Respiratory Virus Protocols for 2025-26

Luther College’s Respiratory Virus guidance and protocols for students during the 2025-26 academic year are described below. The guidance, including those that impact roommates of students who test positive for a respiratory virus, is consistent with guidance issued by the American College Health Association (ACHA).

Students are encouraged to take steps to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses as a strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.

General Guidance for Students with a Respiratory Virus

We strongly encourage students to:

• Receive the current flu and COVID vaccines and boosters.
• Contact the Luther Clinic at 563-387-5400 for medical guidance if they are exhibiting symptoms.
• Have personal at-home COVID tests on campus to use as needed.
• Discuss plans with their families and roommates, so that everyone is prepared if someone in the room tests positive for a respiratory virus.
• Contact Student Life (563-387-1020; students@luther.edu) for questions regarding the guidance and protocols described below.

Guidance for Students Who Test Positive for a Respiratory Virus

1. Students should contact the Luther Clinic at 563-387-5400 to seek medical guidance.
2. Students should contact Student Life (563-387-1020; students@luther.edu) to report their class absence. Student Life will then notify faculty that a student will not be attending classes due to medical reasons.

Protocols for Students in the Residence Halls

1. Students should refrain from public spaces and remain in their room except to obtain meals, use the restroom/shower facilities, wash clothing, or seek medical services.
2. Students should wear a mask when around others in their room and at all times outside of the room.
3. Students should not linger in public spaces.
4. Students should not have guests in their room. Only roommates are permitted in the room.
5. Students should continue to follow CDC guidance regarding how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when ill.

Guidance for Roommates of Students Who Test Positive for a Respiratory Virus

1. Students should follow CDC guidance for those who have been exposed to a respiratory virus.
2. Students are expected to continue to live in their residence hall room with their roommate, given that they have already been exposed to a respiratory virus.
3. Students who are not comfortable living in their residence hall room may temporarily relocate to the room of a friend or acquaintance until their roommate’s symptoms improve. Luther College does not at this time have sufficient spaces on campus to provide dedicated alternative housing to all students who are not comfortable living in their residence hall room.
4. Students with a documented underlying medical condition or risk factor that is considered to be high risk for severe illness should contact the Residence Life Office (563-387-1330; reslife@luther.edu) to seek access to a limited number of temporary spaces. Students placed in a temporary space may also be assigned a temporary roommate.

Last updated: October 1, 2025