Warriors Back to College Updates

Update from President Johnson: July 30, 2020

(Sent to students and their parents)

The beginning of the fall semester is only a month away, and the WLC family is looking forward to your return to campus. Much has been done this summer to prepare for your arrival. Plans are in place to provide a safe return while maintaining the excellent collegiate experience of WLC. All colleges and universities in Milwaukee have been asked to submit COVID-19 safety plans to the city for review and approval. WLC has provided the necessary information to the Milwaukee Health Department, and we are currently awaiting their approval. 

It is clear that all of us will need to work together to ensure both a safe start and a productive fall semester. The understanding that “Warriors Take Care of Warriors” is more important now than ever before. Some things may look and feel different on campus, but our care for each other will be the same as always.  

In the upcoming weeks, WLC will be launching a communication plan for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in an effort to build awareness and provide education about campus life at WLC amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Information will soon be shared about our “Warriors Together” campaign that includes a comprehensive Warriors Back to College guide, social media posts, website updates, and various campaign materials.

In the meantime, please carefully read the Back to College updates (links below) with current information about move-in, Warriors Athletics, Campus Ministry, Health Services, and more. 

Please also continue to check the dedicated COVID-19 response webpage and our social media accounts throughout the summer. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to the appropriate faculty/staff member or department. 

We are in this together, Warriors! We can't wait to welcome everyone to campus soon! 

BACK TO COLLEGE UPDATE - RETURNING STUDENTS

BACK TO COLLEGE UPDATE - NEW STUDENTS

Wisconsin Lutheran College received a significant gift to purchase and install state-of-the-art audio/video equipment in many of our classrooms. As a result, we will be able to implement a leading-edge educational model called HyFlex. The hybrid flexible approach (HyFlex) allows for teaching and learning online, in person, or both. This flexibility, as a result of the technology, will serve our students well as we continue to navigate COVID-19 this academic year.

• Course schedules and textbook information are now available on myWLC. If you plan to have textbooks or other items shipped to WLC, remember that the WLC mailroom does not accept Amazon deliveries on Sundays.
• We know that students have questions about WLC's HyFlex education model, tutoring services, WALI, and other academic-related topics. We will be addressing these questions and providing clarity over the next couple of weeks.

Fall 2020 Academic Calendar

The schedule for the fall semester of the 2020-2021 academic year has been modified in a way that we believe will best meet both our academic and safety goals.

• Monday, August 31, remains the first day of classes.
• Monday, September 7, Labor Day, will be a day of classes.
• Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 will be days of classes.
• Monday, October 19, will be a one-day Fall Break.
• Wednesday, November 25, will be the last day of face-to-face classes on the WLC campus. Classes will resume online only for one week, Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4.
• End of semester assessments/exams will also be conducted online from Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 11.

• On July 27, the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) announced the difficult decision to postpone all conference, regular-season competitions, and championship events through December 31, 2020. As a result, NACC fall sports schedules and championships are moved to the spring semester. This includes football, women's volleyball, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's golf, and women's tennis. WLC student-athletes received advance notification from their respective coaches on Friday, July 24. Both men's and women's basketball will also begin conference play after January 1, 2021.
  
  
• WLC and all other NACC institutions will have the autonomy to schedule practice and/or competition opportunities for any of its sports this fall and/or spring, using the recent NCAA Division III waiver, provided they do not exceed 114 days of athletically related activity.
  
  
• WLC continues to pay close attention to return to safe play conversations and policies at both the national and local levels. As we monitor these discussions and regulations, be assured that the safety of all participants is of our utmost concern.
  
  
• Student-athletes should watch for specific athletic policies regarding screening, practice activities, and return to play. These sport-specific policies will be shared with each athlete before returning to campus.

Visual and performing arts are a robust part of WLC's academic curriculum and the college's overall culture. With this in mind, we are carefully evaluating what the fine arts will look like at WLC this fall to ensure the safety of our students and guests. More information will be shared as soon as it is available.

All Guest Artist Series and Piano Celebration Series events scheduled for the 2020-2021 season will now take place during the 2021 calendar year.

Sodexo, WLC's food service partner, continues to research and implement food preparation and serving safeguards on our campus. Here are some of their initial plans:

• Physical distancing of six feet will be implemented and maintained between employees, students, and visitors in the dining areas through the following: traffic flow and occupancy management, and by the installation of clear acrylic dividers in the cafe serving areas, on dining tables, etc.
• All high-touch-point areas throughout the food service spaces and seating areas will be disinfected regularly throughout the day.
• Traffic flow will be directed in the Courtyard Café and the Brewhaus.
• Serving stations and menu platforms will be designed around quicker service options to allow guests to get in and out of the area as efficiently as possible. For example:
  
  • Many self-serve items will now become “grab and go.”
  • Disposable paper goods will be used to limit contact for the dishroom employees, eliminate traffic up and down the dish return area, and to allow for carryout/grab and go.
  • Some “Simply to Go” items will be offered in Treffert Commons (lower level of Generac Hall) during peak lunch hours.

Residence Life plays a crucial role in the WLC student experience, and providing a safe place for students to live and learn together remains our highest priority. 

With the safety of our campus community in mind, resident students will be given assigned move-in times. Returning students will be assigned a time to move into their residences on either Friday, August 28 or Saturday, August 29. Students unable to move in on either of those dates are welcome to return on Sunday, August 30, without a scheduled move-in time.

On August 13, returning residents should check their WLC email for a message from the Office of Residence Life that will provide detailed communication about their scheduled move-in time and other important information. Note that each student will have 90 minutes to unload, and students will be allowed two helpers.

WLC has added an early drop-off option for local students who will be living in Stimac, Fischer, and Aspire halls. Students who reside within 60 miles of WLC will have the opportunity to schedule a time to drop off their belongings in their assigned residence Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27. The Office of Residence Life will contact those eligible to drop off items early via email. The same rules apply (90 minutes and two helpers). Please note: Residents who drop off their items early will not be allowed to stay on campus; they also will not be assigned an additional move-in time on Friday or Saturday.

We are eager to have students back on campus to experience all that life at WLC has to offer. Our faculty and staff have been focused on planning for a return to campus that is as safe as possible and allows you to enjoy your WLC experience. We want to provide you with a realistic picture of what life on campus will be like this fall.

Campus Ministry/Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is mission-critical. WLC intends to offer a chapel service at 10:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Chapel services will be held in the Recreation Complex so more people can attend while maintaining physical distancing. Chapel will include the invocation, Bible lesson, prayer, and benediction.

Please watch for more details regarding Vespers, Sunday Worship, Bible Study, and other spiritual growth opportunities.

Campus Events and Activities

The WLC college experience goes beyond quality academics, and we understand that being on campus and participating in activities and events provides additional, invaluable learning and growth opportunities for students. For the fall semester, it will be necessary to re-imagine many of our popular events and activities to follow community health and safety guidelines. We will be creative in adapting to our new standards. 

• Resident students should plan for more outdoor student involvement opportunities by bringing a beach towel, extra blanket, or collapsible lawn chair (bag chair) to store in their living space. Commuters should consider keeping a chair and/or blanket in their cars for meetings, events, and activities that may be held outdoors.
• Furniture on campus will be strategically placed to accommodate health and safety guidelines. Please do not move the furniture in common gathering places.
• Hand sanitizer will be provided in each building; however, students are encouraged to carry personal sanitizer.

Warrior Orientation & Welcome Weekend is August 28-30. We are eager to give our new Warriors a warm reception as we welcome them to campus. New students should regularly check the WOW page and their WLC email for college resources and updates.

New resident students will move in to their residence halls on Friday, August 28. However, students will be assigned a specific move-in time slot either in the morning or afternoon. On August 10, residents should check their WLC email for a message from the Office of Residence Life that will provide detailed communication about scheduled move-in times and other important information. Note that each student will have 90 minutes to unload, and students will be allowed two helpers.

WLC has added an early drop-off option for local students who will be living in Stimac, Fischer, and Aspire halls. Students who reside within 60 miles of WLC will have the opportunity to schedule a time to drop off their belongings in their residence hall room Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27. The Office of Residence Life will contact those eligible to drop off items early via email. The same rules apply (90 minutes and two helpers). Please note: Residents who drop off their items early will not be allowed to stay on campus; they also will not be assigned an additional move-in time on Friday.

WLC will continue to follow best practice protocols and guidelines as determined by local and state health officials. Our current plan includes the following:

Screening

• Students will be expected to conduct daily self-health checks, which include monitoring their temperature and COVID-19 symptom development.
• Students who develop symptoms must not attend class or work and will need to contact WLC Health Services to report symptoms. Students will receive guidance over the phone as to the next steps regarding testing and quarantine protocol.

Testing

• Testing will be mandatory and available on-site for students who develop symptoms and for those who are determined to be in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19.
• Testing will be coordinated with a partner laboratory and billed to the student's personal health insurance. WLC will provide assistance to students who do not have health insurance.
  • For this reason, all students will be required to update their personal health insurance information on file at Health Services. Please watch for information about this process.
• If a student chooses to receive a test off-campus, they are expected to communicate with WLC Health Services and provide documentation of that test result/diagnosis.

Tracing

• All WLC students must engage in and cooperate with contact tracing as requested by the state or local health department or WLC Health Services.
• Each student must know their closest contacts (as defined by the CDC) in preparation for potential illness or needed participation in contact tracing.

Tracking

• Students who need to quarantine or isolate will be required to comply with Health Services' COVID-19 communication protocol, which will enable Health Services to monitor symptom development/changes and provide appropriate care.
• The quarantine and/or isolation experience may be challenging both psychologically and emotionally. Health Services, Campus Ministry, Student Support, Sodexo, Residence Life, and other WLC personnel as applicable will help each student remain connected to our community and provide support to best meet their individual needs.
• Health Services will track COVID-19 cases within the WLC population and report to designated leaders any increase in diagnosed cases. Additional testing may be implemented based on the reported data.

Quarantine

Separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a person who has tested positive

• Students who develop COVID-19 related symptoms and are awaiting test results/diagnosis must quarantine.
• Students who have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 are highly encouraged to monitor for COVID symptoms.
  • “Close contact” current guidance suggests less than 6 feet apart for 15 or more minutes in an enclosed space; activities involved during the contact will determine risk.
• If a student resides in campus housing, Health Services will collaborate with Residence Life regarding quarantine housing needs. The local health department will provide guidance regarding the student's on-campus residence or the need to temporarily move to another on-campus residence.
  • Students may choose to temporarily move off-campus/to their permanent home address for the duration of their quarantine.
• Quarantine length will be determined by local health department guidelines. Students must strictly adhere to quarantine protocol and comply with all directives from health authorities.

Isolation

Separates those who have tested positive from the rest of the community.

• Students who test positive for COVID-19 will be required to isolate.
• Resident students will be required to isolate off-campus if their permanent/home residence is within three (3) hours from WLC.
  • Health Services and Residence Life will work to provide necessary housing accommodations for those students who are unable to isolate at their permanent residence.
  • The local health department will provide guidance regarding the student's on-campus residence or the need to temporarily move to another on-campus residence.
• Isolation length will be determined by the local health department. Students must strictly adhere to isolation protocol and comply with all directives from health authorities.

Return

• Students will need to meet specific health requirements prior to their return to campus and/or regular activities. Local public health guidelines will determine if criteria has been met.
• Appropriate documentation may need to be provided.

Students should follow the guidance of their local and state health departments regarding the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic. The general information provided below should not replace current advice from the government, area health departments, or your local healthcare provider.

CDC PRECAUTIONS

The CDC recommends the following health practices to prevent sickness:

Clean your hands often

• Use soap and water, and wash for at least 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay at home as much as possible.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread the virus to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they go out in public.
• It is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about six feet between yourself and others. The face cloth is not a substitute for distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Use a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.

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.
• Clean surfaces that are dirty, then use a household disinfectant.

Source: CDC Prevention

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

Milwaukee County

Wauwatosa Health Department

Our culture is one of our most important strengths, and we have every intention of leveraging “Warriors Take Care of Warriors” to help us successfully navigate COVID-19 challenges on campus. Thus, it is the responsibility of every Wisconsin Lutheran College community member to engage in infection prevention practices and positive health behavior.

WLC properties are located in both Milwaukee and Wauwatosa. The college is working with both cities and their respective health departments related to COVID-19 prevention and safety protocols.

Students, faculty, staff, contractors, and visitors are required to wear face coverings in accordance with local and statewide mask mandates.

As a WLC Warrior, it is your responsibility not only to monitor your personal health but also to take necessary precautions for the health and safety of others around you. These precautions include, but are not limited to:

• Monitoring your health daily (taking your temperature, watching for symptoms of illness, etc.), especially for 14 days after your initial arrival on campus.
• Staying at your residence or going to your residence if you are not feeling well.
• Contacting WLC Health Services for guidance regarding your symptoms when you are not feeling well.
• Frequently and properly washing your hands or using hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable.
• Physical distancing will be a priority. Student gathering spaces for dining, studying, worshipping, etc. are being reviewed, and measures will be put in place to ensure we meet physical distancing guidelines. For example, seating in classrooms will be spatially distanced and dining services will be modified.
• Engaging in proper cough/sneeze/respiratory etiquette.
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your residence.
• Limiting time off-campus to essential needs/trips.
• Creating a personal medical kit which should include disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, multiple cloth masks, a thermometer, and fever reducer/pain reliever medication.

Mental Health Crisis Lines

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 911.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline at 800.273.8255. Click here for Lifeline Crisis Chat.

If you, or someone you know, is having a mental health crisis, call the Christian Family Solutions Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 800.438.1772, option #1.

Christian Family Solutions Resources for WLC Students

• If you have been working with a counselor from Christian Family Solutions, please reach out to him/her directly regarding upcoming appointments and/or the availability of meeting via secure video connection.
  
  
• Counseling support via secure video connection is still available for students. Please reach out to Jackie Kacmarynski (jackie.kacmarynski@wlc.edu), or complete this form.

The federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic related to funding for colleges and college students is called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and within it is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

Wisconsin Lutheran College applied for the emergency grant and has received limited funds to disburse to eligible students to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.

Please review the CARES Act Application for Additional Funding webpage for additional details.

As recipients of HEERF funds of the CARES Act, Wisconsin Lutheran College is required to post the following information:

Wisconsin Lutheran College signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020, and has used no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

As of June 18, 2020, Wisconsin Lutheran College has received and disbursed to students $468,825 from the Department pursuant to the institution's Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Student, which is over one half of the total amount allocated for Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Approximately 850 students at Wisconsin Lutheran College were estimated to be eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as evidenced by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)) and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

As of June 18, 2020, 690 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Wisconsin Lutheran College disbursed financial Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, up to $1,500, based on the Total Family Contribution (TFC) calculated by the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority was given to students with a zero TFC, and phased out with increasing TFC. Additional funds of up to $500 were provided to students remaining on campus without access to a meal plan and for displaced work-study students. $437,525 was awarded to 683 students with this method. The College also has some funds held for students (both those who have received funds and for those who did not) with need who may apply at the following link: CARES Act Application for Additional Funding.

Letter to students who received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act:

May 8, 2020

Dear Student,

We hope this letter finds you well despite this challenging time. You may have heard about the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic related to funding for colleges and college students. It's called the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and within it is the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Wisconsin Lutheran College applied for the emergency grant and has received limited funds to disburse to eligible students to help cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Through funding by the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, Wisconsin Lutheran College is providing this check to you. The funds are to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under your cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care). Please note, at this time the taxability of these funds is unknown.

We know everyone has been impacted by this health crisis, and the financial hardship on students and their families may be overwhelming. We are committed to doing everything we can to help you continue your education so you can fulfill your career aspirations and become a strong Christian servant leader

If you do not have added expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, please void the check and return it to:

Wisconsin Lutheran College Business Office
8800 W. Bluemound Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Please visit www.wlc.edu/coronavirus/ for additional information. If you have questions about this emergency grant, please contact Diane Hoehnke at diane.hoehnke@wlc.edu.

Sincerely,
Diane Hoehnke
Assistant Vice President, Finance