The University of Nebraska–Lincoln takes the health and safety of our campus community very seriously. As the United States and global health officials continue to address the spread of novel coronavirus and COVID-19 infection, health and emergency preparedness officials at UNL are monitoring the situation in collaboration with our university and governmental partners. Official updates regarding UNL’s response are found on this site.
General Info Students Prospective Students Instructors / Researchers Employees Visitors / Events
Contact us with COVID-19 questions.
covid19@unl.eduLatest Updates
April 24, 2020
- NU President Ted Carter issued an email, "Update on Fall 2020 Planning," "to let you know that we will have plans in place to safely resume in-person teaching and learning in fall 2020," along with an FAQ, and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green communicated about our next academic year in an email to the university community, "Planning for Fall Classes." (4/24)
- NU President Ted Carter and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, and other NU chancellors, issued a joint message extending stay-at-home measures until May 4. (4/21)
- Students and Instructors/Researchers pages updated to reflect new academic probation and dismissal policy for Spring 2020. (4/20)
- Prospective Students information updated on FAFSA deadline, NSE (4/20)
- Grad Students and Instructors/Researchers pages updated to reflect Pass/No Pass policy expanded for graduate students. (4/14)
- Emergency Leave information updated (4/10)
- Parking and Building Access information updated (4/10)
- Students and Instructors/Researchers pages updated to reflect Pass/No Pass policy expanded for undergraduates. (4/9)
- President Ted Carter and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green, and other NU chancellors, issued a joint message restricting access to University of Nebraska facilities to all, except those designated as on-site personnel. Campus facilities FAQ (4/7)
- Students and Instructors/Researchers pages updated to reflect cancellation of all summer study abroad. (4/6)
- Academic Update for Instructors (4/5)
- Importance of Self-quarantine and Social Distancing (4/2)
- NU Assistance Fund (4/1)
- Information Technology Delivers Anywhere (4/1)
University Messages
This is a list of all messages sent university-wide. Please see Students and Faculty & Staff pages for additional messages sent to those audiences.
General Information on Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19
How to be Prepared
Learn what you can about COVID-19 and its symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control.
Get a Flu Shot
Seasonal influenza activity is currently low, but tests and a vaccine for influenza are still available.
While flu vaccine is not effective against the novel coronavirus, getting a vaccination is an essential part of preparation in order to prevent influenza and possible unnecessary evaluation for COVID-19 disease. All persons, beginning at six months, should receive an annual influenza vaccine.
If you haven’t yet gotten your annual flu shot, it's not too late.
Disinfect and Practice Proper Hygiene
If you have sanitation items such as wipes and antimicrobial liquids, gather them, as well as home health items such as thermometers.
Get into the habit of washing your hands thoroughly and consistently after bathroom breaks or contact with high-touch items such as doorknobs. Avoid close contact with any people showing signs of respiratory illness; maintain at least a 6-foot distance.
If You've Traveled to Areas of Widespread Transmission, Self-Quarantine
Based on guidance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, we ask any student, faculty and staff who may be returning from travel in areas in the United States that have widespread transmission of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 14 days. This includes anyone who visited or traveled through these areas of the United States.
This is in addition to prior warnings regarding international travel.
Extension Supports Nebraskans
Nebraska Extension is providing resources and information aligned with the university's statewide outreach mission during the COVID-19 pandemic. See Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources on Extension's Disaster Education website.
Information Technology Delivers Anywhere
University of Nebraska Information Technology Services has published ITS & COVID-19 on the Nebraska.edu website. The site includes information and advice on digital security, remote working, and software available for remote use.
Hand Sanitizer is Distributed Locally
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is currently producing hand sanitizer at Nebraska Innovation Campus; however, neither the university nor NIC is responsible for allocations and/or distributing the finished product. If you are a Nebraska entity/organization in need of hand sanitizer, please reach out to your local public health organization for allocation.
If You’ve Been Exposed to the Novel Coronavirus
If you believe you have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. A hotline has been established for self-reporting, guidance and next steps.
Call 402-441-8006 or visit the Health Department website.
Additional information and guidance regarding exposure, prevention and treatment is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control.
If You Feel Sick
Contact your health provider or the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Coronavirus Hotline: 402-441-8006. Some providers may be able to offer telemedicine; UNL faculty and staff may have access to Teladoc, for example. The University Health Center is now available to faculty and staff members as an acute care option.
CHI Health has put a simple two question diagnostic tool online; the State of Nebraska has initiated TestNebraska, a coronavirus testing program, for which you can register. You can also learn about COVID-19 and its symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control.
During this period, members of the UNL community should be more cautious than usual. You should stay home if you have symptoms (coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell) or if you are otherwise feeling ill.
Help Support Students
Student Affairs maintains several funds through the NU Foundation to help support students' non-academic needs. Please consider supporting the UNL Student Hardship Fund, the UNL Food Pantry Fund, and the UNL Student Care and Well-Being Fund. Find out more on Student Affairs' Help Support Students page.
Information on all UNL and university system funds related to the Coronavirus pandemic can be found on the NU Foundation website.
Apply for the NU Emergency Assistance Fund
The University of Nebraska Emergency Assistance Fund helps currently enrolled students and university employees (faculty and staff) who face financial hardship resulting from emergency or crisis situations such as natural disasters, home displacement and food insecurity. These circumstances include the COVID-19 crisis that has affected people across the state.
Aid from the fund is awarded by the University of Nebraska president based on need, and applicants may receive up to $1,000 per calendar year. If you have any questions, contact the university at NUEmergencyFund@nebraska.edu or call 402-472-2111.
Facility Closings
A valid NCard and special designation as an onsite employee (or an on-campus resident) is currently required for access to all UNL buildings. NCards may be ordered online.
The following university facilities are closed: