Students Resources

Is Muhlenberg College closed?
All campus buildings are currently closed to the public. Limited card access is available to faculty, staff and students approved to remain on campus. 

What is the job status of student employees during the remote learning period?
Student employees should have received information about their employment status. If you have not yet heard from your supervisor, please contact them via email.

Information for Students Currently on Campus
Following the announcement to extend remote learning through the remainder of the semester, your previously approved status to remain on campus will continue, permitting you to stay in your residential space throughout this time. This permission will be extended beyond the end of the semester as needed, as the current health situation continues to evolve. Your meal plan will remain active through the end of the regularly scheduled exam period (Friday, May 8th). 
If you choose to leave sooner than this date, please plan to take all of your belongings with you and turn in your key in the drop box in Prosser Hall outside of the Office of Housing & Residence Life.  

Information for Students Who Have Already Left Campus
Many of you have asked if you can return to campus soon to pick up your belongings if you live within driving distance. Given the recent government mandates by the State of Pennsylvania, the College is not permitted to have non-essential personnel or visitors on campus. Our earliest projection to make your belongings available for campus pick-up is at least ten weeks from now. All employees are working remotely and students who were not granted special permission to remain on campus under our care, and their friends and family, are not allowed back on campus at this time for any reason. Please note that student card access has been disabled for campus buildings and MILE houses have been secured, so you will not be able to gain access without assistance.

What if I need to pick-up my car?
If you need to retrieve your car, you should plan to be dropped off at your vehicle and leave campus immediately. If you choose to get your car, you are not permitted access to your residence hall for any reason. Please note that student card access has been disabled for campus buildings and MILE houses have been secured, so you will not be able to gain access without assistance.

What if I have an urgent need for something I left on campus?
If you are in need of a specific item that is life sustaining or required for current academic course work, please email housing@muhlenberg.edu and we will do our very best to retrieve the item and mail it to you as soon as possible.  

When can I get my belongings from my room?
To prepare for a controlled and orderly return to campus to retrieve your items or to have your items packed for you, we are asking that you complete an online survey to help us finalize decisions about that process. Options will include a sign-up for a date and time to return to campus after the state has reopened businesses, or the ability to elect to have your items packed and stored or shipped for a fee. We will provide financial hardship grants to assist with this process as needed.

Please know that we appreciate your patience as our staff processes these survey responses and finalizes arrangements.

How do I return my key to the College?
Once the College is given approval by the state to reopen campus and you have been approved to return to campus to retrieve your belongings, you may bring your key with you and drop it off in the drop box in Prosser Hall. Alternatively, we can email you a prepaid shipping label and provide return instructions to return your key via standard U.S. postal mail. 

What is happening with the housing lottery for next academic year?
Both the MILE lottery and the general housing lottery will be delayed. MILE lottery numbers will not be sent out on March 27, and general lottery numbers will also be delayed. We are working to create an effective and user-friendly remote lottery process. As soon as this process is ready and new dates have been established, we will communicate those to students and send you your lottery numbers electronically. We know this is a very important process to you and we assure you that we are working to launch this process as soon as possible.

What is the housing process if I am scheduled to study abroad next year?
If you are scheduled to study abroad in the Fall 2020 semester, you will not take part in the housing lottery (MILE or general) at this time. You will be contacted during the Fall semester to provide your housing preferences and we will finalize your housing assignments over winter break. Your housing will be finalized between December 5, 2020 and January 10, 2021.

If you are scheduled to study abroad in the Spring 2021 semester, you will select housing using the deadlines for any of the 2020-2021 housing processes that you are eligible for.

If you are moving out at the end of the Fall 2020 semester and will have roommates remaining in your room/suite/apartment, we will work with them to fill the space in the room.

If you and all of your roommates are moving out, we will work with students returning to campus for Spring 2021 based on our established priorities for Spring selection.

What resources are available for students who need help with travel home?
Students who need assistance because of a financial hardship related to travel should indicate this information where requested on the form sent to you by the Office of Housing & Residence Life. These requests for financial assistance are being reviewed on a case by case basis and will be responded to within 24 hours. 

Will Muhlenberg offer room and board refunds for students who returned home?
The College is working to determine a process for prorated room and board refunds. 

How did Muhlenberg arrive at the approach below for room and board refunds?
The College examined a number of approaches with the goal of finding a solution that was fair and proportional across our student body. Early on we identified a strong desire to provide refunds but it was critical to account for the fact that the net cost of Muhlenberg (from family contributions and loans) is different for every student. Of course, we also recognize that room and board charges vary based on housing and meal plan choices. The calculations we are employing keep this in mind when applying refunds, allowing us to achieve our goal for fair and proportional refunds. This type of formula is also in use by a number of institutions nationally and is among the best practices to arise from the COVID-19 crisis.

How will Muhlenberg calculate the room and board refund?

For students who left campus housing before online instruction began:
The credit refund is calculated for each student based on the amount of grants and scholarships (“grant aid” they received. The initial calculation begins with a refund based on unused meal plan swipes and dining dollars plus 50 percent of room charges and is modified by the amount of grant aid, if any, received.

Example of a student living in a double room in Prosser Hall:

Room charge for semester: $3,308
50% of semester’s room charge: $1,654

Total charges for the semester: $33,818
Grant aid student received for semester from all sources: $25,255
Student payment and loans: $8,563 (25.3% of the semester bill)

Credit refund for housing to the student:
$1,645 room charge x .253 = $416 returned to student

Example of a student subscribed to a Gold meal plan (Muhlenberg’s most common meal plan):

Board charge for semester: $2,710
Dining Dollars already spent: $250 of $400 Dining Dollars (leaving $150 unused)
Swipes already used: 110 of 210 swipes (leaving 100 swipes, or 47.6%, unused)

Unused Dining Dollars: $150
Unused swipe value: $1,100 ($2,310 x .476)
Total unused meal plan value: $1,250

Total charges for the semester: $33,818
Grant aid student received for semester from all sources: $25,255
Student payment and loans: $8,563 (25.3% of the semester bill)

Credit refund for housing to the student:
$1,250 unused meal plan value x .253% = $316 returned to student

Example of a student subscribed to a Platinum meal plan:

Board charge for semester: $2,775
Dining Dollars already spent: $250 of $300 Dining Dollars (leaving $50 unused)
50% (half semester) of “unlimited swipes” component of meal plan: $1,238 (50% of $2,775 total minus $300 Dining Dollars portion)

Unused Dining Dollars: $50
Unused swipe value: $1,238
Total unused meal plan value: $1,288

Total charges for the semester: $33,818
Grant aid student received for semester from all sources: $25,255
Student payment and loans: $8,563 (25.3% of the semester bill)

Credit refund for housing to the student:
$1,288 unused meal plan value x .253% = $326 returned to student

Example of a student subscribed to a Traditional meal plan:

Board charge for semester: $2,412

Total unused meal plan value (half semester, or 50%, of meal plan): $1,206

Total charges for the semester: $33,818
Grant aid student received for semester from all sources: $25,255
Student payment and loans: $8,563 (25.3% of the semester bill)

Credit refund for housing to the student:
$1,206 unused meal plan value x .253% = $305 returned to student

These examples are for illustrative purposes only, with dollar amounts rounded to the nearest whole dollar and percentages rounded to one decimal place. Each credit refund will vary. Changes to federal and state policy and unforeseen circumstances may alter final credit refunds. 

For students who were participating in study abroad programs: 
Each study abroad program has a different starting date, program length and, if applicable, board fee. The credit refund will be calculated for each student based on the amount of aid, if any, received and the length of time the student was abroad. Again, each student needs to be individually assessed and the refund statement will provide those details. We hope to be able to process room and board credits for study abroad programs and send refunds by the middle of May. Students may contact studyabroad@muhlenberg.edu with any questions.

Students who remain in campus housing through the end of the Spring 2020 semester will not be eligible for a room and board refund.

Students who were living off-campus (in an apartment not owned by the College) should contact their landlords about their charges for the remainder of their lease. Off-campus students who had a Muhlenberg meal plan will receive a credit refund based on the number of unused swipes and dining dollars, modified by financial aid received.

Each student needs to be individually assessed, in particular students who stayed after the beginning of online instruction, and the refund statement will provide those details. Refunds will first be used to pay any balances due on students’ accounts.

When will refunds be available?
We hope to be able to process and send refunds at the end of April.

How will I complete my coursework?
The College’s outstanding Digital Learning team and Office of Information Technology will assist all faculty in moving their courses into digital formats. Each faculty member will choose the platform(s) and digital tools that best meet their course learning goals and maintain the high level of academic quality you expect from Muhlenberg. Professors will share their plans for coursework, including schedules and opportunities for individual consultation. 

Is there a Pass/Fail Option?
Due to the unprecedented semester we are currently experiencing, please see the Temporary Pass Fail Policy for Spring 2020. The temporary policy applies to all students who were enrolled in courses at Muhlenberg College, including the School of Graduate Studies, and to Muhlenberg students who were taking courses abroad during Spring 2020.

Will eligible seniors still graduate?
Yes.

Will I receive the same level of quality instruction that I receive on campus?
Muhlenberg is fortunate to have an outstanding faculty body dedicated to the success and learning of their students. The same dedication they provide through classroom instruction will be present through various digital formats.

Will Muhlenberg continue to provide academic support services for students when they are off campus?
All academic support services, including support from learning assistants and tutors, will remain available to Muhlenberg students regardless of where they are. 

Has registration for Summer or Fall 2020 classes been affected?
The Fall 2020 course schedule will be available online Friday, March 27. The registrar's office has pushed back registration dates to allow more time for students and faculty to prepare for Fall registration. The new dates are:

• Juniors, Class of 2021 - Wednesday, April 15
• Sophomores, Class of 2022 - Friday, April 17
• First Years, Class of 2023 - Wednesday, April 22
• Open Registration - Friday, April 24

The scheduling grid on the registrar's website will be updated in the coming days to inform students of their place in the 8:30 or the 1:30 group on their day of registration.

How should I register if I’m schedule to study abroad in the fall?
Students who were scheduled to study abroad have received a notification from the Registrar’s Office. If you were abroad or scheduled to be abroad, your registration time will begin at 8 a.m. ET on the day your class registers. If you did not receive a notice from the Registrar, please contact them at registrar@muhlenberg.edu for assistance.

What is the College policy on activities and events?
Effective end-of-day March 13 through April 12:

• All in-person student-sponsored and club-sponsored events will be canceled.
• College-sponsored events that were open to the public will be canceled.
• The registration of new third-party and external events will be suspended.
• Registrants of third-party and external events—including weddings, workshops and conferences—will be informed of the College's visitor policy and the status of campus operations.>

Can students return to campus while in-person classes are suspended?
The only students permitted on campus between March 14 and April 13 are those who have been granted an exemption by housing and residence life.

What is the status of theatre and dance productions?
Public performances of the theatre and dance spring season—which includes The Bacchae, Dance Emerge and the Fringe Festival—have been canceled. A special presentation of The Bacchae took place Thursday, March 12, for campus audiences. Ticket-holders may make a tax-deductible donation in the amount of their ticket purchase or receive credit toward a future performance. Summer Music Theatre has been canceled and will return in 2021.

What is the status of Muhlenberg’s spring athletics teams?
Muhlenberg College and Muhlenberg Athletics support the decision of the Centennial Conference to cancel all spring athletics competitions and championships for the remainder of the academic year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. More information is available at muhlenbergsports.com.

How will the Muhlenberg Dining schedule be affected?
Dining facilities and hours will operate on a normal schedule through Saturday afternoon. Adjustments to hours and services will be determined following the departure of students from on-campus residences. All students remaining on campus will be able to use their meal plan.  

Will commencement still be held on campus?
Unfortunately, it is necessary to postpone commencement activities for the Class of 2020. We are committed to bringing our community together and celebrating student achievements on campus and will choose a time for a special graduation befitting an incredible senior class.

The Lehigh Valley Association of Independent College (LVAIC) has shared additional resources with member institutions to support student needs during this time.  Information about free WiFi and data plans, low-cost computers and laptops, mobile plans, storage, car rentals and more can be found HERE.

We understand the recent changes were sudden and disruptive to your daily lives and may have also created additional financial burden. If you are in need of immediate financial assistance to support you during this transition, including funds for internet access, computer and technology equipment, travel expenses, and emergency funds for groceries and other essentials, please complete this form for emergency grants and we may be able to assist in funding your need.

If your concern is related to internet access, we suggest you contact your local provider and identify yourself as a college student.  Many providers are offering discounts or free services to students. If they do not, please have them provide you a quote for set up and service and include this cost information in your grant request. In the short term, if you have a cell phone, you can utilize it as a mobile hotspot for internet service.  

Travel related to MILA courses and all other College-sponsored study abroad programs for summer 2020 have been cancelled.  Programs for Fall 2020 will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Office of Global Education.

If you experience an imminent emergency, please call Campus Safety at 484-664-3110 if you are on campus or  call 911 if you are away from campus.

IMPORTANT:  If you are feeling sick, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and your community is stay in your room and call Health Services.

Health Services is open by appointment only for students who are approved to remain on campus.  Please call 484-664-3199 to schedule an appointment or for consultation about sickness. If you need sick advice after hours, please contact Campus Safety at 484-664-3110 and a nurse on call will contact you.

If you are already home or away from campus and begin to show symptoms related to COVID-19 (coughing, shortness of breath, fever) within 14 days of when you left campus, it is essential that you contact the Health Center, in addition to your primary health provider, as soon as possible so that we can assist in notifying those you may have had contact with on campus.

Counseling Services has moved to an emergency consultation model of care and will continue to provide services remotely for consultations and urgent concerns, including on-call counseling after hours.  Click here for more information and or to schedule a consultation.  

All campus buildings are currently closed to the public.  Limited card access will be available to students approved to remain on campus. 

For students who remain on campus, please be advised that all campus buildings have been closed, except Seegers Union. Seegers Union, the Wood Dining Commons (for take-out only) and the M.U.L.E. Community Cabinet remain open during the following times:

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

If you are in need of additional meal swipes, please contact the Dean of Students Office at DeanOfStudents@muhlenberg.edu.   

The mailroom will be open daily for pick up or mail or packages from 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Students who were not approved for access to campus facilities may not return to campus. If a student has left an essential item (i.e.medication, academic text book, etc.), please email housing@muhlenberg.edu and we will make our best effort to mail it to you. For all other items, we ask for your patience in waiting until campus is reopened to all students.  

The Student Help Desk will be available during normal office hours, Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

How do I get help?

• Initiate a support request online
• Click on the IT Support Portal tile in the OneLogin application portal
• Click on Service Catalog
• Report an Issue
• Once an incident has been created, you may check the status by clicking on "My Items"
• Call us at 484-664-3566
• If the support team member is on the line you will be put into a queue. You may choose to leave a detailed message at any time and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

• Email us at helpdesk@muhlenberg.edu

• Report an Issue (no login required) (e.g., unable to login to account, forgot password)

• Please include your name and preferred contact information in the anonymous form, as your login information is not passed for follow-up. 

Supervisors of student employees may determine whether or not it is appropriate for students to work remotely and make appropriate arrangements in partnership with their student employees. A new process for logging student hours for remote work has been implemented.  Please speak with your supervisor for these details.

While first-hand experiences are limited at the moment, we invite you to join us for these new virtual events sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement. We will continue to share the most up-to-date information about Student Activities through our Instagram and Facebook pages. Some of these events include trivia contests, movie watch parties, photo contests, gaming contests, open mic nights and more. Check back often for updates and join us!