Morningside College: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Morningside College is closely monitoring the emerging public health concern involving the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). This page was last updated on Monday, May 18, 2020.

Many parents, alumni, and friends have asked us, "How can I help?" Click here to learn how you can help Morningside navigate this unprecedented time and support our students.

Fast Facts

Morningside intends to be open for Fall Semester 2020.
Campus grounds are open to the public. All individuals on campus are expected to follow social distancing guidelines. Individuals not following guidelines are subject to removal. Please see below for Facilities, Grounds, & General Operating information.
In-person Campus Visits are available with modifications to protect your health and safety. Virtual visits are also available. Click here for more information or to sign up.
Operations at Morningside will be determined with guidance from Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Additional Links

Morningside College Status of Operations

Morningside College is currently open and operating with additional precautions and guidelines in light of COVID-19, and our faculty and staff are developing guidelines to prepare for opening campus for Fall Semester 2020. Stay tuned to this webpage for the latest updates and information.

We will continue to following guidelines from the State of Iowa and the CDC to adjust our operations accordingly.

Information for Students & Families

Morningside intends to be open for Fall Semester 2020. For details as we know them at this time, please see this message from President John Reynders.
The Morningside College Operation Open Task Force was established in April to begin preparing the campus for Fall Semester 2020. Within that task force exist six groups: Oversight, Academics, Student Life, Summer Events, Athletics, and Finance & Facilities. Each group is developing guidelines and making preparations for fall. More information regarding the work of these groups will be shared with students and families in early June.
Students or parents with questions or concerns, or who wish to report a COVID-19 related illness should contact Karmen Ten Napel.

Facilities, Grounds, & General Operations

Lewis Hall and Olsen Student Center are both open with staff present. Lewis Hall is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Olsen Student Center is open from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Access to all other campus buildings remains restricted as some employees continue to work remotely.
Olsen Stadium is open to the public, except the turf. Use of Olsen Stadium by outside teams or groups is restricted. All individuals using Olsen Stadium must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Individuals not following these rules and guidelines will be removed.
Mason Family Tennis Complex is currently being repaired, but will be open for public use upon completion of the work.
Rosen Verdoorn is NOT open to the campus community, but is available to Morningside College student athletes if a Morningside College coach or athletic staff member is present. All established and new protocols must be followed and will be enforced, including social distancing. Student athletes must supply their own water bottle and equipment. Locker rooms will NOT be available.

College-Sponsored Travel

All college-sponsored international travel is suspended at this time.
Decisions regarding Academic Year 2020-2021 study abroad and international trips are under review.
College-sponsored domestic travel is permitted with supervisor/instructor approval and if in accordance with all local/national guidelines.

Campus Events, Athletic Summer Camps, & Athletics

In-person and virtual campus visits are available. For details or to sign up, click here.
Summer Enrollment Days and Orientation are on track to run as scheduled, with options for virtual participation forthcoming for individuals who prefer it. We continue to monitor the situation and will follow the guidelines of the CDC and directives of the Iowa Governor.
Athletic Summer Camps have been pushed until mid-June or July. Details can be found here.
Most other campus events have been canceled for Summer 2020.
It's expected that the NAIA will making announcements related to fall sports by July 1, 2020.

Diplomas, Caps & Gowns, & Commencement Info

Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, both the undergraduate and graduate commencement ceremonies have been postponed to August 8, 2020, at the Orpheum in Sioux City. Please read through the FAQ below to learn more. Thank you for your grace and patience as we navigate this challenging time and celebrate the Class of 2020.

Diplomas

When will I receive my diploma?
Diplomas will be mailed to graduates following the commencement ceremony on Aug. 8.

I need my diploma now. How can I get it?
Official diplomas will not be available until August due to the circumstances around COVID-19. By and large, diplomas are a ceremonial document and aren’t typically required by employers or other educational institutions. It is more likely employers and other educational institutions will request transcripts. Official transcripts will be mailed shortly after grades are submitted in May.

What ceremony date will appear on the diploma?
Given that the date of commencement and template for the diplomas are set well in advance, your diploma will reflect the original conferral date of Saturday, May 9, 2020.

Transcripts

When will my final transcript be available?
Final transcripts will be completed shortly after grades are submitted mid-May. You will be mailed two complementary transcripts as soon as they are available.

Caps & Gowns

I’d like to pick up my cap and gown now. How can I do that?
Presently, the bookstore is closed under government order. However, you can email Jodi Strohbeen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and arrange a pickup. Caps and gowns will also be available at the Aug. 8 ceremony.

I do not plan to attend the Aug. 8 ceremony but would like my cap and gown. How do I get it?
Please Jodi Strohbeen This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will mail your cap and gown.

I plan to attend the ceremony on Aug. 8. Do I need to fill out a form to receive my cap and gown?
A variety of caps and gowns in various sizes will be available before the ceremony on Aug. 8. We do not require any information in advance.

August Commencement Ceremony

How many guests can I bring to the Aug. 8 commencement ceremony?
Currently, there is no guest limit; however, Morningside will comply with social distancing guidelines in effect at the time of the event and it may be possible adjustments will be required.

Does my family need tickets to the Aug. 8 commencement ceremony?
No. All graduating students and their loved ones are welcome.

What time will commencement start on Aug. 8?
Our tentative plan is for 2 p.m. It is possible this may change. We hope to have the final details available in June.

Will there be an event before the commencement ceremony?
Events such as Baccalaureate and the traditional graduation brunch have been canceled due to the change in venue. There will be no pre-ceremony events.

Will there be a celebration after the Aug. 8 commencement ceremony?
Yes. Students and guests are invited for drinks and light hors d’oeuvres immediately following the ceremony in the Orpheum lobby.

Is it possible that the Aug. 8 commencement ceremony will be canceled or postponed?
Morningside will comply with the state and federal recommendations around large gatherings. As a result, it is possible the ceremony will be canceled or postponed, though it is our intent to move forward as planned. We will continue to communicate with students and families throughout the summer to keep you updated with the latest news and information relating to the ceremony.

CARES Act Information

Morningside is in the process of distributing CARES Act funds to students. Below is information from the 30-Day report. You can also find a PDF of this report and a sample of the letter sent to students receiving funds here:

Morningside 30-Day Report

Morningside Sample Student Letter

Morningside College CARES Act – Emergency Financial Aid Grant to Students

30 Day Report

May 25, 2020

Morningside College signed the Certification and Agreement on April 20, 2020 and submitted it to the Department of Education. The college received funding in G-5 on 4/25/2020. The college intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to the students.

The total amount of funds Morningside College received for the grant was $573,816.30

As of this date, direct relief payments to students have not been distributed. The intent of the college is to distribute them in the very near future.

The number students at Morningside College eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 926.

As of this date no students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant. The College has drafted a letter that will be emailed to students in May, notifying the students they meet the criteria to receive funds, with a link to request the funds via check or direct deposit.

Morningside College’s method of evaluating eligibility was based on; the student being Title IV eligible, the students Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and Pell Grant eligibility to determine which students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants, and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

Award

Pell Eligible Students with EFC $0 - $3,000 $800

Pell Eligible Students with EFC $3,001 - $5,576 $600

Non Pell Eligible Students $458

$50,744 available for additional student emergency grants in the Fall

Additional Information

Campus Updates