Eastern Oregon University > Coronavirus Information > Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

EOU is continually updating the FAQs as new guidance and information is shared from local, state, and federal health authorities.

For questions regarding this page, please fill out this questionnaire.


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Current as of April 1, 2022

Events On Campus

Is campus closed to the general public?

Campus buildings are open to the public for normal business hours, including campus visitors, event/camp attendees and prospective students.

Are events allowed on-campus?

Yes, events are allowed on-campus. Please submit your request at eou.edu/events/request.

What about campus visitors?

Campus visits will be scheduled with the Admissions Office. Make an appointment at eou.edu/visit

How should I proceed if I am hosting or coordinating an event that is several weeks or months out? 

The office of Event & Conference Services is accepting event requests for consideration. Please submit your request at eou.edu/events/request. Student groups should submit their requests to the Center for Student Involvement before bringing it to Event & Conference Services.

Are in-person meetings allowed?

Yes, and face coverings are welcome, but not required. Social distancing is still recommended if the meeting space is large enough to accomodate.  Phone and video conferencing options remain available through Zoom. 

Where can I watch Colloquium talks?

EOU Colloquiums take place in-person and some are live-streamed via Zoom. Visit eou.edu/colloquium for a full schedule and archives of previous presentations.

Faculty and Staff

Are employees allowed to continue to work from home?

Employees may request to work remotely with supervisor approval. Classified employees require an approved Telework Agreement.

How are employees to be compensated in case of full or partial closures?  

No full or partial closures are anticipated at this time.

What happens if I get sick? 

Follow the steps in the scenarios and guidelines table if you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 or develop symptoms of illness. Contact Human Resources at 541-962-3548 or hr@eou.edu with any questions.

Financial Aid

If on-campus courses moved to online, would on-campus students retain on-campus tuition rates?

Yes, on-campus courses that are moved to remote learning will retain on-campus tuition rates.

If a student decides to stop attending (or becomes ill and must stop attending), how will tuition reimbursement, incomplete grades/extensions, etc., policies respond to these scenarios?

Financial aid will be determined on a case-by-case basis with each student’s individual situation. The Department of Education has released guidance that permits institutions to move their academic instruction online, should the need arise. 

All accredited agencies have been encouraged to support online instruction in the event of university closure. Every effort will be made to be as lenient as possible in regard to tuition penalties, as the institution has the ability to make tuition penalty decisions, based on our own policies and procedures.

What is the impact on GI Bill recipients?

If a school temporarily closes due to an established policy based on an Executive Order of the President or due to an emergency situation, VA may continue benefit payments (including the Monthly Housing Allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) for up to 4 weeks during a 12-month period. This authority, and limitation, are codified in statute (38 U.S.C. § 3680(a)(2)(A).

If the school remains open (virtually, rather than physically), and students are transitioned to pursuit solely through online classes, then benefit payments will be impacted as follows:

If the switch from training in-residence to online classes occurs during the term, and the program has been approved by the State Approving Agency for delivery through an online modality, then benefit payments (including the Monthly Housing Allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) will remain unchanged for the remainder of that term.

However, for any subsequent terms pursued solely online, the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be reduced to one-half of the national average of DoD’s Basic Allowance for Housing rates for an E-5 with dependents. The limitations on MHA rates are codified in statute (38 U.S.C. § 3313(c)(1)(B)(iii).

Lastly, if the program has not been approved by the State Approving Agency for delivery through an online modality, benefit payments will completely stop (including the Monthly Housing Allowance under the Post-9/11 GI Bill) when students begin training online.

Health and Wellness

How available will COVID testing be for on-campus students and employees?

Students who are ill or who have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 can receive a COVID-19 test from the Student Health Center if they pay the Student Health Fee. Health clinics and urgent care resources in La Grande can also provide testing.

EOU does not sponsor or require testing for employees. Students can get a free rapid at-home test from the Student Affairs Office in Inlow 113 during normal business hours. Visit covidtests.gov to order free at-home tests as well.

Are face coverings required?

In most EOU settings, masks are welcomed, but not required. However, there are state and federal requirements for wearing masks in healthcare settings, including the Student Health & Counseling Center. 

In accordance with the changes in statewide requirements, EOU suspended enforcement of its COVID-19 Pandemic Face Covering Policy. KN95/N95 masks continue to be available near building entrances throughout campus.

What if I am a student and I feel sick?

Stay home and call the Student Health Center at 541-962-3524 or your primary care provider to help determine the most appropriate care. You may also call the COVID Hotline for questions outside traditional hours (5 – 9pm) any day of the week at 541-962-3260. If you or someone you know has severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion or bluish discoloration to the lips or face, seek emergency care and call 911. 

How can I help slow the spread of COVID-19?

Learn more about how to slow the spread of disease at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/index.html.

Who is at risk of getting ill?

Learn more about who is at risk of illness at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

What if I just have mild symptoms?

Learn more about what to do if you are sick at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html.

What if I feel really worried and want to talk to a mental health counselor about my concerns?

Students who have paid the Health Service Fee and are interested in utilizing services at the Counseling Center, can call 541-962-3524 or check eou.edu/counsel for further directions on how to access counseling services. 

The EOU Student Counseling Center is closed during the evenings, weekends and school breaks. If you have an after-hours emergency, please call  911 or the Center For Human Development (CHD) at 541-962-8800.

Employees may contact the EOU employee assistance program provider, Canopy

What type of cleaning/sanitization procedures is EOU doing for on-campus locations and spaces?

EOU is using appropriate CDC-approved disinfectant to clean campus, focusing on common and highly utilized spaces. 

Residence Life and Dining

How will campus living work? Since freshmen are required to live on campus? What if we don’t feel comfortable sharing living spaces?

On-campus first-time freshmen are required to live on campus. If students would like to request to be released from this requirement, they should fill out a live in requirement petition form

What measures are being taken to kill the virus on surfaces in the dining area?

Sodexo has increased sanitary practices and asks that students wash their hands.

A three-part cleaning process has been instituted for all surfaces, using soapy water to clean debris, followed with sanitizer, and finished with disinfectant. We have been assured that this procedure would kill any lingering COVID-19 on surfaces.

What if I’m feeling sick?

If you are not well, remain in your residence hall and contact your primary care physician, Student Health or a local emergency medical care provider. Please also contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing Operations to schedule services and coordinate accommodations.

What if I think I’m exposed but not yet sick?  Should I tell everyone in my room or floor?

Please remain mindful of physical distancing and if you develop symptoms contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing Operations.

If someone is sick in my hall, what will be the procedure for isolating them?

Residence Life has identified spaces that can be set aside for students to move into should the need for isolation arise. 

Any health information that impacts the larger community will be communicated appropriately.

My roommate is sick and I don’t want to be around them. What do I do?

Please contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing Operations to discuss options. 

Safety and Bias Incidents

What does the Center for Disease Control (CDC) say about public health crises, stigmas, impacts and resilience?

The CDC has some great resources on public health outbreaks and stigmas to refer to when fears and anxieties occur. You can find the information at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/reducing-stigma.html.

What if I experienced or observed someone creating an unsafe or harmful situation due to COVID-19 stigma or xenophobia?

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has brought about xenophobia (prejudice against people from other countries). Race is not the carrier, and EOU does not condone acts of exclusion, harassment, hate speech and lack of sensitivity. Such actions impair our abilities to work together as a community at this crucial time. 

  • If you experience or witness racism and/or bias incidents please contact one of the following campus resources:
  • Title IX Coordinator and Director of Student Relations Colleen Dunne-Cascio: 541-962-3476 or  titleix@eou.edu
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator Chris McLaughlin (Human Resources): 541-962-3516 or cjmclaughlin@eou.edu
  • Deputy Title IX Coordinator Kaki Morehead (Athletics): 541-962-3687 or kmclean@eou.edu

Fall Term 2022

Will on-campus classes be taught remotely this fall? 

EOU anticipates being fully open for in-person activities and classes in fall 2022. Additional details will be shared with the students and employees as soon as they’re available.

Will EOU provide masks to students and employees? 

For the time being, EOU will continue to provide masks to employees. Students should plan on purchasing masks to wear in class and on-campus.  

Will large classes be online or broken into groups?

We have removed capacity restrictions on all of our classrooms and plan to conduct in-person instruction for Fall Term 2022.

Students and Academics

Is the campus open for visitors?

Yes, visitors are welcome on campus and tours are available for prospective students. Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a visit.

Will we have to wear our masks in the gym/while working out? 

Face coverings are not required in on-campus buildings, with the exception of the Student Health Center and the Counseling Center. 

What if I’m too sick to participate in classes?

If students are too ill to participate in on-campus classes, contact the Student Health Center at 541-962-3524 and also notify your instructors. Students must also contact Student Affairs at 541-962-3635 and saffairs@eou.edu

Also, please note that the Student Health Center is closed during the weekends. If you have urgent medical needs when the Student Health Center is closed, the Grande Ronde Hospital Urgent Care can be reached at 541-962-7845, or the La Grande Urgent Care can be reached at 541-962-7808. For more serious health issues, call 911.

Who should I contact to see what kinds of academic accommodations or supports are available?  

  • Director of Student Relations Colleen Dunne-Cascio: 541-962-3476 or ccascio@eou.edu
  • Director of Disability Services Taylor Smith: 541-962-3081 or tksmith@eou.edu

Student Employee Supervisors

Is my student employee eligible for additional sick leave hours under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave?

COVID emergency leave hours have ended for ALL employees.

I have work for my student employee that can be done from home. Is that okay?

Yes. Students may work from home on things like projects, social media posts, research or grading. Students cannot have access to the university’s protected systems, from home. You also must be able to monitor the employee’s work and time entry card. 

As a supervisor what are my responsibilities? 

Supervisors are responsible for approving timesheets, therefore you must review each timesheet for accuracy before approving. 

Travel

What are the requirements for employee travel? 

The COVID-19 Travel Authorization Form will no longer be required, effective March 28, 2022. Direct any questions regarding travel procedures during COVID to travel@eou.edu.

What if I am traveling outside of the United States? 

Contact the Office of International Student Services for information about international travel. Be prepared to be flexible regarding your travel plans. You may be required to self-isolate or be quarantined upon your return to campus.

Find more information at these sites:

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Information for Travel 

Oregon Health Authority COVID19 updates in Oregon

What if I am returning to the United States?

If you are returning to the U.S., please keep in mind that you may be subject to a quarantine, self-monitoring or testing. Notify the Office of International Student Services so that we can contact you with specific travel-related information. 

If you are a current F-1 International Student at EOU and plan to travel outside the United States, please double-check that you have a valid travel endorsement signature on your I-20 (the signature is valid for 12 months). If you need your I-20 signed for international travel, please set up an appointment with the Office of International Student Services to obtain one.

Vaccination Requirements

Are those teaching courses online or working at regional sites required to be vaccinated? 

Employees teaching courses fully online and not engaging in any activities and/or events on the EOU campus are not required to be vaccinated. However, regional center staff who wish to travel to campus or engage in on-campus meetings and events must comply with vaccination requirement. 

Are those attending courses online and at regional sites required to be vaccinated?

Students attending courses fully online and not utilizing any in-person campus services, or engaging with any on campus staff, are not required to be vaccinated. EOU will follow the policies set by our host agencies at all of our university sites.

Are there exemptions to the vaccination requirement?

Yes, exemptions are allowed for medical and non-medical reasons. 

Students requesting a medical exemption (for reasons such as an allergy to a component of the vaccine) should have their primary care provider fill out a medical exemption prior to fall term. Students requesting a non-medical exemption should fill out the exemption section of the COVID-19 Immunization Verification Form. Those requesting exemptions must complete a vaccine information module in Safe Campuses. Contact the Student Health Center at shc@eou.edu with questions. 

Employees may request an exemption for medical, non-medical or religious reasons using the form in Mountie Hub. Under Employee Services, click on COVID-19 Vaccination Option and complete the appropriate section of the form. Contact Human Resources at hr-group@eou.edu with questions.

Do I need to be vaccinated if I have had a prior diagnosis of COVID-19?

Yes, you will be required to be vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination.

As a student, what is the deadline for proving I have been vaccinated?

We urge all who are able to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. Beginning Oct. 22, EOU students who learn, work or engage with the university on-campus in La Grande will be required to either (a) provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or (b) request and obtain an approved vaccination exemption using this form (click here to download)

Student-athletes will complete the form when they fill out other pre-play documents. Reach out to the Athletic Training office at thewc@eou.edu with any questions. 

Students can fill out the form digitally, and email it to the Student Health Center at shc@eou.edu. Make sure to scan and attach your vaccination card or a doctor’s note, if applicable. If you don’t have a scanner, take a picture of the documents with your phone, and send the images with your completed form. 

You can also print the form, complete it on paper and mail it to: Student Health Center, One University Blvd., La Grande, OR 97850. Make sure to include a printed copy of your vaccination card or a doctor’s note, if applicable. 

Students may request an exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for medical or non-medical reasons. 

Taking these important steps will help ensure a safe, healthy school year for all members of our campus community. Although the Student Health Center is closed during summer months, staff are responding to emails and phone calls. If you have questions about the form or need immediate assistance, contact Student Affairs at saffairs@eou.edu.

As an EOU employee, what is the deadline for submitting proof that I have been vaccinated or obtaining an approved vaccination exemption?

We urge all that are able to be vaccinated to do so as soon as possible. The deadline to submit proof of vaccination or obtain an exemption was Oct. 22, 2021. Log into Mountie Hub to submit your vaccination card through the secure portal. Under Employee Services, click on COVID-19 Vaccination Option and complete the appropriate section of the form. Contact Human Resources at hr-group@eou.edu with questions.

Employees who have been recently hired have 30 days from their start date to show proof of being fully vaccinated or have requested and received an approved vaccination exemption.

What if I am an international student and I received a vaccine that has not yet been approved in the U.S.?

EOU will work with any international students and employees who may have received a vaccine that is not approved for use in the United States (i.e. AstraZeneca). Contact International Student Services for more information.

Are campus visitors and guest speakers required to show proof of vaccination?

No.

Will I be required to quarantine if in close contact to someone who tests positive?

Consistent with current OHA guidance, fully vaccinated individuals who have been in close contact with a known COVID-19 positive person will not need to quarantine. Students with COVID-19 illness symptoms will continue to be required to quarantine whether vaccinated or not. 

Employees are no longer required to quarantine.

Are there concerns about whether asking for proof of vaccination status violates HIPAA or EEOC laws?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, is a law that prevents health care professionals from sharing private health information without the patient’s permission. Generally, the law pertains to a health care setting. It does not prohibit EOU from setting a requirement that requires employees to provide evidence of their own vaccination status in order to return to campus. Employees can then choose whether to disclose proof of vaccination or request and obtain an approved vaccination exemption. Employers requiring proof of vaccination status of employees has been repeatedly confirmed to be permissible by the EEOC and does not violate discrimination in employment laws. 

What kind of vaccination proof is required for students?

Students should send an official CDC vaccination card to the Student Health Center with their completed COVID-19 Immunization Verification Form. If you submit it digitally, scan or take a photo of the card and attach it to an email with the form, and send it to shc@eou.edu. To send it in via snail mail, make a copy of the vaccination card and mail it to: Student Health Center, One University Blvd., La Grande, OR 97850. F-1 International Students are asked to contact the Office of International Student Services for further information.

What kind of vaccination proof is required for employees?

Employees who will be working on, or visiting, the main EOU campus, must upload an image of their vaccination card via the secure portal in Mountie Hub. Under Employee Services, click on COVID-19 Vaccination Option and complete the appropriate section of the form. Contact Human Resources at hr-group@eou.edu with questions.

How will employee information regarding vaccination status be handled by the university?

EOU treats proof of vaccination as all other protected medical information. It is kept separate from other employee information and shared only on a need-to-know basis.

Will employees who do not provide proof of full vaccination be required to complete COVID-19 testing prior to engaging in on-campus classes and activities this fall?

No testing is required of employees in order for them to be on the main EOU campus.  Daily Self-Checks will continue to be required for the foreseeable future.

Will students who do not provide proof of full vaccination be required to complete COVID-19 testing prior to engaging in on-campus classes and activities this fall?

No. Students who have symptoms or are in close contact with a positive case may be required to test, regardless of vaccination status.

Are on-campus partners (like Sodexo employees, ODFW, REV Center, etc.) subject to EOU’s COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement? 

Employees working on the main EOU campus, but for non-EOU employers such as Sodexo, ODFW, etc., must comply with the vaccination rules of their own employer. So far, these employers have mandatory vaccination rules identical or very similar to EOU.

Can employees work remotely in lieu of getting vaccinated?

Employees may continue to work remotely only with supervisor approval. Assigning remote work to employees who normally work on the main EOU campus will likely only be permitted for qualifying ADA or religious accommodations when they do not cause undue hardship on EOU.