COVID-19 Information

Thank you for your patience, your flexibility and your continuing optimism as we navigate this pandemic together. Your grace in empathizing with each other and showing compassion for each other in these challenging times is extraordinary.     

Together, we have overcome much in the last 17 months. Amazing levels of learning, research and community engagement continue at SIUE. And, now we turn our eyes to the fall 2021 semester and anticipate more “normal” experiences compared to recent semesters while continuing to practice behaviors that foster a safe campus.  

Here is a snapshot of what you can expect for the fall 2021 semester as of today. We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and will let you know if plans change to protect campus health and safety.  

What will SIUE’s on-ground experience be like?  

We are looking forward to increased on-ground course offerings, safe in-person events and activities, guests in University Housing (with some limitations), intramural and club sports, spectators at Cougar Athletics, and exciting SIUE traditions like Homecoming and Family Weekend!  

What will the face mask policy be?  

We will maintain the current Face Masks/Distancing Guidelines to ensure safety for our students, faculty, and staff. We appreciate everyone’s efforts to protect each other and the campus community during the last 17 months. As we prepare for the fall 2021 semester, it is concerning that our area has seen an increase in positive cases due to the Delta variant. We will continue to monitor surrounding conditions and adhere to CDC and IDPH guidance.  

Right now, that means face masks are required for everyone indoors with some limited exceptions. Face masks are not required outdoors, but people who are not fully vaccinated should maintain physical distancing when feasible or wear a face mask.  

Has the University travel guidance changed?  

Approved University-related travel is permitted, and there are no restrictions on employee personal travel. However, employees are expected to follow the appropriate CDC travel guidance for fully vaccinated individuals and unvaccinated individuals. This may include self-quarantine and testing prior to returning to work. Read more at Current SIUE Travel Guidance.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine required?  

We strongly recommend faculty and staff get a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves, their loved ones and our community. If you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks since your final dose) … THANK YOU! If you are fully vaccinated, you will not be required to quarantine if you are identified as a close contact, and you can skip the required weekly COVID-19 testing by requesting an exemption.  

The COVID-19 vaccine may be required for faculty/staff in certain clinical programs. If this applies to you, please look for specific information directly from your program.  

If you are not fully vaccinated and need help finding a vaccine near you, please contact Health Service at cougarcare@siue.edu.   

Are employees required to do COVID-19 testing?  

For the fall 2021 semester, SIUE faculty, staff, and students are required to participate in WEEKLY COVID-19 screening testing unless they are fully vaccinated. Read more information about testing.  

Employees who are fully vaccinated, or who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, can request an exemption from required WEEKLY COVID-19 testing.

Employees who have an ADA accommodation from the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination to work a fully remote schedule are not required to test. But if you plan to be on campus, you will need to test unless you have an approved exemption.  

What happens if I am not yet fully vaccinated or if I get vaccinated after classes start?  

COVID-19 vaccines will be available locally and on campus if you need a second dose or want to start the vaccination process. You will participate in weekly testing until you are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after your last vaccine dose) and then can request an exemption.  

Employees who are not fully vaccinated are required to participate in weekly testing during the semester.  

What happens if I don’t participate in WEEKLY COVID-19 testing?  

If you do not have an approved accommodation or an approved testing exemption for being fully vaccinated or have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, you are required to test every week.  

Employees who do not comply with the testing requirement will be referred to Human Resources for progressive disciplinary action. This is because we are trying to ensure our community stays healthy and safe.  

Where can I find campus testing data?  

Our COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily with the latest information on campus-wide testing results. Surveillance testing continues on all three campuses with 113 tested this week. With 1 positive test, we had a positivity rate of .89%.   

We are looking forward to welcoming students for the fall 2021 semester in both traditional and new ways.  Thank you for your continued efforts to protect the SIUE community.    

Go Cougars!  

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor   
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs      
Jessica Harris, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion   
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement      
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration      
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs