Loyola University > Coronavirus > Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions are compiled to provide as many answers as possible to your concerns relating to Loyola University Chicago and the coronavirus. They have been sourced from thousands of emails, social media posts, and inquiries to leadership. If you have an individualized question or don't find your question or a thorough-enough answer below, please reach out to covid-19support@LUC.edu.
As questions and answers evolve with a rapidly changing environment, each individual question will be updated with a time stamp. You are able to perform an open search and view by recent questions, theme, and audience.
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General How can I report someone who violates COVID-19 protocols? (02/12/21)
General I've heard some faculty and staff at Loyola have been vaccinated. When will the rest be vaccinated? (02/12/21)
The city of Chicago’s current guidance will allow for most Loyola faculty and staff who have not already been vaccinated to be vaccinated in Phase 1C. Loyola will seek to prioritize those whose work responsibilities bring them into direct contact with others. State of Illinois guidance for vaccine distribution may be implemented differently by individual municipalities. Because we rely on the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) for guidance on vaccine allocation, Loyola is not at liberty to distribute vaccines freely like some other universities in the state of Illinois are doing at this time.
In the meantime, Loyola has been advocating that faculty, staff, and students whose work brings them in contact with others be prioritized for vaccinations in the current distribution phase (Phase 1B), similar to K-12 teachers and staff. Loyola is also making plans to become a vaccine distributor through the city of Chicago and/or Loyola Medicine. This will likely take months of planning and preparation and will require a sharp increase in the availability of vaccines. We will continue to monitor the vaccination rollout and will share new information as it becomes available.
General If I am vaccinated but exposed to COVID-19, do I need to quarantine? (02/12/21)
General Now that vaccines are available, will they be distributed widely at Loyola? I hear they are doing it at other universities. (02/12/21)
General Has the recommended amount of time to quarantine after being exposed to COVID changed? (02/03/21)
Exposed students will receive support and detailed quarantine and testing instructions from a COVID Care Coordinator. If you are identified as a close contact, you should not report to our SHIELD surveillance testing sites for your COVID-19 test. Instead, you should call Dial-A-Nurse at (773) 508-8883 to schedule a test at the Wellness Center.
For two weeks after exposure, you should also monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, even with a negative test result. If at any time you develop symptoms or are feeling ill (even if you have not been identified as a close contact), you should call Dial-A-Nurse to schedule a COVID-19 test at the Wellness Center. Note: Anyone in the Loyola community who personally tests positive for COVID-19 will still need to isolate for 10 days.
General If I receive the COVID-19 vaccine, do I still need to participate in surveillance testing? (02/03/21)
We had previously indicated that individuals would be excused from surveillance testing after they received their second dose of vaccine. However, we do not yet know how effective the vaccines are in preventing asymptomatic infection that could spread to others lacking COVID-19 immunity. In addition, data are still emerging regarding how COVID-19 variants—which may be more prevalent than currently known—may influence vaccine effectiveness, and we want to err on the side of caution.
General How do I know if I was exposed to the virus? (01/15/21)
It is strongly recommended that all Loyola students, faculty, and staff use the Symptom Checker within the Loyola Health function of the Loyola Mobile app daily to monitor their symptoms for potential infection, even if you do not think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
General What are the symptoms of COVID-19? (01/15/21)
The University has developed a Symptom Checker within the Loyola Health function of the Loyola Mobile app to promote your own health and safety and to improve awareness of the symptoms of COVID-19. It is strongly recommended that you use the application on a daily basis. It is available for use via your browser and also within the Loyola mobile application.
Using the Symptom Checker, students, faculty, and staff are asked to check for any symptoms they have in the morning daily. Depending on their symptoms, the app will provide a RED, YELLOW, or GREEN sign indicating how the user should proceed.
General What if I did not complete my COVID-19 surveillance testing e-consent form by the December 18 deadline? (01/15/21)
General What is Loyola Health? (01/15/21)
Loyola Health can also be accessed via desktop or web browser here. You can learn more about the Loyola Health function at LUC.edu/loyolahealth.
General How can I find the COVID-19 Symptom Checker? (01/15/21)
General I will be on campus during the spring semester. How can I make sure I have everything I need to participate in surveillance testing? (01/15/21)
Loyola Health can also be accessed via desktop or web browser here. You can learn more about the Loyola Health function at LUC.edu/loyolahealth.
Student Are students going to be able to purchase and receive textbooks/class materials while in quarantine upon arriving on campus? (12/23/20)
Student Are the dining halls open? (12/08/20)
Daily dining times will be posted on websites and outside each of the dining halls. The total number of diners allowed at any given time will be capped and posted. A limited number of tables and chairs will be spaced appropriately for diners to use. Food will be served in carryout containers; self-service will not be permitted. All diners must wear a face covering while in line. Diners can remove their face covering only while they’re eating and must replace it immediately after they’ve finished.
Student Can I opt out of the meals provided during the quarantine? (12/08/20)
Student What if I have specific dietary restrictions or allergies? Will this be accounted for in the meals provided during quarantine? (12/08/20)
Student I am living on campus this spring. When can I move in? (12/08/20)
Student Can I start the spring semester at home and move into a residence hall later in the semester (e.g. mid to late February)? (12/08/20)
Student When will sophomores know if there is room for them to live on campus? (12/08/20)
Student With COVID-19 cases rising, is there a set "go"/"no-go" date for moving into residence halls this spring? (12/08/20)
Student Will Loyola provide the COVID-19 vaccine when available? (12/08/20)
Student Can students who live on campus leave for a weekend? (12/08/20)
Student Can you address why during the mandatory two-week quarantine, a student cannot walk outside alone? Mental health will be greatly affected. (12/08/20)
Student Will students be able to get food deliveries (such as GrubHub, Doordash, etc.) while quarantining? (12/08/20)
Student If I am living off campus and sick with COVID-19, is there a place I can go to be taken care of for meals and isolate from my roommates? (12/08/20)
Student What is the University’s recommendation for the longer weekends scheduled in February and March? Is the expectation that students will remain on campus? If they travel, will students need to quarantine? (12/08/20)
Student Should students bring extra toilet paper or bathroom products for the two-week quarantine, or will this be provided? (12/08/20)
Student If I am living on campus this spring, how early can we have things delivered to the mailroom before our move-in date? (12/08/20)
Student Will students be able to pick up packages from the mail room on the day of move-in? (12/08/20)
Faculty & Staff What are Loyola’s travel policy restrictions? (12/04/20)
If traveling in and out of Chicago, compliance with Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order, which is regularly updated, is mandatory. Please note that this travel order was recently revised with an added tier of restrictions. Please check the city website regularly for updates to the order.
If you live elsewhere and decide traveling outside of your community is essential, please consider the potential risks and take protective measures before, during, and after your trip. Consider completing a two-week quarantine and getting tested prior to departure. Research COVID-19 trends in that city and/or state before confirming travel plans. If COVID-19 is spreading near your travel destination or in the area in which you currently reside, the CDC advises travelers to postpone their plans. This situation is very fluid; states may decide to enact mandatory travel restrictions like a quarantine period for travelers.
Student Will the Information Commons and campus libraries be open and available to students? (12/04/20)
In the spring 2021 semester, the Information Commons will be open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Saturday, 12 - 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 - 9 p.m. Lewis Library will be open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cudahy Library will be closed; print books, DVDs, and interlibrary loans may be requested and will be delivered by staff to a designated pick-up location. Archival research can be done by appointment only. All research assistance will be provided online through chat, email, or Zoom.
General Do I have to quarantine for 14 days if I come to campus from outside of Illinois? (12/04/20)
Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 14-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). Anyone traveling from a state on the Red list must quarantine for a 14-day period or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter.
The list of states covered by Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order is updated every other Tuesday, and remains in effect until further notice.
Student If I am living off campus and taking classes remotely, can I still access campus for study, research, and other purposes? (12/04/20)
For full details on what will be open and available during the spring semester, visit our Return to Campus website.
Student Will student parking permits be available for spring 2021? (12/04/20)
More information on obtaining a parking permit can be found here.
If you have any questions regarding student parking permits, please contact Campus Transportation at 773.508.7036 or campustransportation@LUC.edu.
Faculty & Staff Can I access my office? (12/04/20)
Please remember that any person coming to campus must follow Loyola's required personal safety practices, including wearing a mask at all times. Faculty and staff must also follow the city's quarantine order for persons who have traveled to hot-spot states and should complete the COVID-19 Symptom Checker before deciding to come to campus.
Student Can I register for a HyFlex class if I intend to take it fully online? (12/04/20)
Student Will students with clinical placements be able to do them in-person? (12/04/20)
Student Will students in dance and theater classes have any in-person classes or performance opportunities? (12/04/20)
Student Are there any specific support systems in place designed to help students who have difficulty learning in an online setting? (12/04/20)
General What is surveillance testing? Why is Loyola University Chicago doing it? (12/04/20)
General What are the benefits of surveillance testing? (12/04/20)
General Have other colleges and universities around the country used surveillance testing to slow the spread of COVID-19 successfully? (12/04/20)
General I’m excited to enroll in Loyola’s testing program. What steps should I take to start? (12/04/20)
General Why am I being asked to sign a consent form a few weeks ahead of spring semester? (12/04/20)
General Is a consent form required even if I don’t plan to visit campus this spring? (12/04/20)
General What happens if I forget to sign my consent form? Can I still get tested when I come to campus? (12/04/20)
General What happens if I do not sign the consent form? (12/04/20)
General What happens if I forget to test? (12/04/20)
Repeated failure to comply will also be considered a violation of the LUC Community Standards and will result in a referral to your supervisor/chair (employee) or the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (student). Please note that if you are a residential student, access to your assigned residence hall will always be maintained.
General If I only visit campus periodically and don’t need to test every week, will I still be able to access campus buildings? (12/04/20)
If you are on campus:
Campus access is monitored for compliance. Non-compliance will result in a denial of building access. Building access is granted to those who meet the surveillance testing protocols. If your plans change and you do come to campus, please be aware that you will not be able to access any buildings—besides the building where the testing is taking place—without testing upon arrival. If people in that particular cohort do come to campus, we’ll ask them to test upon their arrival; in those cases, they would complete the consent form. Although the results will not be available for 24 hours, positive cases will initiate contact tracing to determine any potential close contacts when on campus.
General How long does the testing process take? Is it a big hassle? (12/04/20)
General I am graduating in December 2020 and will not be on campus after graduation. Do I need to enroll in the testing program? (12/04/20)
General Will the saliva test cost me anything? (12/04/20)
General I’ve received a positive result for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, and the CDC recommends I don’t take another test until that 90-day window is over. Will my campus access be restricted during this time? (12/04/20)
General I’ve previously tested positive for COVID-19 and may have protective antibodies. Do I need to participate in surveillance testing? (12/04/20)
General I have been administered a COVID-19 vaccine. Do I need to participate in surveillance testing? (12/04/20)
General I’m not planning to come to campus for any reason other than testing. Is that allowed? (12/04/20)
General I am living in the residence halls and will be in quarantine at move-in at the start of the spring semester. Should I still test during this time? (12/04/20)
General I am under 18. How should I handle being tested? (12/04/20)
Student Will students have access to laundry rooms during quarantine? (12/04/20)
Student Will new students receive on-campus orientation/campus tours in spring 2021? (12/04/20)
Student Will students be required to have a negative test result before returning for the spring? (12/04/20)
Student Will students be monitored by location and how close they are in proximity to other students? (12/04/20)
Student Will all COVID-19 testing be free? (12/04/20)
Student Will flu vaccines be available for students this spring? (12/04/20)
Student Can parents help freshman students move in dorm in January? (12/04/20)
Student Will guests be allowed in dorms? (12/04/20)
Student What will the quarantine period look like for students who are moving on campus? (12/04/20)
Student How will students receive meals during their initial quarantine period? (12/04/20)
Faculty & Staff I am experiencing stress, anxiety, or worry about the coronavirus. Who can I speak with for support? (12/02/20)
Student How will health and safety precautions impact classroom space this spring? (12/02/20)
Classrooms must remain in their socially distant configurations; moving furniture will not be permitted. Given the constraints of social distancing and the potential need for contact tracing, students in all classes will occupy assigned seats, established no later than the second week of class.
Student What is the course time grid for spring 2021? (12/02/20)
The new class grid is as follows:
MWF Day – 7 slots
TTh Day – 5 slots
MTWThF Evenings – 1 slot
Student When will the spring semester start? (12/02/20)
Student How will I know if a class is being offered online or on campus? (12/02/20)
Student What's the difference between asynchronous and synchronous classes? (12/02/20)
In a synchronous online course, instructional materials, learning activities, assignments, and assessments are offered online and the course includes a required Zoom component. The virtual Zoom session may be held weekly, bi-weekly, or on designated dates throughout the course. Students will engage with learning materials and activities before and after the virtual sessions.
Student Will in-person classes also be offered online? (12/02/20)
We ask that students register for the HyFlex classes if they plan to come to the in-person, on-campus sessions. If you intend to be fully online, we ask that you try to register for online only courses and not for the on-campus HyFlex classes. This will enable students who want to attend on-campus classes in person to do so.
If at any point during the semester, we cannot safely or legally hold classes on campus, the HyFlex classes may be moved completely online.
Student Will tuition be reduced for the spring semester? (12/02/20)
General Do I have to wear a mask on campus? (12/02/20)
You may wear either a disposable mask or a cloth face covering that covers the mouth and nose. Other types of loosely fitting face coverings such as bandanas are not permitted. For more details on selection, wearing, and clearning a mask, click here.
Student Will the Halas Recreation Center be open this spring? (12/02/20)
Student Will Damen Student Center be open this spring? (12/02/20)
Student What is a HEERF Student Share Grant Fund? (12/02/20)
In 2020, we disbursed approximately $5 million in HEERF grants to our students for eligible expenses incurred this past spring. More information on HEERF can be found at LUC.edu/heerf.
HEERF applications are currently closed. Because HEERF grants are provided by the federal government under the CARES Act, not by the University, we do not know if we will be granted additional HEERF grant funds. Should we receive additional funding from the federal government under the CARES Act, we will inform the Loyola community.
Student Will there be student-worker jobs on campus this spring? (11/30/20)
Student Is the intercampus shuttle running? (11/24/20)
Student Will there be on-campus classes in the spring 2021 semester? (10/28/20)
Student Will there be a spring break in 2021? (10/28/20)
Student Can I live on campus in the spring semester? (10/28/20)
General Will testing be required for people who are on campus in the spring? (10/28/20)
Student If I don't want to take classes in person, can I still take classes online in the spring? (10/28/20)
Student Are considerations being made for international students who are going to be taking classes online from different time zones? (10/28/20)
General What happens on campus if someone get diagnosed with COVID-19? (10/28/20)
Student Will there be study abroad in the spring semester? (10/01/20)
Student What if I come in contact with a person who has tested positive with COVID-19? (09/08/20)
Under additional guidance from the CDPH, if symptoms develop at any time during the 14 days you are at home, you should be evaluated and tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. All close contacts (with or without symptoms) should be tested between days five and nine after exposure to a positive case. Information on testing for Loyola students can be found here.
A negative result does not rule out the potential for developing COVID-19 and does not clear an individual from returning to public settings sooner than 14 days from the date of last exposure. Quarantine for 14 days is essential to continue to monitor for symptoms.
A positive result that was obtained at a place somewhere other than through Loyola-provided testing should be reported to COVID-19report@LUC.edu. If positive, individuals should isolate themselves until:
Student What should I do if I live with someone who tests positive for COVID-19? (08/28/20)
For students who are living in a residence with someone who has COVID-19: All close contacts (with or without symptoms) should be tested between five and nine days after exposure to a positive case. Loyola students can get tested at the satellite Wellness Clinics.
For more information on this process, please visit our Health and Safety page on the Return to Campus website.
Student If Loyola is conducting COVID-19 testing, will the University report positive test results? (08/28/20)
To view the testing dashboard, click here.
Student Is Loyola conducting contact tracing? (08/28/20)
The data obtained during a case investigation and contact tracing will then be entered into a secure platform known as Go.Data, an outbreak investigation tool developed by the World Health Organization for field data collection during public health emergencies. The tool includes functionality for case investigation, contact follow-up, visualization of chains of transmission (including secure data exchange), and is designed for flexibility in the field to adapt to the wide range of outbreak scenarios.
For more information on this process, please visit our Health and Safety page on the Return to Campus website.
Student Is the Wellness Center open? (08/07/20)
For more information on available services, visit the Wellness Center website.
Student Is 8-RIDE service still available? (08/07/20)
Student What would trigger a repopulation of campus? (08/07/20)
Student Will students still have access to computer, internet, and software for their academic needs? (08/07/20)
Student Can students take their online classes from on-campus locations? (08/07/20)
Student How do I opt out of my U-Pass? (08/04/20)
This waiver will be for fall 2020 only. If you choose to waive the U-Pass fee, your U-Pass will not be activated for the entire fall 2020 semester, and the U-Pass fee will either not be applied to your account or you'll receive a waiver for the U-Pass fee. Please note that this will either be a waiver or the absence of a fee, not a cash refund. The waiver can only be requested by a student once and the decision is final: you cannot later ask to have the fee reapplied or have your fall 2020 U-Pass reactivated for the semester. Please be sure of your choice before you request the waiver.
Waiver requests must be received no later than September 4. The waiver form will be closed on September 5, and any requests to waive the fee after that time cannot be honored. Once your waiver is processed, you will see a CTA U-Pass waiver applied to your account. Please note that waiver requests may take a few weeks to process and show on your LOCUS account.
More information can be found on our U-Pass FAQ page. For any additional questions about the U-Pass for fall 2020, please contact upass@LUC.edu.
Student Should I keep my U-pass if I opt out? (08/04/20)
Student Why am I required to pay a technology fee if I am taking classes completely online and using my own devices? (07/23/20)
As Loyola shifted rapidly to an online experience for the majority of students, ITS has enabled more than 600 checkouts of multiple equipment items to nearly 500 faculty, staff, and students, with a large emphasis on use for continuity in work, instruction, and attendance. A majority of our loans have included continuity-focused items such as wireless hotspots, laptops, webcams, and more.
The technology fee has not increased, but rather, has remained at the same rate for the last four years. All courses will be taught by the same Loyola faculty, and, Loyola ranked #8 in 2020 for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by US News and World Report. We will continue our efforts to offer the best possible Loyola education and experience, online and–where possible–face-to-face, so that students can persevere during these challenging and uncertain times.
Faculty & Staff What is Loyola’s paid sick time policy? (07/22/20)
Please note: To ensure the greatest degree of flexibility, staff may now use any of their paid time-off accruals, including personal/family friendly days, sick, and vacation time during the coronavirus period for pay continuity with manger/supervisor approval.
Faculty & Staff What Is working remotely (telecommuting) and how does it differ from other forms of work? (07/22/20)
Employees should work remotely if required to self-isolate and where working remotely is possible. All other employees should see their manager/supervisor.
Employees are expected to self-quarantine at home, away from Loyola, including the University’s residence halls and workplace for at least 14 days if you have traveled to/from/through, come into contact with, or live with someone who has recently traveled to a Level 3 or above country, or if you have traveled to one of the state's covered by the City of Chicago Emergency Travel Order. This includes if you have been exposed to another person who has been exposed to the coronavirus. If you suspect that you meet these criteria, please contact your manager and Human Resources immediately for assistance via benefits@LUC.edu or 312.915.6175.
Remote work arrangements may also be used, as feasible, to support employees who fall into high-risk health categories as outlined by the CDC, and employees who may need to attend to child/senior care needs.
Student How is Loyola helping families who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? (06/24/20)
Student Will I be charged a student development fee next year? (06/24/20)
Student I am part of the Class of 2020. When did I officially receive my degree? (06/22/20)
Student How do I let my instructor know that I will be taking a course online? (06/22/20)
Student What is the Loyola Commitment? (06/01/20)
For more information on the Loyola Commitment, please visit LUC.edu/LoyolaCommitment.
Student Who can apply to the Loyola Commitment? (06/01/20)
Student How do I apply for the Loyola Commitment? (06/01/20)
Student What student expenses are covered under the Loyola Commitment? (06/01/20)
Student Is the Loyola Commitment the same financial assistance program as the CARES Act and HEERF grants? (06/01/20)
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted by the U.S. government and includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Under the CARES Act, a portion of HEERF funds must go directly to eligible students in the form of emergency financial aid grants for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Student What other measures is Loyola taking to help students complete their degrees beyond providing financial assistance? (06/01/20)
In some cases, a student who is not on track to graduate on time and is facing financial difficulties may need to make the difficult decision to step out of Loyola University Chicago and attend another college or university. Students in this situation are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to discuss what courses can be taken elsewhere that will transfer back to Loyola Chicago. Upon returning to Loyola, approved students will have their merit award reinstated and be eligible to apply for institutional support. Students must work with their academic advisor in these specific cases.
In some circumstances, we understand it is not possible to continue pursuing an education full-time. If circumstances require a student to drop below full-time status to reduce your expenses, your merit award and Loyola Grant will be prorated to the part-time rate and will be honored for an additional year (nineth and tenth semesters of enrollment). These students will also be allowed to remain in their Loyola residence hall if that is where they currently reside.
Student What resources are available to students who have a financial need not covered by aid provided through The Loyola Commitment or HEERF Student Share Grant Funds? (06/01/20)
Under the Office of the Dean of Students, the CSAA provides support, coordination, case management, and resource referrals for student concerns across the University. Students can visit the CSAA website for existing resources on financial wellness and food/housing security, or contact the CSAA directly with specific student concerns.
Faculty & Staff Where can managers find out more information about Kronos and employee timecards during the coronavirus outbreak? (05/22/20)
General Will the university cut administration costs at this time? What cuts are being made? (05/07/20)
A number of reductions in administration costs are being implemented at this time, including:
Faculty & Staff What have we learned during temporary transition to online classes that might carry forward with us when the virus lifts and need for physical distance recedes? (04/27/20)
Faculty & Staff How is the financial health of the university? (04/27/20)
As you can imagine, lower student enrollment will have a direct impact on our overall budget and our ability to sustain certain operations and activities. We are fortunate to have had strong fiscal stewardship going into the crisis; however, a reduction in revenue will require adjustments to be made to enable our ability to continue to fulfill our commitment to our students and their academic development and to provide for our faculty and staff.
Faculty & Staff The Higher Ed community, including AJCU schools, are making difficult and bold decisions about staffing, including furloughs, eliminating merit increases, work force reductions, and other cost cutting measures involving staff. How and when will Loyola begin to make these decisions? (04/27/20)
As part of the Emergency Management Response effort stood up in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, we have about 230 employees who are actively assessing the current public health environment against academic, operational, and financial metrics, and projecting our future state as an institution based on forecasted assumptions. The primary decision-making factors will be the timing of the return to campus and our student enrollment.
As we continue to monitor daily the external climate, we have made every effort to provide employment continuity for our faculty and staff during this period. While we have done well so far, there are tough times ahead for our country and our institution. For Loyola, this might mean that we may not be able to sustain indefinitely the kind of across the board continuity we started with at the beginning of this pandemic. However, we’re doing everything in our power to reduce costs and find ways to increase enrollment and retention and to generate revenue.
Faculty & Staff How will decisions about employment be communicated to those impacted, as well as to the Loyola community? (04/27/20)
Faculty & Staff As income and savings become every day conversations in the wake of COVID-19 with layoffs and unemployment rates skyrocketing, how is Loyola remaining a competitive option for students seeking higher education as well as staying competitive in the work place for top tier staff and faculty? (04/27/20)
It is hard to place a dollar value on the enormous benefit a Jesuit, Catholic education delivers to society. The type of education we deliver is more relevant than ever when you look at this unfolding crisis. Our University community seeks God in all things and works to expand knowledge in the service of humanity through learning, justice, and faith. We keep all of those impacted by COVID-19 in our thoughts and prayers. We feel for our students and believe that all of the actions we have taken will help us emerge from this current crisis and continue forward as strong as possible.
Faculty & Staff How is the University supporting staff members who lack access to reliable computers and internet, space to work at home, child care, and basic food/medical supplies? (04/27/20)
For those scenarios where working remotely wasn’t an option or personal obligations prevented you from carrying out your job duties, every effort has been made for pay continuation through use of paid-time-off paid and the COVID-19 emergency pay which has been provided. We will continue to assess the COVID-19 pay each pay period to identify those employees in need of additional support.
Loyola provides a very comprehensive and competitive health and welfare benefit program. We are proud to be able to provide medical, dental, and vision care to all benefit eligible employees, especially during this challenging health care crisis. Our medical insurance providers, Aetna and CVS/Caremark, have both been very good partners toward supporting the needs of our faculty and staff. The recent communication from HR outlined additional benefit coverages available under the CARES Act, and I strongly encourage you to revisit that communication and also to visit the HR website for additional employee benefits related information.
Faculty & Staff When we return to campus, would Loyola consider having 100 percent work-from-home days every Friday, or for periods during the summer? (04/27/20)
Faculty & Staff Will Loyola consider creating a more flexible work policy after employees return to campus, such as an “efficient workplace policy” (efficiency valued over working long hours and weekends; perhaps implementing 34 hours as full-time) or increasing hours/flex schedule/time off/work life balance benefits? (04/27/20)
Our efforts should be to ensure availability and serviceability. Reduced work schedules resulting from limited work requires an analysis around the number of positions truly needed to perform various roles. This crisis might create an opportunity for that analysis to take place. The reality is that in an effort to maintain our viability and competitiveness, we will most likely be looking at doing more with fewer employees versus reducing productivity at this time. Loyola is committed to exploring and providing competitive benefits to support the needs of our faculty and staff.
We currently have a very generous paid-time off program for staff to use toward illness, disability, bridging holidays, addressing family commitments, as well as for simple rest and relaxation. Under the leadership of Human Resources, the Benefits Advisory Committee will play a role in identifying additional innovative benefit options for our employees on go forward basis.
Faculty & Staff In lieu of COVID-19 crisis, will a retirement package be offered again? (04/27/20)
Student What was the reasoning behind Loyola’s decision to allow workers to use their sick pay shifts as way to get paid by the university? (04/27/20)
Student How does the University respond to some students claiming that this option doesn’t go far enough to help student workers who rely on their paychecks to cover their cost of living bills? (04/27/20)
In addition students may be eligible to receive emergency grants under the Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) funds under the CARES Act to offset expenses related to disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 crisis
General How has Loyola responded to questions by Unite Here, Local 1, about compensation to Aramark employees? (04/14/20)
Faculty & Staff Will I be reimbursed for costs related to my ability to work remotely, such as internet and phone? (04/06/20)
Student I understand that going to online is the right decision to protect the students during this unprecedented global health crisis. Will there be any tuition reductions since face-to-face instruction is no longer an option? (04/06/20)
Loyola is well-prepared to continue to deliver an excellent education that will prepare students for the future, earn them the credits and degrees they’ve been working toward, and maintain academic continuity even amidst a global pandemic. The University’s Office of Online Learning has continued to work closely with all faculty, including those who have transitioned their classes to online platforms in the wake of this global health crisis, so that online teaching and learning is as seamless as possible for our students.
General Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment opportunities, what are Loyola’s thoughts on requests for it to compensate Aramark employees who have worked on the University's premises? (04/05/20)
General Can Loyola do anything to lessen the financial hardships of contract hospitality employees during this economic downturn? (04/05/20)
It is at a time like this that we focus our limited resources to support employees–both faculty and staff–until we are able to resume routine campus operations. We must also anticipate the financial needs of returning students whose families are impacted. These areas are of highest concern and priority for Loyola. These are tough times requiring tough decisions on many issues. Loyola will be guided by our mission and values as we continue to make decisions that are in the best interests of our students, faculty, and staff so that we can emerge from this current crisis and continue forward as strong as possible.
General What is Loyola's position on unions? (04/05/20)
General Is Loyola ensuring that sustainability measures are put in place while the campus is closed? (03/27/20)
Student Other Chicagoland universities and colleges are offering tuition rebates, what is Loyola’s position on this? (03/24/20)
Faculty & Staff If I am not feeling well, how do I know whether to continue working? (03/19/20)
Student How will this affect my client-facing placement, such as clinical placements and internships? (03/17/20)
If placement sites are open but students are being sent home from campus, faculty are encouraged to move to alternative activities/assessments as posted on the Academic Continuity/Engaged Learning webpage. Alternatively, faculty can make the decision that work already completed by students satisfies the requirements for credit. Faculty should be flexible in their expectations and give high priority to seniors completing their degree requirements in the Spring 2020 semester.
If placement sites have been closed, faculty are encouraged to move to alternative activities/assessments as posted on the Academic Continuity/Engaged Learning webpage. Alternatively, faculty can make the decision that work already completed by students satisfies the requirements for credit. Faculty should be flexible in their expectations and give high priority to seniors completing their degree requirements in the Spring 2020 semester.
Prospective Students When will campus visits resume? (03/17/20)
Student Who can I turn to if I am feeling anxious and depressed? (03/11/20)
Parent/Family Will my child be getting the same level of academic instruction through online classes? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff What guidance is University administration using for decision-making for the coronavirus? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff How are decisions being made to ensure the care and safety of faculty, staff, students, and guests at Loyola? (03/11/20)
All key functions are represented on the Emergency Management Team and are responsible for ensuring the safety of our community members and guests, in addition to maintaining academic delivery for our students, and sustaining University operations. This process ensures basic response capability for emergency situations impacting an organization and advances the level of preparedness for such events should they occur.
Faculty & Staff Where can I learn more about the coronavirus (COVID-19)? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff Does Loyola have a dedicated coronavirus website? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff How can I receive timely updates regarding the coronavirus? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff Who should I contact for coronavirus-related medical questions and care? (03/11/20)
Loyola Medical Plan members may also use the Aetna 24-Hour Nurse Line to speak with a registered nurse at no additional charge. The Aetna 24-Hour Nurse Line is available by phone (800.556.1555) or online via the 24-Hour Nurse Line page available on the Aetna member website.
Faculty & Staff Does Loyola have an employee health line for faculty and staff to call for assistance? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff How can I prevent contracting the coronavirus? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff Who is at high risk for contacting coronavirus? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff How many hours of sick, vacation, and personal time have I accrued? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff If I am ill, what should I do? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff What should I do if I am an employee who needs to care for a family member with the coronavirus or if they are asymptomatic? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff Will all positions here at Loyola be eligible to work from home? (03/11/20)
Managers/Supervisors are encouraged to:
Additional information regarding any changes in practices or pay policies will be distributed as it becomes available.
Faculty & Staff How will I know if my position will be eligible for remote work approval? (03/11/20)
The resources available to the employee will also determine the capability to work remotely, including:
ITS Service Desk should be contacted with any technology questions. In addition, a technology site called “Keep Working” has been set up as a resource for you.
Faculty & Staff If I am going to be working remotely, are there best practices to consider? (03/11/20)
Faculty & Staff If I have additional questions, who can I contact? (03/11/20)
General What is social distancing, and can it help prevent the spread of coronavirus? (03/11/20)
Student Does the money for the paychecks of Federal Work Study students come from the federal government or does from the universities internal funds or somewhere else? If the money comes from the federal government, how often does Loyola receive the funds to pay Federal Work Study students? (04/27/00)
Federal Work Study is a program of the federal government allocating funds to colleges and universities. For Loyola University Chicago, federal funds generally subsidize 60 percent of students' wages and Loyola funds the remaining portion. The FWS payroll is paid to the students by Loyola and then the federal portion is reimbursed to Loyola by the federal government twice a month.