Top 10 Tips to Help Prepare For The 2020 Fall Semester

by Iowa Central Information
Posted on 8/10/2020

We are getting closer to the first day of the 2020 Fall Semester, and a lot has changed on campus for both new and returning students. Iowa Central is doing everything possible to create a healthy and positive learning environment. We have put together a few tips to help you  prepare for this semester.

1. Review Our COVID-19 Reopening Plan
The health and safety of students and employees are of the highest importance to us. Iowa Central has a COVID-19 Reopening Plan covering the college’s protocols heading into the 2020 Fall Semester. We have made it available on the Iowa Central website’s dedicated section for COVID-19 Updates. Students are encouraged to review the plan, so they are aware of the new policies. This plan is subject to change, and any changes will be communicated to all students. 

2. Check Your School Email and The Website Often
This situation will continue to evolve as the year goes on. We are making sure to properly communicate, in a timely manner, any changes to our COVID-19 protocol by sending updates through email and adding it to the Iowa Central website. Please check them on a regular basis to stay informed.

3. Know Who To Contact On Campus
If you have questions about the COVID-19 policies on campus or health-related issues, knowing who to contact will help clarify any necessary next steps. We also have a nurse on staff that can be reached by calling 515-574-1047 or through email at graves@iowacentral.edu. 

4. Order Your Books Ahead of Time Through Our Bookstore Online
This upcoming semester we are making it mandatory that all textbook orders be placed online to be shipped directly to you or sent to the Iowa Central Bookstore for curbside pickup. This can be done by ordering through the Bookstore website. Additional details about book orders and rentals can be found on the Student F.A.Q. webpage under the COVID-19 Updates section of the Iowa Central website. 

5. Apply For The COVID-19 Emergency Grant
As a part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, funding was made available for colleges to assist eligible students who have been impacted by COVID-19 on campus. We are encouraging all students to fill out and complete the Emergency Grant Application. The money can be used for eligible expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare. Along with the link provided here, you can also find a link to the application on our website (labeled “COVID-19 Emergency Grant Application” in the top right corner). 

6. Confirm Your Housing Arrangements
Double-check to make sure your housing arrangements are all in order. We have a specific move-in schedule for students this fall listed in our latest COVID-19 update online. We have staggered the move-in dates to reduce the influx of people on campus at one time. Each student will only be allowed a maximum of two helpers to move in.

7. Make A Packing List
Before moving to campus, it’s a great idea to create a packing list of everything you’ll need for your dorm and coursework. On our website’s Housing F.A.Q./Policies page, we have a list of items that you may want to bring as well as items that are not allowed. Reviewing these lists helps ensure you have all of the essentials.

8. Bring A Mask Or Face Covering
Students will have to bring their own masks or face coverings to wear on campus. As a part of our Reopening Plan, wearing a face covering is required in common areas (classrooms, labs, hallways, and offices) and must be worn in offices when two or more people are present that are unable to social distance. Signs will be posted around campus.

9. Check Out Your Course Syllabi
While it may be tempting to wait until the first day of class to look over the syllabi for your courses, reviewing them before starting the semester can help you be better prepared heading in. By going over coursework requirements ahead of time, you can find out what materials and books are needed. A link to all syllabi can be found under the Academic section of our website. 

10.  Create A Schedule To Adjust To New Class Format
Knowing what your coursework is going to look like will also help you create a schedule for the new semester. Especially with courses being a hybrid of online and in-person classes, making a set schedule during the week will help you form healthy routines that will keep you focused as the semester moves forward.