Campus Updates
Indiana University is closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). For the latest information regarding this situation, please refer covid.iu.edu.
Mitigation Testing for COVID-19 at IU Kokomo
Description of the video:
Mitigation Testing for COVID-19 at IU Kokomo - Transcript
Hey Cougars! I'm AJ, a senior studying business management.
[AJ sits on a bench behind the Main Building. The Well House is visible behind him.]
Even though I'm feeling great I did just get an email from IU asking me to take a COVID-19 mitigation test and... well of course i'm going to do it. And i'm going to show you just how easy it is. Let's go! Oh, but first…
[AJ puts his mask on.]
Mask up Cougars!
[AJ is walking behind the Main Building explaining what mitigation test is.]
So you're probably wondering what is a mitigation test.
[Text on screen reads “Testing is required with limited exemptions.]
It's a quick and painless COVID-19 test that everyone on campus, including you, will be asked to take at least once, as long as they're symptom-free. Why it's for everyone's safety so that we can stay ahead of a covid-19 outbreak and remain #iukstrong.
Testing will take place throughout the entire semester so be sure to check your IU email often as that is where you'll be notified if you've been selected.
[Text on screen reads “Check your IU email often! Notification emails arrive on Fridays
It's important to know that you may be asked to take the test more than once, so check that email. When you do receive the email, read through the instructions carefully to secure your appointment. And sign up using only your IU email address... oh... and an important tip!
[Text on screen reads “No: Eating, drinking, smoking, vaping, chewing gum 30 minutes prior to appointment]
This is a saliva test so no eating, drinking, smoking, vaping, or chewing gum 30 minutes prior to your appointment, or you will have to reschedule your appointment.
Testing takes place at the IU Kokomo Art Gallery in upper alumni hall. It's right by the library, you can't miss it. When you first get here you'll scan the little QR code with your smartphone. It'll take you to this website right here.
[AJ’s smartphone screen displays the Vault website and its questionnaire]
[As AJ enters the art gallery he is greeted by the IU Kokomo Emergency Management director, Jake Hobbs who guides him through the mitigation test.]
Hi how are you? I'm here for my...
Well, how are you?
Good! I'm here for my mitigation test.
All righty. I'm just gonna ask if you have had any of these symptoms in the last 14 days?
[Jake shows an information sheet describing COVID-19 symptoms]
I have not.
All righty. Have you had anything to eat drink smoke or chew in the last half hour?
I have not.
All right, you're good to go. So you should see on your app, once you get logged in, these two screens here are asking for your unopened test kit.
All right all right, now i'm on the cover 19 testing screen.
All right, you're right where you need to be. So I just need to check you in here. Al right, what's your IU username?
a-r-t-e-d-w-a-r
Alrighty, I got you all checked in. I'll see you station two.
All right.
Wow you're fast.
Well you know, usually to the fridge back I'm quick. So you're on the screen where it's asking for your unopened test kick?
Yes.
Alrighty, so I'm gonna have you scan this.
All right.
This will just tie this test to you.
AJ scans the code with his smart phone]
Perfect it's on there.
All righty, and then when you're ready go ahead and hit next. So your test kit comprises of three different parts. You've got the vial, the funnel, and the lid. So the lid will be for the last station, so save that for last. What I'm going to have you do is tighten down the funnel on top and then you're going to fill it all the way up to this black line with saliva. And make sure no bubbles are below that black line and then you'll be good to go and I'll see you at station 3.
All right sounds good.
[AJ is show finishing filling his vile with saliva and walking to station 3.]
All right.
Let's go turn my test in.
Hi. Nice to see you again.
Nice to see you.
You're all over the place!
All righty, let me just see where your sample is at... all right, you're good to go.
So what I'm gonna have you do is unscrew the funnel off the top for me.
Put it in the bucket.
All righty, and then reach into your test kit and get the blue lid.
It's kind of hard to get out sometimes.
There you go. And you're going to take that and screw it on where you have the funnel.
You don't have to be ginger with it, give it a good crank and the blue stuff should start feeding down.
It's going down just a little bit.
All right... maybe give it a little tap on the table.
There it goes. All right... so give me a good shake for about five seconds.
It should be good.
Now you're gonna take this alcohol wipe and disinfect the whole outside of the tube for me.
All righty, you're all set. Just put it in this bag. And you're all set.
If you'd like to disinfect, there's a disinfectant station right there for you.
Thanks for coming!
Thank you.
[disinfectant squirts and he rubs his hands together and he starts walking out of the art gallery]
Wow, that was pretty quick and painless.
And the best part about all this guys, is that this simple act of taking this quick and painless COVID-19 test is that you are helping to keep our campus open and safe so we can all enjoy in-person learning.
Test results will be returned in two to five days.
If you're negative you'll receive an email.
But if you're positive you'll receive a phone call with detailed instructions from IU Health regarding isolation and your next steps.
Together we will get through this.
Thank you for doing your part.
For questions visit fall2020.iuk.edu
See you later!
[Text on screen reads fall2020.iuk.edu]
[Text on screen reads #iukstrong]
[IU Kokomo branding appears on screen with iuk.edu]
Spring 2021
Classes Begin: January 19
Classes End: March 12
Finals: May 3 to 7
Notes:
- Classes will not be held on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Remote instruction only Jan. 19 to February 8
- No spring break
Frequently asked questions
Are visitors allowed on campus?
At this time, in-person visits to all IU campuses are not allowed. Previously scheduled visits are postponed indefinitely and the campus will contact you about virtual alternatives in the coming weeks. Although campus will not be hosting visitors at this time, please note that the Office of Admissions will continue to be accessible via phone and e-mail during their posted business hours for any questions you may have.
How can I take a campus tour?
A virtual tour of IU Kokomo is available, to give you a bird’s eye view of our state-of the-art classrooms, fun learning spaces and athletics facilities. Take a leisurely “stroll” through our Virtual 360 tour!
Will high school students have an opportunity to visit campus this fall?
We have Visit in Person (V.I.P.) Days scheduled during the spring semester, on February 12 and April 14 V.I.P. days give you the chance to meet faculty and current students, learn about financial aid, and get a free T-shirt. As an added bonus, we’ll waive the $35 application fee (as long as you haven’t already paid). If you bring your high school transcript, you can receive an admissions decision within one week.
If these dates don’t work, contact the Office of Admissions at iuadmis@iuk.edu to set up a time for an individual visit.
Register to attend. You can also choose a virtual visit.
Will IU Kokomo have a Commencement ceremony in May 2021?
IU Kokomo plans to host Commencement on Tuesday, May 11, 2021. Further details are available on the Commencement web page.
May I attend IU Kokomo’s May 2021 Commencement if I am a 2019 or 2020 graduate?
Yes, you are strongly encouraged to attend, and we want you there. Please complete your attendance survey email message from the Commencement office.
How can I receive updates about Commencement 2021 if I am a 2019 or 2020 graduate?
Please check your IU email address for a recent message from the Commencement office and check it regularly for additional emails leading up to the event. The Commencement web page is a good source for updated information, along with the IUAA Kokomo Region Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook accounts. You may also email our office, alumni@iuk.edu, with any questions.
What do I do if I have already ordered my apparel?
If you are a 2019/2020 graduate, please return the gown (and hood, if you rented one) in the postage-paid packaging that Herff Jones provided. If you would like to participate in IU Kokomo’s in-person Commencement in May, there will be rent-free gowns (and rent-free hoods for graduate students) available to 2019/2020 graduates on Commencement day. Be sure to bring your cap with tassel (and stole if you earned a bachelor’s degree) to the in-person Commencement. If you are a 2021 graduate and you already ordered your apparel, congratulations—that’s one to-do list item to check!
When and how do I order apparel if I haven’t done so?
Caps, gowns, and hoods are ordered online and mailed to the U.S. mail address that you specify. Orders will be open in early spring 2021.
Why was I assessed the DE fee?
The university-wide $30 per credit hour DE fee supports the technologies, instructional design, and student services required to deliver coursework in an online environment. You can see a bit more information about these services by going to IU Online, or you can explore them by going to Teaching Online at IU. Because the online support services were extended to all online courses (those originally scheduled as online, and those that transitioned), the DE fee was assessed to all course offerings. Any additional per credit hour fee assessed by the campus goes to support campus-based initiatives. The campus at which you enroll would need to provide additional information regarding the allocations of this fee.
Why must I pay the DE fee when my class was originally planned to be offered face-to-face?
The DE fee is spent to support the technologies, instructional design, campus-based initiatives and student services required to deliver coursework in an online environment. You can see a bit more information about these services by going to IU Online, or you can explore them by going to Teaching Online at IU. In light of the current situation, the campuses decided to extend these services to all online courses (those originally scheduled as online, and those that transitioned), so the DE fee was assessed to all course offerings.
I want a refund for the DE fee.
Indiana University is transitioning all classes to online modality to best protect and accommodate students and faculty during the current COVID-19 pandemic. No refunds will be offered, and all reasonable efforts will be made to ensure students will be able to complete their courses. As professors are adjusting instruction modality and syllabi, please watch closely for updates. This includes courses that were originally scheduled to be offered online, as well as those that were transitioned to an online format.
Since I’m not coming to campus, online courses should be cheaper, right?
While it is commonly assumed that online education incurs less expense than face-to-face instruction, this is not the case. Although physical classroom space may not be used, we still have other expenses—for example, expenses for new technologies, accessibility technologies, studio space, regulatory costs, instructional design, expanded student services, and remote proctoring which are increased due to online delivery. These services, and others, are supported by the DE fee. The regional campuses decided to extend these services to all their online courses this summer to ensure that all courses and students would be fully supported. The fee was likewise extended to include all online courses.
I do not have the money to cover the DE fee.
IU is committed to supporting students during this trying time. Please connect with your financial aid office and explore options for additional emergency aid for funds that may be available. If you have questions about other fees, please contact your Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and Office of the Bursar for more information.
I was not notified in an appropriate timeframe that my course would be online, or that I would receive a DE fee.
The regional campuses of IU worked very hard in light of this situation to redesign their schedule of classes as quickly as possible so that students would know that courses would be delivered online and that they would, therefore, be assessed the DE fee. At this time, all classes are being offered online for the health and safety of all faculty and staff.
The class I planned to enroll in has been canceled, what do I do?
Taking a class through a different IU campus may allow you to still complete the courses you intended to take this upcoming semester. Please search the full listing of online courses across all campuses here. If you find a course of interest, you may complete the temporary intercampus transfer request form on the “Register for a Class” tab. This form takes about 60 seconds to complete, and then is automatically sent to the campus in which you are interested in taking a course from. That campus will then contact you directly regarding registration in your chosen course.
I’m only taking one or two online courses, so why should I have to pay the DE fee?
Many of the services provided to online coursework are still available to students who are only taking one or two courses. Services like instructional design, access to technology and library services, math and writing services, and course proctoring are still used in coursework, regardless of the number of courses a student is enrolled in.
Do I have to wear a mask on campus?
Cloth masks are required for everyone on campus. They are required whenever you are in a building, or entering/exiting. They must be worn in all high traffic areas and public spaces. If you instructor moves your class outside, you must still wear a mask unless everyone can be at least 6 feet away from each other. The mask must cover your nose and mouth.
What if I don’t have a mask, or I forgot to bring one?
There are extra masks at the Welcome Center in Alumni Hall, or in the Student Life tent.
Where am I allowed to eat or drink on campus?
You may eat outside without a mask as long as you are physically distanced, or in the Cougar Country Café before or after classes. At this time, no food or drink will be allowed in any classroom. You may have food and drink in the Library, as long as you are physically distanced.
Watch this helpful video for more information.
Is there an online option to order food?
The Cougar Country Café and Ground Up Café have an online ordering app, available in the Apple and Google Play stores for free download, that allows you to order and pay online with a debit or credit card, and skip the line to pick up your food at a designated station.
Can I work out at the Cole Fitness Center?
Spring semester hours will be re-evaluated prior to the return-to-campus date of February 8.
Will I be tested for COVID-19?
Mitigation testing is part of IU Kokomo’s plan to ensure the safety of the campus community. Nearly all faculty, staff, and students are included in the random testing, with the goal of quickly identifying and isolating individuals who test positive for the virus, including asymptomatic carriers.
How will I know if I have been selected?
You will receive an email notifying you, with a link to register for a time by Friday of that week.
Where and when does testing take place?
Testing will be in the campus Art Gallery from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays.
Can I opt out of testing?
Participation in mitigation testing is essential to our ability to continue safely offering in-person testing this year. Consequently, students, faculty and staff contacted for testing who fail to take the test may be subject to disciplinary action, up to removal from campus or administrative leave without pay. Those who do not come to campus this semester may be exempt. A link to an exemption request form will be made available upon request.
Description of the video:
A Day in the life vlog Transcript for Erinn returns to IU Kokomo
Pop music is playing as Erinn Adam is sitting in her car talking to the camera in front of the Main Building at IU Kokomo.
“Hey Cougars, I’m Erinn Adam and I’ll be a senior this fall studying sociology! Today I’m going to take you with me around campus to show you what life will be like for students this fall.”
She begins to put her mask on as the website fall2020.iuk.edu pops up on screen.
Erinn says, “Oh! And don’t forget to mask up before entering the building. Let’s go!”
She grabs her bag, gets out of her car, and she begins walking to the main building and notices some signs and the mascot, Kingston, sitting on a bench.
Erinn says, “As you can see when you get closer to campus there are signs all around, like this one. ‘If you feel it, we could all get it. Hey Kingston, how are you doing today?”
Kingston gives 2 thumbs up.
Erinn says, “Good, good! Hey, move a long and we’ll stay strong, right?
Kingston gives more thumbs up.
Erinn responds, “Nice. I’ll see you later, dude!”
Erin walks into the Main Building and begins speaking.
“Oh… guys, it’s so good to be back. Hey look, another sign, ‘move along and we’ll stay strong’”
Erinn pushes the button on the elevator. It opens and Kingston is inside pointing to a sign with helpful information about staying healthy.
Erinn says, “Oh, hey Kingston! Yeah, you’re right, we should all take the stairs if we can. I’ll see you later.”
As she walks away, she sees another sign on the floor of the hallway. And reads it aloud.
“Oh, another sign. ‘Keep right and keep your distance.’ That’s a good point on physical distancing. Alright, let’s move a long.”
A transition takes us to the women’s restroom where Erinn is washing her hands and she begins giving some instructions to the viewer.
“Make sure to wash your hands often, and even though we can’t eat or drink in the classrooms, we still can in the cafeteria, but if you are thirsty between classes, make sure you bring your own water bottle so you can refill it.”
You can hear the beep of the water fountain and see a sign that says, ‘Personal bottles protect us all. Refills only.’ When she finishes she speaks again.
“Alright, let’s head to my first class.”
Erinn begins walking and the camera shows a wide view of her moving down the hallway into a transition of her standing outside of the classroom and begins explaining more important information and a new pop song begins to play.
“OK, so this is one of my face to face classes and right outside the door you’ll the ‘Physical Distancing Room Capacity’ is 15 students.”
Erinn walks in and notices Kingston sitting on the far side of the room and she greets him.
“Oh hey! I didn’t know you were in this class?!
She puts herself between the camera and Kingston to say, “a great case study for psych of personality, huh?”
Erinn sets the camera down to head for cleaning supplies and to deliver more information.
“Anyways, so in each classroom, you’ll have cleaning supplies so students can clean their space before they settle in.”
As Erinn begins to disinfect her desk text appears on the screen about class information that reads. “If you are looking for information about whether your classes meet face to face, online, or a hybrid version of both…” The text slides off to reveal more text, “Visit one.iu.edu and search for: 1. Canvas, 2. iGPS Plan or, 3. Student Information System (SIS).
Erinn finishes cleaning her desk and puts her stuff away and grabs the camera to show spacing in the room.
“Oh and also, these red dots on the floor mark spaces where desks can go so students can physical distance.”
She looks at Kingston and says, “I’ll see you later, man!” And she leaves the classroom into a transition where she is sitting in the library and Kingston is standing in the distance behind her looking at books as she speaks to us about classes.
“On Mondays and Wednesdays, I have my hybrid psychology class. I meet on Zoom on Mondays and in class on Wednesdays. I’ll try and come to the library on Mondays to use the quiet space. After this class, I’ll head to the cafeteria for some lunch before my next face to face class.”
A new pop song starts as the camera then transitions to Erinn walking to toward the cafeteria showing tables set up for physical distancing as she notices hand sanitizer on the wall and begins to speak while getting some for her hands.
“Oh, hand sanitizer, nice! These things are going to be all over campus. When it’s time for lunch, I’m gonna head to the Cougar Country Café. As you can see, the seats and tables are set up for physical distancing. And there will be disinfecting cleaning supplies so you can clean your space before you eat.”
Erinn notices Kingston sitting down in the back and talks with him.
“Hey Kingston, you waiting for it to open?” He responds with a thumbs up. Erinn replies, “so you’re just gonna camp out?” Kingston responds with another thumbs up. Erinn the says, “Alright, see you later.” As she walks away, text pops up on the screen noting that ‘Online ordering will be available and there will be a grab and go location.’ Then the camera transitions to Erinn walking through the Main Building as she delivers final bits of information.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus, but before I go, if you don’t have the IU Mobile app download it today for easy access to Canvas, Zoom, and other important information.” A low-opacity screen grab video-clip of the app is displayed to the right of Erinn on the screen.
Kingston jumps out from behind the wall as Erinn stands in the middle of the hallway and he startles her.
She says, “Kingston! I’ll see you August 24th!”
He starts blowing kisses to the camera as Erinn walks out of the building. The screen transitions to black screen with the logo for the 75 years of IU Kokomo, honoring the bicentennial. IUK.edu
Description of the video:
Re-entry Transcript – Fall 2020For some of us, it’s time to come back to campus.
The world is different now.
At Indiana University Kokomo we know this and we care about our community.
We’re serious when we say We’re In This Together.
Every day we are learning new information about the Covid-19 Pandemic and how the disease is spread. And our Fall2020.iuk.edu website is THE best place to go for up-to-date information.
So, what’s life going to be like during the Fall of 2020?
Before we enter any building on campus, we’re going to mask up.
Everyone will be required to wear face masks, especially inside buildings where it’s harder to physically distance ourselves.
There are lots of different types of face masks, but the important thing to remember is that they must cover your nose and mouth. IU will supply you with two washable face masks.
Face masks are not required within enclosed spaces when one person is present with the door closed. Face masks are also not required during eating or drinking as long as adequate physical distancing is possible.
We know there is a chance that we’ll forget to put on our face mask when we leave our cars, but we’ll have extra masks on campus and readily available. If you see someone on campus without one, you can easily direct them to a mask location.
We’re also going to practice physical distancing. Try to always keep a 6-foot distance between yourself and others on campus.
Regular hand washing is required, and anytime you have to touch a surface, such as a door, stair rail, or a button on an elevator, there will be a hand sanitizing location nearby.
We’re going to ask you to take the stairs, over an elevator, if possible.
We’ll keep to the right in any walkway to avoid breaking into personal space.
While we can’t be eating and drinking in classrooms, if you do need a drink, water fountains will have signs reminding you not to drink directly from them, but to fill up your own bottle.
Inside seating will be marked with red dots -- meaning it’s safe to sit there. The same red dots will also be used in the classrooms.
Physical facilities staff will continue to deep clean the campus regularly, but we all need to pitch in and do our part. There are many ways we can do this.
Cleaning supplies will be located in the classrooms and nearby the seating areas for you to clean your space before settling in.
If you have an office space, you will be supplied with disinfectant and cleaning supplies to clean your own desks regularly.
You will also be asked to bag and empty your trashcans in a larger receptacle in hallways when you leave for the day.
Meetings in groups, or one on ones, must not be held in rooms where physical distancing isn’t possible. It is suggested to use applications like Microsoft Teams and Zoom to attend meetings with students or other colleagues.
Pay close attention and observe staggered come and go times if you work in an office with multiple colleagues.
Be aware that certain spaces with regular face to face interactions will use plastics screens for safe separation.
Visible and helpful signage will be used all over campus, including:
Exterior doors
Elevators
Sitting areas
And they’ll indicate proper traffic patterns in hallways.
There’s a lot of change to get used to while we work through this pandemic, but with your help we can stay safe and healthy. We’re in this together. We’re # I U K strong.