Reinhardt University is operating. Our faculty and staff are working remotely. Use the Employee Directory or Department Directory for phone or email contact information. The University is operating through digital platforms. We have essential on-ground personnel reporting to work to serve the students who remain in the residence halls due to inability to travel, housing insecurities or other extenuating circumstances.  See FAQ #13-15 for questions about housing.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp issued a statewide Shelter in Place April 2 to be in effect through 11:59 p.m. April 30. This Shelter in Place order expired for most Georgia residents. Gov Kemp then issued a new Shelter in Place order for Georgia residents with chronic health conditions. Residents with chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, severe heart disease, immunocompromised conditions, class III or severe obesity, patients with diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease are to remain Sheltered in Place through June 12.

On June 30, 2020, Governor Kemp signed a new executive order 06.29.20.01 requiring sheltering in place for those living in long-term care facilities and the medically fragile.

This new executive order has no impact on Reinhardt University’s ability to operate as necessary.

Please see the below Q&A for Room and Board Housing refunds.

Will I receive a refund for my room and board? 

Students who did not return to Reinhardt University after April 3, 2020, for spring semester are eligible for a prorated refund for room and board charges.  

How will the room and board refund be calculated? 

Reinhardt University will be issuing prorated room and board refunds to students who elected to move off campus. Refunds are for the period April 3, 2020, the date Gov. Brian Kemp issued the Shelter in Place Executive Order, through May 1, 2020, the last day to check out of residence halls.  

Why does my financial aid package matter in the calculation of my room and board refund? 

Students who received scholarships for room and board are not eligible for a room and board refund.  

How will I receive my refund? 

Students who are eligible for a partial room and board refund will receive an email from businessoffice@reinhardt.edu with instructions on how to fill out a required form to receive a refund. Refunds will first be applied to the Reinhardt student’s account. Any balances on the account will be settled before refunds are issued. If a credit is issued, the student will have the option to receive a check mailed to his/her permanent address on file with Reinhardt University or give his/her refund – full or partial -- as a philanthropic effort to Reinhardt University’s Annual Fund. Students whose room and board were paid by a third party will need to determine how much of their refund is due to that third party. Students who used 529 funds to pay their room and board need to discuss their refund with their 529 provider.  

When will I receive my refund? 

Students must fill out the form sent to them from businessoffice@reinhardt.edu. Reinhardt University will begin the refund processing on May 18.  

If I chose to stay in the residence hall, will I get a refund? 

Students who opted to stay on campus are not eligible for a refund.  

What if I was approved to stay on campus but changed my mind and made alternate arrangements? 

If you were approved to stay on campus and chose not to, you must notify the Office of Residential Housing and Education at reslife@reinhardt.edu. The Business Office will evaluate your departure date and make a determination on your eligibility of a refund.  

If I have a commuter meal plan, will I be refunded? 

Commuter meal plans will be eligible for a refund based on the number of unused meals remaining on the plan.  

How will my Flex Dollars be impacted? 

Unused Flex Dollars will be rolled over to the 2020-21 academic year.  

Who do I contact if I have questions about my partial room and board refund?  

If you have not received a check by June 15, please email businessoffice@reinhardt.edu.  

Can I donate my refund to support students in need and Reinhardt University? 

Reinhardt University has received inquiries about refunds, including families asking if they can donate their refunds back to the institution to assist students in need or help with scholarships. Students can choose to donate their refund to the Reinhardt University Annual Fund. Philanthropic gifts to Reinhardt University are tax-deductible. Students who are eligible for a partial room and board refund will receive an email from businessoffice@reinhardt.edu with instructions on how to fill out a form to indicate how you would like your partial room and board refund dispersed.  

Since May 2020, Reinhardt has kept a running total of all COVID-19 laboratory confirmed positive cases.

A running total since May 2020, as of 06/07/2021:

• 251 laboratory confirmed cases
• 251 of those 251 positive cases have fully recovered from COVID-19

Laboratory confirmed case:  One that has tested positive by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Presumptive case:  One that has been tested positive by the Georgia Department of Public Health (local health officials send the sample to be tested by the CDC to confirm a diagnosis).

Self-Reporting:

Reinhardt University asks all faculty, staff and students to self-report if they have tested positive for COVID-19 to the Reinhardt University Student Health Center. Medical professionals who lead Reinhardt’s Student Health Center are in communication with the Georgia and Cherokee County Departments of Public Health for up to date guidelines and protocols.

In addition to documenting laboratory confirmed positive cases, Reinhardt tracks other key data to inform protocols to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus including recoveries.

Protocols:

Once someone has received a positive test for COVID-19 they self-isolate and follow the isolation guidelines provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health as follows:

Discontinuing home isolation if you had symptoms and

• • Had mild or moderate illness* and are not severely immunocompromised:
  • At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
    • At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved
  • Had severe to critical illness (if you were hospitalized for shortness of breath, pneumonia, low oxygen levels, respiratory failure, septic shock, and/or multiple organ failure) * or are severely immunocompromised:
    • At least 20 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
    • At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
    • Symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) have improved

Discontinuing home isolation if you did NOT have symptoms and

• • Are NOT severely immunocompromised:
    
    • At least 10 days have passed since the positive laboratory test and the person remains asymptomatic
  • Are severely immunocompromised:
    • At least 10 days have passed since the positive laboratory test and the person remains asymptomatic
  • Note, if you later develop symptoms, you should follow the guidance for symptomatic persons above.
  • It is critical we maintain privacy and confidentiality for anyone impacted by COVID-19. If you are aware of these individuals, please do not identify them and respect their individual privacy as they focus on their health.
  • This information is routinely updated in an effort to keep the Reinhardt University community informed of the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and communicate any changes to the campus operations in order to take all necessary steps ensuring a safe environment for all students, faculty and staff.

The University's Executive Leadership Team and Emergency Operations Team is convening regularly to monitor this evolving public health situation and to ensure that appropriate plans are in place to protect the health of the Reinhardt campus community.  Since February, campus officials have been actively monitoring information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), and also is coordinating with the Georgia Department of Public Health and Cherokee County Health Department. The University is following all guidelines and recommendations from local and national public health experts, who have the best understanding of how to carefully manage public health risks such as coronavirus. 

The University Student Health Center is following guidelines from the CDC. The CDC’s guidance for the coronavirus that the Reinhardt is following is outlined here.  The Student Health Center encourages concerned community members to refer to the CDC’s coronavirus webpage for the most up-to-date information. We will continue to publish updates relevant to the Reinhardt community on the Student Health Center website. 

Reinhardt’s Student Health Center is monitoring and following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidance to ensure that its screening and response protocols remain fully aligned with the most current health care community recommendations.   

Reinhardt University supports a robust study abroad program. The 2019-2020 academic year includes study abroad programs to Japan and Greece.

Given our safety-first philosophy and recognizing the recent decision by the US government to restrict travel abroad, we will be postponing the scheduled trip to Japan. Although the trip is delayed, ALL CLASSES WILL GO ON THIS SUMMER AS SCHEDULED. Currently, we are planning for classes to be taught online, but everyone will be contacted with the details. If you have any questions about the Japan trip, you may contact Professor Elizabeth Smith at eas1@reinhardt.edu or Dr. Katrina Smith at mks@reinhardt.edu.

The study abroad trip to Greece has been postponed to May 2021. Questions: Contact Professor Brett Mullinex at TBM@reinhardt.edu.

Reinhardt will celebrate graduates classes from Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Summer 2020 and classes from Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 through two commencement ceremonies on May 7, 2021. For more details, please visit https://www.reinhardt.edu/student-life/student-services-resources/registrar/commencement/participation/

The Business Office currently cannot take payments over the phone. You may make payments online through by clicking here or by mail to:

Reinhardt University

C/O Business Office

7300 Reinhardt Circle

Waleska, GA 30183

Reinhardt University has moved all on-ground classes to an online platform and will remain in session through summer semester. 

As Friday, May 1 is the final day of the semester, this is the official last day of the Spring 2020 semester meal plan. That said, as the deadline to move out has extended to this Sunday, May 3, Campus Dining Services will continue to provide meal services over the weekend in a modified format.

Friday, May 1,

• Dinner Pickup:  4:30pm - 5:30pm

Saturday, May 2

• Lunch Pickup: 11am - 12pm
• Dinner Pickup:  4:30pm - 5:30pm

Sunday, May 3

• Lunch Pickup:  11am - 12pm
• Dinner Pickup: 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Remember, all food options will be offered through the Nook in to-go boxes with disposable silverware with to-go beverages.

For those remaining on campus for the summer, additional information regarding that meal service format will be provided on Monday, May 4.

Hill Freeman Library & Spruill Learning Center will be closed through Gov. Kemp’s Shelter in Place order. The 24-hour atrium remains open. 

NAIA Releases Fall Sports Updates

The NAIA has granted senior spring student-athletes another year of eligibility. To assist them in finishing out their senior year strong in 2021, Reinhardt University has created the Senior Athlete Relief Fund for student scholarships. Tax-deductible gifts may be made at www.reinhardt.edu/givenow.  

Administrative office personnel are working remotely to keep Reinhardt operating. Please use the Department Directory or Employee Directory to contact the office you need by phone or email only.  The University plans to re-open with limited staff May 18 and on-campus visitors will still be restricted. The University plans to be fully operational on campus by June 1, working on campus and receiving visitors.  

The Student Health Center staff continues to work virtually with students, serving their counseling and physical health needs. Students are encouraged to contact the Health Center if a need arises. Contact the Student Health Center at studenthealthcenter@reinhardt.edu. To contact the Campus Nurse, email nurse@reinhardt.edu or call 770.720.5542. To contact the Campus Counselor, email counseling@reinhardt.edu or call 770.720.5549.  

The Center for Student Success and Academic Support Offices are now virtual. Students can make appointments with peer and professional tutors. Fill out the contact form at https://www.reinhardt.edu/academic-resources/center-for-student-success/ to schedule an appointment.    

Faculty continue to teach students in online environments, and the Center for Innovative Teaching and Engaged Learning serves as a resource for instructors and students.   

Fall Housing sign up is open. Visit https://www.reinhardt.edu/student-life/living-on-campus/ for information.  

Yes.  Department of Education Title IV guidelines during the Coronavirus pandemic suggests students may continue to work.  If you are a study-worker and there is work to be done (as directed by your supervisor), you can work. 

Reinhardt University’s Student Health Center has proactive measures in place to screen symptoms and follow all public health protocols should anyone with potential coronavirus (COVID-19) need care. 

In accordance with CDC guidelines, call your healthcare provider in advance. Please do not go to an emergency room as emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. Moreover, do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. 

If you feel sick or if you have symptoms such as a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please contact the Student Health Center via phone at 720-720-5542 or via email at nurse@reinhardt.edu.  

The Student Health Center will work with hospital and local health officials to determine if you need to be tested. To be clear, do not present to Student Health Center without calling first to ensure proper measures can be taken to reduce transmission. You must first contact the Student Health Center to arrange for appropriate precautions prior to visiting the Student Health Center. 

Remember the hours of the Student Health Center are 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday. After 2 p.m. or on weekends, call the Northside Hospital Cherokee Emergency Triage Nurse at 770-224-1000. 

Review the follow the instructions: 

• If you are sick: fever (>100.4 F / 38.0 C), cough and/or shortness of breath. CALL the Student Health Center, your healthcare provider or an Urgent Care Clinic by phone and tell them that you beginning to have symptoms. Mention if you have traveled anywhere recently, and if so, where. This will help the healthcare provider to take steps to keep other people from getting exposed to your illness. Do not walk in. 
• If your temperature is greater than 100.4F/38C or you have a cough, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath or if your symptoms are severe, call (770) 720-5542 (on-campus) and 911 (off campus) and report your symptoms and recent travel information. If your healthcare provider office is closed (i.e. evenings/weekends), CALL your local Urgent Care Clinic or Emergency Department. 

Please take the following steps to schedule a health clinic session with the staff of the Reinhardt Student Health Center. 

• Student will sign up for an appointment using the Nurse’s Calendly link: www.calendly.com/kristy-hough 

• After an appointment is made, the Student Health Center will email instructions for student to attend his/her session by: 

• Remote Sessions: login to Microsoft Teams online using their student email credentials. 

• In-Person Sessions: confirm an in-person session and health status (which will be readdressed prior to meeting)  

• At the time of the scheduled appointment we will do one of the following: 

• Remote Sessions: Login to Microsoft Teams where we will be able to privately chat with the student, video chat, send files and even create a follow up appointment with them. This will not be seen by any other member on teams because we will be in a private 1:1 chat. 

• In-Persons Session: Meet with the student for their in-person appointment, verifying that they are healthy and able to be seen under the CDC guidelines. 

Remember to stay a SOAR wingspan away (6 feet)! We can all be friends but at a distance. 

• Avoid group gatherings 
• Avoid any personal contact (handshakes, hugs, etc.) 
• Wash your hands frequently 
• Don’t share food or drinks 

Don’t forget, if you are feeling ill stay in your room and please email or call the Student Health Center, nurse@reinhardt.edu or 770-720-5542. 

Stay healthy RU Eagles! 

Dear RU International Students,

We are aware that many international students at Reinhardt University may be impacted by travel and public health concerns in light of COVID-19. We will continue to update the information below as new developments take place. 

We are sorry that you will not be able to fully experience the things you were eagerly anticipating during this semester at Reinhardt. But I want to assure you that we will do our best to make this challenging experience as positive as possible. More than anything, I want you to know that you are not alone. Being away from your family and home countries in such an uncertain situation can be isolating and distressing.

If you need help, ask for it. Reach out to me. You may have a question that I or the University have not yet anticipated, or a need we are not fully aware of. More than anything, please know that I and the Reinhardt University community are here to support you. You can reach me via email at wpm@reinhardt.edu or via phone at (770) 720-5540.

We encourage you to review Reinhardt’s updates on the COVID-19.

Below you will find several of your potential questions and concerns answered.

Sincerely,

Walter P. May, Ph.D.
Dean of Students

Reinhardt fully appreciates the concerns that COVID-19 has prompted for many students and families, and health and safety remains the University’s top priority. Any student who elects to leave a program and return home is encouraged to contact the Provost’s Office for advice and assistance in considering the impact on their academic status. 

The University will continue to update this FAQs page as new or updated information is made available. 

In coordination with colleagues in a number of offices at Reinhardt, the Office of Admission is closely monitoring COVID-19 and recognizes the effect the outbreak has had on school activities and on prospective students from multiple countries.  

Reinhardt University canceled campus tours and in-person events. Admissions Counselors are available to assist by phone or via teleconference. Learn more about upcoming virtual events and take our virtual campus tour at https://www.reinhardt.edu/visit-reinhardt/.  

In addition, the University has revised admission requirements due to cancellations of SAT and ACT testing and the limited ability of some schools to send official transcripts. Learn more at: https://www.reinhardt.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply 

According to the CDC, COVID-19 is a new strain of coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. This specific strain has potential to cause more severe symptoms than its close relatives. Learn more at https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus. 

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people. Health officials suggest the virus could have originated in a large, open seafood and live animal market. 

Self-monitoring for symptoms of flu, social distance and self-isolation (if directed by a healthcare professional) are essential to disrupt the transmission of virus including the flu and COVID-19. Accordingly, all students, faculty and staff must take responsibility for their own health and the health of others by doing the following: 

• Any Reinhardt community member who is not experiencing symptoms but has traveled to countries with widespread transmission (listed above as of today) or had close contact with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 must self-monitor for symptoms and consult with Student Health Center (students) or a local provider (faculty and staff) before returning to campus.
• Symptoms of COVID-19 can be very similar to other viral illnesses and influenza. At this time, there are no routine tests to see if you have novel coronavirus. If you have a sore throat, fever, cough and body aches, you may have the flu or other influenza like illness. Students with these symptoms or other symptoms of concern should call the Student Heath Center at (770) 720-5542. Reinhardt faculty and staff should consult with their local primary care provider. 
• DON’T PANIC. It is important to remember that this is cold and flu season. · Call/email the Student Health Center at 770-720-5542 and nurse@reinhardt.edu and follow nursing instructions. After 2pm please notify the Student Health Center via email at nurse@reinhardt.edu. After 2pm or before 8am, call Northside Hospital Cherokee at (770) 721-9000 and ask for the Emergency Room Triage Nurse. Explain all of your symptoms to the nurse over the phone and follow his/her instructions.
• Any Reinhardt community member with a combination of cough, shortness of breath or fever above 100.4 degrees and travel to countries with widespread or sustained community transmission of COVID-19 – China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea as of today – in the last 14 days or had close contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, must be self-isolated and contact the Student Health Center (students) or a local provider (faculty and staff) by phone for further direction and before returning to campus.

First of all, don’t panic. It is important to remember that this is cold and flu season.

· Between the hours of 8am-2pm, Call/email the Student Health Center at 770-720-5542 and nurse@reinhardt.edu and follow nursing instructions

· After 2pm or before 8am, call Northside Hospital Cherokee at (770) 721-9000 and ask for the Emergency Triage Nurse.

· Explain you were in contact with someone who tested positive for the coronavirus and describe all of your symptoms to the nurse. Be prepared to name people you have been in close contact with within the last 14 days.

· Follow nurse’s directions.

Anyone who is sick should stay home or their room until they recover. If you exhibit flu- or cold-like symptom please call/email the Student Health Center as soon as possible at 770-720-5542 and nurse@reinhardt.edu. Remember, fear can easily lead to discrimination and profiling. We should not assume that someone is disobeying self-quarantine recommendations simply because they are coughing or sneezing. 

See the below policy

https://www.reinhardt.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Self-Quarantine-Policy.pdf

The virus probably originally emerged from an animal source, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization are reporting increasing numbers of the virus spreading person-to-person from airborne particles and on surfaces. Learn more at https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces. 

According to the CDC, for confirmed 2019-nCoV infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill. Symptoms can include: 

• Fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit/38 degrees Celsius 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath 

Symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS viruses. 

CDC defines “close contact” as either:

• A “prolonged period of time” spent “within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) or within the room or care area” of an individual who has been positively diagnosed with the virus
• “direct contact with infections secretions”
• Sharing eating or drinking utensils
• Close conversation
• Kissing
• Hugging
• Direct physical contact
• “Close contact” does not include activities such as walking by a person or briefly sitting across a waiting room or office.

Clean your hands. All persons sharing living quarters with someone who is under self-quarantine should clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub frequently.

· Monitor yourself closely for the development of fever and respiratory symptoms. If you develop a fever, cough or sore throat, call the Student Health Center immediately at 770-720-5542 to report your illness and get advice.

· Clean common surfaces.  Use a standard household disinfectant. Wash your hands after cleaning areas.

· Wash laundry and dishes safely. If you are washing used linens (such as bedsheets and towels) for the person who is under self-quarantine, use household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry and use a laundry basket or bag while carrying it to the washing machine to prevent self-contamination. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry. Dirty dishes and eating utensils should be washed in the dishwasher or by hand with warm water and soap.

DON’T PANIC. It is important to remember that this is cold and flu season, and regardless of an individual’s travel history, coughs and other upper-respiratory symptoms are much more likely to be signs of a bad cold or seasonal influenza than the new coronavirus.

· Clean your hands, and remind others to do the same. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

· Don’t share towels. Use paper towels after washing hands, or use a cloth towel that isn’t shared with anyone else.

· Clean common surfaces. Use a standard household disinfectant, and wash your hands after cleaning the area.

· Remind others to keep their germs to themselves. If you see that someone isn’t covering their cough with the inside of an elbow or upper arm, it’s okay to remind them to do so (nicely, of course!) At the same time, it’s important to avoid stigmatizing others based on concerns about coronavirus.

You should follow the same strategies you would ordinarily use to protect yourself and others during cold and flu season:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are feeling sick

Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular handwashing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing. It is not too late to get a flu shot.  

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading any germs or viruses to others. View a CDC video of proper handwashing techniques here.  
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. 
• Stay home if you are sick, except to seek medical care. 

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. 

Though individual risk for and response to infectious diseases varies, people living with autoimmune conditions may be at greater risk of infection or complications associated with COVID-19. If you are immunocompromised because of an illness or treatment, talk to your healthcare provider about whether wearing a mask is helpful for you in some situations and for other steps you should take to reduce your risks.  

No, antibiotics do not work against viruses, only bacteria. The new COVID-19 is a virus, and therefore, antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment. 

Reinhardt University is following guidelines and screening protocols from the CDC and the WHO. If someone you know has flu-like symptoms or you are concerned about their health, please encourage them seek advice and care form the Student Health Center at (770) 720-5542 or from their healthcare provider. 

Reinhardt will continue to monitor travel guidance from national and international agencies and to support all international students, including those who are newly enrolled and seeking to travel to campus for the academic year. The Office of Admission will offer guidance on matters related to student visas. Together, they will work with international students as they apply for visas and offer support in the context of all policies and guidance from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Guided by recommendations from International SOS, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the CDC, Reinhardt has been closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the COVID-19 virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Per Reinhardt’s policy and based on federal travel advisories, China, Iran, Italy and South Korea are currently considered restricted destinations.  

While Reinhardt’s policies do not regulate personal and non-Reinhardt travel, all members of the community planning to travel internationally are strongly urged to carefully consider travel plans — especially if considering essential personal travel to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy or Japan. Local quarantines in those countries are possible, numerous commercial flights have been canceled, and re-entry to the U.S. from some destinations will be very difficult, if not impossible, until further notice. It is important to keep updated with regard to potential travel restrictions and worldwide government measures related to COVID-19. 

Reinhardt sponsors study abroad programs in different countries each year. The 2019-20 academic year includes study abroad trips to Japan and Greece, which have been cancelled. Staff from Reinhardt will be in contact with students who intend to study abroad through these University-sponsored programs who have questions or concerns. 

During the Crisis caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, Reinhardt University would like to remind everyone that IT support and HelpDesk services will remain available to all faculty, and staff. If you need technical support related to any Reinhardt University system or classroom related technology; please continue to reach out to the HelpDesk at 770-720-5555 or via email at helpdesk@reinhardt.edu. To reach the onsite team directly, please email OSIT@reinhardt.edu.

Reinhardt University’s Bookstore operated by Follett is committed to supporting our campus partners, the eLearning process, students and faculty on all of our campuses. In the midst of all of the COVID-19 activities, we understand that continuing education on your campus is important, and we are offering you and your campus community options that provide peace of mind and access to resources to ensure success and triumph in the face of adversity.

We have been monitoring the global concerns about COVID-19 and are doing everything we can to provide the best service possible while mitigating health risks on campus. On campuses where we are able to stay open, our stores will as well. On campuses that are closed, Follett will continue to fulfill as many online orders as possible through our eCommerce sites. We are “always open” online, and anticipate this channel to be preferable to our customers.

The Reinhardt Bookstore is modifying its hours of operation. Our new hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Our efforts concentrate on solutions from all aspects of our campus store interactions and include the following:

• FREE Online Shipping Offer: Visit the Reinhardt University bookstore online for free shipping on all items with no minimum purchase. This includes various formats of course materials, supplies, apparel, technology and more. Since many online orders are fulfilled directly from your campus store, Follett will execute online orders as long as the store is accessible by staff. 
• Access to eBooks AT NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE: Visit the bookstore website to gain access to eBooks at no additional charge with your .edu email address. Each student can access up to 7 eBooks for the designated period free of charge.
• FREE Access to Lumen Learning OER Courseware: Lumen Learning, our OER partner, is offering FREE access to courseware to help supplement content, and offer additional resources to faculty, click here for the Lumen offer.
• Free Shipping on Rental Returns & Deadline Extensions: The campus store is offering free shipping return labels and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist with increased returns by mail. Click the COVID-19 message on the home page on the University bookstore website for the details.

We will get through this and together. We will adapt new learning paths and grow stronger, long after the virus has subsided.

Our approach presently is to remain committed to the regular grading system specified in the 2019-2020 Undergraduate Academic Catalog.  We encourage students to remain actively engaged in the course despite its move to an online format. We are also uncertain how a Pass/Fail policy for all courses might impact student HOPE and other forms of GPA-based scholarships and grants. Thus, we believe the best course of action is to continue as normal.  However, School Deans have requested that faculty employ Reinhardt's ethos of "challenge and care" and approach assessment and evaluation of student academic performances with grace and understanding. 

Acknowledge your feelings. In situations that are uncertain and evolving such as this, it’s normal and certainly understandable to feel stressed, anxious, or upset, among other emotional responses. Allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling…without judgment. You can do this by writing your feelings and thoughts down in a journal, talking to trusted others, and/or expressing them through a creative endeavor.

Breathe. When we are stressed or anxious, our breathing becomes shallower and our lungs are not being filled with air from the bottom-up. This, in turn, promotes more stress. Learning how to breathe “correctly” is important for all of us but especially when we are stressed and anxious. To do this, take a moment and exhale to empty your lungs then slowly breathe in picturing your breath going all the way down to your diaphragm and filling your lungs from the bottom to top (when I’m doing this, I like to picture my lungs like empty balloons being filled up by a faucet to make a water balloon – they fill from the bottom, up). When your lungs are filled, there will be a natural pause, then exhale. Don’t rush this – you don’t want to get light-headed. Do this a few times then notice how your body feels more relaxed.

Pay attention to your thoughts. Your body responds to what you think about, so if you are having a lot of worry thoughts, your body is going to be tense and you are going to experience emotional distress. Notice your thoughts and if they are not serving you well, change them. You can direct your thoughts once you begin paying attention to them. One way to do this is to think about the things that are in your control (which is especially important when our thoughts are filled with all the things that are truly out of our control!). Another way to do this is to think about the things you are grateful for. And yet another way is to practice mindfulness, which is basically tuning into the present moment: what do you see, feel, hear, smell, taste? For example, if you are washing dishes, notice the feel of the water, the smell of the soap, the feel of the sponge and the dishes, the movement of your hands, etc. Be in the present moment rather than in the run-away worry thoughts.

Maintain healthy activities. This includes eating with an eye on nutrition with healthy meals and snacks, physical exercise like walking, running or stretching, getting enough sleep and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, and doing things you enjoy and give you energy.

Set limits around news and social media. It’s understandable to want to keep informed, but it is good and necessary to take breaks from it. Set up boundaries that work for you that keep you informed while not taking up most of your time and energy, such as checking in on social media for 10 minutes every few hours. Set an alarm on your cell to help keep the boundary.

Stay connected to others. Although we are keeping our physical distance from most people at this time, we can still give and receive support and care to/from each other with the use of technology. Connecting with supportive family and friends through regular video calls, texts, phone calls, etc. can bring a sense of comfort and stability. Talking through our concerns, thoughts, and feelings with others can also help us find helpful ways of thinking about or dealing with a stressful situation.

Yes. Reinhardt will be conducting online classes during the summer semester. Registration for Summer Term will remain open through the drop/add period, which ends May 11. Additional offerings for Summer Term include English 100 and Math 100. For a full list of class offerings, visit EagleWeb.Reinhardt.edu. Students should contact their advisor to register for Summer Term classes. 

Please read the message below from Jamie Johnston, Assistant Dean of Students that outlines the procedures to follow for moving out of the residence halls.

Moving Out of Residence Hall

Please read the message below from Jamie Johnston, Assistant Dean of Students outlining the procedures to follow to officially move out of the residence halls.

Message to Students

For those students who had to remain on campus for a compelling reason during the shelter-in-place mandate, we understand that you might still have personal circumstances that require you to stay on campus through the summer months. If you wish to remain on campus, please fill out a petition to stay on campus following the steps outlined below. 

Petition to remain on campus

Diplomas for Spring degree completions will be available mid-June for pick up or mailing.  Specific information will be sent to graduates when the diplomas are ready.   If your address has changed or will change prior to mid-June, please email the change to the Registrar’s Office.  registrar@reinhardt.edu

If you have ordered commencement regalia for the postponed May 1 ceremony, it will be available for pick up or mailing from the RU Bookstore.  Please contact the bookstore at 770- 479-9538 or 1194mgr@follett.com to make arrangements.

If you received a letter notifying you that you qualify for Latin graduation honors, your honor cord will be mailed to you from the Registrar’s Office to the address you indicated on your graduation application.  If your address has changed, please notify the Registrar’s Office at registrar@reinhardt.edu as soon as possible.

The Reinhardt Bookstore is still open and available for students but has modified its hours of operation. The new hours are 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Reinhardt Bookstore is offering free shipping on rental returns and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist those who are away from campus. Owned books can also be sold back online. Click here for the details. Other information can also be found on the University bookstore website.

Summer classes will be held online. All May and June events are canceled. 

Reinhardt will pilot a “soft opening” of campus on Monday, July 6. 

Etowah Valley MFA plans to convene for six days (rather than 10), beginning Tuesday, July 7, 2020. Social distancing will be in play and students will be strongly encouraged to use cloth masks during social gatherings of more than 10 people. Students are expected to follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines at all times. Look for more detailed information from Professor Bill Walsh, Director of the MFA. 

Musical Theatre Intensive anticipates operation on July 13. Professor Brian Osborne is re-designing the activities to abide by CDC recommendations for social distancing. Please look for updates from Professor Osborne, as this is a work-in-progress.