Distance learning options for fall semester 2020
July 23, 2020
Students who would prefer to take fall semester 2020 classes by distance learning — and not return to campus — have until July 29 to notify the college.
Faculty and staff plan to deliver both high-quality in-person and distance learning experiences. Most classes will be offered with a distance format option, and many different student services and programs will be offered through virtual platforms.
Questions regarding class schedules should be directed to your academic advisor or the Registrar’s Office at registraroffice@augustana.edu.
• Students who have an increased health risk may complete the COVID-19 Increased Health Risk Accommodations Request by July 29 to be waived from the residential requirement for the fall 2020 semester.
• Students who do not have an increased health risk, but prefer not to return in the fall, also may apply for an exemption from Augustana's residential requirement for the fall semester. These students may complete the Voluntary Full-Time Distance Learning Request by July 29.
The status of students who take classes remotely will change from resident to remote learner.
The cost of attendance for distance-learning students will be adjusted. Students will receive a new award letter from Financial Aid. Please allow two-three weeks for Financial Aid to send the new letter.
By completing either form, a student signals interest in becoming a remote learner. However, the student is not committing to a final decision. After students receive the new award letter from Financial Aid, they then will be asked to finalize their fall plans.
As a remote learner, a student would no longer have a housing assignment or a meal plan (if applicable). This exemption from Augustana’s residential requirement is only in place for the entire fall 2020 semester and J-term 2021.
Housing questions should be directed to Residential Life, 309-794-2686, or residentiallife@augustana.edu.
Remote learners would return to on-campus housing at the start of the spring 2021 semester, unless the remote learner status continues to be offered.
Contact the Financial Aid office for details: 309-794-7207 or financialaid@augustana.edu.
Policy statement
Financial aid and elective remote learning
July 23, 2020
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, some students, upon request and through application, may be granted temporary (one semester at a time) release from their Residency Agreement and elective meal plan.
Any student who is granted a release also will be reassessed for financial aid eligibility. This is because the student's overall cost of attendance is reduced in remote learning status.
This reduction in cost may have an impact on a student’s financial eligibility from Augustana College, since eligibility for financial aid is based on overall cost of attendance. Any reduction in Augustana gift aid will be limited to a maximum of $2,000 per semester.
A student whose application for elective remote learning is approved typically will receive a revised financial aid award within two weeks.