COVID-19
Status:
What’s New | Arriving on campusInformation about returning to campus for interterm and the spring semester was shared with students and families in an email on December 4 and can be read in the FAQ below. President Schneider will host a Campus Forum for students and families on Zoom, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. CST. | Campus UpdatesCampus Forum videos and Messages from President Schneider. |
FAQ:
NOTE: This is a complex, challenging, and fluid situation which continues to evolve rapidly. All information is subject to change as deemed necessary by college leadership in accordance with guidance and recommendations issued by federal, state, and local public health and government officials.
Interterm & Spring Onboarding
- All students and employees planning on returning for interterm classes on January 4 will be asked to submit a negative test dated after December 26. Students arriving after interterm, but prior to the start of spring semester classes on January 28, should plan to have a negative test dated after January 18.
- International students should work with Student Affairs to quarantine upon arrival to campus until a test can be arranged.
- Student-athletes who are in season should coordinate their return with coaches and the athletic department. Any student athlete who tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovered will be required to go through a specific on boarding protocol.
Students:
FREE At-home COVID-19 test
Any student in the continental U.S. may request an at-home saliva antigen test from Vault Health, a McPherson College FDA approved partner. To request a link from Vault Health to schedule a test delivery as well as more information on the testing process click HERE. Students requesting the at-home test will receive a link from McPherson College the week of December 21. The test is paid for by the college.
FREE McPherson Partners in Family Care Clinic testing
From December 28 through January 5, those of you in the McPherson area can receive an antigen test with same day results at the campus clinic. Appointments are required through online scheduling.
FDA-approved test from a health provider of your choice
Make your own arrangements to visit an FDA-approved testing site and provide documentation of your result to the college prior to returning to campus. Costs for this option will be paid by the student.
Students, please indicate which testing option you will use here.
Employees:
McPherson Partners in Family Care Clinic testing
From December 28 through January 5, those of you in the McPherson area can receive an antigen test with same day results at the campus clinic. Appointments are required.
FDA-approved test from a health provider of your choice
Make your own arrangements to visit an FDA-approved testing site and provide documentation of your result to the college prior to returning to campus.
Best practices for the at-home test include:
- Test will arrive within 48 hours after ordering.
- Test kits cannot be shipped to PO boxes.
- Open package and read blue instruction card before proceeding.
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke 30 minutes before testing.
- When creating a profile you will need to upload a photo of your photo ID.
- Do not open test tube kit until instructed to on Zoom.
- When you login to Zoom, be prepared to wait for up to 20 minutes for the next available provider.
- A provider will guide you through the test on the Zoom call.
- Pack the test and follow instructions for sending back.
- Watch this video for more details.
More Tips for your at-home test:
Plan Ahead
- Obtain the test kit several days before you plan to use it.
- Do not open the kit (inside the shipping box) until instructed to do so.
- Set a specific day on your schedule to complete the test and drop it off at UPS.
- Plan on one hour for the waiting room and for taking the test.
- Keep in mind there is no eating or drinking 30 minutes prior to the test.
- Make sure you are comfortable using the Zoom platform (microphone and camera.)
Logistics
- Take a picture of the return shipping label before you drop it off (make sure the tracking number is visible) so you can track your sample.
- Try to avoid mailing your sample back during a weekend or during a holiday.
- Deliver your sample to a UPS drop site that is staffed (not a satellite drop box.)
After returning your sample, check your spam folder frequently for emails from Vault Health.
- Up to two students may share an isolation room, provided both are confirmed to be positive cases and both students are agreeable.
- Students who are asymptomatic and in quarantine because they were identified as a close contact may quarantine in their assigned dorm room with their roommate, provided both students are agreeable and both students understand that if one of the two develops symptoms, the other student’s 14-day quarantine starts over.
- Students sharing a house or apartment may isolate and quarantine together provided all parties use masks and practice social distancing within the living spaces, and each have their own bedroom.
The new isolation and quarantine policy is included as part of the updated Health and Safety Guidelines.
Athletics and other campus activities will proceed cautiously with large group activities online.
Special Guidance
- NAIA has announced they will be moving all fall championships to the spring. Conferences were granted autonomy by the NAIA COP decision and the KCAC intends to compete this fall under approved policies and procedures for the 20-21. The KCAC COVID Task force continues working on schedules for the 20-21 fall seasons.
- KCAC Schedules can be found here: https://www.kcacsports.com/Sport_Schedules
- KCAC Guidelines are found here: https://www.kcacsports.com/d/2020-21/KCAC_2020_COVID_Return_to_Competition_Guidlines.pdf
McPherson College releases all sports schedules on our website. Please continue to check social media for the latest updates. https://macbulldogs.com/
More information on National Championships and updates can be found at https://www.naia.org/landing/headlines-featured
NAIA 2020 Guidelines and Recommendations:
Screening:
Beginning upon arrival, coaches, student-athletes, and those in close contact with student-athletes are required to be screened each day a practice or team activity occurs. For competition, all game-day participants (student-athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, etc.) are required to be screened within six hours of the beginning of the contest. All screening must be done by an athletic trainer or a designated healthcare professional. If an institution does not have an athletic trainer or healthcare 6 professional on site, it will be the responsibility of the host institution to conduct all prescreening requirements for the visiting team(s).
Testing:
Originally, the Council of Presidents was requiring a negative PCR test for all NAIA student-athletes and coaches prior to competition. When the COP determined fall championships will be delayed until the spring, allowing for much more flexibility in schedule, the COP also determined the original testing mandate should no longer apply. The COP opted to provide more flexibility considering the types of viral testing, their availability and cost, the turn-around times involved, and the local or regional public stances regarding testing vary greatly across the county. Given this variability and complexity, the NAIA determined it was inappropriate to require a single testing protocol for all its members. Rather, the NAIA strongly recommends that individual conferences and institutions consider very carefully the best way to deploy COVID testing to support the safe return to athletics.
For competition, all game-day participants (student-athletes, coaches, support staff, officials, etc.) are required to be screened within six hours of the beginning of the contest. All screening must be done by an athletic trainer or designated healthcare professional. If an institution does not have an athletic trainer or healthcare 6 professional on site, it will be the responsibility of the host institution to conduct all prescreening requirements for the visiting team(s).
Additionally, all student-athletes and coaches must receive a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test no more than seven days prior to the first competition. If a student or coach tests positive during initial testing, he or she must receive a negative test result prior to returning to competition. If a student or coach is unable to test during the seven-day window prior to the first competition, he or she then must be withheld until a test can be conducted and must receive a negative test result before his or her first competition. McPherson College is ready to test student-athletes during this seven day window before first competitions.
The KCAC and NAIA has provided each member institution with guidelines to return to Campus, Sport and Conference Competition that we will be following and will be housed in the Athletic Safety and Contingency Plan. Our coaching staff has adapted and adjusted practice plans to mitigate the risk of exposure.
KCAC Sport Guidelines: https://www.kcacsports.com/covid19-information
- Yes! We currently have in-person and virtual visit options. Visit www.mcpherson.edu/visit to schedule your visit.
- Social distancing of six feet
- Fill out questionnaire at time of registration and at campus check-in
- Tour guides will wear face masks and are required of our guests. If you forget yours, don’t worry, we will provide one.
- Campus will follow the travel-related quarantine guidelines put forth by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
- Visitors and tour guides will cleanse hands before entering and exiting every building
General Information
- Wear a face mask covering your mouth and nose
- Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
- Avoid touching your face
- Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow
- Sanitize high-touch areas as lights switches, desks, handles or knobs, and tables
- Avoid hugging others or shaking hands
- Don’t share personal items such as mobile phones, clothing, headphones/ear buds, writing utensils, sunglasses, and cups or mugs
- Washing your clothing frequently
- Shower daily
1) enrolled on/after March 13, 2020, attending in-person courses at McPherson College;
2) degree-seeking student; and
3) eligible to receive Title IV federal aid as evaluated through the completion of the FASFA
4) experienced expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19
Quarterly Report for Quarter Ended September 30, 2020
Updated October 1, 2020
McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.
The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.
As of September 30, 2020, McPherson College has distributed $246,323 to 174 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.
In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate or complete a certification form verifying that they meet the requirements. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.
45-Day Report
Updated July 10, 2020
McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.
The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.
As of July 11, 2020, McPherson College has distributed $174,859 to 126 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education. In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate or complete a certification form verifying that they meet the requirements. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.
30-Day Report
Updated May 27, 2020
McPherson College acknowledges that the institution signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the use of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. The institution intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds to support students.
The institution has received from the Department of Education, pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students, $795,375.
As of May 27, 2020, 30 days since the funds became available, McPherson College has distributed $91,681 to 59 students. The college estimates that 605 students are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which could qualify them to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) if student eligibility requirements are met as established by the Department of Education.
In determining Emergency Financial Aid Grants, the College requires students to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for verification of eligibility to participate. If a FAFSA was completed in a previous year, a certification form is completed verifying that nothing has changed since the FAFSA was completed. As required under the CARES Act, the College will identify students with the most need based on food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, childcare and other possible expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. The College does this through an automatic grant to students known to have additional housing and food costs and a self-reporting application for everyone else. To identify funding limits, an analysis of the cost of attendance used for packaging aid was used to identify the average expected costs of the applicable expenses for the duration of the campus shutdown. Grants for room and board were standard amounts based on the funding limit. Students must self-report the amount of expenses they incurred for the remaining categories of expenses subject to the determined limits. Pell-eligible students received larger grants than non-Pell eligible students. Communications via emails, student newsletter, website presence, and campus groups, assisted in educating students of this opportunity.
Have a question not answered in the FAQ?
Staying Healthy:
Follow these guidelines to limit exposure to COVID-19:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if/when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Avoid sharing personal household items
- Practice social distancing
- Wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth both indoors and outdoors on campus
- Follow the City of McPherson ordinance requiring face masks for indoor and outdoor public spaces
Resources:
- For more specific information on Coronavirus (COVID-19), including travel alerts, please visit the CDC’s website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- Travel Alerts: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
- KDHE Travel and Exposure Related Isolation: https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/175/Travel-Exposure-Related-Isolation-Quaran
- McPherson Area COVID Response Hub: https://mcpherson-area-coronavirus-response-mcpks.hub.arcgis.com/