Boosters, Safety Practices & Return Testing
Posted December 16, 2021
December 16, 2021
Dear Campus Community,
We hope you will join in the celebration of our 1,641 eligible graduates during our fall commencement ceremonies. As we honor our graduates on Friday-Saturday, Dec. 17-18, we ask you to please keep health and safety top of mind.
During all commencement ceremonies, masks should remain over your nose and mouth, and physical distancing should be maintained to the greatest extent possible. Adhering to these important safety practices will ensure individuals can continue to enjoy the winter break and holiday season.
Get boosted!
According to the CDC, vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect individuals from COVID-19 and slow transmission. Boosters are strongly recommended for increased protection, especially against the Omicron variant. Boosters are advised six months following a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, and two months following the J&J vaccine.
On Thursday, Dec. 30, the Illinois Heartland Library System will host a free clinic for vaccine doses and boosters from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at its Edwardsville office. For more information and to schedule an appointment, click here. To find a vaccine and/or booster locally, click here.
Spring 2022 Mitigation Plan
As we continuously plan and prepare for potential scenarios related to the pandemic, a variety of campus constituents have combined their expertise to develop a Spring 2022 Mitigation plan. Click here to view the plan, which is now posted at siue.edu/coronavirus.
Return Testing
Regardless of vaccination status, we encourage members of our campus community to test before coming back to campus in January and as soon as possible upon return to campus using our on-campus testing areas in Alton, East St. Louis and Edwardsville.
Any individual who tests positive or has been a COVID close contact should complete the University’s Self-Disclosure form, which can be accessed by clicking here.
Be safe and stay well.
Sincerely,
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