Luther College extends distance learning period through spring semester

On Wednesday, March 18, the Iowa Department of Public Health confirmed nine additional cases of COVID-19 in Iowa, one of which is located in Winneshiek County. Given these developments, federal and state guidance on travel and social distancing, and our obligations to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the local community, Luther leadership has decided to extend the period of distance learning through the remainder of the spring semester. Beginning Monday, March 30, and continuing through Thursday, May 21, all courses at Luther College will be held in distance learning formats.

All students who complete graduation requirements during the Spring 2020 semester will formally graduate from Luther College and become alumni in May 2020. Luther College is committed to celebrating this important accomplishment, and it will hold on-campus commencement exercises for the Class of 2020 at a date yet to be determined, depending upon local, regional and national considerations for individual and community health.

“I know that these are anxious and uncertain times. Together we will find answers to the questions that you may have now, as well as those that may arise in the future. This situation is challenging and not what we planned. But I know that our community is strong and that our commitment to academic excellence is unwavering. Even though the distance learning approach is going to be different for many of us, I know that the content of what we are going to do together will endure,” said President Jenifer K. Ward. 

Campus buildings will be closed to visitors and the general public. Effective immediately, all events at Luther College are cancelled through at least Thursday, May 21. The Campus Programming Office will work with event planners and hosts to identify and cancel events, including those sponsored by groups not affiliated with Luther College.

For more information on COVID-19 and its prevalence in Iowa visit the CDC and IDPH web pages. You can also call the IDPH information line 24/7 at 2-1-1 with any questions. We encourage you to do your part by practicing preventive actions and by limiting personal travel during these next few weeks.