COVID-19 Information

Dear Students, 

We look forward to resuming our high-quality academic offerings and student life opportunities with the start of the spring 2022 semester on Monday, Jan. 10. Like so many of you, we are excited about the beginning of a new semester; however, we are also dedicated to ensuring that our plans reflect our commitment to the health and safety of our campus community. We continue to face the challenges associated with the spread of COVID-19. As you know, the latest variant, Omicron, is resulting in rapid transmission. 

Beginning Jan. 10 and through Jan. 17, we will shift courses online, to the extent possible. We’ve made this decision after careful consideration of initial re-entry testing results, self-disclosure reports, and area COVID trends, and in consultation with experts in the SIU School of Medicine. We will continue to review data and conditions for the remainder of this week and early next week to determine instructional guidance for Week 2 and beyond.  

• Courses scheduled for on-ground will shift to synchronous online to the extent possible. The first course meeting will likely convene synchronously, which means the class will meet virtually at the scheduled time. Please pay close attention to additional guidance from your instructor for other class meetings and approaches. 
• Synchronous online courses will still meet as scheduled but they will do so remotely via Zoom.  
• Hybrid courses with on-ground sessions in Week 1 will likely meet synchronously online during those sessions.   
• Asynchronous online courses will continue as scheduled. 
• Experiential courses such as internships, co-ops, clinicals, practica, and teaching practice, can continue.   In some cases, alterations to the schedule, shifts to virtual participation, or moves to simulation may be warranted. Should any changes be required, please look for communication from your faculty member.
  

Why are we making this change? 

While we understand this change presents challenges, it is a data-informed decision that we believe is best for the campus community. Early data from the University’s re-entry testing protocol indicates a campus wide positivity rate of 14.03% with 355 positives from 2,886 test results in, as of 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5. 

Are all courses online? 

Students enrolled in internships, practica, co-ops, clinicals, teaching practice, or other experiential courses should look for correspondence from their instructor, program director, or department chair. Some adjustments may need to occur to ensure safety in those experiences. We are, however, committed to students continuing these experiences and meeting the outcomes necessary for licensure and graduation.   

Some courses with significant and critical labs experiences, performance, or studio courses may also be approved as exceptions. In most cases, these courses will also move online for week 1. Should the duration of the shift to online extend significantly, the instructor may communicate some on-ground expectations and requirements. Watch your email closely for updates and guidance and seek clarification as needed. 

We encourage students in programs such as Dental Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Social Work and Education to look for additional correspondence from their dean, department chair or program director.  We cannot stress enough the importance of monitoring your SIUE email account and Blackboard for any changes. 

How will I find out what to expect for my courses? 

Faculty have been encouraged to reach out directly to students before Monday, Jan. 10, either via Blackboard or by email, to inform students of what to anticipate during their scheduled class period. 

If you do not hear from your faculty member by Monday, Jan. 10, please reach out to your program director or the appropriate department chair. 

Can I move into University Housing? 

Yes! Residential students are invited and encouraged to return to campus. University Housing will re-open for spring on Sunday, Jan. 9 at 10 a.m. Residents will have access to on-campus technology resources, core supports and opportunities for safe interactions and engagement while participating in courses online. 

For additional information visit University Housing Operation Updates. 

Will campus services be available? 

Yes! Dining Services, the Service Center, Financial Aid, the Student Fitness Center, Parking Services, Morris University Center, Lovejoy Library, ITS Help Desk, and many other offices remain ready to serve our students’ needs. Some offices may operate remotely, but core supports for students will be available in person.   

We ask that all individuals, whether on or off campus, strictly adhere to health and safety guidelines for the well-being of themselves and others. Keeping your “bubble” small, wearing clean, protective masks, and maintaining physical distancing are important public health strategies for reducing virus transmission.

All of the University’s COVID-related communications, policies and data can be accessed at siue.edu/coronavirus. 

Please look for another message later today that will provide further updates regarding mask-wearing, event planning, and other issues.  

We recognize the shifts and anxieties brought on by the pandemic are difficult. We are dedicated to preserving the health and safety of our community while offering the same high-quality educational experiences that have become the hallmark of an SIUE education. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe environment for our campus community. Please take care of yourselves and one another. 

Sincerely,