COVID-19 Information

October 16, 2020

Dear Campus Friends, 

I hope you have all had a good week. Our vital work continues here at SIUE. Below is information to keep you up-to-date on campus activities:

• The Health Service staff performed 102 screening tests and had a positivity rate of 5.88% for the week. This week’s confirmed positive cases for those self-reporting or those identified through SIUE testing were 13 for students and 2 for faculty/staff. The number of current 14-day new positive tests stands at 18 students and 2 faculty/staff.  For a more in-depth look at SIUE’s COVID numbers, you may connect to the COVID Dashboard by clicking here.  

With the reported increase in cases in Madison County and in St. Louis, it is important to obtain a screening test as another safety precaution. Screening appointments can be scheduled here. 

We recognize that our students and their families are navigating this academic year carefully, given the unusual circumstances, and we want to make sure that you have the information you need. When we announced our ACADEMIC plan prior to the fall semester, we noted that there would be changes toSpring 2021. The class schedule has been posted and is viewable in CougarNet. 

• Students have been working with their advisors, planning for spring, and looking forward to a new semester. Registration will begin Monday, Nov. 2 with different groups continuing thereafter. The last day to register for Spring 2021 is Saturday, Jan. 18, 2021. 
• Students will note that classes will be offered in a variety of formats again with courses on-ground, hybrid and online. As of today, approximately half of courses will be online while another third of courses will be on-ground or blended/hybrid. The remainder of the courses include internships, co-op experiences, clinicals, practica, thesis, independent studies, etc.
• On-ground courses will continue to utilize appropriate physical distancing, mask wearing, and utilize existing cleaning protocols. 

• We want to remind our community members that Spring 2021 classes will begin Tuesday, Jan. 19. There will not be a Spring Break in 2021. This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and support the health and well-being of our community by reducing transmission which can be significantly impacted by travel. Students in Pharmacy and Dental Medicine should look for guidance from their respective deans and faculty.   
• We continue to expand our support for remote learning and innovative engagement during this period. Recently, we completed a survey of our students to learn what is going well and what we can do better. We will use that information to support student learning and the student experience in Spring 2021, and it will be used as part of our planning for Fall 2021. Rest assured, we continue to look for and engage in creative ways to help students feel part of our community, while safely doing so. In addition, SIUE is exploring additional opportunities for surveillance testing for COVID-19.    

• SIUE’s third annual (and first virtual) Diversity Day celebration was held this week with an opening reception on Wednesday and a daylong schedule of activities yesterday. The overall event was a great success with over 975 registrations! The kick-off included welcome remarks from United States Senator Tammy Duckworth, followed by the SIU System Conversation of Understanding: “Strategies and Actions to Dismantle Systemic Racism.” The complete schedule is listed at https://www.siue.edu/institutional-diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-day/schedule.shtml and sessions were recorded, so access to all of the presentations will be available via the same link.
• Congratulations to Dr. Venessa Brown, the Diversity Day Planning Committee, University Marketing and Communications, Information Technology Servicesand all of our presenters on a job well done!                                                                                                                                          

• As part of SIUE’s commitment to shaping a changing world, the University has created the Racial and Social Justice Scholarship. Each year, one or more students will be selected to receive an award based on a demonstrated commitment to anti-racism and a desire to pursue this cause both whileat SIUE and beyond. The initial scholarship fund goal is $25,000 and you’re encouraged to contribute to ensure that future Scholars for Racial Justice may recognized for years to come:  http://www.siuegive.com
• Please be sure to complete the annual, mandated state ethics training. It must be submitted by Oct. 31 to avoid penalties and will require approximately 30-40 minutes of your time.            
• You recently received a survey seeking your input on a strategic plan being developed by the SIU System. The plan will identify opportunities to enhance service to students and the southern Illinois region. It will also focus on deploying the strengths and benefits of the System, while preserving the unique characteristics of each campus. We encourage you to participate and share your insight.
• Please plan to attend this year’s virtual Chancellor’s Address. The date has changed to Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. and the event may be accessed at https://siue.zoom.us/s/94757380830. I hope you’ll join me!
• Also, remember if you are feeling ill, don’t come to campus. If you are under quarantine or isolation, do not leave it early.

Please continue to practice grace with one another and with yourselves. I’m proud to serve with you.

Best wishes for the weekend,

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor