End of Semester Updates and Good News
This information is archived as of July 23, 2021, and is saved here for reference. See latest health information.
Nov. 6, 2020
Dear Central family,
Can you believe it’s November?
Election day has passed, and we are over the semester’s half-way mark at Central. This year, not only have we dealt with the pandemic in Iowa, we also have experienced a derecho, social unrest, and, just last month in October of all things, a winter squall. Despite all this difficulty, we still have much to be grateful for in this month of gratitude.
I write today to share several pieces of news, celebrations and COVID-19 updates.
Forever Dutch and P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium Expansion and Renovations
I’m incredibly pleased to share that Central has surpassed its Forever Dutch® fundraising goal for the renovation and expansion of the college’s athletics facilities!
The $18-million initiative launched with a $12-million building expansion in 2017. The second $3-million renovation phase to the lower level, which includes a new women’s varsity locker room and a transformed athletic training room, is nearing completion.
We now start the third phase of renovations for the building’s upper level that will include a new visitors’ reception area, new coaches’ offices, new team meeting and recruitment spaces and a renovated visitors’ locker room. This final stage of the project is expected to be completed by April.
We’re thrilled about these game-changing opportunities and look forward to cheering on student-athletes in these spaces as the pandemic allows. Go Dutch!
Fall 2021 Tuition
Committed to affordability and our students’ experiences, the annual price for tuition, room and board will increase by just 3.19% for the 2021-22 academic year.
Central’s Board of Trustees approved the following at its fall board meeting last weekend:
| Tuition: | $19,250 |
| Room: | $ 4,892 |
| Board: | $ 5,660 |
| Total: | $29,802 |
Central is dedicated to excellent teaching, research and service resulting in the highest quality education and preparation available to our students. The minimal increase helps cover a portion of the college’s increased costs and inflation while allowing us to keep a Central education accessible and affordable to students and families.
Commensurate with our commitment to access and affordability, 99% of students receive financial aid, including scholarships supported by alumni and donors. Financial aid packages can include scholarships, gift assistance, student employment and student loans.
International Education
Because of the pandemic, Central’s international programs have not been operating since March. We do not anticipate this changing until the Spring 2022 semester at the earliest. In order to successfully plan for the future, the college is moving forward with adjustments to the international education program. While partnerships in these countries remain strong, Central is adjusting its future international study model to expand academic programming across the globe.
Be assured, Central is committed to offering students robust international experiences through global partnerships with current and new institutions around the world once the pandemic is over and that faculty is working diligently to determine where and how our students experience the world.
Inclusivity
While our nation has experienced great civil unrest this year, the college has hosted educational opportunities and discussions on inclusivity. Our goal is to reflect on how Central can foster a diverse and inclusive community. Stay tuned as our Building a Culture of Inclusion committee, comprised of faculty, staff and students, helps examine our campus culture and how we might improve our belonging, welcoming and inclusive community even more.
Thanksgiving, End of Fall Semester and the Start of Spring Semester
We have just six weeks to go this semester. Thanksgiving break will be Nov. 25-27 and the last day of finals is Dec. 17. I wish you and those close to you safe, healthy and joyful holidays.
We continue to plan to finish the semester in-person as scheduled and also plan for a normally-timed spring semester, beginning Jan. 18, 2021.
Commencement remains scheduled for Saturday, May 15, for the Class of 2021. We already are planning on holding the event outdoors at Ron and Joyce Schipper Stadium unless pandemic circumstances warrant a change or prevent such a large event.
COVID-19 Updates
As of yesterday, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases confirmed at Central among faculty, staff and students since Aug. 24 is 57, none of whom have been hospitalized — something to be incredibly thankful for during this season of gratitude.
At the top of this message I share several images on how the pandemic has changed the work we do and the fun we have at the college. The photos in the collage demonstrate how well the Central family has adjusted to pandemic safety protocols and had a heart for others while building connections. With the start of flu season and upticks being witnessed throughout Iowa and the nation, continuing and reinforcing these safety measures is more important than ever.
If you have not done so already, consider getting a flu shot and encourage others to do the same. The science behind this indicates the immunization helps prevent individuals from getting sicker with COVID-19 due to a dual infection. It will also help reduce flu hospitalizations.
Thank You
Thank you again for being flexible and for nurturing Central’s empathic spirit. It’s because of you and the way you have altered your behaviors that we have been able to continue in-person learning. You have demonstrated that with vigilance and care this can be done. Please stay unified and focused. Let’s make the next six weeks as tremendous as the past 11.
Have a great rest of the semester and a grateful Thanksgiving holiday.
Mark