Virtual Tours
Get an inside look into our beautiful campus.
Coronavirus Response
Guided by the Jesuit principles of cura personalis (care for the whole person) and service to others, Regis University continues to closely monitor developments of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, adhere to public health requirements, and strive to make our campus and community as safe as possible. This website will provide updates and guidance to our community as Regis follows its mission and maintains operations through such protocols as social distancing, enhanced cleanings and remote work and learning precautions.
Latest Updates
Info for students and families
To permit students to enjoy the full campus experience and a Regis, Jesuit education, the university has developed a comprehensive plan to start the traditional fall semester early and complete it before Thanksgiving, along with thorough contingency plans to avoid any severe disruptions. Our robust online degree and certificate programs will continue. For incoming traditional students, visit regis.edu/orientation for more information.
CARES Act
On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed H.R. 748 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act), which established emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. View Emergency Financial Aid Grants Initial 30-day report here.
FAQs
We will begin the semester early on Aug 17 and end campus-based classes on Nov. 20, prior to Thanksgiving week. Finals will be online only, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 6. Ending classes early allows us to have students on campus when the probability of disease is lower. Fall break will not occur this year. If a second surge comes around or after Thanksgiving, your student will already be safely at home.
Our 20 years of experience with distance education enabled this spring’s rapid migration to virtual learning. We had a lower withdrawal rate (less than 1%) than at this time last year, and more than 93% of the students that had to move online received passing grades. Our faculty were creative and determined to design learning activities that mirrored those in the classroom. Because we heard from students that they most missed the on-campus experience, we are striving to return that experience to them.
No, by starting earlier and skipping fall break, we are able to deliver the same amount of instruction time as a traditional semester and still end classes before Thanksgiving. This schedule also reduces risk by not having students travel during a fall break.
Classes will be offered in person unless public health directives require the university to migrate to a virtual learning format (classes in a zoom format with an online component).
Every class will have a home shell in our online learning system (designed for classes that take place all online) which will enable a smooth shift to a virtual learning environment should it become necessary. Our faculty are planning now for even more engaged learning opportunities should this be necessary once again.
The cost of delivering a college class is virtually the same whether it is in-person, virtual or online. Two main factors of tuition cost are personnel (the faculty) and the number of students in the class. Also, tuition alone does not fully cover the cost to universities, which also rely on donations, federal and state support, investment income, and other revenue. In addition, universities seek other sources of funding for technology and physical infrastructure so that these costs are not passed along to students.
In accordance with the Center for Disease Control Guidance for Congregate Living Facilities, we will follow strict signage, hygiene, social distancing, screening, and isolation protocols in our residence halls and dining facilities. Our residential students will be asked to sign a social contract promising to abide by these protocols. To minimize the potential for spreading the virus, we will limit our residence hall rooms to two occupants and are prepared to move to singles should it become necessary. We also will enforce a “no outside guest policy” to limit potential exposure and transmission from guests not adhering to our protocols.
In addition to posting signs reminding residents and staff of the importance of handwashing and sanitizing, we will ensure best practices for sanitation and housekeeping with enhanced cleaning and disinfecting schedules. We will limit gatherings in accordance with local ordinances and are removing and rearranging furniture in common areas in the residence halls and dining hall facilities to encourage social distancing. We will monitor for compliance.
We have reserved rooms for quarantining students if necessary and will have our food service provider deliver meals to ensure safety.
The University will maintain its residency requirement for all first-year and second-year traditional undergraduate students that requires all such students to live in Residence Hall Housing for four consecutive semesters, not including summer sessions, with certain exceptions, all of which are described more fully in the Residence Life & Housing Handbook located in the Ranger Front Porch.
Face masks or face coverings must be worn by faculty, staff, students and guests when in close proximity to others (less than 6 feet) and in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.). Visitors are also expected to also wear masks or face coverings when on campus. Appropriate use of face masks or coverings is critical in minimizing risks to others near you. You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Please see Face Covering/Mask Guidelines & FAQs for additional guidance.
Should there be a resurgence of the virus during flu season, our dining operation will move to exclusive grab-and-go service.
The University also is preparing by adopting “test, trace and separate” mitigation plans to implement as needed to ensure a safe campus. If needed, any of the following measures could be adopted based on guidance from the public health department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Adjust the size of in-person classes and gatherings;
- Permit “super hybrid” classes that students may attend in person or remotely;
- Adjust the number of personnel who work on campus or remotely;
- Implement social distancing protocols, including the wearing of masks; and
- Restrict entrances and exits to buildings, with temperature checks.
Students seeking accommodation for reasons of health and safety (for themselves or a loved one) are encouraged to reach out to our Office of Student Disability Services for resources and support. They can be reached at disability@regis.edu.
Most campus buildings are now open weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Masks are required when in close proximity to others and in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., common work spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc.). Visitors are also expected to also wear masks or face coverings when on campus. You may encounter plexiglass barriers at reception areas; these are installed to protect people when physical distancing is not possible.
Construction work is ongoing at DeSmet Hall, the Berce Athletic Center and the Lady of Loretto grotto. Please stay outside construction fences and be aware of increased construction-related traffic. No public events are scheduled and no gatherings larger than 10 people are permitted on campus until further notice.
For updates, please subscribe to our monthly community newsletter, Front Door.
St. John Francis Regis Chapel is now performing Sunday Mass outdoors. For information on religious services, please visit the University Ministry page.
Our student health services are located in the Coors Center. Our team of providers is experienced in treating common medical and is prepared for COVID-related detection, contact tracing, and separation if necessary. The university is acquiring the equipment to conduct COVID testing and has applied for permission to conduct tests on campus. Our care providers will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and will provide disposable thermometers in the residence halls to monitor for illness.
This spring SHS implemented telemedicine triage and care appointments, where possible, to address our students’ health needs while supporting social distancing. In-person appointments will be available in the fall, and we will continue practicing telemedicine triage and care, as needed, during the upcoming academic year.
Our custodial staff conducts enhanced cleaning operations for all buildings. All restrooms in unlocked facilities will be cleaned twice a day. Restrooms are equipped with automatic faucets and paper dispensers, and sanitizer stations will be installed throughout campus. Our 90-acre campus is an arboretum with more than 1,300 trees and many open spaces for fresh area and social spacing. The mountains are within view and worth the trip for respite and mountain-crisp air.
The state of Colorado and the City and County of Denver has been aggressive in its response to the pandemic. The daily case rate declined from April 25 through the end of June, with the state experiencing a very slight uptick in early July. Colorado is now open with restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect those at highest risk for severe illness. Face coverings are mandatory in Denver while inside businesses and government facilities and while riding public transportation – and while on Regis’ campuses.
For updates on the local situation, visit:
State of Colorado
City and County of Denver
Thinking about studying at Regis?
Helpful answers to more of your questions.
Latest updates for students and Regis personnel
Employees, faculty and staff should regularly check regisupdates.com for information regarding university operations.