COVID-19 Update and FAQs

New Notice: 3/15/22 

At this time, adjustments in safety protocols for the following Aspen University locations are being made:  

Campus activities will look different in some ways and we will need the cooperation of every member of the Aspen University community to ensure their success. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change. Aspen University will continue to proactively communicate any changes that may affect campus activities. 

General Protocols for Staff and Visitors

• While in the University’s buildings or offices, wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. 
• Fully vaccinated visitors and staff are no longer required to wear face coverings while moving about the facilities unless local government requirements supersede this policy.  
• Unvaccinated visitors and staff are required to wear face masks at all times but staff may remove the mask while seated at their workstation. If another employee enters the workspace or is within a six-foot radius, unvaccinated staff must wear their mask. 

• If feeling sick or if they have COVID-like symptoms, staff should stay home and notify their supervisor. This includes fever, cough, or other symptoms. 
• If staff test positive for COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 5 days. They and their manager/supervisor should report any positive test to Human Resources immediately. The names of all employees they have been in close contact with the previous 5 days will be collected so that they can be quarantined as well for 5 days. Click here to review the staff-only policy on Close Contact through Proximity and Duration of Exposure. 

All Programs 

Our goal is to provide a quality learning environment that adheres to public health and safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The majority of courses are delivered entirely online.   

Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) Program (Faculty, Staff, Students) 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-licensure) program has activities that do not lend themselves to remote instruction. Seminars, labs, simulations, classroom activities, and testing are conducted on campus locations in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. The following safety protocols apply to students, faculty, and staff at all locations.  

• Fully vaccinated staff, faculty, and students are no longer required to wear face coverings while moving about the facilities unless local government requirements supersede this policy. Proof of vaccination may be requested. 
• Unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, and proctors are required to wear a face mask while on campus.  
• Fully vaccinated and unvaccinated faculty and students are required to abide by the requirements of clinical partners when on their sites. This may include producing proof of vaccination, wearing a face mask, or other COVID-related safety requirements.  
• If a faculty member or student is feeling sick, has COVID-like symptoms, or has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home and notify the program director and/or current faculty member(s) as applicable. Faculty and students with a positive COVID-19 test are not permitted on campus for 5 days. A health care provider’s note is required to return. 

• The university has implemented increased cleaning protocols including daily cleaning of classrooms/labs/simulation spaces with additional cleanings of high-touch surfaces between use, and by providing cleaning and sanitizing supplies in all discrete spaces for faculty/students/staff.  

New Notice 12/01/2021

Aspen University has opened the following locations between Summer and Fall 2021. At this time, the rise in COVID-19 positive cases due to the Delta and other variants requires adjustments in safety protocols for the following locations:  

Campus activities will look different in some ways and we will need the cooperation of every member of the Aspen University community to ensure their success. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change. Aspen University will continue to proactively communicate any changes that may affect campus activities. 

General Protocols for Staff and Visitors 

• While in the University’s buildings or offices, wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. 
• Fully vaccinated visitors and staff are no longer required to wear face coverings while moving about the facilities unless local government requirements supersede this policy.  
• Unvaccinated visitors and staff are required to wear face masks at all times but staff may remove the mask while seated at their workstation. If another employee enters the workspace or is within a six-foot radius, unvaccinated staff must wear their mask. 

• If feeling sick or if they have COVID-like symptoms, staff should stay home and notify their supervisor. This includes fever, cough, or other symptoms. 
• If staff test positive for COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 10 days. They and their manager/supervisor should report any positive test to Human Resources immediately. The names of all employees they have been in close contact with the previous 5 days will be collected so that they can be quarantined as well for 10 days. Click here to review the staff-only policy on Close Contact through Proximity and Duration of Exposure. 

All Programs 

Our goal is to provide a quality learning environment that adheres to public health and safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  The majority of courses are delivered entirely online.   

Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) Program (Faculty, Staff, Students) 

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Pre-licensure) program has activities that do not lend themselves to remote instruction. Seminars, labs, simulations, classroom activities, and testing are conducted on the campuses in Arizona, Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. The following safety protocols apply to students, faculty, and staff at all locations.  

• Vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, and proctors are required to wear a face mask while on campus.  
• Staff and faculty may remove a mask while at their workstations, while teaching if socially distanced at least 6 feet, or briefly while eating/drinking in the faculty/staff lounge.  
• Students are permitted to remove their masks briefly while eating/drinking in the student lounge on campus.  
• If a faculty member or student is feeling sick, has COVID-like symptoms, or has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home and notify the program director and current faculty member(s). Faculty and students with a positive COVID-19 test are not permitted on campus for 10 days. A health care provider’s note is required to return. 

• The university has implemented increased cleaning protocols including daily cleaning of classrooms/labs/simulation spaces with additional cleanings of high-touch surfaces between use, and by providing cleaning and sanitizing supplies in all discrete spaces for faculty/students/staff.  

New Notice 08/03/2021

Return to Campus Safety Plan for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors

Aspen University opened the following locations as of June 1, 2020. At this time, the rise in COVID-19 positive cases due to the Delta variant requires adjustments in safety protocols for the following locations:

Campus activities will look different in some ways and we will need the cooperation of every member of the Aspen University community to ensure their success. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change. Aspen University will continue to proactively communicate any changes that may affect campus activities.

General Protocols

• While in the University’s buildings or offices, students/visitors/faculty/staff are requested to wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
• Fully vaccinated staff and faculty are required to wear face coverings while moving about the facilities but may remove the mask while seated at their workstation.
• Unvaccinated students, visitors, faculty, and staff are required to wear face masks at all times.
• If feeling sick or have COVID-like symptoms, faculty and staff should stay home and notify their supervisor. This includes fever, cough, or other symptoms.
• If faculty or staff test positive for COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 10 days. They and their manager/supervisor should report any positive test to Human Resources immediately. The names of all the employees they have been in contact with the previous two weeks will be collected so that they can be quarantined as well for 10 days.

All Programs

Our goal is to provide a quality learning environment that adheres to public health and safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of courses are delivered entirely online.

Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) Program

The Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) program has activities that do not lend themselves to remote instruction. Seminars, labs, simulations, and testing are available on the campuses. Safety protocols apply to students, faculty, and staff at all locations. In addition to the general protocols identified above, the following protocols are in place.

• For select lab and simulation events, vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff are required to wear a face shield, gloves, and/or gowns, as applicable to the particular activity.
• Vaccinated and unvaccinated students, faculty, staff, and proctors are required to wear a face mask while on campus.
• Staff and faculty may remove a mask while at their workstations, while teaching if socially distanced, or briefly while eating/drinking in the faculty/staff lounge.
• Students are permitted to remove their masks briefly while eating/drinking in the student lounge on campus.
•  If a student is feeling sick, has COVID-like symptoms, or has tested positive for COVID-19, they should stay home and notify their program director and current faculty member(s). Students with a positive COVID-19 test are not permitted on campus for 10 days.
• All students will be asked to exit the campus immediately after their scheduled event is completed. They should not congregate on campus.
• The university has implemented increased cleaning protocols including daily cleaning of classrooms/labs/simulation spaces with additional cleanings of high-touch surfaces between use, and by providing cleaning and sanitizing supplies in all discrete spaces for faculty/students/staff.

06/01/2021

Return to Campus Safety Plan for Students, Faculty, Staff, and Visitors

Aspen University will be opening the following locations as of June 1, 2020.

Campus activities will look different in some ways and we will need the cooperation of every member of the Aspen University community to ensure their success. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change. Aspen University will continue to proactively communicate any changes that may affect campus activities.

General Protocols

• While in the University’s buildings or offices, students/visitors/faculty/staff are requested to wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
• Fully vaccinated staff and faculty are not required to wear face coverings while working.
• Unvaccinated students, visitors, and staff are requested to wear face masks.
• If feeling sick, students, faculty, and staff should stay home and notify their supervisor or program director. This includes fever, cough, or other symptoms.
• If faculty or staff test positive for COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, they should report any positive test to HR immediately. The names of all the employees they have been in contact with the previous two weeks will be collected so that they can be quarantined as well for 14 days.

All Programs

Our goal is to provide a quality learning environment that adheres to public health and safety guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of courses are delivered entirely online.

Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) Program

The Bachelor of Nursing (Pre-licensure) program has activities that do not lend themselves to remote instruction. Seminars, labs, simulations, and HESI testing will be available on the campuses. As such, the protocol applies to students, faculty, and staff at all locations. In addition to the general protocols identified above, the following protocols are in place.

• For select lab and simulation events, students/faculty/staff are required to wear a face shield, gloves, and/or gowns.
• For testing events and lab/simulation events, unvaccinated students and proctors are requested to wear a face covering.
• All students will be asked to exit the campus immediately after their scheduled event is completed. They should not congregate on campus.
• The university has implemented increased cleaning protocols including daily cleaning of classrooms/labs/simulation spaces with additional cleanings of high-touch surfaces between group use, and by providing cleaning and sanitizing supplies in all discrete spaces for faculty/students/staff.

12/02/20

Return to Campus Safety Plan for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Aspen University will permit the opening of the following locations after December 1, 2020, to a limited number of students and staff with prior approval for the designated date(s) and timeframe(s):

Campus activities will look different in many ways, and we will need the cooperation of every member of the Aspen University community to ensure their success. These plans reflect current public health guidance and are subject to change throughout the semester. Aspen University will continue to communicate any changes that may affect campus activities proactively.

General Protocols

• Students/faculty/staff are required to wear a face cover while in the University’s buildings, wash hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer.
• Staff/faculty may remove face coverings while working at their desks or in their offices. Where two or more gather, wear a face cover.
• Face coverings are also required in all campus outdoor spaces (except when eating).
• If feeling sick, students, faculty, and staff should stay home. This includes fever, cough, or other symptoms.
• If faculty or staff test positive for COVID-19, they are required to quarantine for 14 days. Additionally, they should report any positive test to HR immediately. The names of all the employees they have been in contact with (within a 6-foot radius) the previous two weeks will be collected so that they can be quarantined as well for 14 days.
• Students/faculty/staff are required to practice social distancing of 6 feet.

Bachelor of Nursing Pre-licensure

The Bachelor of Nursing Pre-licensure program has activities that do not lend themselves to remote instruction. HESI testing will be available at the 4615 Elwood campus. The university will schedule testing to keep the density in the computer lab to a reduced number. In addition to the general protocols identified above, the following protocols are in place for testing events.

• If feeling sick, students and staff should stay home. If a student states they are feeling sick, they will be referred to their healthcare provider for clearance to return; doctor’s note required.
• For testing events, students and proctors are required to wear a face-covering and practice social distancing of 6 feet between computer stations.
• The university has also implemented increased cleaning protocols, including daily cleaning of classrooms/office spaces with additional cleanings of high-touch surfaces, providing cleaning and sanitizing supplies in all discrete spaces for faculty/students/staff, and reducing attendance by alternating days and activities.

3/25/20

To Our Aspen Community:

As you are aware, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered many of our daily lives. 

Our hearts are with everyone around the world who has been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, and we are unbelievably appreciative of all who are working hard to keep our communities healthy and safe — many of them Aspen University students, alumni, and faculty. 

As online students, we recognize that you are going through a unique set of challenges. Through these difficult times, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the present events and to be worried about the future. Aspen University is fully prepared to fulfill our commitment of providing you with quality distance education. 

We are here to support you during these uncertain times, and we will work with you to find solutions if issues arise. 

• We are working with the faculty to be flexible with assignment deadlines, discussion questions, or written assignments as needed. 
• Faculty have moved labs, simulations, and practicum requirements to a virtual environment as appropriate to the program. 
• All essential student support staff continue to operate remotely. 

Open and honest communication remains key to successful online learning, and we encourage you to reach out to your Advisor for additional resources and support. 

Under the most challenging circumstances, we all have the opportunity to put some of our best qualities — resilience, wisdom, commitment, and compassion — on display. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff as the situation evolves, and we remain committed to supporting you through your educational journey, no matter what may come.

Thank you for your trust and dedication. We will continue to update you as new information is available.

FAQs

Proctored Exams

How am I going to take my proctored exam?

Aspen University is implementing virtual proctored exams. Please contact testing@aspen.edu for more information.

Extensions

What if I need more time on my assignments due to COVID-19?

Students may request a formal two-week extension during Weeks Seven and Eight of class through their student portal: my.aspen.edu. For individual assignment extensions, please contact your instructor directly.

Payments

I am not working and can’t afford my monthly payments. What do I do?

Please reach out to Student Finance at 1-800-373-7814 (option #4) or email bursar@aspen.edu, and our Student Finance team will try and help find a solution for you.

Taking a Break

What if I need to take a break from classes due to COVID-19?

Please reach out to your Academic Advisor by calling 1-800-373-7814 (option #2) or email studentservices@aspen.edu. Your Advisor will look at your specific situation and help you come up with a plan. 

Enrollment

Is Aspen still open?

Yes. A majority of our programs are delivered online. We are accepting new inquiries and applications. Courses start every two weeks for most programs. If you are interested in speaking to an Enrollment Advisor, please contact enrollment@aspen.edu or 1-800-373-7814 (option #1).

I was recently accepted. Will my program be disrupted?

Aspen’s programs are primarily online and do not require students to log in on a specific day or time. In addition to flexible scheduling, you will have transparent access to instructors and advisors for support. 

BSN Pre-Licensure

When will the ground campuses reopen?

We will follow the recommendations of state and local authorities. 

How will I complete my clinical requirements?

The Arizona board of nursing has suspended in-person clinical rotations for all nursing schools in Arizona. They are allowing current nursing core students to complete their clinical hours, labs, and seminars virtually.

Can I still tour the campus?

Not at this time; however, you can take a virtual tour for now. We are working on scheduling an online open house. Please contact enrollment@aspen.edu for more information. 

CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
For information regarding Aspen’s participation in the HEERF fund, click here.

Aspen University has emergency funds available as a part of the CARES Act. If you would like to apply, please reach out to the Office of Student Finance at 1-888-850-1248 or email at pl.financialaid@aspen.edu.