Frequently Asked Questions About Purdue Global
and COVID-19
Safety Tips From the CDC
On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared that a national emergency concerning the COVID-19 outbreak began on March 1, 2020. As our national and state agencies respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, we recommend you adhere to the following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines:
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow, and throw used tissues in the trash.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
- Stay home when you are sick.
You may also obtain the latest updates and additional information from health care providers, state health authorities, and the CDC's COVID-19 website.
Background Check Processing Delays
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What do I do if the results of my background check are delayed beyond the submission deadline?
If closures to facilities in your state of residence delay the processing of your background check results, you are eligible to complete and submit an attestation form that enables you to exceed the deadline to have an approved background check on file and remain enrolled at the University. However, you must have an approved background check on file by the end of your first term. Please contact your Student Advisor for details.
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Will all background check processing be delayed?
Currently, facilities in most states continue to process background checks without disruption. We will notify you if facilities in your state are affected, causing processing delays.
Proof of Degree Completion, Transcripts, and Diplomas
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What if my official transcript(s) showing prior degree completion are or might be delayed past the submission deadline of the end of my first term?
If the official transcript(s) you ordered showing prior degree completion required for your program of enrollment are being delayed, the Office of the Registrar will attempt to use the unofficial transcript you provided and compare it to other official record sources to confirm that the degree completion requirements for your program have been met.
You will remain in conditional admission status and you will not be eligible for federal financial aid until your program's degree admission requirements have been met by one method or the other.
If you cannot provide the required documentation by the end of the first term of enrollment, you could be dismissed from the University according to University policy.
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What if my official proof of foreign-based secondary completion is or might be delayed past the submission deadline of the end of my first term?
If your official proof of foreign-based secondary completion is or might be delayed, the Office of the Registrar and the Dean's Office will review certification from other official sources.
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What if my official transcript(s) that I’m trying to submit to receive transfer credit are delayed?
We cannot award transfer credit until an official transcript is submitted; it cannot be awarded from an unofficial transcript. Work with your Advisor to try to register for courses for which you do not expect transfer credit. We expect minimal disruption to the receipt of transcripts, but some delays may occur based on staffing adjustments at institutions across the country.
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I am going to graduate soon or have just graduated. Will there be a delay in the receipt of my diploma?
At this time, we do not anticipate any delays with your diploma. Diplomas are printed and sent through a third-party vendor that has a solid continuity plan, but if they are compelled to limit or stop work at their facilities this could change.
Academics
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Will I still be required to remain in attendance in my current courses?
You must remain in attendance. If you are affected by the virus and believe that you will not be able to meet attendance requirements, contact your Advisor to discuss options.
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Are extensions on courses or course assessments permitted?
Under these extenuating circumstances, instructors can provide alternatives, such as an extension, if a student demonstrates a commitment to completing the work. Contact your instructor to discuss.
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Are incomplete grades available if I need it?
Under these extenuating circumstances, instructors can award incomplete grades if a student demonstrates a commitment to completing the work. Contact your instructor to discuss.
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Will I be penalized with any point deductions for late work?
Check the Late Policy in your course syllabus to determine if there are penalties for late work. Under these extenuating circumstances, instructors can provide alternatives, such as an extension, if a student demonstrates a commitment to completing the work. Contact your instructor to discuss.
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Under what circumstances may I apply for a leave of absence?
If you have completed at least one term of your degree program at the University and can demonstrate extenuating circumstances beyond your control, you may request a leave of absence. A leave generally permits you to suspend studies and return to the version of the program that you left.
A leave of absence is generally a last resort. Contact your instructor to discuss options that could help you stay enrolled in your program without taking a leave. Your Advisor can provide tips to bridge a difficult time period as well.
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Are tutoring services still available?
The Academic Success Center is available for tutoring services. Students can visit the Academic Success Center or email askasc@purdueglobal.edu for academic assistance.
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How will my job search be affected by the virus? Who can I discuss this with?
The Career Services department is committed to providing you with personalized career assistance. Please visit the CareerNetwork, an interactive online platform available 24/7, which contains a wealth of information and resources. To navigate to the CareerNetwork, log on to your Purdue Global Campus homepage, click on the Community Center tab, and select CareerNetwork. In addition, to connect with your Career Specialist please email CareerServices@purdueglobal.edu.
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Who should I contact if I have a question or concern about my work study site?
If you have any questions about federal work study, you are welcome to contact Shannon Cianelli at scianelli@purdueglobal.edu or Guilene Williams at guilene.williams@purdueglobal.edu.
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Will graduation still occur as scheduled?
The graduation scheduled for June 6, 2020, in Indianapolis has been cancelled. We will offer a virtual graduation with live streaming 360-degree video. We offered this for our recent graduation in Los Angeles and the feedback was very positive.
Funding
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Will there be flexibility in payment plan options?
If you are having difficulty meeting payment obligations, please contact the Student Accounts team to discuss available options.
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Will my financial aid disbursements or stipend payments be delayed due to the virus?
No. Financial aid disbursements will occur as scheduled, provided the eligibility criteria are met. Eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, maintaining attendance per University policy. In addition, any resulting stipend payments will be made within 14 days of the funds being disbursed to your account. For more detail on those transactions, please visit the funding dashboard on your student portal.
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If I must withdraw from classes, will my funding be affected?
Depending on the type of funding and withdrawal date, your funding may be affected. Please contact your designated Advisor or the financial aid office at 866-458-2008.
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I am displaced from work. Can I continue to use federal financial aid?
If your expected family contribution (EFC) is already zero, you have reached Pell lifetime eligibility (LEU), and you have reached maximal loan limits, you may not qualify for additional funding. If those conditions do not apply and you have experienced a loss of income compared to what was previously listed on your current FAFSA, you may be eligible for additional funding. Appropriate documentation must be provided (e.g., proof of unemployment, proof of reduced income). To begin the process, send an email explaining your situation to pjudgment@purdueglobal.edu. We will then contact you to discuss your individual circumstances.
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What do I do if I have lost my employer/alternative funding?
If you did not previously apply for financial aid, begin the process by completing the FAFSA using Purdue Global's school code of 004586 at studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. You may also need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling at studentaid.gov. Additional documentation may be requested once the FAFSA is processed.
The Purdue University Global website provides information and videos to assist you if you have questions. You can access them in the Paying for School section.
Aviation
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Should I postpone my aviation career?
No. It takes 2 to 4 years to become a qualified airline pilot, and postponing your airline career will affect your seniority and long-term career prospects. As demand for travel begins to increase, so will demand for qualified pilots. While the airline industry is currently resizing its workforce, by the time you finish your degree and flight certifications you will be qualified to meet the demands of what is expected to be a growing industry.
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Will my flight training be interrupted?
Sterling Flight Training is continuing operations with enhanced procedures. All ground and flight instruction is conducted one on one with an instructor, reducing risk of exposure.
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I have contracted COVID-19. What are my options?
While the Purdue Global aviation and general education courses can be completed online, contact your instructor at Sterling Flight School to review your options for completing your flight training.
Business and IT
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Will my internship be affected by the virus?
We will continue to have internships as an option for students. If internships are affected by COVID-19, students can work with their instructors to find alternative solutions fitting their circumstances.
Health Sciences
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What if my clinical site cancels my hours?
Please contact your Clinical Student Manager. They will work with you to create a solution for completion of your hours at a later date.
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What if I am not comfortable going to clinicals?
We understand some students may want or need to delay their clinical hours. Please contact your Clinical Student Manager. We will work with you to create a solution for completion of your hours at a later date.
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Will my field study or externship be affected by the virus?
We are responding to possible impacts on a case-by-case basis, for example, if a site cancels the placement, or if a student cannot fulfill hours due to unforeseen circumstances, or if a student chooses to not go to the site to avoid exposure. In these cases, we will work with you to mitigate the situation. Each program may require a different approach. Connect with your Clinical Student Manager if you are experiencing an issue.
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Is Purdue Global offering any courses related to COVID-19?
Yes, Purdue Global is offering an online COVID-19 contact tracing course free of charge for a limited time ($295 value). This contact tracing course focuses on helping you learn how you can assist public health agencies track and limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Nursing
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My upcoming onsite acute care skills lab in Des Moines, Iowa, was cancelled. What are my options?
You can continue to register for your coursework. Additional details will be provided on the makeup schedule for the lab.
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Because an onsite/clinical nursing course of mine was cancelled, I may have to take an extra term. What are my options?
The School of Nursing will work with you to minimize delays to your program completion and graduation. We encourage you to take an extra theory/didactic course in this term. The School of Nursing will also continue to identify the best options for you to complete your clinical and obtain the clinical hours you need to sit for the nurse practitioner certification exam.
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Clinicals have been suspended at my external site location. What are my options?
Should this occur, students are encouraged to complete the didactic portion of all coursework and follow a prescribed contingency plan that will be deployed by the School of Nursing at that time.
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My computer does not have a webcam for me to complete my exam. What options do I have to get the proper equipment?
Beneplace offers a wide variety of products and services including computers and related electronics at a discount from vendors, such as Logitech, that carry web cameras. Go to Purdue Global campus > University Info > Student Store and Discounts > Beneplace.
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I have contracted COVID-19. What are my options?
ADN/PLBSN Students: Contact your instructor to review options including proactively moving all sim activities to the end of term and do as much clinical practice experience as possible now.
RN-to-BSN Students: Contact your instructor to review options. The 2-week period of incomplete will be waived and flexibility with assignment due dates may be applied.
DNP Students: You can complete your work virtually. However, access to preceptors will be vital for progression and implementation of your DNP project.
Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Will my field experience be affected by the virus?
Please contact your instructor. They will have options for students who are working on field experience.
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Will my internship be affected by the virus?
AS495 has been cancelled for the March 25, 2020, term (2002C). Because the course is not a requirement, you may take it in another term.
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Will my practicum be affected by the virus?
You will be given the choice to continue with the practicum or push the practicum back to another term. You will also be eligible to take the comprehensive exam or thesis course before taking the practicum. If you still have other courses remaining, you will be able to take those scheduled classes and take the practicum during the comprehensive exam or thesis. The department chair will contact you to explain options for you and the pros and cons of each to help you make the decision that is right for you.
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What if my practicum closes or reduces my hours?
Contact your clinical manager and instructor to discuss options.
Military
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Are there any expected interruptions to Tuition Assistance (TA) and Veterans Assistance (VA) educational benefits?
No. There are no expected interruptions.
General Questions About the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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I am showing symptoms consistent with COVID-19. What are my options?
Your health is the top priority. As soon as you can, please contact your instructors to keep them informed of your situation. In extenuating circumstances, they award extensions of assignment deadlines and/or an incomplete grade to afford you more time. If these measures do not suffice, speak with your Advisor about options that may allow you to take a break and return to school as soon as you can.
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I have contracted COVID-19. What are my options?
We are so very sorry to hear of your illness and wish you a speedy and full recovery. As soon as you can, please contact your instructors to keep them informed of you situation. In extenuating circumstances, they award extensions of assignment deadlines and/or an incomplete grade to afford you more time. If these measures do not suffice, speak with your Advisor about options that may allow you to take a break and return to school as soon as you can.
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A family member of mine whom I look after has COVID-19. What are my options?
Your and your family’s health are our priority. As soon as you can, please contact your instructors to keep them informed of your situation. In extenuating circumstances, they award extensions of assignment deadlines and/or an incomplete grade to afford you more time. If these measures do not suffice, speak with your Advisor about options that may allow you to take a break and return to school as soon as you can.
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I am not feeling well. Do I qualify for a leave of absence (LOA)?
Your health is the top priority. As soon as you can, please contact your instructors to keep them informed of your situation. In extenuating circumstances, they award extensions of assignment deadlines and/or an incomplete grade to afford you more time. If these measures do not suffice, speak with your Advisor about options that may allow you to take a break and return to school as soon as you can.
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I have lost internet access because the place where it was available to me is closed. What can I do?
As soon as you can, please contact your instructors to keep them informed of your situation. In extenuating circumstances, they award extensions of assignment deadlines and/or an incomplete grade to afford you more time. If these measures do not suffice, speak with your Advisor about options that may allow you to take a break and return to school as soon as you can.
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Now that my children are home, I have less time for studies. What are my options?
The Academic Success Center has recorded time management webinars to help you optimize your study time. Your Advisor can review schedule options with you as well to help you bridge this period of time.
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Will the University's hours of operation be affected?
No. Operating hours will not be affected.