OSD Coronavirus Updates

• Why were students not given the choice of whether or not to travel rather than canceling all travel through the summer? 
  • Our decision concerning university-sponsored travel was guided by the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) March 1st recommendation that Universities should reconsider study abroad travel. It is in everyone’s best interest that students avoid unnecessary travel through crowded transportation hubs for short visits to uncertain environments before they return to campus. We feel this is the best decision to protect our students and our local community where students will return after their travel.
• Which LU Send programs are canceled?  
  • As of March 17, 2020, all Provost-approved/academic and/or co-curricular domestic travel through the end of the Spring 2020 semester has been canceled along with all international Liberty-sponsored travel over Spring and Summer 2020. Students affected by trip/study abroad cancellations have already been notified.
• Will my Fall/Winter Spring 2020-21 trips be affected?  
  • At this time, LU has only made cancellation determinations for Spring/Summer 2020.
• My program was canceled.  When can I expect my refund?  
  • LU Send is working to issue refunds of all funds paid to the university by the end of March. If you do not receive your refund within that time period, please contact LU Send.
• My program was canceled.  How will that affect my academic load/requirements to graduate on time?  
  • LU’s Office of the Provost has authorized LU Send’s Director of Academic Operations and individual Schools/Colleges to work directly with students to arrange for the completion of coursework through alternative means.
• I had to purchase independent travel/accommodations for my trip.  Will I be eligible for a refund?    
  • LU Send’s coordinators are willing to assist students in pursuing refunds/travel credit/waivers for affected independent travel.  Before working with LU Send, please do the following:
    • 1) Ask the airline/vendor to refund unused travel. Several airlines are offering complete refunds considering the current circumstances.
    • 2) If they will not refund, many US airlines are offering flexible travel credits generally and are most often waiving change fees due to the circumstances.
    • 3) If the airline will not consider changing the ticket for free, then your LU Send trip coordinator will send you the forms to file a travel insurance claim. Please save all receipts for expenses incurred.  The travel insurance carrier will want to know if you received a voucher for residual travel value.
• I had to purchase vaccines or a passport for my trip.  Will that be reimbursable, or can I file a claim with the travel insurance?  
  • Unfortunately, LU Send will not be reimbursing students for vaccines/luggage/passports or any personal purchases made in preparation for these trips.  These are also unlikely to be covered through a travel insurance claim.

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CSER requirement for Spring 2020 is waived for all full-time, residential, undergraduate students. Every student will be granted a one-time CSER credit for Spring 2020 titled, “CSER 100-001 – Spring 2020 Exception.” LU Serve will add this course to student transcripts automatically. In addition, students may choose to complete CSER during Spring 2020 to earn extra credit(s).
  • Do I need to register for CSER 100-001?
    • No, you do not need to register for this CSER. If you are a full-time, residential, undergraduate student during Spring 2020, it will be automatically applied to your transcript.
  • What if I already started my Spring 2020 CSER?
    • You may continue to fulfill your CSER hours, but remain safe and follow the advice of governing authorities. The student evaluation deadline is May 8, 2020. You may also drop your Spring 2020 CSER without a late fee and serve in a future term.
  • What if I cannot return to campus to complete my CSER?
• If you are currently registered for CSER in the Lynchburg area and are not able to return, you may fulfill the remainder of your hours in a community elsewhere. Add these hours to your current CSER evaluation and note your service activities.
  • What if I cannot complete CSER in my own community?
    • You may coordinate with your CSER supervisor to fulfill your hours by other means, whether through remote/virtual work, through prayer ministry, or you may contact LU Serve with other ideas.
  • Can I get CSER credit for International service opportunities outside of the United States with approved global organizations?
    • You may receive CSER credit for International service opportunities outside of the United States with approved global organizations. LU sponsored or promoted travel for Spring and Summer 2020 has been canceled, and CSER credit related to LU-sponsored travel in Summer 2020 is not permitted. However, students who are registered for a Spring 2020 CSER, may fulfill the rest of their service hours in a community elsewhere or drop the CSER. Visit LU Send’s page for more information.
  • What can I do for CSER to help and serve those communities and victims around the world who are vulnerable to the Coronavirus?
    • Get in touch by emailing luserveinternational@liberty.edu and a staff member will be glad to discuss and explore those CSER opportunities with you.
  • What can I do to help and serve those in the Lynchburg community who are vulnerable to the Coronavirus?
    • Get in touch by emailing luservelocal@liberty.edu and a staff member will be glad to discuss and explore those opportunities with you.
  • What should I do if I have more CSER questions?
    • Please email luserve@liberty.edu or call 434-582-2325. For the time being, an LU Serve hotline will be available M–F, 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. (EST).

If I want to meet with an LU Shepherd, how can I schedule an appointment?

Email lushepherd@liberty.edu and someone from our staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment.

Will I still be able to meet one-on-one with an LU Shepherd?

Yes. However, all one-on-one meetings will be virtual utilizing Microsoft Teams.

Can I still schedule an appointment and meet with someone for Pastoral Counseling?

Yes. Email lushepherd@liberty.edu and someone from our staff will assist you in scheduling an appointment. All one-on-one meetings will be virtual utilizing Microsoft Teams.

Will there still be Community Groups?

Yes. More information will be available shortly.

Will the prayer chapel still be available for prayer?

No.