COVID-19 Information

Summary (Revised August 13, 2020)

June 30, 2020

Fall 2020

In these extraordinary times, we at SIUE are looking forward to the Fall 2020 semester. Our highest priorities are the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. Since the COVID-19 pandemic occurred and affected classes starting in March, we have worked diligently to continuously improve the quality of our educational opportunities, on-ground, online and in hybrid forms in preparation for what lies ahead. Assuming we are in Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan, the following information pertains to how operations will occur in the upcoming semester. You will notice that there are many familiar elements described in our Fall plans, including hands-on experiences, intramurals and club sports, as well as student organizations to name but a few. There are also novel experiences pertinent to the unique learning environment we are currently facing. While this is our plan as determined this summer, know that we remain transparent, flexible and responsive. As conditions change, so will we, by incorporating the latest scientific and medical information available. We look forward to greeting you on campus in August. Many of the areas so important to our faculty, staff and students are addressed below. Procedures are based on the Restore Illinois plan, CDC guidelines, Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) COVID-19 Guidance, and the SIUE Academic Continuity Task Force recommendations.

Instruction and Research

• Fall 2020 courses will be held in varied formats (i.e., on-ground, online, and hybrid) in order to maintain the health and safety of our community while ensuring academic excellence.
• On-ground opportunities have been prioritized for student capstone experiences that require deep engagement and programs that rely on equipment and campus facilities.  
• Classrooms will require social distancing and face coverings.
• During the Fall 2020 semester, many on-ground academic activities will transition to an online format beginning November 30 following the Thanksgiving Break Holiday (November 23-29).  A select number of approved courses will continue to meet on-ground after Thanksgiving Break.  Instruction in all classes ends with finals week, occurring December 14-18.
• Classrooms will be cleaned and disinfected nightly. Personal cleaning resources will be made available in classrooms for students who want to do additional cleaning. Classes will feature floor markers and altered traffic flows to reduce face-to-face contact.
• Reusable, washable face coverings will be provided to all students and will be required in all classes and related academic activities.
• The Academic Continuity Task Force is building on the guidance for Research and Creative Activities issued on June 5, 2020 to provide recommendations for expanded activities in Phase 4.

Housing and Dining

• Students will move in this fall following a multiple day move-in strategy. 
• A maximum of 2 residents will be assigned to each bedroom.
• In suite-style bathrooms, signs will be posted to remind students of proper cleaning procedures.
• Guests will not be permitted in any University Housing living area.
• Isolation rooms will be created to accommodate residential students who test positive for COVID-19.
• Common areas and high touch surfaces will be cleaned and sanitized regularly.
• Dining will provide pre-packaged, grab-and-go meal options for carryout. Locations will utilize social distancing and line queues. Face coverings will be required in all dining locations, except when eating. 

Campus Life and Events

• There will be co-curricular experiences on campus this fall, with the size of social gatherings and meetings based upon the guidelines set forth by the State. 
• The Morris University Center, Student Success Center and Student Fitness Center will all be operational with some service adjustments and limitations. 
• New students will have the opportunity to participate in the SIUE Experience via in-person and remote options.

Employees

• Employees who can do some or all of their work remotely are encouraged to discuss remote work schedules with their supervisors.
• Directors will continue to restructure work schedules where possible to minimize the number of workers who need to be physically present at any one time.

People-Focused Health and Safety

• In order to develop a new social contract for campus life, SIUE will provide training to all students and employees to help better understand COVID-19 prevention strategies.
• All employees and students are strongly encouraged to have up-to-date immunizations and flu vaccines as soon as possible.
• All employees and students are expected to conduct a personal, self-safety screening each day before coming to campus.
• Contact tracing will be conducted as needed by the Madison County Health Department.
• Testing will be available on campus as recommended by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Broader testing and screening options for the fall semester will be determined based on the scientific evidence and health guidance at the time.

Face Coverings

• Face masks or face shields that cover the nose and mouth are required in indoor public spaces regardless of the ability to maintain social distance. Face masks or face shields are required in outdoor spaces where six feet or more of physical distancing is difficult to reliably maintain.
• A reusable, washable face covering will be provided to all students and employees.
• Disposable face coverings will be provided to departments to be used for students, employees and visitors who forget their face coverings.
• For those not able to wear a face covering due to a medical condition, accommodations are available by contacting ACCESS (students) or the Office of Equal Opportunity, Access, and Title IX Coordination (employees).

Facilities

• Hand sanitizing stations are being installed in all buildings.
• Traditional water fountains will be turned off where a bottle refill water fountain is available.
• Plans that consider traffic flow in and out of buildings, and within buildings will be marked.
• Elevators will be signed with limits based on ability to 6-foot distance.
• Doors for entering and exiting buildings will be designated.
• Enhanced cleaning protocols will remain in force for frequently touched surfaces.

Intercollegiate Athletics

• SIUE Athletics has developed plans to allow for a return to athletic operations in July in anticipation of competition this fall.
• Athletic events will take place in alignment with NCAA, OVC and MAC regulations and in accordance with IDPH guidelines.

Travel

• International University-related travel remains prohibited until further notice.
• Domestic University-related travel that is mission-essential should have the approval of the appropriate vice chancellor.
• Guidance regarding University-related student travel will be released by the end of July. 

A large debt of gratitude is owed to so many who have worked tirelessly in evolving quickly and preparing for Fall. In particular, our thanks go out to the Academic Continuity Task Force for their help in developing educational alternatives and options, and to the CORE and Pandemic Planning teams who have been working continuously since March. Our fall semester will be a wonderful and unique experience because of their work.

Be safe. Be healthy.

Randy Pembrook, Chancellor
Denise Cobb, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Rachel Stack, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement
Rich Walker, Vice Chancellor of Administration
Jeffrey Waple, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

*For updates to SIUE’s Our Cougar Commitment plan or to learn more about what SIUE is doing during the pandemic, visit www.siue.edu/coronavirus. Revisions to this plan may occur if there is a shift in Restore Illinois phases for our region and as CDC guidelines are modified.