Dear Immaculata Community,
Our fall semester is well underway, and in just a few days the IU community will be returning to campus for the remainder of the fall semester. These past months have not been easy, but I have seen the tireless planning and efforts from countless students, faculty and staff to make all that we stand for here at IU a continued, lived reality in the face of the current pandemic challenges.
Months ago we developed a Return to Campus Plan that addresses the safety protocols we put in place to promote the safety of all individuals on our campus. It is extremely important that we all do our part to follow these protocols so that we can stay safe and healthy.
When you come to campus, you will notice significant safety measures that have been taken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These include: required facemasks, 6’ social distancing seating in classrooms, Plexiglas in the dining hall and library, signage, and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting. We are continually evaluating and monitoring the CDC guidelines to maintain the safety of our campus. Our commitment to deliver an exceptional educational experience, and to keep our community safe, never wavers. One thing I have certainly learned through this ever-changing pandemic is that we must remain flexible. Each and every one of us is invested in IU. We share a mutual respect and concern that, I know, will continue to be what guides all of our decisions.
The good news is that we will open campus for the spring semester. The extraordinary work demonstrated this semester, and continued research and review of the experience of other campuses’ already open, have prepared us to share with you our spring 2021 plans.
Please read the following information carefully. I look forward to welcoming you all back to campus, and look forward to a fantastic spring semester.
With my best wishes,
President Lettiere
IMPORTANT DATES
January 25 Spring Semester Begins
April 1-5 Easter Break
May 10 End of Semester
May 14 Commencement – CGS
May 15 Baccalaureate Mass
May 16 Commencement – CUS & CAPS
*Spring break has been eliminated to minimize travel.
SEMESTER COVID-19 ACCOMODATIONS
Since the start and continued release of information pertaining to the current pandemic, Immaculata has gone above and beyond to meet the requested needs of our community. As we continue to live through the days of this pandemic, we are working proactively to understand the needs of our students, faculty and staff. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with increased risk for severe illness as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, individuals may request a COVID-19 accommodation if they are the primary caretaker for someone who is considered high risk of life-threatening complications arising from COVID-19, or if a member of their household is considered high risk of life-threatening complications arising from COVID-19. To be considered for a COVID-19 accommodation, requests must include a note from a physician that attests to the patient or their co-habitant having a risk and the type of accommodation the employee is requesting to mitigate that risk (working from home, working in a less populated area of the campus, etc.).
Students seeking a COVID-19 accommodation for the spring semester are required to complete the Spring 2021 COVID-19 Student Accommodation. Employees seeking a COVID-19 accommodation for the spring semester must submit the Spring 2021 COVID-19 Employee Accommodation Form. Forms will be available by Monday, October 19, 2020, both on the website and on MYIU. Individuals seeking accommodations mustsubmit their form and accompanying documentation by November 30, 2020. Reasonable accommodations are determined, identified and implemented in an interactive process with the student and employee. Jennifer Peruso from the Office of Learning Support Services will work with students and Claudine Vita from the Office of Human Resources will work with employees. All medical documentation will be kept confidential.