No. The college will make students aware of expectations, resources, and safety protocols in multiple ways, including on this website and through direct communication. Faculty also are being asked to share this information with their classes.

The use of a mask is required on campus at all times. 
Kirkwood does not allow gaiters or face shields* (when worn without a mask) as appropriate face coverings. Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear non-vented face masks in all college facilities, including classrooms, unless alone in a private office or room. Masks should also be worn outside when social distancing is not possible. Appropriate face coverings include cloth masks or disposable masks that cover both the mouth and nose. Students, faculty, and staff may wear face shields for additional protection so long as they are worn with a face mask.

*Students may wear face shields where the student has received an accommodation through Accommodation Services. Faculty may only wear face shields in the classroom where the faculty member determines that instruction requires an unobstructed view of the face. Instructors wearing a face shield will be required to maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet from students at all times, and must remain at the front of the classroom while wearing the shield. All parties should be aware that an individual wearing a face shield who would come into contact with a COVID-positive person without a mask is considered an exposure.

If you have been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID-19:

1. Do not come to campus.
2. Email your instructors that you won’t be in class because of exposure/diagnosis of COVID-19.
3. YOU ARE REQUIRED to notify the college of COVID-19 symptoms, exposure, or diagnosis. To do this, please use this link to start a case file:

COVID-19 Reporting Form

Your case will be dispatched in the order it was received and a case manager will follow-up with phone calls and email correspondence within the next 24 – 48 hours.

More information about reporting to the COVID-19 Hotline can be found here.

Hybrid courses combine in-class instruction with online course materials, which allows a course to meet less often in person while accomplishing the same Student Learning Outcomes. Several variations exist; however, students should plan to attend class once or twice a week and allot additional time to complete activities and assignments in the Talon course shell.

WebLive classes meet virtually at the time the course is scheduled. Students log in to Zoom and attend class from home, work, or on campus. WebLive classes meet just like in-class courses do — at specific times each week; online courses are not scheduled to meet at a specific time. Rather, online course Student Learning Outcomes are completed with guidance from the faculty member.

The Kirkwood custodial staff will continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect spaces around campus, especially those locations that may experience higher use. Students are also asked to clean and disinfect equipment before and after use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Cleaning supplies will be provided by Kirkwood.

No. As part of the new COVID-19 safety requirements, food and drink are not allowed in any Kirkwood classroom.

This policy is another measure that has been implemented to help ensure the health and safety of the Kirkwood community. Removing masks to eat or drink within a classroom potentially puts others at risk. In fact, if someone in a class is diagnosed with COVID-19 and took their mask off for any reason while in class, the entire class would need to self-quarantine for 14 days. However, if the individual diagnosed kept their mask on at all times while in class, it’s likely the rest of the class would not need to self-quarantine for 14 days. For instances when a drink of water while in class is absolutely necessary, consult with your instructor regarding options, like taking a quick break to get a drink outside the classroom.

At this time, food and drink can be consumed anyplace on campus (while practicing social distancing) except classrooms, the library, or computer labs.

Prepackaged food and drink items are available for purchase at the Linn Hall café and the bookstore on main campus as well as the café on the Iowa City Campus.

Grab and go food service are available in Linn Hall and the main campus bookstore.

Linn Hall Food Service Hours:
Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday from 8 a.m. – noon

Food offered at the main campus bookstore will be available at 8 a.m. Monday – Friday and will be first come, first serve. There will be no self serve coffee available in the bookstore due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The Iowa Department of Public Health recommends the following everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and dry hands thoroughly. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth with your upper arm or a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.