DC COVID-19 Information (March - June 2020)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Campus Impact  |  DC Response  |  Symptoms/Action  |  Managing Anxiety & Stress  |  General Virus Information
This page will no longer be updated. For current COVID-19 information please visit here.

Defiance College received $662,680.00 via the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, 50% of which will be used to provide emergency grants to students. Grants must be used for expenses (i.e. food, housing, technology/supplies, child care and health care) directly related to the disruption of campus operations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to receive a grant, students must have been enrolled in the spring 2020 semester for at least one face-to-face course and be federal Title IV aid eligible.

Number of Defiance College eligible students for funding: 425
Amount of funds to be distributed in student grants: $331,340.00

Status as of May 15, 2020:
Number of eligible students awarded: 416
Amount HEERF* funds distributed: $324,570.00
*Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Defiance College created a justification based on the 2019-2020 financial aid year packaging budget. Funds were distributed by awarding $400 to all eligible students for costs associated with technology and supplies. Residential students then received an increased award based upon their home state of residence.

The remaining funds ($6,770.00) will be awarded through an application process. Students who have eligible expenses above and beyond the grant automatically given may apply for consideration. An application for the additional funds may be printed from our website here. Applications are to be submitted to kmohring@defiance.edu by May 29, 2020, and will be reviewed by a committee of representatives from Financial Aid, the Business Office, and Student Life. Please contact the Defiance College Business Office at 419-783-2550 with any questions.

March 24, 2020
Dear Defiance College community,
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a Stay-At-Home order that went into effect at 11:59 pm yesterday and is in effect through at least 11:59 pm April 6. As a result of this, we will not be able to resume face-to-face classes on April 6 as we originally planned. Therefore, we will continue with remote learning for the remainder of the semester. As a liberal arts based institution, we value the personal connections that happen on-campus and in the classroom; however, the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and the greater community must come first. As we continue to monitor the situation, our efforts to support containment are because we understand it is effective. We know this decision raises many questions about how things will work moving forward. Here are some of the answers we have right now and we will continue to communicate additional information as we have it.

ACADEMICS

• Classes will continue remotely for the remainder of the semester.
• Tutoring and writing assistance is available. You can find information on these resources online or by contacting Lisa Crumit-Hancock at lcrumithancock@defiance.edu.
• All communication regarding internships, field placements, or teaching and social work placements remain in effect.
• Textbook rental returns: Guidance will be sent in the middle of April regarding the return of any books rented from eCampus (the College's online bookstore). DC has been in communication with eCampus and made them aware of current issues on campus. They will work with us to extend rental return deadlines as necessary.
• The McMaster Symposium and Academic Colloquium is canceled this year, as is Honors Night and Divisional Awards. Once campus resumes face-to-face operation, details will follow on how award recipients will be notified.
• Commencement will be postponed. As President Mankey noted in Friday's communication, it is NOT canceled. We will schedule commencement for a later date when it is safe for us all to gather and celebrate your accomplishments.

HOUSING

• The residence halls are closed except for the small number of students who needed to stay during the remote learning period. ID access was turned off last Thursday for all other students. We request that students who are currently still on campus email residencelife@defiance.edu and indicate whether you plan to move out once the stay-at-home order is lifted or plan to stay in housing for the remainder of the semester.
• Due to the Stay-At-Home order and the need for social distancing, we cannot yet allow you to come and pick up your belongings at this time. Once the Stay-At-Home order is lifted, we will communicate dates and times for you to move out of your rooms. For out-of-state students who are not within driving distance, we can arrange to store your belongings for the summer if you cannot make it to campus to move-out at the end of the semester. We will have more information about this at a later date.
• We are doing all the right things to keep your belongings safe. We will keep rooms locked. The hall directors are still in residence and security is doing rounds through each floor on every shift.
• As we would do during any extended break, we will begin safety checks of each room now that we know we are going to remain online for the rest of the semester. We will be unplugging electronics and disposing of any perishables and other food items which might attract insects or mice. We will also address any fire safety hazards that we find.
• Room and board fees will be prorated. Residential students will receive a refund/credit. More details to come on this once calculations are finished.
• Residence requirements for next fall are still in effect. For those who have not yet signed up for housing for next year, we will hold the Whitney housing lottery online. Instructions for this process will be communicated to you at the end of March. If you meet the eligibility requirements for commuter status, you can find the commuter form found here (PDF). Completed forms can be emailed to Dean Marsalek at lmarsalek@defiance.edu.
• Summer housing: Assuming that it is safe to do so, we plan to offer summer housing for students who wish to stay on campus this summer.

As the need arises, we will continue to provide updates on this web page (defiance.edu/COVID19) and on the official Defiance College social media channels. We have provided a list of frequently asked questions below. If you need to speak to someone directly, call 419-783-2562 or email us at COVID19@defiance.edu.
Lisa Marsalek, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students

March 11, 2020
Dear Defiance College community,
I would like to give you an update on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it relates to Defiance College. Many of you are expressing concerns about how this virus could impact our campus. Let me begin by reassuring you that there are no known cases of COVID-19 on campus or affecting any member of the campus community.

The Defiance College leadership team takes the health and safety of our campus community very seriously. This is why I have convened an emergency management team to ensure that we remain one step ahead. Our leadership team and the task force are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are routinely checking the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated information as well as staying in contact with local health agencies. We are also using resources available to us from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Ohio (AICUO), and other official sources to help inform and guide our decision-making process.

Governor Mike DeWine has issued a state of emergency in Ohio. Based on the recommendations from Governor DeWine's office, the following will be taking effect for Defiance College:

• Defiance College will resume classes in a 100%-online format beginning on March 18. This date extends spring break by two additional days. Current plans are to resume face-to-face classes after April 3, pending any changes warranted by the situation.
• All student teachers, students in social work program placements, and students in field placements or internships should continue to report to their sites unless otherwise instructed.
• All in-season team sports will be competing as scheduled. Teams that are not in-season will be suspending activities until further notice.
• Residence halls will remain open for all residential students. Dining services will resume on March 17 with the evening meal.
• All Defiance College offices will remain open with regularly scheduled hours.
• Individual visits are still welcome; however, if you are showing symptoms of sickness, we ask that you please reschedule your visit. Overnight visits and large group visits are canceled. Please consult your coach or the Admissions Office for more details.

Currently, campus is on spring break. While a large portion of students and faculty are away, we are taking this time to deep clean and disinfect all campus buildings and residence halls. Upon return, the College community will find an increase in the availability of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Our cleaning staff will continue to take extra precautions throughout the semester.

As the need arises, we will continue to provide updates on this web page (defiance.edu/COVID19) and on the official Defiance College social media channels. We have provided a list of frequently asked questions below. If you need to speak to someone directly, call 419-783-2562 or email us at COVID19@defiance.edu.

Lisa Marsalek, Vice President for Student Affairs, Dean of Students

What is DC doing in response to the coronavirus situation?
The Defiance College leadership team takes the health and safety of our campus community very seriously. This is why we have convened an emergency management team to ensure that we remain one step ahead. Our leadership team and the task force are continually monitoring the COVID-19 situation. We are routinely checking the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for updated information as well as staying in contact with local health agencies. We also are using resources available to us from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Ohio (AICUO), and other official sources to help inform and guide our decision-making process.

What steps are being taken to protect students from COVID-19?
At this time, we have no reason to believe anyone on our campus is infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) and will update you as needed. The campus is being deep cleaned and disinfected during spring break and we will continue to take extra precautions throughout the semester. There is an increase in the availability of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. If needed, we have a preparedness plan in place should the virus come to campus or Defiance county. The College continues to work closely with our local, state, and national public health agencies to address the threat presented by COVID-19. We also follow regular updates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Does the College plan to distribute masks?
No recommendations have been made by the CDC or the Ohio Department of Health to distribute masks to non-infected people. If this changes, we will reassess the situation.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us at COVID19@defiance.edu or 419-783-2562.

What should I do if I have symptoms?

• Symptoms may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
• Students, faculty, and staff are to practice self-isolation at the onset of symptoms:
• Go to your home/residence hall
• Avoid contact with others
• Contact DC Wellness Center immediately at 419-783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu

Even if you are at home with symptoms, please contact the DC Wellness Center so we can continue to track the virus. DC Wellness Center is monitoring students, faculty, and staff that report signs and symptoms of illness so that the College can prepare and respond to your needs in the best manner possible.

What does it mean to self-isolate?

• Stay home. Do not go to work, school, or public areas.
• Contact DC Wellness Center immediately at 419 783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home. Avoid visitors to your home.
• Self-monitor for fever by checking temperature at least twice a day. Contact your health care provider if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms.
• When seeking medical care, call ahead and tell them about your symptoms before heading to the doctor's office or the emergency room.
• Do not use public transport like buses or taxis.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately throw the tissue in the trash and clean hands with sanitizer.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects and surfaces.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

What will the Wellness Center assist me with if I am practicing self-isolation?

• Help coordinate health care services as needed
• Academics and classes
• Alternative housing arrangements
• Work
• Participation in campus organizations or requirements
• Meals

Contact the DC Wellness Center at the onset of symptoms at COVID19@defiance.edu or 419-783-2562.

What do I need to do if I have been traveling?
Travelers returning from Level 3 Warning countries or from a cruise ship over spring break, along with anyone who has come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, are required to report their exposure to the DC Wellness Center at 419-783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu and observe a 14-day period of self-isolation and monitoring. These individuals should not return to campus at this time.
If you have not traveled to a Level 3 Warning country or on a cruise ship, there is no need to isolate yourself if you are not exhibiting flu-like symptoms; however, if symptoms should arise, please limit your movement on and around campus. Please do so out of the utmost caution for the health and safety of the campus community. For the most up-to-date guidelines, contact the DC Wellness Center at 419-783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu.

What do I do if I have a roommate with flu-like illness (fever with cough, shortness of breath, and/or sore throat)?
Your or your roommate should contact the DC Wellness Center for the most up-to-date guidelines at 419-783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu. A mask may be given to them wear for the duration of their symptoms. Monitor your own health and be particularly stringent in following the guidelines below. If your roommate is ill and you feel the need for temporary alternative housing, please contact the Office of Student Life.

If my roommate is practicing self-isolation, what should I do?
Please contact the DC Wellness Center to explore housing options during the self-isolation period at COVID19@defiance.edu or 419-783-2562. Do not attempt to retrieve personal items. DC Wellness Center will assist you with this in a manner that helps to prevent spread of the virus.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us at COVID19@defiance.edu or 419-783-2562.

Thank you all for your flexibility, patience, and understanding as we respond to the growing public health concern of COVID-19. We know the sudden changes to your regular schedules, and having to leave campus homes, and the transition to distance learning has and will be stressful for many. It's completely expected and appropriate to experience stress, anxiety, and fear during situations like this. We want to reassure you that the Office of Counseling and Accessibility remains open and that Defiance College is committed to supporting you. Some important things to know:

STRATEGIES TO MANAGE ANXIETY & STRESS
TAKE INTENTIONAL INFORMATION BREAKS
Set limits on how much time you spend reading or watching news about the outbreak. Make sure to take time away from the news to focus on things in your life that are going well and that you can control.

GET THE FACTS
Find people and resources you can depend on for accurate health information such as the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Eating healthy food, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise are just a few ways to take care of yourself. For more resources check out some links below:
• COPING WITH STRESS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS
• 7 SCIENCE-BASED STRATEGIES TO COPE WITH CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY
• TIPS TO MANAGE STRESS AND WORRIES

When should I seek help?
It is normal to feel stress during such an unprecedented event. All of our lives have been impacted by COVID-19 and the attempts to contain the spread of this infectious disease. Please seek help if you or someone you know shows signs of stress lasting several days or weeks. IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE OR HARMING THEMSELVES, CONTACT HELP IMMEDIATELY - see resources below for help.

Where can I seek help?
Defiance College Counseling Center
The DC Counseling Center remains open for students! Services will be provided remotely using phone, video, or online modules. All services remain free and confidential. Services available include: consultations, treatment, 24/7 crisis response (419-783-2562), and referral. Contact the DC Counseling Center at 419 783-2562 or counseling@defiance.edu.

Other resources for students:
• National Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-800-273-8255)
• First Call for Help Crisis Center serving NW OHIO (1-800-468-4357)

How will counseling & accessibility services be provided?
Like most services at colleges across the nation, the DC Counseling Center and Accessibility Services will transition online during the COVID-19 outbreak. Services will be provided via phone calls and secure video meetings using TAO. Students currently receiving services will receive a call from staff to talk through meeting options and schedule their first meeting using distance technology. If you are not currently receiving services but would like to speak with someone about registering for services, please contact 419-783-2562, counseling@defiance.edu, or accessiblity@defiance.edu.

How often will I have phone/online meetings with counseling & accessibility staff?
Students can meet with staff as frequently as needed. Students and staff will talk through both the frequency and timing of meetings to determine what is most appropriate.

What is TAO (Therapy Assistance Online)?
TAO is a secure web platform that allows us to communicate with you while maintaining confidentiality. As a Defiance College student, you have free access to TAO. We will walk through TAO options during our phone call. Students can download the TAO app through the Google or Apple store for free.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
MAINTAIN A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE
Developing and maintaining a routine is important for success. Try to:
• Wake up and go to bed at consistent times each day.
• Schedule specific blocks of time each day to work on classes and assignments.
• Schedule time for healthy habits (exercise, eating healthy foods, time with family and friends).

REMEMBER TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Take it day by day and do the best you can to help yourself and others. Regular exercise to manage stress is important and so is getting adequate rest/sleep and maintaining good nutrition. If you have any risk factors or family care demands, try to arrange ways to work from home doing phone triage, follow-up, etc. I f you are moving to remote work, set up boundaries so you can maintain personal time and space. Curb how much news you watch daily and take some time to decompress. Check in with a friend, colleague, or family member through phone, text, etc.

SELF-CARE VERSUS AVOIDANCE
Self-care is important but sometimes we can disguise avoidance to look like self-care. An example of self-care: scheduling 30-60 minutes to watch your favorite TV; meanwhile, avoidance would be binge-watching an entire season of your favorite show when a paper is due.

What is novel coronavirus?
The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), commonly known as a coronavirus, is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk from a coronavirus to the general American public is considered low at this time. For additional information, visit the CDC website.

What are the symptoms?
Similar to the common cold and influenza, symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or up to 14 days after exposure. Reported cases have ranged from mild illness (similar to a common cold) to severe pneumonia that requires hospitalization.

How is it spread?
COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. To become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious and come into contact with these droplets. Health experts are still learning the details about how this new coronavirus spreads.

Other coronaviruses spread from an infected person to others through:

• The air by coughing and sneezing.
• Close personal contact, such as touching and shaking hands.
• Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
• In rare cases, contact with feces.
  
  

How can I prevent it?
Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends typical infectious disease precautions, just as those used to prevent cold or flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or a tissue.
• Avoid exposure to others who are sick.
• Stay home while you are ill (except to visit a health care professional) and avoid close contact with others.
• Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC does not recommend the routine use of face masks by the general public to prevent respiratory illness and is not recommending their use at this time for the prevention of COVID-19.

If I traveled to an area with the coronavirus, and I am not experiencing any symptoms, should I self-isolate/quarantine myself?
Under the guidelines of the CDC and the Ohio Department of Health, there is no need to self-isolate if you are not exhibiting flu-like symptoms; however, if symptoms should arise, please limit your movement on and around campus. Please do so out of the utmost caution for the health and safety of the campus community. For the most up-to-date guidelines, contact the DC Wellness Center at 419-783-2562 or COVID19@defiance.edu.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact us at COVID19@defiance.edu or 419-783-2562.