Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

We are thankful for the widespread availability of vaccines in Indiana and the progress made in the fight against COVID-19. In light of recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Allen County Department of Health, we have established updated guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions on campus.

Until May 1, 2021, USF will continue with the current requirements in place on campus through the spring semester and Commencement.

Beginning May 3, USF discontinues the mandates for wearing face masks and for maintaining six feet of social distancing on campus. However, we recommend, when in close contact with others who might retain health concerns, the use of face masks.

Sincerely,

Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer

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Allen County is currently identified as an “orange” county in the COVID-19 metrics released by the governor’s office, limiting indoor gatherings to 50 people.

All men’s and women’s basketball games will be streamed for free on , beginning with the women’s game vs. Goshen College this Saturday, Nov. 21.

“We will continue to watch the COVID-19 rates in our area, follow the direction of state and local health officials, and update our polices accordingly moving forward,” USF Director of Athletics Mike McCaffrey said. “The important thing for us is that our student-athletes are still able to compete. They have sacrificed so much and worked so hard since August to have the ability to play. That has to be our top priority.”

For more information, contact Director of Athletics Mike McCaffrey at 260-399-7700, ext. 6250 or mmccaffrey@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51���� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and College of Adult and Distance Education. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51���� campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.

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Courses in Fort Wayne and at USF Crown Point (including online and graduate courses) will follow a slightly revised schedule. This includes a delayed start (Jan. 13), an abbreviated Spring Break (March 11 and 12 only) and an extended Easter Break (5 p.m. on Maundy Thursday, April 1 through Monday, April 5).

There is no change to Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance on Jan. 18, the final exam schedule April 26 to 30 and Commencement on May 1. Virtual Campus will begin on Jan. 11, also as previously scheduled.

“The 51���� continues to make decisions to promote the safety and health of everyone in our campus community,” USF President Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer said.

Key dates for the USF spring semester:

• Monday, Jan. 11 – Virtual Campus classes begin
• Wednesday, Jan. 13 – Fort Wayne and Crown Point classes begin
• Monday, Jan. 18 – MLK Day (no classes)
• Thursday, March 11 and Friday, March 12 – Spring Break (no classes)
• Thursday, April 1 – Maundy Thursday (no classes after 5 p.m.)
• Friday, April 2 – Good Friday (no classes)
• Monday, April 5 – Extended Easter Break (no classes)
• Friday, April 23 – Last day of classes
• April 26-30 – Final exams
• Saturday, May 1 – Commencement

For more information on USF’s academic schedule, contact Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lance Richey at 260-399-7700, ext. 8112 or lrichey@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51���� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and College of Adult and Distance Education. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51���� campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.

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In compliance with the Department of Education’s requirements, below are details regarding the use of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (CARES Act funds) granted to the 51����:

1. The 51���� has signed and submitted to the Department the Certification and Agreement and has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students. USF signed the Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 and the Department of Education approved the agreement on April 22, 2020.

2. The CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund-IHE/Student Aid has provided $945,565 to USF to provide emergency financial aid grants to students whose lives have been disrupted due to COVID-19.

3. $945,565 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants have been distributed to USF students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of 06/16/20.

4. Approximately 1,732 USF students are eligible to participate under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

5. 1,679 USF students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of 06/16/20.

6. USF distributed the funds equally to all eligible students who filed a FAFSA to confirm their eligibility, with part-time students receiving half of a full award.

CRRSAA ACT (HEERF II) REPORTING

1. The 51���� (USF) signed the original Funding Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 and the Department of Education approved the agreement on April 22, 2020. The university received supplemental funding under the Coronovirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSSA).

2. The 51���� received Grant Award Notification P425E200523, indicating the award amount for the student portion totaled $945,565.

3. The total amount of $945,565 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants was distributed to students under the CRRSSA program as of March 19, 2021.

4. Approximately 1,718 USF students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the CRRSAA program.

5. 998 USF students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under the CRRSAA program.

6. Those students with citizenship confirmed and enrolled in the 2021 spring semester were identified. The FAFSA was used to determine proper citizenship status. The population was separated into undergrads with Pell Grants and undergrads with no Pell Grants. Unmet need after grant and scholarships was used to set a priority order for funding and amounts. Students received between $256 and $1,246 awards based upon population and amount of unmet need.

ARP ACT (HEERF III) REPORTING

1. The 51���� (USF) signed the original Funding Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 and the Department of Education approved the agreement on April 22, 2020. The university received supplemental funding under the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

2. The 51���� received Grant Award Notification P425E200523 – 20B, indicating the award amount for the student portion totaled $2,784,235.

3. The total amount of $1,339,668 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants was distributed to students under the ARP program as of December 31, 2021.

4. Approximately 2,192 USF students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the ARP program.

5. 2,192 USF students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under the ARP program.

6. Those students with citizenship confirmed and enrolled in the 2021 fall semester were identified. The FAFSA was used to determine proper citizenship status. The population was separated into undergrads with Pell Grants and undergrads with no Pell Grants. Unmet need after grant and scholarships was used to set a priority order for funding and amounts. Students received between $211 and $5,983 awards based upon population and amount of unmet need.

ARP ACT (HEERF III) REPORTING (April 4, 2022 update)

1. The 51���� (USF) signed the original Funding Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020 and the Department of Education approved the agreement on April 22, 2020. The university received supplemental funding under the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

2. The 51���� received Grant Award Notification P425E200523 – 20B, indicating the award amount for the student portion totaled $2,784,235.

3. The total amount of $2,784,235 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants was distributed to students under the ARP program as of March 31, 2022.

4. Approximately 2,328 USF students are eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the ARP program.

5. 2,328 USF students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under the ARP program.

6. Those students with citizenship confirmed and enrolled in the 2021 fall semester were identified. The FAFSA was used to determine proper citizenship status. The population was separated into undergrads with Pell Grants and undergrads with no Pell Grants. Unmet need after grant and scholarships was used to set a priority order for funding and amounts. Students received between $217 and $7,233 awards based upon population and amount of unmet need.

RELATED DOCUMENTS

HEERF 06-30-2022(00183200_HEERF_Q22022_07112022) Quarterly Report

HEERF-03-31-2022(00183200_HEERF_Q12022_04012022-Quarterly-Report

HEERF-12-31-202100183200_HEERF_Q42021_01072022-Quarterly-Report

HEERF 9-30-2021(00183200_HEERF_Q32021_101021) Quarterly Report

HEERF 6-30-2021(00183200_HEERF_Q22021_071021) Quarterly Report. Updates made after initial posting.

HEERF 3-31-2021 Quarterly Report

HEERF 12-31-2020 Quarterly Report

HEERF 9-30-2020 Quarterly Report

CARES Act letter to USF students regarding additional funds

CARES Act letter to USF students

CARES Act letter to USF students needing FAFSA filing

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The policy limits attendance to 250 people at a competition, including participants, coaches, officials and game-day staff. All those attending must acquire a ticket through the USF website at via HomeTown Ticketing. Tickets will be available beginning Sept. 9.

“We are thrilled to be playing soccer and volleyball on campus this fall,” USF Director of Athletics Mike McCaffrey said. “Giving our student-athletes the chance to compete in front of their families and USF community will bring some much needed energy to Spring Street. We want to provide the safest environment for our guests, students, officials and coaches so we are limiting the capacity and will adjust if necessary as we move forward.”

Here is the complete Fall 2020 policy, which applies to competition at Hutzell Athletic Center and Bishop John M. D’Arcy Stadium:

• A maximum of 250 people will be allowed in the gym or stadium, including participants, coaches, officials and game-day staff.

• All attendees must wear masks and are asked to social distance unless traveling together.

• Tickets must be purchased from the USF Athletics website via HomeTown Ticketing.

• Tickets can be printed at home or scanned from a mobile device at the gate.

• Once capacity of 250 is reached, no further tickets will be available.

• Groups (families of USF student-athletes, USF students/faculty/staff) will have designated capacity through the ticketing system. For all September home contests, the capacity breakdown will be:
— Participants: 70 for men’s and women’s soccer, 65 for women’s volleyball
— USF student-athlete families: 75 ($5 per ticket plus fees)
— USF students/faculty/staff: 105 for men’s and women’s soccer, 110 for women’s volleyball (no charge)

• No community members or fans of visiting teams will be allowed to purchase tickets.

• Capacity is subject to change throughout the season if local health department and government guidelines change.

The policy is effective for USF home competition during the fall season. Winter and spring policies will be announced closer to those seasons. Those wishing to attend away competition should verify policies with the host school’s website prior to traveling.

For more information, please contact Director of Athletics Mike McCaffrey at 260-399-7700, ext. 6250, or mmccaffrey@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51���� offers more than 60 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the College of Health Sciences, College of Arts, Sciences, and Business and College of Adult and Distance Education. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51���� campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.

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Links for updated information:

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These new procedures are designed to promote safety and health in the USF community and to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. All decisions were made to follow the best practices outlined by government and health officials and with guidance from the State of Indiana and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“We want to assure the community that USF will operate in the safest way possible to protect the health of everyone on campus while helping our students achieve academic success,” said USF President Rev. Dr. Eric Albert Zimmer. “We are prepared to make further adjustments if the situation changes.”

USF will follow these procedures in key areas:

Face coverings and social distancing
Face coverings will be required for all students, faculty, staff and visitors in indoor spaces on campus, and in outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible. USF will initially provide face coverings for students, faculty and staff. Disposable face coverings will be available for visitors if needed. Exemptions to the face covering requirement will exist for those with medical conditions where masks are not advised, when engaged in strenuous physical activity and when eating or drinking. USF will comply with all State of Indiana social distancing guidelines.

Academic schedule
The semester will begin with on-campus courses on Monday, Aug. 24. Courses will be conducted in-person, online or hybrid (partially in-person, partially online). Undergraduate in-person courses in Fort Wayne and Crown Point will end on Friday, Nov. 20, with in-person final exams ending on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Online finals and submission of remaining work will occur during the week of Nov. 30. After Thanksgiving break, undergraduate students will not return to campus until the spring semester. Graduate courses, Virtual Campus courses and on-ground courses at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana, will proceed with their standard fall schedules.

Classroom capacity and dining
USF has adjusted its classrooms to promote social distancing and limit the number of students in a room at one time. USF’s food service vendor, Creative Dining, has created a more distanced seating arrangement in Trinity Dining Hall and the Hideout. Overflow seating will be available in the Cougar Den and “Grab and Go” meals will be available in all three locations.

Campus cleaning
USF has increased the level of disinfecting on high-touch surfaces during its regular cleaning schedule. Hand sanitizers are available throughout the campus.

Residence halls
Residential students were given the option of requesting a single room for purposes of social distancing. Common spaces will have restrictions and no guests will be allowed until further notice. All residents will complete a student screening form prior to move-in and on a regular basis throughout the semester. Residence halls will close for the semester on Nov. 25.

Athletics
The Athletics Department continues to work with the NAIA and the Crossroads League to follow protocols for competition. Beginning Aug. 15, student-athletes may practice consistent with any health and safety protocols for all fall sports. Parkview Sports Medicine has provided guidelines for USF to follow for meetings, practices and team activities.

The NAIA has postponed national championships in cross country, men’s soccer, women’s soccer and women’s volleyball to spring 2021. A decision on the football national championship will be made Friday, July 31. The NAIA granted conferences autonomy to consider the regional impact of COVID-19 in order to determine the timing of its regular-season competition. The Crossroads League is currently committed to fall regular-season schedules. Procedures for spectators at home USF competitions will follow local health department recommendations.

Update (Aug. 1): The USF football schedule has been moved to the spring, along with the NAIA football national championship tournament.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51���� offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and School of Creative Arts. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51���� campus experience includes 18 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.

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The decision was made to limit possible increased exposure and spread of the virus among the USF community that might occur with students leaving and returning to campus during the fall semester.

“The health and safety of our students and the USF community is our top priority,” said USF President Sister M. Elise Kriss, OSF. “Our change in scheduling for the fall semester is like those changes adopted by other colleges in Indiana and around the nation. We believe these adjustments can help reduce the risk of possible spread of the virus among students and others in the campus community.”

The USF fall semester will begin as previously scheduled on Monday, Aug. 24, but undergraduate courses in Fort Wayne and Crown Point will now end on Friday, Nov. 20, with in-person final semester exams ending on Tuesday, Nov. 24. As a result of the adjustment, there will be no two-day fall semester break in October. Online finals and the submission of any remaining work will occur during the week of Nov. 30 with all grades for the semester finalized by Dec. 15.

Residence halls will close for the semester on Wednesday, Nov. 25, with students to return for the spring semester in January as previously scheduled. The spring semester begins Monday, Jan. 11.

Note: Graduate courses, Virtual Campus courses and on-ground courses at St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Lafayette, Indiana, will proceed with their standard fall schedules and are not affected by the adjustment.

For more information, contact USF Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lance Richey at 260-399-8112 or lrichey@sf.edu.

Founded in 1890 in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, the 51���� offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs through the School of Health Sciences, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Keith Busse School of Business and Entrepreneurial Leadership and School of Creative Arts. In addition to its traditional programs, USF designs focused curricula for working adults in Fort Wayne, Crown Point and online. USF Downtown houses the university’s business and music technology programs while offering enhanced internship and networking opportunities for students. The 51���� campus experience includes 16 athletic programs boasting two individual and four team NAIA national championships and is recognized as an NAIA Five-Star Champion of Character institution. Approximately 2,200 students from a broad geographic region attend USF.

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