COVID-19 Information

March 26, 2021

Campus Community,

Exciting developments this week as SIUE announced in-person commencement ceremonies for spring 2021 graduates. See the schedule atsiue.edu/commencement/events.

Yesterday, we distributed a message regarding Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s introduction guidance for A Bridge to Phase 5. The University is reviewing this guidance along with simultaneous updates to current Restore Illinois Phase 4 guidelines. Please look for additional information about these Phase 4 updates next week. 

Surveillance Testing

Surveillance testing continues on all three campuses with 581 tested this week. With 2 positive tests, we had a positivity rate of 0.34%. More information can be found on the dashboard. The surveillance screening tests are on a voluntary basis. However, to encourage participation, employees and students are selected through a random sample and invited to be tested. Those invited next week will be provided with the following incentives to participate: 

• Students
  • Monthly raffle for parking hangtag FY22 
  • One end-of-semester raffle for a Fall FY22 tuition waiver 
• Faculty/Staff 
  • One beverage or bakery item (not to exceed $5.00) at the MUC Starbucks 
  • Monthly raffle for parking hangtag FY22 

Individuals do not need to be invited to be tested. However, they will not be eligible for the incentives listed above.

Here are a few tips to get you in and out as efficiently as possible:

• Appointments should be obtained on the AURA app or at https://app.auratracker.org/
• Be sure that you are hydrated before your appointment by eating or drinking up to 30 minutes prior to your arrival at the testing site​. Do not eat or drink in the 30 minutes prior to testing. 
• Arrive at your appointment time, so that we may maintain small groups in the testing area.

Per CDC/IDPH guidelines, if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you are a close contact to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, do not participate in this surveillance testing. Employees and students who tested positive within the last 90 days should not test.

Vaccination Update

The Madison County Health Department (MCHD) is now scheduling first doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals in eligible groups. 

Vaccine eligibility was expanded to include higher education employees. It is our understanding that the definition of higher education employees is inclusive of student employees, staff and faculty. We encourage you to have an SIUE paystub accessible if you are asked for verification. Individuals who live or work (including Missouri residents) in Illinois are eligible.

Gateway Convention Center (West Entrance)
1 Gateway Dr.
Collinsville, IL 62234

Follow link to view appointments: https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/health/index.php

SNAP Benefits Expansion for Students

The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to include students (beginning 1/16/2021 through 6/30/2021) enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, who either:

• Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current school year, and/or
• Are eligible to participate (as determined by the school) in a state or federal work study program during the regular school year.

This exemption differs from the existing work study exemption which requires a student to be eligible for a state of federal work study program and be anticipating that he or she will be working during the school year. The existing exemption requires that jobs be available for the student to anticipate working during the school year. The new temporary exemption only requires that the student be eligible to participate and does not require that a job be available for the student to work.

More information about SNAP eligibility is available at dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=13275. 

Students can reach out the Financial Aid Office at finaid@siue.edu or 618-650-3880, if they need to verify their eligibility for the program.

Cougar Cupboard and their partners at St. Louis Food Bank are able to assist in the application process by emailing cougarcupboard@siue.edu. More information about the Cougar Cupboard and appointment scheduling are available on the Cougar Cupboard website. 

Finally, 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. We are proud to serve with you.

Best wishes for an enjoyable spring weekend,

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 Advancement   
Morris Taylor, Vice Chancellor for Administration   
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs