please stay tuned for further information. Please know that your safety is our utmost concern. Steve Schulz, President North Iowa Area Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact Information

Important Campus Information

  • Cancellations

    Dear North Iowa Area Community College Students, Faculty, and Staff,

    As we continue to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) has made a decision to continue all courses online for the remainder of the spring semester.

    Academic and Student Services

    • Online instruction will continue through the end of the spring semester.
    • Laboratories, studios, performance instruction, computer labs, and other experiential learning sections will not be held in person through the remainder of the spring semester. Substitute assignments or makeup activities will be at the discretion of the instructor and/or division chairperson.
    • Academic support services, including tutoring, academic advising, counseling, and media services will be provided online or by phone.
    • For essential services, including Student Counseling, call 641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC

    The College remains open to support online instruction and provide critical operations and services; however, supervisors and employees are directed to accommodate flexible work arrangements to support social distancing.

    Spring Commencement Postponed

    We regret that we must also postpone the spring commencement ceremony. Graduates will have the opportunity to participate in a commencement ceremony at some point in the future.

    Graduates will receive their diplomas and diploma covers via mail as soon as grades are finalized and transcripts are updated.

    Student Housing Refunds

    Refunds will be given on a per diem basis beginning March 16 through May 1 to students who are still enrolled in their NIACC classes. To clarify, the amount is equal to a 100% refund of room and meal plan payments for the dates of March 16-May 1.

    If you occupied your room after March 15, 2020, your refund will be adjusted accordingly based on the date of your departure from campus.

    Refunds will be processed when NIACC receives the stimulus package included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act” (S. 3548) and will be applied to the remaining balance due on your NIACC bill. Any remaining balance will be refunded via check and mailed to your permanent address on file with the College.

    Tuition and Mandatory Fees

    We will not issue refunds for tuition and mandatory fees. While the transition to online instruction represents a significant change, both for you, as well as our faculty and staff, we are committed to offering a quality educational experience and supporting you as you strive to reach your educational goals.

    BookZone Spring Returns and Summer Purchasing

    The BookZone staff is working through the process for spring book return. More information will be communicated in the coming days regarding options for book returns. For information regarding book returns for spring semester and summer/fall purchasing call 641-422-4500 or visit online at www.niaccbookzone.com.

    College Events and Meetings

    All college events and activities will be canceled or moved online for the remainder of the spring semester (through May 1).

    Summer Class Registration Open

    Keep striving to meet your academic goals by registering for summer classes. Check out the NIACC Summer Class schedule here.

    NOTE: If face-to-face classes are unable to be held, the classes listed in the schedule will be moved online if possible.

    Session 1: May 13 – June 7
    Session 2: June 10 – July 19
    Session 3: July 22 – August 23

    Continuing Education

    All Continuing Education activities and courses will be canceled or moved online for the remainder of the spring semester (through May 1).

    Stay Connected

    Please check your NIACC email frequently for college communications about our response to COVID-19, and also check www.niacc.edu/about/coronavirus-information for campus updates and answers to frequently asked questions.

    In closing, I want to extend my personal thanks to everyone for their patience and understanding as we navigate the challenging days ahead. I wish you all the best and I look forward to seeing you back on campus in the near future.

    Sincerely,

    Steve Schulz, NIACC President

  • Continuing Education

    In accordance with the guidance received from the Iowa Courts District 5 due to the COVID-19 crisis, individuals requiring Children in Middle can now take this course online. You can register for the course at online.divorce-education.com/. The cost is $60 and will be recognized by our courts during the COVID-19 crisis ONLY.

    Following the declaration by the World Health Organization that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached a global pandemic level, North Iowa Area Community College is taking measured steps to help reduce the spread of the virus and limit exposure to North Iowa and the NIACC community.

    NIACC Continuing Education public classes on the Mason City campus and at our satellite centers, scheduled through April 13, 2020, have been canceled and students will receive full refunds. We will communicate any further cancelations to students as they arise.

    Administration will continue to monitor the outbreak with the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and local health officials. If the spread of the virus worsens, NIACC may implement additional safety measures as needed. Ongoing updates will be posted to this webpage (www.niacc.edu/coronavirus).

    We want to emphasize there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC. These measures are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our community.

    If you have any questions, please send them to covid@niacc.edu.

  • EMT Classes

    NO EMT classes will meet next week. NIACC made this announcement today. Meetings will be held on Monday to determine how to move forward.

    PLEASE contact your students to inform them that no classes will meet next week.

    Message:

    Following the declaration by the World Health Organization that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has reached a global pandemic level, North Iowa Area Community College will be taking measured steps to help reduce the spread of the virus and limit exposure to the NIACC community.

    NIACC Continuing Education public classes on the Mason City campus or our satellite centers, scheduled through March 22, 2020, are cancelled.We will be in touch next week regarding classes schedule the week of March 23rd.

    Administration will continue to monitor the outbreak with the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), and local health officials. If the spread of the virus worsens, NIACC may implement additional safety measures as needed. Ongoing updates will be posted to this webpage (www.niacc.edu/coronavirus).

    We want to emphasize there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC. These measures are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty.

    If you have any questions, please send them to covid@niacc.edu.

  • Lifelong Learning Institute

    Dear Lifelong Learners,

    Public Health officials report that the COVID-19 virus has been detected in Iowa. In an effort to control the spread of the virus, colleges and universities around the state are responding by telling students to stay home for two weeks instead of returning from spring break.

    Dr. Schulz and I are concerned about the welfare of our lifelong learners and want to limit your potential exposure to COVID-19. Rather than have LLI members mingling with returning NIACC students, we feel it prudent to suspend LLI classes for a few weeks to limit your exposure to the virus.

    To that end, I will be suspending ALL classes from Monday, March 16th until Friday, April 10th. Classes will resume as scheduled on Monday, April 13th, unless the situation changes. I will keep you informed.

    Please know we are taking these steps because we care about you and your health. So, keep washing your hands, stay well, and we will see you again in April!

    While the campus will remain open, please note that the Recreation Center will remain closed until further notice.

    “We want to emphasize there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC. These measures are being put into place to protect the health and safety of our students, staff and faculty,” Dr. Schulz.

    Thank you.

    Darshini Jayawardena
    Director
    641-422-4271
    Darshini.Jayawardena@niacc.edu

  • Performing Arts and Leadership Series

    Friends, we are truly humbled by your support and patience these last few months. We continue to work with agencies to reschedule the remaining shows from our 19-20 season, and it is our hope to have every postponed performance be presented in our community. We are also anxious to share our 20-21 line-up with you in the coming months.

    Our staff is working with the guidance of NIACC, local and state guidelines, national agencies, and international associations to determine and implement policies and procedures to help keep you safe when we reopen the auditorium under social distancing guidelines.

    Dear Patrons:

    The safety of our visitors, artists, volunteers, and employees is of the utmost importance to us. As news about COVID-19 continues to develop, we want to share an important update with you. North Iowa Area Community College is taking measured steps to help reduce the spread of the virus and limit exposure to the NIACC community.

    We are committed to supporting NIACC’s efforts. NIACC’s current recommendation is to suspend all public events on campus of 30 or more people. In response to this announcement, the Performing Arts and Leadership Series is postponing all events taking place at the North Iowa Community Auditorium until further notice.

    If you have purchased tickets, please await further communication regarding any postponed events. As soon as we receive updates regarding each event, you will be contacted about next steps. Any new changes will be communicated with our patrons and the public as quickly as possible.

    For questions about Performing Arts and Leadership Series events, please email performingarts@niacc.edu or call the Box Office at 641-422-4188 during business hours.

    Please note that although there are no identified cases of COVID-19 at NIACC, these measures are being put into place to protect the health of all our valued patrons and performers. We appreciate your understanding during this time.

    Thank you,

    Lindsay Dalrymple, Director
    Performing Arts and Leadership Series

  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK)

    Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the new guideline of meetings/gathering of 10 or less individuals, NIACC Phi Theta Kappa new member orientation slated for Thursday, March 19 is cancelled.  The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society spring induction ceremony scheduled for April 13 is also cancelled.

  • RSVP of North Central Iowa

    After partnering with school officials it has been determined that all in-person school volunteer positions, Reading Buddy, Reading Coach, and Breakfast Buddy, will be temporarily suspended in all six counties of the service area (Cerro Gordo, Franklin, Hancock, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth) until further notice.

    While your presence will be sorely missed, your health and safety is our top priority.

    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this uneasy time, and for all you do for your community. Please stay safe and healthy.