University Emails
EIU has been communicating with our students in regards to COVID-19. This is an archive of those emails.
EIU Issues Updated Masking Policies Beginning February 28
Feb. 22, 2022
Beginning Monday, Feb. 28, 2022, indoor masking requirements throughout the State of Illinois are being revised. Guided by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Eastern Illinois University also will begin to lift current mask requirements in most situations outside the classroom while working to maintain a safe, healthy campus.
EIU’s revised Mask Requirements Policy will begin Monday, February 28, 2022, and remain in place until further notice. All Panthers (employees and students) should be prepared — and are expected to — put on a mask when meeting in individual offices or living spaces when requested. Further, members of our EIU community who prefer to continue masking are welcomed and encouraged to do so. As a community of peers, please avoid making assumptions about members of our campus community based on their personal choice to continue masking.
Under EIU’s revised Mask Requirements Policy:
All individuals — regardless of vaccination status — will be required to wear masks only in specific areas. Those specific areas include:
- in-person instructional spaces including classrooms, labs, studios, and other scheduled learning spaces on campus.
- EIU’s Medical & Counseling Clinics.
- the SHIELD testing location in the SRC.
- the Panther Shuttle and any EIU-sponsored commercial transportation.
Masking Requirements for COVID-19 Exposures, Positive Test or Symptoms
Any employee or student with a positive COVID test must isolate for the time period as required by the EIU Contact Tracing Team.
Masking remains a requirement when:
- unvaccinated individuals have been exposed.
- Anyone — regardless of their vaccination status — begins experiencing symptoms.
- Anyone — regardless of their vaccination status — tests positive.
For additional information on requirements and instructions in these scenarios, please refer to more detailed guidance available at EIU’s Medical Clinic website.
Spring Break Week Testing
Any student or employee who would normally be required to test and who will be on campus any part of Spring Break will be expected to test the week of March 14.
Testing hours for Spring Break will be:
- Tuesday, March 15, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 16, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Additionally, re-entry testing also is expected for any students/employees returning to EIU after being away from campus during Spring Break. Additional details on Spring Break re-entry testing will be shared soon.
Vaccinations/Boosters and Ongoing SHIELD Testing
As the primary approach to halting the pandemic, EIU continues to strongly encourage vaccinations and boosters.
EIU’s weekly SHIELD testing requirement remains intact. As a reminder, individuals who have not uploaded verification of their full COVID-19 vaccination status in PAWS are required to submit to weekly SHIELD testing or face disciplinary action.
As always, this remains a dynamic situation. The university will continue to update its guidelines as information from public health officials and the State of Illinois evolves.
COVID Policy Update: Isolation & Quarantine
Jan. 20, 2022
EIU Campus Community,
Effective immediately, EIU’s COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine guidelines are updating to reflect the newest guidance from the CDC, the Illinois Department of Public Health and EIU’s COVID-19 policies.
Given the new policy, it is essential that all employees and students are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations including boosters as soon as they are eligible. Employees and students are encouraged to upload updated vaccination information including documentation of a booster dose. If you are eligible for a booster dose, you are encouraged to visit a local health care provider, pharmacy, or participate in an on-campus clinic. You can find available vaccines and boosters near you at vaccines.gov.
If you have been ordered to isolate/quarantine by public health officials, you should continue to utilize the Student COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Form or the Employee COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Reporting Form. A reminder as you complete the form, home test results will not be accepted as proof of a positive test. PCR diagnostic test results will be the accepted documentation.
Campus testing remains available for any employee who wishes to test, regardless of vaccination status. To schedule a testing appointment, click here.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as EIU acclimates to these latest adjustments.
Revised Isolation/Quarantine Guidance for EIU & “Close Contact” Definition for Contact Tracing
Jan. 7, 2022
EIU Employees:
With new isolation/quarantine guidance issued by the CDC on December 27, EIU has updated its isolation/quarantine guidelines and reclassified what constitutes “close contact” with regard to the University’s contact tracing efforts. The updated guidelines are available in full here.
Employees who have been ordered to isolate/quarantine by public health officials should continue to utilize the EIU Employee COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Reporting Form. A reminder as you complete the form: home test results will not be accepted as proof of a positive test. PCR diagnostic test results will be the accepted documentation.
Campus testing remains available for any employee who wishes to test, regardless of vaccination status. To schedule a testing appointment, click here.
In addition, employees now have the ability to upload their booster status. You may do this under the MyHealth tab in PAWS.
Employees who have HR-related questions about the revised guidance should email lholloway2@eiu.edu. General questions about EIU’s COVID-19 response can be directed to the University’s covid19info@eiu.edu address.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as EIU acclimates to these latest CDC adjustments.
EIU Human Resources
COVID Testing after Holiday Break
Dec. 23, 2021
Dear New and Returning Students,
As we enter the holidays, EIU is proactively planning our approach to the upcoming Spring 2022 semester. With the Omicron variant spreading rapidly, we strongly encourage you to remember that proper mask-wearing, handwashing, and physical distancing remain key safeguards to reducing transmission of all COVID-19 variants. Unvaccinated students are expected to physically distance themselves in all classrooms, labs, and other learning environments. We also urge you to become vaccinated or receive a booster, if eligible, before returning to campus.
Classes will begin as scheduled Monday, January 10, and to keep campus safe for our return, we will expect all students – regardless of vaccination status – to take a re-entry campus Covid test when they arrive. Unvaccinated students will continue to test weekly as was the practice during the Fall 2021 semester. Please review the information below related to EIU’s Spring 2022 re-entry testing program.
Re-Entry Testing
All EIU students and employees are expected to complete on-campus SHIELD testing upon their return to campus. Re-entry testing expectations apply to anyone learning, living, working, or participating in any on-campus activities.
- The re-entry testing period for faculty, staff and students will occur from January 4 through January 13.
- Upon returning to campus, students, faculty, and staff, including those who are fully vaccinated, are expected to take the SHIELD Covid test on campus between January 4 and January 13 and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible within that timeframe.
- The fastest means for testing is through making an appointment prior to arriving at the testing center, although walk-ins will be able to test. Appointments should be scheduled through the SHIELD testing portal. Information about SHIELD testing and the SHIELD testing portal is available at this link. Students who are new to EIU or returning students who have not yet done so must set up a SHIELD portal profile. Information on setting up your SHIELD profile will be provided soon.
- If you are on or near campus the week of January 4-7, we recommend that you schedule your test during that time period, as the campus testing site will be especially busy during the week of January 10.
Re-Entry Testing Dates and Times
All testing is free and located at Court 5 of the Student Rec Center:
- Tuesday, January 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, January 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Monday, January 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 11 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, January 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Individuals should not return to campus if they have tested positive for COVID-19 until the IDPH-directed isolation period has concluded.
Please Note:
- All students who have tested positive or are unvaccinated individuals who have been directed by contract tracers to quarantine must complete the University’s Self-Disclosure form, which can be accessed by clicking here.
- For answers to anticipated FAQs and additional information on testing, vaccine and booster expectations, as well as COVID-19 weekly mandatory testing compliance, visit the EIU COVID Hub regularly at eiu.edu/covid. That site will continue to be updated with new information over the holiday break.
Enjoy your break, and please stay safe.
Sincerely,
David Glassman, President
Jay Gatrell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Anne Flaherty, Vice President for Student Affairs
Sean Reeder, Vice President for Business Affairs
Ken Wetstein, Vice President for University Advancement
An EIU COVID-19 Guide for New Students
Dec. 23, 2021
Hello and Welcome to our New EIU Panthers!
I hope you, your family, and your friends took time over the holidays to safely relax and recharge over the winter/holiday break. As we close the book on 2021, I’m excited to once again see our campus come alive with the energy and excitement of a fresh semester, and with new students. Spring 2022 looks to be productive and exciting as we continue to create the most meaningful opportunities possible for your success and growth. I know Eastern’s faculty and staff join me in extending their best wishes as we support each of you on your individual academic journeys. We look forward to your positive contributions to our classrooms, our campus, and our surrounding communities.
At Eastern Illinois University, we are all in for you. We are uniquely committed to creating lifelong personal connections that will support and guide you toward success at every point along the way—both as EIU students and as responsible global citizens. Please explore the many programs and resources EIU offers, and know you can always feel comfortable asking me or anyone else on campus your questions, share your concerns, or advance your ideas for making the Eastern Illinois University community an even better place to live and to learn.
EIU’s reputation for academic excellence is purposefully matched by its role as a thoughtful, responsible organization committed to public health and safety. While our returning students should already be familiar with these guidelines, our newest students may benefit from the information in this guidebook as we enter the Spring 2022 semester.
All students, faculty, staff, and guests are responsible for complying with the health and safety measures outlined in this Campus Guidebook. We will continue to utilize a science-based approach to ongoing COVID-19 mitigation that will provide our students with the most comprehensive EIU experience possible while working to safeguard the health and safety of our campus community. Along those lines, EIU is committed to following the best-practice guidelines for health and safety issued to us by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Public Health Department (IDPH), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and the Coles County Health Department (CCHD), or to support future guidelines issued to EIU by the State of Illinois or Federal Government aimed at abating the spread of COVID-19 and/or its evolving variants.
I am very excited to see you all on campus in Spring 2022, and I know each of you will do your part to support the well-being and safety of our entire EIU Family. I look forward to all we can accomplish together this semester!
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
EIU and Gov. Pritzker's Executive Order
Aug. 31, 2021
To our EIU Family –
Please read this important announcement.
Last Thursday, Governor Pritzker issued an Executive Order (EO) with new mandates for all universities and colleges across the state. The new EO specifically states that all personnel and students working at and/or attending Illinois colleges and universities need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 except when religious beliefs or health circumstances preclude vaccination. In addition, all students and employees who are not fully vaccinated or have not had their vaccination card verified by the university MUST be tested for COVID-19 at least once every week. There are no exemptions from the weekly testing unless you are fully vaccinated and have had your vaccination card verified by EIU. Your participation in the weekly testing will be monitored by EIU’s Covid Response Team.
Here’s what the most recent EO means for our EIU students and employees:
- The Executive Order and revised vaccination/testing policy at EIU becomes effective on September 5, 2021.
- If you are fully or partially vaccinated and have not uploaded or shared your vaccine status, do so immediately. Instructions for uploading or sharing your vaccination status are available here. Demonstrating proof of full vaccination is the only way to be excused from EIU and the State of Illinois’ mandatory weekly SHIELD testing. If you have not yet been vaccinated, please make plans to do so now.
- Employees and students who are fully vaccinated and have had their vaccination status verified by EIU do not need to participate in the mandatory Covid testing.
- Employees and students who are unvaccinated, not yet fully vaccinated, or who do not wish to disclose their vaccination status with EIU will be required to submit to the mandatory weekly (or more frequent) SHIELD testing*. In order to meet the expectations of the EO, students and employees who do not comply with mandated testing as required will be subject to disciplinary action.
*EIU’s Shield Testing employs the EO-recommended PRC saliva test
EIU’s Medical Clinic hosts a COVID vaccine clinic every Tuesday. Students and employees may call the Medical Clinic at 217-581-3013 to schedule an appointment. Those seeking the fully FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech or other EUA-approved vaccines on other days of the week are encouraged to do so by searching vaccines.gov, texting your ZIP code to 438829, or calling 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.
We understand that with this new Executive Order, additional questions are sure to arise. Please email covid19info@eiu.edu with your questions, and they will be addressed individually or through future updates as soon as possible.
Additional information will be forthcoming. Please continue to check your Panthermail and the EIU website for the latest updates.
Thank you,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
Details on EIU Vaccine Tracing and COVID-19 Surveillance Testing for Fall 2021
Aug. 3, 2021
Students and Employees,
As you’re aware from previous communications, Eastern Illinois University is implementing a secure, encrypted, private mechanism for effectively and efficiently verifying the COVID-19 vaccine statuses of its students and employees. As we approach the Fall 2021 semester, the University strongly encourages all on-campus students and employees to officially self-report their vaccination statuses with the University as soon as possible, regardless of current vaccination status. (This will assist EIU in creating an accurate testing pool. See 'EIU SHIELD Testing Details’ below.) You will also have the opportunity to later update your record, as appropriate.
There are two ways to self-report your COVID-19 vaccination status:
Submit Online
You can take advantage of EIU’s quick and easy online vaccine verification tool. If you have a completed CDC COVID-19 vaccination card you can take an electronic/digital image of the front and back of your card with your smartphone (preferred) or equivalent device. Log in to PAWS with your EIU credentials, select the MyHealth Tab, then select "COVID Vaccination Verification Form”. There, further directions for verifying your vaccination status will be provided. For assistance with the form, please contact the EIU ITS Help Desk at 217-581-HELP (4357).
Submit In Person
- If you are a student, you can bring your official CDC COVID-19 vaccination card to the EIU Medical Clinic to have your vaccine status recorded or updated.
- If you are an employee, you can bring your official CDC COVID-19 vaccination card to Human Resources to have your vaccine status recorded or updated.
If you do not disclose your vaccination status you will be required to participate in EIU’s mandatory, random SHIELD surveillance testing program.
I’ve Lost My Card … What Can I Do?
Contact the provider who administered the vaccine to receive updated documentation, or check with Contacts for Immunization Records | CDC. If you received your vaccine in Illinois, you can call (217) 785-1455 or visit I-CARE | IDPH (illinois.gov).
Student and Employee Privacy
Please know that your vaccination records will remain private information. Vaccine status updates will be managed exclusively through the Medical Clinic and Human Resources Department to honor personal privacy. EIU’s privacy statement on vaccine verification is available at go.eiu.edu/covidprivacy.
EIU SHIELD Testing Details for Those Who Are Unvaccinated or Have Chosen Not to Disclose Their Vaccination Status
The first week of EIU’s mandatory, randomized SHIELD surveillance testing begins Monday, August 23, 2021. To avoid being entered into the testing pool, the deadline for verifying your full vaccination status is Wednesday, August 18, 2021. If you are planning to get the vaccine or are in the process of becoming fully vaccinated (such as waiting for a second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or you are not yet a full two weeks out from your last or final vaccination shot), you will be required to participate in EIU’s randomized SHIELD testing program until you submit information of being fully vaccinated. Your vaccination status can be updated at any time through the PAWS MyHealth portal or in person at the appropriate locations listed above.
Testing Locations and Times
SHIELD testing at EIU is available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Court 5 of the Student Rec Center. SHIELD testing procedures are available here.
General
More information on EIU’s current COVID-19 masking policies can be found at go.eiu.edu/masking. Resources on EIU’s response to and management of COVID-19 on campus is available at eiu.edu/covid. More detailed information is also available on the following topics:
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
EIU Response to Updated CDC Guidelines on Indoor Masking
July 27, 2021
Students and Employees –
As part of EIU’s commitment to follow public health guidance and critical COVID-19 policy developments, EIU is sharing the following information and revising our current indoor masking policy.
Coles County is one of several Illinois counties identified today by the CDC and the IDPH as having a substantial rate of community transmission of COVID-19. As such, the CDC has shared interim public health recommendations for fully vaccinated people, including an update to indoor masking guidelines. The updated CDC and IDPH recommendations are that in Illinois counties of substantial or high transmission, fully vaccinated people should now wear masks in public indoor settings.
As a response to the CDC update, EIU is temporarily revising its institutional masking policy for students, employees, and campus guests. Effective Wednesday, July 28, 2021, all EIU students, employees, and campus guests – even those who are fully vaccinated – will be required to wear masks indoors in all buildings on campus. Exceptions to these revised masking requirements remain in place for students when in their individual Residence Hall or University Apartment rooms, as well as for employees in their private offices.
This update does not change EIU’s outdoor masking or physical distancing policies, including those policies already in place for unvaccinated individuals.
As always, EIU will provide additional updates when more information or further changes to EIU’s COVID guidelines are available. Please continue to check your Panthermail frequently for additional updates and information. In the interim, EIU continues to strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.
Details about EIU’s ongoing COVID response, resources, and public communications is available at https://www.eiu.edu/covid/.
Thank you.
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
Some FAQs Regarding the Fall 2021 Semester
July 13, 2021
Dear Panthers,
I hope you are all enjoying your summer. It won’t be long before we begin an incredible new academic year at EIU, and plans are all set for a safe, enjoyable learning and living community this fall.
I’ve recently received emails from a few of our new and returning students asking questions or seeking clarifications concerning my previous email about vaccinations. I thought it might be helpful to provide all EIU students with my responses.
1. What will EIU's student experience be like this Fall?
All students can expect a wonderful experience at EIU whether or not they are vaccinated. All students will be able to enjoy face-to-face, in-person classes and attend exciting and fun events and activities, including the return of Homecoming and countless other great Panther traditions.
2. What are the guidelines for vaccinated students?
If you are fully vaccinated — meaning it has been at least two weeks since your final COVID-19 vaccine dose — then you:
- Are not required to wear masks in most indoor and all outdoor locations.
- Masks will still be required for all students in classrooms (including labs and studios), the Student Medical Clinic, at the SHIELD COVID-testing site, and on the Panther Shuttle.
- Are not required to observe physical distancing protocols at University events.
- Physical distancing in classrooms will be determined by CDC and IBHE guidelines and remains subject to change.
- Can meet in person with other vaccinated individuals without masking or physical distancing.
- Will not be quarantined if contact-traced to someone who has tested positive (unless symptoms become present).
- Will not need to participate in EIU’s COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program.
3. What are the guidelines for unvaccinated students?
If you are either not vaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated, then you:
- Can still register for and attend face-to-face, in-person classes.
- Are required to wear a mask and maintain six-foot physical distancing in all indoor areas except in your personal on-campus Residence Hall/Greek Court room or University Apartment.
- This includes all classrooms (including labs and studios), the Student Medical Clinic, at the SHIELD COVID-testing site, and on the Panther Shuttle.
- Are not required to wear masks outdoors when physical distancing of at least six feet can be maintained.
- Will need to be quarantined if contact-traced to someone who has tested positive.
- Will participate in EIU’s COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program.
- Like last spring, EIU will use the noninvasive SHIELD saliva testing method.
4. What do I need to do for the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program if I am unvaccinated?
Participation in the EIU COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program for unvaccinated individuals is easy and quick. Each week, a random sample of unvaccinated students and employees will be selected for testing in the Student Rec Center. If selected for any given week, you will be alerted by a text or email message indicating when the testing is available to you that week. If you are notified, you will need to be tested. Testing is done by spitting a small amount of saliva into a tube, capping the tube and handing it over to a testing staff member. That’s all there is to it! You will be notified of your COVID test result in approximately 24 hours.
5. Why does EIU need to verify whether or not I’ve been vaccinated?
The purpose for validating your vaccination status is so EIU can develop the COVID testing list of unvaccinated students and employees participating in the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program. Later this month, all new and returning students will receive a message that will allow them to verify their vaccination or report that they are not vaccinated due to various factors such as medical, religious, or other.
6. What happens if I wait to get vaccinated until after classes start, or if I am not yet fully vaccinated?
It’s not a problem. EIU will have free vaccination clinics on campus beginning the week before classes. Of course if you wait to be vaccinated, you will need to follow university guidelines for unvaccinated students until two weeks after your first vaccination (if Johnson & Johnson vaccine) or second vaccination (if Moderna or Pfizer vaccine).
No matter what your situation is, we know you’re going to love your EIU experience. After all, we are ALL IN for you! See you soon and GO PANTHERS!!
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
Important Message for EIU Students, Faculty and Staff
July 1, 2021
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,
As EIU plans for an in-person Fall 2021 semester, we remain committed to protecting the health and wellness of our students, employees, guests, and community. To achieve that more traditional environment – complete with engaged and active in-person living, learning, student-athlete opportunities and athletic events, and social experiences for our students – EIU expects every student who plans on taking any in-person classes on campus to have received a full COVID-19 vaccination. This expectation also extends to all EIU faculty and staff members.
We do recognize some students and employees with health or other factors may not be candidates for the COVID-19 vaccine. This makes it all the more important that everyone in the EIU Family who can get vaccinated does so.
For students who are unable to be vaccinated, masks will be required in all indoor areas except in their on-campus Residence Hall/Greek Court room or University Apartment, and social distancing of six feet will continue to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors except inside their on-campus room or apartment. Employees unable to receive the vaccination are also required to wear masks indoors at all times except in their individual, private offices, or outdoors when they are unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others. Unvaccinated individuals also will need to participate in ongoing COVID surveillance testing. Details on EIU COVID testing are available below in this email.
The free and readily available COVID vaccines have been proven safe and effective. Anyone aged 12 or over who receives a COVID-19 vaccine is following the best-practice recommendations of our nation’s leading scientists and health organizations, as well as the guidance issued to Illinois residents by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Beyond the increased safety vaccines provide, vaccinated EIU students will enjoy a much more traditional semester. Vaccinated students won’t be required to wear masks in most indoor and all outdoor locations or observe social distancing protocols. Vaccinated students also will enjoy the benefit of meeting in person with their vaccinated peers in gatherings of any size for all campus extracurricular activities – RSO meetings, working out in the Rec Center, dining with friends, social events, pick-up sport games – the list goes on. All these activities can be enjoyed without any COVID-19 related restrictions. Moreover, vaccinated students and employees will not need to be quarantined if they are contact-traced to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 (unless they begin exhibiting symptoms).
We encourage you to research the COVID vaccines on your own using valid, authenticated sources. Information about the free vaccines – including their efficacy, safety, and where to receive them – is available via the CDC and at vaccines.gov. In addition to providing useful information, those official sites also address broad public misinformation about the vaccine, complete with up-to-date facts and figures. Data and research continue to demonstrate that COVID-19 vaccines play a critical role in ending the COVID-19 pandemic – including reducing the severity of symptoms for anyone who contracts COVID-19 or any of its evolving variants.
Finally, beginning this fall, EIU will be verifying the vaccination status of all its students and employees. More details on the method(s) Eastern will be using to authenticate vaccination statuses will be provided soon. All students who are taking at least one in-person class on campus and all employees (except those who have received an accommodation to work remotely due to documented health condition) who are unable to receive the vaccination will need to participate in EIU’s COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program. Like last spring, EIU will use the noninvasive SHIELD saliva testing method.
One last reminder: Because we can’t know everyone’s personal situation or circumstance, we continue to strongly encourage members of our campus community to treat each other with empathy and understanding. Individual students and employees may choose to mask and/or social distance even if vaccinated, and such safe practices should be respected and honored.
I hope everyone is having a terrific summer and looking forward to an awesome Fall 2021 semester.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Protecting our Panthers.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
SHIELD Testing Update
Feb. 1, 2021
We are writing to share some important updates regarding EIU’s ongoing COVID testing efforts:
Effective Monday, Feb. 8, EIU SHIELD testing hours will be the following:
- Mondays: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesdays: 9 a.m. to Noon
- Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to Noon
*Please note that the hours of EIU’s testing site differ from the hours listed on the registration site. Please do not register for a testing time when our site is not open.
A group of EIU students and employees will continue to be randomly selected for testing each week. These participants are asked to please test on their designated day.
If additional EIU students or employees would like to participate in SHIELD testing, they are welcome and encouraged to do so. The University is fortunate to have plenty of tests. To register for testing, please go to https://www.eiu.edu/apps/covid_shield/login.php.
EIU’s SHIELD testing location remains the same – Court 5 in the Student Recreation Center. Participants should enter the testing site via the doors on the northwest corner of the Student Recreation Center, closest to the large scoreboard on O’Brien Field.
Symptomatic Individuals
Students or employees demonstrating COVID symptoms should not be tested at the SHIELD testing site. Symptomatic students should contact the Medical Clinic at (217) 581-3013 to schedule an appointment for testing at the Clinic. Symptomatic employees should contact their physician for testing guidance.
Students
Each week, one student who participates in SHIELD testing is randomly selected to win either $25 Dining Dollars or a $25 gift card to the Union Bookstore.
Employees
EIU employees whose jobs don’t necessitate frequent computer use will be updated by their supervisors as to their SHIELD testing times. Those employees also can seek assistance from their supervisors to complete SHIELD testing activation and consent protocols.
Limited vaccine availability and evolving COVID mutations require the absolute commitment of all students and employees to continue adhering to EIU’s guidelines for mask compliance, physical distancing, and associated safeguarding practices. Please review EIU’s masking video here.
Please check your email frequently for updates and continue to refer to EIU’s COVID site for additional information.
Thank you for your commitment to protecting our EIU family.
David Glassman, President
Jay Gatrell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Anne Flaherty, Vice President for Student Affairs
Inauguration Day and Transition to Tier 1 Mitigation
Jan. 19, 2021
Dear EIU Family,
Tomorrow, the United States of America will honor one of the most sacred hallmarks of our democracy – a peaceful transition of power. We are keenly aware of the emotions and concerns that accompany tomorrow’s transition, especially in light of the horrific and unprecedented events that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6. Please be assured that Eastern’s leadership team, in collaboration with the University’s Demonstration Response Team, is closely monitoring campus and prepared to respond to any concerns that may arise. At EIU, we are a family ... a family that listens to one another, cares for one another, and supports one another. In that spirit, we invite all members of our campus community to join a virtual inauguration watch party hosted by the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism. The watch party will begin at 11 a.m. tomorrow. The registration form is available here. A Zoom link will be sent to all registered individuals tomorrow morning.
Effective yesterday, Illinois’ Region 6, which includes Coles County, transitioned from Tier 3 Mitigation to Tier 1 Mitigation. With this shift, we are able to modify selected COVID-related restrictions on campus based on state guidance. Effective immediately, residential dining centers and the Food Court will increase table capacity to 4 individuals. Effective Monday, January 25, the size of non-academic group meetings (RSO meetings, etc.) may increase to 25 individuals. Please note that these meetings still require advance approval through Campus Scheduling.
The following additional changes will take effect in Campus Recreation on Monday, Jan. 25:
- Reservations will no longer be required to work out in the Student Recreation Center (SRC). The SRC will be open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday noon – 9 p.m. A maximum of 20 people will be permitted in the weight room; 175 people will be permitted in open areas of the SRC.
- The adult fitness program will resume.
- Open swim will be available Monday through Friday 6:30-9 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday 2-5 p.m. Reservations will be required for lane usage and can be made by calling the SRC office at 581-2820. Drop-in swimmers will be permitted if open lanes are available.
- Esports reservations will be available through IM leagues.
- Group fitness classes will remain online through January 31. Changes to the schedule will be made and published for February.
Campus Recreation will require that masks be worn in all areas at all times. There will be no exceptions for classes, the adult fitness program, or cardio equipment.
While the state has revised Region 6 mitigation guidelines, all of EIU’s COVID-19 practices and policies, other than those specifically addressed above, remain in effect. To obtain the latest pandemic-related information, please visit EIU’s COVID Hub. The hub includes links to required COVID-related absence forms, the “Return to Campus Guidebook,” information regarding SHIELD Illinois testing, current dashboard data, and an abundance of additional information for all students and employees.
We wish everyone success and good health this semester. We are so very happy to be back together.
Jay Gatrell
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Anne Flaherty
Vice President for Student Affairs
Welcome to EIU 2021
Jan. 5, 2021
Dear Students,
Welcome back to campus in just one week!
Please accept my early welcome to EIU’s Spring 2021 semester! I am extremely excited to embrace the new year, and to celebrate the hopes and dreams that the new year represents. I trust you are excited as well to be back on campus, and I look forward to starting the spring semester next Monday, January 11.
As we indicated to you in the fall, EIU’s campus will once again greet its students this spring with a strategic mix of in-person, hybrid, and online classes. The same protocols and precautions guiding our fall semester also will be in place this spring. A full list of EIU’s COVID resources remains available at www.eiu.edu/covid.
Continuing our safe approach to on-campus learning, EIU will once again offer COVID testing free of charge Tuesday, January 12. Pre-registration is encouraged at go.eiu.edu/IDPHMobileReg. You are also strongly encouraged to get tested before returning to Charleston and to EIU’s campus.
I am so proud of your enduring perseverance. An EIU education affords our students a quality education, but equally important is the opportunity EIU gives you to overcome unique challenges – in your classrooms, in your personal and professional relationships, and in the broader world we share together.
Last year presented us all with unique challenges. But as students of EIU, your response to those challenges has been prompt and precise. I couldn’t be more proud of your response, or more proud of the drive and determination that continue to empower your academic goals.
I wish for your brightest future, another fantastic academic semester at EIU this spring, and the optimism and ambition that 2021 will offer us all.
With anticipation and enthusiasm,
David Glassman
President
Eastern Illinois University
Well Wishes For a Strong Finish to Our Fall 2020 Semester
Dec. 1, 2020
Welcome back! We hope the extended Thanksgiving holiday break has given you some well-deserved rest and relaxation, and helped you transition smoothly into the final three weeks of the semester with a rekindled focus and a renewed sense of hope, opportunity, and normalcy for what the upcoming new year seems poised to eventually provide.
While the last few weeks of any semester can be challenging, this semester has been distinctively difficult. Even so, we couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve navigated such unique circumstances. You have our best wishes and unwavering support as we head into winter and ready ourselves for finals week December 14-18.
EIU has partnered with the Illinois Department of Public Health to offer additional COVID-19 testing from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2. Testing will take place at the Lantz Fieldhouse and there will be walk-up and drive-thru options. There will be no out-of-pocket cost for students or EIU employees for this testing. We strongly encourage you to plan to attend. Your participation in Wednesday’s testing will be critical to keeping our campus community safe for students who have chosen to return to campus.
An additional round of testing will be available Tuesday, Dec. 15. This end-of-semester testing will allow you to once again be tested without any out-of-pocket cost to help protect the families and friends you may be returning to for the holidays.
Despite the strange circumstances surrounding us the past year, we have so much to be thankful for. We would like to extend our appreciation to every EIU student and employee for your countless contributions to our classrooms, our campus, and our community. You embody what it means to be a member of our EIU Family.
And finally, let this message also serve as a gentle reminder that EIU’s vast framework of support services is available should you need additional assistance these last few weeks. Every single EIU employee understands the important role we play in helping our students succeed. Please know that any additional support we can provide as faculty, staff, or administrators is simply a conversation away.
With gratitude and optimism for the approaching new year, and with growing excitement to seeing our students back on campus in Spring 2021,
David Glassman
President
Anne Flaherty
Vice President for Student Affairs
Jay Gatrell
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Fall 2020 Academic Affairs Update - Credit/No Credit Grade Option
Nov. 16, 2020
Dear Students,
As we prepare to end the semester strong and return for an outstanding Spring 2021 semester, the University recognizes that in some cases students may need additional course grade options for the Fall 2020 semester. Indeed, the COVID-19 crisis itself has not only prompted academic challenges, but also has changed everyday life for students and faculty alike. To respond to these significant disruptions and the transition from face-to-face to remote learning, undergraduate students may petition the Registrar to change grade type in self-selected courses.
In terms of the administrative relief available to undergraduate students, a broad overview of the grade options changes is presented below:
- Students can petition to change course grade types from a grade of “C” or “B” or “A” to “Credit,” or CR. Individuals with grades of “D” or “F” can request a “No Credit,” or NC. Students are strongly encouraged to consult their academic advisor prior to making a decision on how to proceed. To submit a request please visit: https://www.eiu.edu/registra/credit/login.php. The deadline for the submitting a request is Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020. Please note, the request must be made prior to finals and this process is different form Spring 2020. For that reason, students must submit the online form by 12/8/2020.
- There is no limit on the number of Fall 2020 courses a student can convert to credit/no credit grading.
- COVID-era CR/NC options are exceptions to the Undergraduate Catalog and can be applied to meet overall degree, major, and general education requirements.
- As indicated above, all students are strongly required to consult their academic advisors prior to submitting requests. To learn more about the CR / NC process and the implications of choosing this option, please view this short video from Director of Advising, Dr. Tyler Phelps.
In addition to the information above, I, along with the Registrar, Mr. Brad Bennington, will also review the official Fall 2020 academic standing to minimize the overall impact of the COVID-era. Likewise, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management ensures all students that merit-based scholarships will not be negatively impacted as a result of a student selecting the CR/NC option.
In closing, I wish you well and all the best as you finish the semester.
Sincerely,
Jay D. Gatrell, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Important Information For All EIU Students For After Thanksgiving
Nov. 16, 2020
To all our students –
Please read the entire message for important information.
Eastern Illinois University will transition to online-only learning for all classes following the Thanksgiving holiday break and for the remainder of the Fall semester, including finals. Please know the decision to transition to online-only learning is out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to do our part to reduce the rising levels of Covid-19 transmission throughout the State.
While the mode of instruction will change during this short period of time, the University’s Residence Halls and Apartments, Dining Centers, Booth Library, the Union, and all student support offices will remain open under CDC, IDPH and EIU guidelines. As such, no refunds will be given for tuition, fees, housing or dining. On-campus student employment will also remain available.
We realize some students may opt to finish the semester from home, choosing not to return to campus until the Spring 2021 semester. Alternatively, some students may want or need to return to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday, and they are welcome to do so. We are committed to keeping campus open and safe for those students.
Whether you choose to stay at home for the last two weeks of classes and finals week, or choose to come back to campus after Thanksgiving for the remainder of the semester, we strongly encourage all EIU students to strictly adhere to the IDPH and the CDC’s recommendations of limiting travel and gatherings during the holiday season as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations across the State and throughout the nation surge.
- Students who do not choose to return to campus after Thanksgiving break will be required to mail their textbooks back to campus by Friday, December 18 to avoid late charges. This is necessary for us to redistribute the books on time for the start of the spring semester. More information will follow.
- Students who do choose to return to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday break and plan to live in their residence hall rooms for the remainder of the Fall semester should let the University Housing Office know that they are planning to do so by using this link: https://go.eiu.edu/HousingSurvey.
- As a precautionary measure, ALL STUDENTS should plan to take any materials home with them they would need to complete the Fall 2020 semester remotely. This includes personal computers, laptops, books, and any necessary notes, personal items, or important medications.
As indicated, this decision to transition to online-only learning impacts the remainder of the fall semester only.
COVID TESTING on Tuesday, November 17: EIU, in partnership with IDPH, will host another voluntary COVID-19 testing event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17. There is no out-of-pocket cost to EIU students and employees. The non-invasive nasal swab testing will be available via walk-up and drive-through. Additional details are available on EIU’s COVID testing page.
- Any EIU students who receive a positive test result from EIU’s November 17 testing should follow all instructions provided by the IDPH or local county health department when contacted by the agency.
INFORMATION FOR SPRING SEMESTER: All students will be back on campus for the spring semester. Classes will begin as regularly scheduled on Monday, January 11. The traditional Spring Break Week has been canceled and substituted with five non-instructional personal wellness days. These five days will be scheduled approximately every three weeks over the course of the semester and no required academic activity will occur. These dates will be shared with the campus community as soon as possible to facilitate academic planning for the spring semester.
More information will be available soon. Please continue to check your Panthermail and visit EIU’s COVID website for additional updates – including any new information on our processes for returning to campus for the Spring 2021 semester.
As always, I thank you all for your resilience, patience, and strength. EIU’s reputation for success rests heavily with you – our students – and your commitments to keeping one another safe and healthy. Enjoy the upcoming break, as well as the approaching holidays, and please remain safe.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President
Oct. 30, 2020
Students and Employees,
Earlier today, the State of Illinois announced Region 6 – EIU’s Region – will join other Regions across the State in Tier 1 COVID-19 mitigation.
Although universities are excluded from the mitigation order, Eastern Illinois University will act responsibly in the Region’s enhanced fight against further spread of the virus by initiating protocols to reduce risk to students, staff, faculty, and our community.
EIU’s existing health and safety guidelines have helped to make campus as safe as possible for our students and employees. For that reason, EIU will continue to follow its existing academic calendar, and classes will continue to meet as scheduled on campus. The modality of instruction for course sections remains unchanged for all modes including face-to-face, hybrid, and online course delivery. All university offices will remain fully staffed to support our students' collective success. Student workers will continue their work but should contact their direct supervisors to discuss any case-by-case adjustments.
Although Region 6 Tier 1 mitigation will officially go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2., we encourage all EIU students to immediately begin following EIU’s mitigation protocols. These mitigation protocols will result in reduced campus activities for a period of at least 14 days. As a result, many events and community programs will need to be revised, suspended, or cancelled based on EIU’s mitigation protocols, which include:
- Students should not socialize in any group larger than 10 individuals, and all must be wearing masks and social distancing. Students are strongly encouraged to avoid off-campus public spaces as much as possible.
- Campus dining centers will be limited to “grab and go” meals, including the food court in the MLK, Jr. Student Union.
- Indoor and outdoor EIU-sponsored group activities and events will be limited to the lesser of 25 percent of normal venue capacity or a maximum of 25 appropriately distanced individuals. Masking and social distancing will be strictly enforced.
- Use of the Rec Center by students and staff will be limited to 25 percent of capacity. Adult fitness programming at the Rec Center will be suspended until Coles County is no longer in mitigation. More specific information on Rec Center limitations will be made available at www.eiu.edu/covid.
- Other items may be added to this list as appropriate.
- University Athletics events are excepted by the mitigation order. Any modifications to EIU Athletics events will be shared when available.
- For the latest EIU COVID-19 updates, visit www.eiu.edu/covid.
Additionally, voting and related election activities are excluded from Tier 1 guidance and limitations. As such, please know that you are able to visit your polling place on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Students are advised to limit off-campus travel to necessary travel only. Students should avoid socializing in groups of more than ten individuals. In short, when students are not in class, limit your travel off-campus, observe social distancing, continue to observe all mask requirements, and avoid groups of more than ten. Employees are strongly encouraged to follow similar guidelines when off campus.
These protocols are critical to combatting the virus and reducing risk to campus and the community. As indicated above, campus remains open, the residence halls remain open, and campus-based instruction continues. Stay safe Panthers, and please continue to look out for one another.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President
Eastern Illinois University
Oct. 8, 2020
Eastern Illinois University is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Coles County Health Department to offer a COVID testing and flu shot clinic for students, faculty, staff, annuitants and the local community from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, October 14. COVID testing and flu shot administration will be offered at no cost.
The testing/vaccine clinic will take place in Eastern Illinois University's W Lot near the corner of Fourth Street and Roosevelt Drive, just west of Lawson Hall. Drive-thru and walk-up options will be available. Vehicles will be directed to enter the site via Terrace Lane, south of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Anyone who is notified of a positive COVID-19 test result or deemed to be a contact of someone who tests positive for COVID-19 will be expected to follow the directive of the medical provider or public health official who contacts them.
WHAT TO BRING:
- *EIU Students:
Bring your Panther Card and provide your LOCAL (school) address to the testing staff.
- *EIU employees and annuitants:
Bring your Panther Card and insurance card if you have one.
- Community Members:
Bring a photo ID and your insurance card, if you have one.
*Travel Considerations After Testing
Students or employees who plan to travel away from Charleston after testing are strongly advised to take all personal and academic materials (e.g. medication, textbooks, computer, etc.) that would be needed to isolate or quarantine in that location. In most cases, individuals will not be permitted to return to Charleston until the end of their isolation/quarantine period. This guidance holds true at all times, but it is especially critical to remember with Fall Break beginning Friday, October 16.
All attendees/participants must adhere to EIU’s masking guidelines and are expected to appropriately wear clean cloth or disposable face masks while on campus. Please bring your own masks, as they will not be be provided.
Other EIU Health and Wellness Resources:
Sept. 24, 2020
Dear Students,
Our message today is a short but important one.
In each of the past three weeks, the number of positive COVID cases amongst EIU students has continued to increase.
This is a concerning trend, and frankly – one that needs to end.
We’ve all been gifted with the opportunity to share an in-person Eastern experience. And I know we all miss the large on- and off-campus social activities, but unless we are able to halt and reverse this trend of increasing cases, we risk losing that gift.
Today – five weeks into our fall semester – we find ourselves at a critical crossroads, and we must decide our ultimate direction together.
Thankfully, the science continues to guide us toward the safest, steadiest course.
Following EIU’s health and safety guidelines daily and without fault – both on and off campus and at all times – is the simplest and most conclusive way to protect the opportunity we’ve been given.
- Wear your mask correctly and at all times when in any shared academic or public space.
- Distance yourself from others physically – stay a minimum of six feet apart, or more if possible.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, cough into the crook of your elbow, and sanitize your living spaces regularly.
- And monitor yourselves daily for symptoms, strictly avoid others when feeling sick, utilize available medical services for testing, and follow all instructions if you are contacted by a contact tracer for having been exposed.
Let us be absolutely clear. Now is our chance. We cannot afford to waste tomorrow’s opportunities by taking avoidable shortcuts today.
Following EIU’s simple and straightforward health and safety guidelines is the best way to confirm your commitments to yourself, your fellow Panthers, and to remaining on campus together this semester.
Remember it’s on each of us to take the appropriate actions to slow the spread of the virus.
Thank you, and please stay safe.
David M. Glassman,
President
Anne G. Flaherty,
Vice President for Student Affairs
Joseph R. Baumgart,
Medical Director
Sheila R. Simons,
Professor, Department of Public Health/Lead COVID-19 Investigator
Sept. 14, 2020
Dear Students,
Just before Labor Day Weekend, we wrote to you regarding the gift that every single member of our EIU family must be ALL IN to protect – the opportunity to learn together, in person, on our campus. We emphasized that this gift must not be taken for granted.
To the majority of our students who are demonstrating their comprehensive commitment to protecting themselves and their fellow Panthers by always wearing masks, maintaining 6 feet of distance from others, frequently washing hands, avoiding social gatherings, and communicating with Eastern’s contact tracing team openly and promptly – we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please remain steadfast in your commitments.
To those discounting their role in reducing the spread of COVID-19 amongst our campus community, we implore you to commit to EIU’s health and safety guidelines now. Last week (September 6 to September 12), 34 EIU students living in Coles County tested positive for COVID-19, raising EIU’s cumulative number of positive student cases to 154. This increase in cases is deeply concerning, and largely preventable simply by following prevailing guidelines. To continue sharing our gift of in-person education, we must be ultra-vigilant in protecting ourselves and our fellow Panthers – today, tomorrow, and in the foreseeable future. The policies we have developed for safety and wellness must be strictly followed in every public setting and must extend beyond our campus and at all hours of the day.
When we discuss measures to reduce the spread of COVID, we inevitably talk about avoiding social gatherings. Such advice is both important and necessary. That said, please know that our hope for each of you includes finding safe, positive ways to immerse yourself in student life, make new friends, engage in registered student organizations, and make a difference in the local community. To that end, faculty and staff across campus are working diligently to create safe, educational, enjoyable opportunities for you. Latino Heritage Month kicks off on Thursday, September 17, with Caribbean Zumba. This year’s Latino Heritage Month theme is Unidos somos más fuertes / United We Are Stronger; the complete schedule of events is available on the website of the Office of Inclusion and Academic Engagement. The Fall 2020 Student Involvement Fair will be held virtually from 4 to 7 p.m. next Monday, September 21. This fair will offer opportunities to connect with EIU’s 175+ registered student organizations. Registration information will be sent to all students via email this week.
The Office of Student Life and the Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism are also sponsoring the following activities over the next four weekends:
Saturday, September 19 (8:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): Adventures at Aikman Wildlife (Arcola, Illinois)
Aikman Wildlife is the only drive-thru wildlife preserve in Illinois, and they need our help. The Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteerism will take a bus with capacity for 12 students to paint fences, help with landscaping for new animal habitats, and clean up the playground for visitors … all under the watchful eye of kangaroos and peacocks. Please register for this unique way to make a difference.
Saturday, September 26 (2 to 4:30 p.m.): Adventure EIU!
Teams of 4 will solve clues, take selfies, complete challenges, and collect medallions around campus. All finishers will earn a t-shirt and a commemorative medallion. Teams of 4 may register together, and individuals may register as free agents to be assigned to a team. Please register by Monday, September 21 to be guaranteed your preferred t-shirt size.
Week of September 28 – October 4: EIU Homecoming
Although Homecoming will certainly look different this year than in years past, this week will still be filled with events that honor EIU’s 125th anniversary and build excitement for the future. Activities will be posted to the official Homecoming 2020 website.
Saturday, October 10 (1 to 4 p.m.): Virtual Womxn Up Conference
The virtual Womxn Up Conference will feature an opening keynote speaker, two breakout sessions (session options include Fueling the Female Body, Intersectionality, Womxn’s Health, The Impact of Negative Self Talk, Womxn of Color, and a Leadership Panel), and a closing keynote speaker—Dr. Carole Collins Ayanlaja—who will discuss the power of feminist leadership. Registration is free.
To remain together … to continue to share opportunities to learn together, both inside and outside the classroom … we must do all we can to safeguard our health and the health of others. Students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms are urged to call EIU’s Medical Clinic at 217-581-3013 to schedule an appointment for testing. Your commitment to daily self-assessment, coupled with Eastern’s contact tracing team led by Dr. Sheila Simons, is at the very heart of our preventive efforts. If you are contacted by a contact tracer, please remember the following:
- Respond promptly. Time is of the essence in contact tracing.
- Be thorough and honest about everyone with whom you had contact. Doing so protects the health of those individuals, as well as the health of our broader community.
Please know that your swift cooperation is deeply appreciated.
Our belief in you and in each other remains steadfast. By working together, we can slow the spread of COVID in our community. By working together, we can remain together.
We are ALL IN for you and with you,
David M. Glassman,
President
Anne G. Flaherty,
Vice President for Student Affairs
Joseph R. Baumgart,
Medical Director
Sheila R. Simons,
Professor, Department of Public Health/Lead COVID-19 Investigator
Sept. 4, 2020
Dear Students,
The first two weeks of the Fall 2020 semester have been unlike the start of any other school year in EIU’s history. Still, one piece — and considerably the most important — remains unchanged. We are here together. We are masked. We are six feet apart. We are using more hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes than seemed possible only six short months ago. But we stand, united, in Protecting our Panthers.
We recognize that this opportunity to learn and grow together, in person, is a gift. It is a gift we must not allow ourselves to take for granted, and it is a gift that every one of us must be committed to fighting for, and defending.
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting others – our fellow Panthers, as well as our friends and family in other communities. Whether you stay in Charleston or travel this weekend, it is of utmost importance that you continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines with which you have become so familiar:
- Avoid social gatherings.
- Always wear a mask covering both your mouth and your nose.
- Maintain 6 feet of distance from others.
- Frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds of more, and use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available.
If you begin to experience COVID-19 symptoms while traveling this weekend, please do not return to campus. Separate yourself from others, contact your medical provider, and follow their direction. Notify EIU’s Medical Clinic of your situation via email (health@eiu.edu) so the university also can take actionable and appropriate protective measures.
EIU’s contact tracing team is working tirelessly under the direction of Dr. Sheila Simons (Professor, Department of Public Health) to notify members of our campus community who have been exposed to COVID-19. This team is working around the clock every day of the week, including the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Students are expected to cooperate and comply with the requests of the contact tracers in a timely manner. Students who refuse to do so will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Support and may receive an interim suspension and/or campus ban.
To maintain the gift we have been given—the opportunity to learn in person, together—every one of us must recommit to each other daily by continuing to follow EIU’s COVID-19 guidelines. We must follow the directives of medical professionals and contact tracers. We must do all that we can to protect each other and our opportunity to be together.
We are ALL IN for you and with you,
David M. Glassman,
President
Anne G. Flaherty,
Vice President for Student Affairs
Joseph R. Baumgart,
Medical Director
Sheila R. Simons,
Professor, Department of Public Health
Protect Our Panthers from Eastern Illinois University on Vimeo.
PROTECT OUR PANTHERS!
Aug. 8, 2020
Fellow Panthers,
We are excited to welcome you to EIU! We’ve worked diligently over the summer to implement best-practice strategies that will help safeguard our Eastern community while providing an excellent educational opportunity and innovative and exciting array of activities and events. You will have a myriad of activities to do.
We all realize Fall semester will look and feel different this year with all the safety measures implemented and courses being taught in a mix of in-person, online, and hybrid classes. In order for EIU to have a successful semester, each and every student will be required to follow all of the rules and policies we have put in place to protect you and others on campus as well as off campus in our Charleston community. PROTECT OUR PANTHERS! Wearing face masks, maintaining social distancing on and off campus, and avoiding all large social gatherings off campus are the best means for a safe and healthy semester. This applies to everyone – students, faculty and staff.
All are required to follow the practices outlined in our recently updated Return-to-Campus Guidebook. Updates in the Guidebook include new information on EIU’s masking policy (pdf p. 11), information on quarantine and isolation (pdf p. 12), COVID testing dates (pdf p.12), and EIU’s tuition and fees policy (pdf p. 16).
If you haven’t yet done so, we encourage you to take a COVID-19 test before coming to campus. Quarantining before you come to campus is the best way to make sure you won’t miss any Prowl Week activities and classes. If you do need to quarantine and will be living in University Housing, please notify Housing that your move-in might be delayed.
For both our new and returning students, COVID-19 testing will be offered on the South Quad - one time free of charge. We’ve reserved Wednesday and Thursday, August 19 and 20 for new students and Wednesday and Thursday, August 26 and 27 for returning students. Testing hours on those days will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the first hour (10 to 11 a.m.) of each day reserved for those in high-risk or immunocompromised categories. Please continue to check EIU’s Return-to-Campus website at www.eiu.edu/covid for updated information and answers to your frequently asked questions.
Much like in the spring and over summer, new information and science will continue to shape our knowledge and response to COVID-19. This includes the possibility of moving to remote learning should that become required by State or federal guidelines or necessary due to local conditions of the COVID-19 virus. Until such time that a vaccine is available to the public, we must recommit ourselves daily to keeping each other safe.
We all want to remain on campus and to celebrate a shared EIU experience. Since there is always a possible risk of infection during a pandemic, it is imperative ALL PANTHERS work together to reduce the risk and preserve the health and safety of our fellow students, EIU employees, friends and families, and members of Coles County and our surrounding communities. Whether we’re on or off campus, following the best-practice safety guidelines issued to us by the appropriate federal and State authorities allows us all to take pride in our collective resolve to keeping our EIU and Charleston communities safe. This includes complying with all directives from University and county/State health officials, including but not limited to contact tracing and isolating/quarantining. I thank each of you in advance for your deepest dedication in that regard.
PROTECT OUR PANTHERS!
Have a wonderful and safe August, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
Panthers' Return: A Campus Guidebook to Returning to EIU this Fall
July 17, 2020
To our students, faculty, and staff,
Since announcing our intent to have students return this fall, Eastern Illinois University has been working diligently to prepare for a responsible and safe transition into the 2020-21 academic year, with the health and well-being of our students, our employees, and our community remaining EIU’s ultimate priority.
Over the past several weeks, teams, committees, and individuals from across the University have demonstrated exceptional collaboration in preparing EIU for the critical task of a safe return. An extraordinary university effort requires extraordinary people, and EIU is fortunate to have so many in its enterprise. I thank them all for their enduring commitment and dedication to safety and to student success.
Earlier, EIU announced the creation and development of a Campus Guidebook that would share additional details about our safe return to campus. I am pleased to say the Guidebook is now available and can be accessed at go.eiu.edu/panthersreturn. You will notice that the Guidebook is primarily directed towards our students, although we believe it will be of interest and informative to our entire EIU community. Faculty and staff will receive additional information and guidelines specific to their employment positions.
Within the Campus Guidebook, you’ll find a variety of useful information about what the University has done, is doing, and will continue to do to mitigate viral infections on campus by following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the State’s Restore Illinois Plan, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE). The Guidebook also outlines the health and safety measures that will be expected to be adhered to by the entire university community – its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.
The Guidebook serves as a broad overview of our efforts, expectations, and guiding principles for the new academic year. It likely will not answer every question our students, employees, or community members may have. Additional questions, comments, and concerns can be sent to covid19info@eiu.edu, where we’ll work to address them individually, or provide more details in future announcements or on our COVID-19 website.
As you are all aware, the fall and spring semesters at EIU will look quite different than what any of us are used to. However, a fervent commitment to the rules and strategies outlined in this Campus Guidebook is our best approach to having a successful, healthy, safe, and productive academic year. Let’s all do our part to protect the health and safety of our entire Panther community.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President,
on behalf of the University’s Administrative Team
July 13, 2020
Per Clery Act and Department of Education rquirements, an Alert EIU communication was shared with members of the EIU campus community providing notification of a confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus. This communication fulfills those requirements.
Addendum: As soon as EIU was notified of the positive diagnosis, the University began its rapid response protocol. The person was appropriately isolated/quarantined per EIU’s COVID response guidelines, and the University and Coles County Health Department (CCHD) worked immediately to identify and contact others who may have had close contact with that person. EIU is currently engaged in outreach protocol to provide an ongoing assessment of the person’s health and safety.
To All Members of the University Community,
EIU administrators have learned that an individual living on campus tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first laboratory positive test of a member of the EIU campus community living or working on campus. The individual was tested on Saturday, 7-11-20, after being on campus earlier that day, and quarantined by Sunday evening, after test results were available. Privacy rights prevent us from providing more specific information. The Coles County Health Department is actively identifying all close contacts of the individual with COVID-19 (within 48 hours of being notified). “Close contacts” has a specific health meaning in this context, and the Health Department is providing each contact with the necessary quarantine instructions. Please know if you are not contacted, no action is required at this time.
While this is the first laboratory-confirmed case on campus at Eastern, Coles County continues to see a small number of laboratory-confirmed positive cases in the general population. We would like to remind everyone that we all have a role in slowing the spread of COVID-19. We ask that you do your part. To help control the spread of COVID-19, please continue to follow the masking and social distancing policies, wash your hands frequently and observe guidelines issued by the CDC, the Governor’s Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
Anyone who feels sick should stay home and seek medical advice. Students are encouraged to contact the EIU Health and Counseling Medical Clinic by first calling ahead (217/581-3013) between 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 – 4:30 pm, Monday – Thursday, and 8 a.m. -12 p.m. on Friday. Staff and faculty are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center emergency room at 217/258-2551. Medical professionals are best suited to recommend whether further action is needed.
At Eastern Illinois University, the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the Charleston community is our primary concern. We continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and state and local health departments. Ongoing updates regarding EIU’s actions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be posted on the University’s COVID-19 website: https://www.eiu.edu/covid.
Plans to Return for Fall 2020
June 25, 2020
Dear Students, faculty and staff –
Eastern Illinois University has been hard at work planning for on-campus educational activities to resume this fall, relying on guidelines issued by the CDC, the Governor’s Office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the Illinois Board of Higher Education. That decision assumes Illinois will remain in Phase 4 of the State’s “Restore Illinois” plan, allowing universities to offer face-to-face learning provided they follow best-practice safety and health strategies issued by those entities.
Above all, our goal is to unite EIU’s reputation for academic excellence with its role as a thoughtful, responsible organization committed to public health and safety. As such, a variety of internal teams have been working diligently to create a science-based approach to providing our students with the most comprehensive EIU experience possible while taking necessary steps in protecting the safety and health of our campus community.
Until holistic prevention and treatment methods are in place, including a vaccine, our collective risk as a university and as a global society remains heightened. That’s why, as we enter into the fall, everyone (students, faculty, staff and guests) will be responsible for complying with EIU’s health and safety measures.
Below is a summary of those measures: (read more)
General Safety
- Students and employees will receive training on COVID-related safety measures.
- Appropriately worn face and mouth coverings will be mandatory across campus and in classrooms. Exceptions exist and include residence hall rooms, some employee offices, outside on the campus grounds in the evening and weekends in which social distancing of 6-feet or more can be maintained, and others. Details are forthcoming.
- The university will provide one cloth mask to all students. Students should consider bringing additional cloth masks to reduce the need for daily washing of their university-issued mask.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available in common and high-traffic areas.
- High-touch surfaces such as door handles will be cleaned/disinfected regularly.
- Traditional flu shots will be strongly encouraged for all students and employees.
Instruction
- A mixture of in-person and remote instruction will provide physical distancing to inhibit virus spread.
- Courses and classroom schedules will be adjusted to create physical distancing and safer traffic flow.
- Accommodations will be made where possible for vulnerable and at-risk groups, and for students unable to be on campus due to travel restrictions or other considerations.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes will be available in active classrooms via sanitation stations, and active classrooms will be cleaned/disinfected daily.
- Appropriately worn face and mouth coverings will be mandatory in all classrooms.
- Academic research will continue following appropriate safety and health guidelines.
University Housing and Dining
- EIU will offer all students living in residence halls single-room occupancy.
- Students living in residence halls will be required to wear appropriate face and mouth coverings at all times except when they are alone in their room.
- Outside visitors will not be allowed in residence halls.
- Quarantine areas will be created to accommodate students who test positive for COVID-19 or display symptoms who are not able to return home at that time.
- Dining Centers will provide meals for carryout with limited in-person dining and physical distancing.
- Common areas will be cleaned/disinfected regularly, and hand sanitizer will be available.
- Use of these common areas will follow State guidelines and physical distancing will be observed.
Campus life
- The size of gatherings will be based on standards under the State reopening guidelines in force this fall and beyond.
- Use of auxiliary facilities like the Rec. Center will be limited to preserve personal safety.
Employees
- Most faculty and staff will continue a phased-in return to work that began in June and will be completed by mid-July.
- Vulnerable employees and those with family-related considerations may be eligible for work-from-home consideration.
- Work areas will be cleaned/disinfected regularly and hand sanitizer will be provided.
- Appropriately worn face and mouth coverings will be mandatory in publicly shared spaces.
- All employees will be told to stay home if they are not feeling well and will be sent home if they begin to exhibit symptoms.
Testing and Notification
- COVID-19 testing will be available on-campus for all employees and students on specified dates in August. Although the testing is voluntary, it is highly encouraged that the entire university community be tested. Details are forthcoming.
- In coordination with its partner organizations and local public health entities, EIU and EIU’s Health and Counseling Services will assist in monitoring, tracking and tracing positive cases identified on campus as needed to notify individuals at risk for infection and mitigate spread.
- Local public health departments will be provided test results based on required local, state and federal regulations.
Part of our successful response is to remain flexible in our approach as information emerges or changes, and to respond accordingly. External authorities may force further modifications that could alter current plans. Further, our employees and our students must understand their collective obligation to keeping our Eastern and Charleston communities safe, and return ready to comply with EIU’s COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
Very soon, EIU will release a formal Campus Guidebook outlining our plans for a successful return to campus this fall. Please continue to check the EIU website and your Panthermail accounts for the latest information, and I hope that you are all staying safe.
We’re preparing for a great year. I am very excited to seeing you on campus this August.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President
Reducing Employee Risk for COVID-19 in the Workplace
June 10, 2020
Dear EIU Employees,
The university has begun the process for non-instructional employees to return to on-campus work in preparation for reopening our university as a residential campus in the Fall. (The specific details of EIU’s return-to-campus work plans are available in a May 29 email available on this page.)
This week, most supervisors, directors and unit heads have come back to campus. Over the next few weeks, all non-instructional employees will return except for those who have applied for and received an accommodation by the Office of Human Resources to continue to work remotely. (read more)
The linked document is a short summary of EIU guidelines to promote health and safety on campus. It includes information on COVID-19 symptom monitoring and reducing the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace through wearing masks or full-face shields, social distancing, hand hygiene, and sanitizing procedures. This information will be reviewed with employees by their supervisors as they return to campus. These strategies are guided by several sources — including the State’s Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Public Health, CDC, and the Coles County Public Health Department — with everyone’s health and safety at the forefront of our planning.
Thank you all so much for your contributions to our campus in what has been a challenging spring. Your resiliency in these unprecedented times is intensely appreciated, and a true indicator of our commitments to each other and to our extended EIU Family. As always, we continue to encourage you to visit the EIU website and continue to check your emails frequently for the most up-to-date information on EIU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, on behalf of the University’s Administrative Team
Eric Davidson
Interim Director, Health and Counseling Services
Linda Holloway
Interim Director of Human Resources
Summer 2020 Credit/No Credit (C/NC) Option Update
June 8, 2020
To support student success and provide targeted relief, a modified C/NC option for Summer 2020 is now available to undergraduate students with appropriate approvals and application by August 1, 2020. Please note, this process and the form varies from the earlier Spring 2020 accommodation. The Summer 2020 C/NC option seeks to support all of our students who have been impacted by COVID-19, recent unrest, economic challenges, and other issues that have rapidly changed everyday life across the state, nation, and world.
The general process is outlined below: (read more)
- An instructor or advisor concerned about an undergraduate student's academic performance recommends to the student that they might pursue a CR/NC option. Alternatively, the student may initiate this conversation with the instructor.
- Student consults their academic advisor on the CR/NC option for Summer 2020
- No later than August 1, the student petitions to change course grade types from a grade of "C" or "B" to "Credit," or CR. Individuals with grades of "D" or "F" can request a "No Credit," or NC.
- The electronic form is routed for review to the faculty, department chair, and the Registrar.
- As in the spring, the C/NC grades for Summer 2020 will not be applied to the maximum of 12 credits permitted pursuant to the catalog.
To make request, please visit: https://www.eiu.edu/acaffair/machform/view.php?id=14504
Jay Gatrell
Provost
Masking and Return To Work
May 29, 2020
Dear EIU Employees,
EIU has always been an institution known for its friendliness and sense of family. We all love our university and respect and care for each other. We’ve demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges in the past and are doing so once again during the COVID-19 health crisis. Our ability to meet these challenges has always come from working as a team in a collaborative spirit of unity. This pandemic is no different and EIU will once again be successful in navigating through the current COVID-19 environment. (read more)
Our enrollment numbers for Fall 2020 are looking very good and we anticipate a strong class of new freshman, transfer and graduate students joining our returning Panthers. We need to begin getting ready for our campus to be repopulated and that includes the phased-in re-acclimation of our non-instructional employees who have been working remotely back to campus. But as we do so, we need to be mindful of the health and safety of everyone in our EIU community. Our plans are guided by several sources including the State’s Restore Illinois Plan, the Illinois Department of Public Health, CDC, and the Coles County Public Health Department. EIU’s own Emergency Management Team, made up of employees across the campus and representing different divisions, have been central to gathering data and making recommendations to the administration. Health and safety are at the forefront of our planning.
In an email last week, the University shared the idea that EIU and its central geographic region are on track for a phased reopening. The University also indicated that more details about Eastern’s incremental reopening would be forthcoming, and we’d like to share those updates with you today.
The first update involves the university’s policy for the wearing of masks and social distancing. Please remember that the wearing of masks and social distancing not only protects you, it protects your fellow colleagues. Let’s make sure we embrace our collective Panther spirit by continuing to look out for one another.
The second update provides details of our return to campus plan for non-instructional employees who have been working remotely. The Illinois Board of Higher Education has indicated that they will be releasing a set of guidelines specific to the Fall reopening of Illinois colleges and universities. We anticipate these guidelines will become available next week. Due to this development, we have made a slight alteration to our Phase-In timeline, as you will see below.
Masking and Social Distancing Policies
Like other places of business, the University’s plan to reintegrate employees to an on-site work environment will require new but anticipated changes. For EIU, one such change is the adoption of Masking and Social Distancing Policies.
Public health experts continue to learn about COVID-19. Based on current data and similar coronaviruses, the virus is believed to be spread between close contacts via respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces. Social distancing and use of face masks are two critical approaches to protecting each other from respiratory droplets produced through coughing, sneezing, and talking. For these public policy reasons, EIU’s masking policy is broadly written to support the health and safety of our campus.
Therefore, it is the policy of the university to require its employees (faculty, staff, and administrators), students, volunteers and guests to wear face masks while on campus, both indoors and outdoors, including all buildings, grounds, parking lots, and EIU vehicles. This includes everyone on campus as they travel to, from, and between all classes and/or university buildings. Proper wearing of a face mask includes covering the nose and mouth areas. This policy includes, but is not limited to, attending academic spaces (including areas such as classrooms, laboratories & studios), walking to restrooms, walking around others, traveling from one building to another or a parking lot, walking the campus grounds, etc.
Exceptions where face mask usage is not required are 1) when students are in their individual residence hall rooms, or when students can maintain six-foot distancing in student suites or university-operated apartments, 2) in a person’s assigned, individual office (when no others are present), 3) when individuals in a joint office may maintain at least a six-foot distance between colleagues or have a wall divider five feet tall or higher separating their desks, 4) while using a recreational machine in the EIU Recreation Center, 5) jogging on the Tom Woodall Panther Trail, 5) student-athletes during practices on their playing fields, pool or court, and 6) during the evenings and weekends for walks on campus if social distancing of six feet or more between walkers can be maintained.
Visitors and members of the public who refuse to comply with this policy may be asked to leave campus.
It is also the policy of the university to support and recommend social distancing between individuals to avoid spreading the illness. This includes limiting in-person gatherings as approved by State guidelines.
These policies are effective immediately and will remain in effect until revised information is provided by the University’s administration.
Details of Return-to-Campus Plan
As we plan for non-instructional employees to incrementally return over the summer, please know all staff will be provided with information outlining EIU’s on-campus health and safety requirements prior to rejoining their colleagues on campus. Additionally, the following details may help to provide some clarity and address some general questions, and are largely intended as a basic framework for returning to on-campus work.
- Week of June 8: Supervisors, directors and unit heads within all divisions (President’s Office, Academic Affairs, Business Affairs, Student Affairs and University Advancement) will return to campus. A small number of other staff members may be asked to return during this time period as well. Those employees will be contacted by their supervisors. Employees returning to EIU’s campus for work this week represent PHASE 1 of the EIU Return-to-Campus Plan. (Supervisors, directors and unit heads who would like to return to campus during the week of June 1 may do so.)
- Supervisors, directors and unit heads will be provided with information outlining best-practices for managing and maintaining health and safety in their areas. They will be responsible for training their staff in on-campus health and safety requirements as staff return to campus in upcoming phases.
- Supervisors, directors and unit heads will identify and notify approximately one-half of their staff members that they should prepare to return to campus during the weeks of June 15 and June 22. Notifications should be provided at least one week prior to their employees’ on-campus return dates.
- Weeks of June 15 and June 22: Employees contacted by their supervisors to return to work during this time period will begin to do so. This represents PHASE 2 of the EIU Return-to-Campus Plan, and may involve additional flexibility based on specific program and needs. Returning employees will receive additional training on health and safety requirements upon their return.
- Supervisors, directors and unit heads will identify and notify their remaining remote staff members that they should prepare to return to campus during the weeks of June 29 and July 6. Notifications should be provided at least one week prior to their employees’ on-campus return dates.
- Weeks of June 29 and July 6: Employees contacted by their supervisors to return to work in this time period will begin to do so. This represents PHASE 3 of the EIU Return-to-Campus Plan, and may involve additional flexibility based on specific program and needs. Returning employees will receive additional training on health and safety requirements upon their return.
EIU employees with medical vulnerabilities, as identified by the CDC, are encouraged to contact Human Resources. Human Resources has an official Request for COVID-19 ADA-hybrid Reasonable Accommodation for Remote Work due to Higher Risk for Severe Illness due to COVID-19 form available. All accommodations will be evaluated every two months and may be canceled by EIU at its discretion based on guidance from IBHE and/or IDPH or an employee’s inability to perform essential functions of the position remotely (including availability in Charleston, IL during regular office hours and accurate time reporting). In most cases, Human Resources will have an interactive discussion with eligible employees, their supervisors, and their Vice President to determine reasonable accommodations.
The intent of EIU’s Return-to-Campus Plan is to have all non-instructional staff back to campus and EIU offices open by Monday, July 13. Even so, the plan must remain flexible to adapt to any changes required by new federal or state regulations, and to continue observing best-practice CDC recommendations and Illinois Board of Higher Education guidelines. Any additional or changing information will be provided in a future update.
While we understand these details may not answer every unique question, they are meant to provide a fundamental understanding of EIU’s approach to incrementally reintroduce non-instructional employees to the workplace over the next six weeks as part of the state’s broader Restore Illinois plan.
Again, thank you all so much for your contributions to our campus in what has been a challenging spring. Your resiliency in these unprecedented times is intensely appreciated, and a true indicator of our commitments to each other and to our extended EIU Family. As always, we continue to encourage you to visit the EIU website and continue to check your emails frequently for the most up-to-date information on EIU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, on behalf of the University’s Administrative Team
Eric Davidson
Interim Director, Health and Counseling Services
Linda Holloway
Interim Director of Human Resources
Transitioning to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan
May 22, 2020
Many of you are now familiar with the Restore Illinois plan, a blueprint issued by the Governor’s Office on May 5, 2020, for a phased reopening of the state that supports our ongoing COVID-19 response.
For those of you not familiar with the details of the plan, it places EIU in a central geographic region of the State soon slated for transition into Phase 3 – Recovery. In fact, we expect this transition to begin as soon as late May or early June. (read more)
With this in mind, the University has developed a plan for the reintegration of EIU employees to an on-campus work environment. Non-faculty employees will begin returning to campus during the month of June with the first 1/3 of employees who have been working remotely – including departmental and unit supervisors – returning to campus on or around June 1. The second stage will increase on-campus capacity to 2/3 of non-faculty employees around mid-June. The final stage will allow remaining non-faculty employees to return to campus nearer the end of June. Plans to return may differ between various campus units. Departmental supervisors will contact individual employees to discuss when they should expect to return to campus.
It is strongly encouraged that EIU non-faculty employees begin now to prepare for their return to the workplace. Individuals age 65 or older, or those with health-related conditions that make them more vulnerable to severe effects of the COVID-19 virus, may request accommodations to continue remote work. Such requests should be directed to the relevant supervisor(s) and to the Human Resources office.
While Phase 3 of the State’s Restore Illinois plan will relax some earlier restrictions, please know that EIU will continue to observe best-practice cautionary health guidelines intended to safeguard all members of our EIU community. As such, EIU employees can expect to receive more detailed information outlining the on-campus health and safety requirements for those returning to campus in upcoming announcements.
Thank you for all you do for EIU and for each other. We appreciate the resilience and flexibility each of you has shown as we strategize our safe return to campus in this dynamic environment.
With appreciation,
David M. Glassman
President
Announcement Regarding 2020-21 On-Campus Room Options
May 6, 2020
Alongside a world-class education, our students' well-being is our primary concern at Eastern Illinois University. The events of the past two months have forced all of us to make significant changes to our everyday lives, and to ensure we're all doing our part to take care of those around us in these unique times. Many of those adjustments are likely to continue into the foreseeable future as the world continues to adapt and respond to COVID-19.
That’s why today, we want to share another significant step EIU is taking to support the well-being of our entire campus community. (read more)
All continuing and incoming EIU students with housing and dining contracts will be provided single-occupancy rooms during the 2020-21 academic year at no additional cost.
Having a roommate has typically gone hand-in-hand with the residential university experience. However, these are not typical times. By offering this additional benefit to our on-campus residents, EIU intends to further ease the anxieties you and your family face as you return to campus this fall. It will also allow you to focus better on your studies in our friendly and supportive on-campus environment.
More detailed information on EIU’s 2020-21 single-room occupancy room guidelines are available here. Single-occupancy rooms will be subject to availability, but we anticipate having capacity for all continuing and new incoming students.
At EIU, we take everyone’s well-being very seriously. This and other wellness-focused decisions will continue to be made as thoughtfully and responsibly as possible to protect our students, our employees, and our entire EIU community.
How to Submit Credit / No Credit Grade Type Requests
May 4, 2020
Dear Students,
As I wrote to you on March 30, 2020, undergraduate students may petition the Registrar to change grade type in self-selected courses. As of today, students may begin the process of submitting requests, after consulting their advisor via email, phone, or avirtual advising session. To submit a request online, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/registra/credit_nocredit.php.
A broad overview is presented below: (read more)
- Students can petition to change course grade types from a grade of “C” or “B” to “Credit,” or CR. Individuals with grades of “D” or “F” can request a “No Credit,” or NC.
- There is no limit on the number of Spring 2020 courses a student can convert to credit/no credit grading. Students can make the decision on a course-by-course basis after final grades are posted at the end of the Spring 2020 semester.
- When and where a CR designation may complicate graduation or program requirements, the Registrar, with the full support of your College Dean and Provost, will facilitate progress towards degree, registration, and/or certify graduation.
- Students may petition to change course grade types through the Registrar beginning today through August 1, 2020. As indicated above, all students are required to consult their academic advisors prior to submitting requests.
In addition to the information above, I, along with the Registrar, Mr. Brad Bennington, will also review the official Spring 2020 academic standing for all students to ensure the relative performance of individual students will not be disproportionately harmed by the transition from the physical classroom to online or remote learning. Likewise, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management ensures all students that merit-based scholarships will not be negatively impacted as a result of a student selecting the CR/NC option.
Additionally, while graduate students are not covered by this extraordinary change in practice, any graduate student who believes the COVID-19 events were especially harmful relative to their academic performance may contact the Dean of the Graduate School to discuss potential options.
Finally, I wish you well with exams and encourage you to communicate with faculty in a timely fashion if you have any questions. And as always, we encourage you to adhere to physical distancing guidelines and the best practices of the CDC to keep you and those around you safe and healthy during the summer break.
Sincerely,
Jay D. Gatrell Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
A Message from President Glassman about Fall 2020 Classes
May 1, 2020
Dear Students,
I hope this message finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe.
We are very excited you have chosen to be part of our EIU Family, and we want you to know we fully intend to begin our Fall 2020 semester as a traditional residential campus. We are taking the health-related strategic steps to ensure that students can attend classes, live on our campus and in adjacent housing, and enjoy the various other amenities that epitomize EIU and the City of Charleston.
In the current climate of the pandemic, we understand that you may have questions and perhaps some anxiety in wondering what the Fall semester at EIU will look like. We are here to provide those answers. (read more)
As we plan to resume face-to-face classes in the fall, we will do so following the scientific guidelines issued to us by our state, federal, and global health authorities. Any additional precautions we choose to take will ensure we’re doing all we can to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our students, our employees, and our community. Please know that alongside your educational experience, the safety and security of our students is the University’s highest priority. Our operations—no matter what modifications will be necessary to implement for the Fall semester—will surely reflect that responsibility. We are also very fortunate that our city and beautiful campus in Coles County continue to be a safe community, and the impact of COVID-19 has been limited in rural regions like East Central Illinois.
When you join us in the Fall, you will experience EIU’s top-ranked academic education in an environment of small class sizes, individualized attention, and classes taught by outstanding and caring faculty. Here, you won’t just be a number, you’ll be a member of the EIU family that is there to support you in every way on your journey to success.
Most importantly, EIU remains ALL IN for you. We understand that unique times call for unique solutions. So to maximize flexibility for our incoming students, we are making the following changes:
- AIM HIGH Scholarship deadlines have been extended to June 1. There is still time to send us your FAFSA and complete your financial aid requirements.
- We are accepting new test scores and updated GPAs until August 24 to determine your eligibility for EIU Merit Scholarships.
- Deposits for freshmen to secure their place in EIU’s Class of 2024 are open until August 24. (Earlier deposits ensure additional flexibility in your class schedule and choice of residence halls with your housing deposit.)
We want you to feel totally comfortable about your deposit and excited about your commitment to attend EIU. Therefore, if any unforeseen occurrences prevent EIU from hosting on-campus classes beginning this fall, and you decide you do not wish to attend your Fall semester online, we are pleased to provide our incoming students the following options:
- You can defer admission to the University and retain any merit scholarship you may have been awarded for the Fall up to two semesters, as long as you do not attend another college or university during that time. Students who take advantage of this option can make their decisions before August 1 using the most up-to-date information possible, with no detrimental effect on their EIU housing arrangements or orientation schedules.
- You can get your freshman deposit and/or Housing down payment refunded or credited to a future semester, as long as the request is received by August 1. For further details, contact admissions@eiu.edu.
For all of EIU’s successes, and amidst its reputation for excellence, one thing remains abundantly clear—Eastern Illinois University will always be defined by its students. Throughout our rich 125-year history, that truth is especially evident today. Eastern is distinguished by your enthusiasm and your ambition. Most notably, I wish to share how genuinely I value the diversity and inclusivity of our incoming student body, and for all you will bring with you to our dynamic environment. As beautiful as our campus is, its splendor is undeniably enhanced by the kinship and charisma you will contribute to our learning communities.
We are excited about welcoming you to a world-class University that is known for creating phenomenal relationships with its students, providing them with an incredible education, and helping them to appreciate their EIU experience in a caring, safe, and supportive community. I speak for all EIU employees in saying I look forward to joining you on campus this fall, enthusiastically pursuing our personal and professional passions together as only EIU Panthers can.
I look forward to seeing you in the Fall.
Sincerely,
David Glassman
President, Eastern Illinois University
If you or any family member has additional questions, please contact admissions@eiu.edu, and an EIU representative will reach out to you in a timely manner.
Instructions Regarding Move-Out Procedures
April 28, 2020
On-Campus Students and Family Members,
On Thursday, April 23, Governor Pritzker extended his stay-at-home order through May 30; that included a provision for allowing students to return to move out of their on-campus residences. Please note that the order stipulates all persons must continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as they pertain to social distancing, which includes the requirement of wearing masks and gloves.
We are now able to launch signs-ups for our move-out process that will begin May 1. To ensure this move-out process occurs in the safest, healthiest, and most efficient way possible, we will continue to comply with CDC guidelines during this process. The move-out schedule has been planned to promote social distancing to best protect the health and safety of our students and staff. To that end, please read the following important instructions. (read more)
Move-Out Process
- Students will need to sign up for a move-out appointment. In order to promote social distancing, we are only allowing a limited number of slots each day for students to move out. We plan to do a contactless checkout process.
- Students should plan to bring no more than 2 additional people with them to assist in moving out. All persons coming to campus should be in good health.
- Individuals who fall into these categories noted below cannot help residents move out.
- Anyone who has tested positive for or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 or other respiratory/flu-like illness
- Older adults
- People who have serious underlying medical conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Lung disease
- Asthma
- HIV/AIDS
- Women who are pregnant
- Roommates are asked to coordinate their return and are discouraged from being in the room at the same time.
- Students and all helpers must come prepared with cleaning supplies, antibacterial wipes, masks and gloves to wear while moving out of their room to help protect yourself and others.
- Students will have 2 hours to remove all belongings from their room.
- No overnight stays in the on-campus residences (hall, Greek Court and apartments) will be allowed.
- For the safety of residents currently still living with us, please only use the public restrooms in the lobby of your building.
- A staff member will be in touch with you prior to your move-out date, with confirmation of scheduled date/time and any additional instructions.
Select a Move-Out Appointment:
As a reminder throughout this process, we will practice social distancing in alignment with recommendations from the CDC and the governor. As a result, a limited number of appointments are available for each time slot. This will minimize the number of students moving out at any one time.
University Housing will be open for move-out as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Schedule a move-out time at eiu.edu/housing/moveout.php
Move-Out Steps:
Step 1: Use the self-check guide to check yourself for COVID symptoms prior to arriving on campus. Self-check guide
Step 2: Call the on-call number to alert staff that you have arrived for checkout. Look on the exterior doors for an on-call number if you have questions upon your arrival.
Step 3: Parking. When you arrive, leave your car in the parking lot until your belongings are packed.
Step 4: Pack your belongings, Everything must be taken with you or put in the dumpster.
Step 5: Retrieve a cart, if needed. A limited number of carts will be available. Transport your belongings to the loading area. It is up to you to sanitize the cart prior to use.
Step 6: Bring your car to the loading area and transfer your belongings. (Please note there is a 30-minute time limit for vehicles in the loading area).
Step 7: Wipe down your cart with antibacterial wipes and return your cart to the lobby of your residence hall.
Step 8: Return your room furniture to the bunk configuration and the room arrangement according to the instructions included at eiu.edu/housing/closinginfo.php.
Step 9: Ensure your keys have been left on your desk. Complete the Check-out form at eiu.edu/housing/checkout.php stating you have cleared your room, attach your room picture and leave your keys on your desk. This form will be considered your official check-out notice.
Tips:
- Bring a cart or dolly with you.
- Limit the number of people in an elevato Only members of your moving party should ride the elevator together.
- Able-bodied individuals not pushing a cart are asked to take the stairs.
Your Belongings:
- All items must be removed from your room – you must take everything with you or put things in the trash. There will not be donation stations available.
- Please note: The student must be present when items are removed.
- You will need to provide your own plastic bins or boxes for transporting your belongings.
- You should bag and remove all trash to the appropriate outside containers. A limited number of additional trash bags may be available in the lobby.
- On-campus storage is not available. If you cannot take your items home, you must secure your own off-campus storage.
Thank you for your patience during this difficult time. We know our students are anxious to pick up their belongings. We appreciate your help to make this process as safe as possible for you and your move-out crew during this time. We wish our students success as they conclude the spring semester. Congratulations to our graduating seniors!
Questions?
If you have any questions about the move-out process visit the FAQs eiu.edu/housing/covid.php or contact housing@eiu.edu or 217-581-5111.
Do you have housing for next year yet? If not, then we've got you covered! There are tons of great options available in the Residence Halls and Greek Court. The online Room & Board Contract is accessible through your PAWS account. Interested in our on-campus apartment complex, University Court? Reach out to their staff at univcourt@eiu.edu to start the process!
Extension of Stay-at-Home Order Through April
April 8, 2020
Dear Students,
It is my absolute hope that you are all doing well as you continue to transition your coursework to an online format. The Governor of Illinois recently extended the “Stay-at-Home” Executive Order to continue throughout the month of April. During this time, we urge all our students to follow the guidelines for safe practices that will help in slowing the spread of COVID-19. It is critical that we all do our part to stay healthy and to keep those around us as safe as possible. (read more)
Following the Executive Order extension, I’d like to share the following important updates with our students:
- For those students who have left University Housing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prorated credits are being applied to your student accounts, and refunds of positive balances will be made to your direct deposit account in about four to five weeks. For those students who have not signed up for direct deposit, refund checks will be sent by mail to your permanent address.
- All Graduate Assistants will be paid their stipend through the end of the semester.
- All students on federal work-study funds will continue to be paid up to the amount allocated in federal funding. All students on federal work-study should continue to work on campus or remotely if at all possible.
- All student workers who were working prior to Spring Break and were scheduled to return to work after Spring Break will continue to be paid, beginning from March 23, for the remainder of the semester. Students’ pay will be based on the average hours worked per week prior to Spring Break or based on their supervisor’s intended scheduling of the student’s hours for the remainder of the semester. All students will be paid at their regular hourly rate and direct deposits will be made according to the University’s established payroll schedule. Students currently still working on campus or remotely should turn in their work hours as they normally do. These students may consult with their supervisor to work additional hours if it is within budget and doesn't exceed 42 hours per pay period. For all other students, pay-period hours will be handled automatically through the Payroll Office.
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and because nearly 90% of our summer enrollment is through online learning, EIU’s Summer 2020 courses will be online or hybrid.
- With the extension of the Governor’s Stay-at-Home Executive Order, the University cannot allow students to move out their belongings from EIU’s university housing (Residence Hall, Greek Court, University Court and University Apartments) at this time. When it becomes possible to do so, students will receive a message from Eastern’s Housing Office indicating the process and timeline for safely moving their belongings out of on-campus residences.
- At the end of the semester, students will need to return their textbooks. This can be done by using the external book drop located on the east side of the Textbook Rental Service building or by mailing textbooks back to Textbook Rental Service. Students will need their E-numbers or Panther Cards to activate the external book drop. Eastern is extending the deadline for returning textbooks through Sunday, May 10. The address for mailing textbooks back to Textbook Rental Service is Textbook Rental Service/ Eastern Illinois University / 975 Edgar Drive / Charleston, IL 61920. When mailing textbooks, we recommend students insure all packages. Students returning to Charleston to move out of their on-campus housing may return their textbooks at that time to Textbook Rental Service via the external book drop.
- To our graduating seniors: I, like you, am deeply regretful that this unprecedented pandemic has forced us to cancel our May graduation ceremonies. Please know that all of us at EIU celebrate your success and accomplishments. You are all wonderful examples of what it means to be an EIU Panther, poised to go on to great successes in your future. Still, we want to provide an opportunity to publicly celebrate your graduation with friends and family, and hope you will join us for a shared commencement ceremony on Saturday, December 19, 2020, that will allow us to applaud our May 2020 and December 2020 graduates. We expect it to be a monumental occasion, and allow us all to simultaneously celebrate EIU’s 125-year anniversary. It is surely going to be a wonderful event!
As we move toward the end of the semester, I want you all to know how proud our faculty, staff and administration are of every single one of our EIU students. We realize the unforeseen challenges of moving back home, transitioning to online coursework, and the general stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced us all to respond rapidly and responsively to an abruptly changing environment. You have done so with remarkable resolve, and we are all deeply inspired by your collective confidence, responsibility, and Panther pride.
With gratitude for your exceptional resilience,
David M. Glassman
President
If you or any family member has additional questions, please contact admissions@eiu.edu, and an EIU representative will reach out to you in a timely manner.
Information and Guidance for EIU Students
April 3, 2020
Dear EIU Student,
Information and guidance regarding the COVID-19 pandemic quickly evolves and changes. With the implementation of on-line and distance learning, and our encouragement that our students return to their permanent residences, our student body is spread throughout Illinois and the nation. Regardless of wherever you may be, we still feel a strong responsibility to provide you with updates regarding prevention, screening and treatment of COVID-19. (read more)
Preventative Measures
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. You can help prevent the spread by doing the following:
- Practice social distancing/physical distancing – stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Remain out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 - 30 seconds.
- Avoid close contact with persons who have respiratory illness symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick.
COVID-19 Daily Screening
All Eastern Illinois University students are highly urged to conduct a COVID-19 Daily Self-Screening by taking their temperature and assessing respiratory symptoms. This action is important and should be conducted every day, especially if one is not sheltering in place, by answering the following questions.
- Do you have difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath) or shortness of breath at rest or when lying down?
- Do you have a fever (100.4° F [38.0° C] or greater) using an oral thermometer?
- Aside from fever, do you have any of the following: dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, unexplained lack of smell or taste?
If you answered yes to #1, call your local provider or hospital emergency room. If this is an emergency, call 911 and tell them you are having respiratory problems.
If you answered yes to # 2 and/or #3, limit your contact with others, and isolate yourself from others. If your symptoms continue or progress, contact your health care provider for medical advice.
Seeking Medical Attention
If a student is highly sick and believes they need medical attention, they should call a medical provider before attempting to visit a medical facility. Anyone with a life-threatening illness or injury should call EMS at 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
On-Campus Students and Off-Campus Students in Charleston Area
Students living on campus and in the greater Charleston area are strongly encouraged to call the EIU Health and Counseling Medical Clinic to make an appointment for their medical needs. In many cases, students are seen the same day.
EIU Health and Counseling Medical Clinic
217-581-3013
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.; 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
When the EIU Medical Clinic is closed, several other medical care facility options exist in the Charleston area. Students are strongly encouraged to call these facilities prior to visiting.
SBLHS Respiratory Clinic
217-238-3000
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SBLHS Walk-In Clinic
217-345-2030
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Carle Clinic Urgent Care Clinic
217-258-5900
Open Daily: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Off-Campus Students Outside of the Charleston Area
Students living outside of the immediate Charleston area are encouraged to contact their regular primary provider. If you do not have a primary provider, you are encouraged to contact a local urgent care clinic. Anyone with a life-threatening illness or injury should call EMS at 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Individuals Who Have Been Sick but Have Not Been to a Medical Provider
Individuals who have been sick with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms who have self-isolated and have not been tested for COVID by their medical provider should utilize the following criteria in determining when returning to class or work.
- Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
- Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND
- At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
Notifying Faculty of an Illness
If you have been diagnosed as having COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses and your medical provider has recommended that you refrain from school work and other academic responsibilities, please submit any supporting documentation from your provider to the EIU Health and Counseling Medical Clinic and we will provide notice to your faculty members of your intended absence(s). Please be reminded that it is your responsibility to follow-up with your faculty concerning missed assignments, quizzes, tests, and other academic responsibilities.
Your cooperation in conducting a self-screening and abiding by guidelines for staying at home are important in helping “flatten the curve” and in making EIU a healthier and safer place for all.
Eric S. Davidson, Ph.D., MCHES, CSPS
Interim Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services
Joseph R. Baumgart, M.D.
Medical Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services
Self-Screening Instructions for Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 1, 2020
PLEASE PRINT OUT AND USE AS A REFERENCE WHEN CONDUCTING SELF-SCREENINGS
All members of the Eastern Illinois University community – including any faculty, staff, or independent contractors who will be on campus – are strongly urged to conduct a COVID-19 daily self-screening by taking their temperature and assessing respiratory symptoms. This action is important and should be conducted before leaving one’s residence and/or arriving on campus. (read more)
After screening, individuals demonstrating the following conditions should stay at home. If symptoms continue or progress, they should contact their health care provider for medical advice.
- a fever (100.4° F [38.0° C] or greater) based on the use of oral thermometer.
- and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (i.e. dry cough, shortness of breath, trouble breathing).
- lack of taste and or smell.
Supervisors who suspect an employee may be ill may send them home for the day with pay.
Individuals who have been sick with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 symptoms who have self-isolated and have not been tested for COVID by their medical provider should utilize the following criteria in determining when to go to work:
- Resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND
- Improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath), AND
- At least 3 days (72 hours) have passed since recovery defined as resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and improvement in respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath); AND
- At least 7 days have passed since symptoms first appeared.
- If an individual has never tested for COVID-19 but has an alternate diagnosis (e.g., tested positive for influenza), criteria for returning to work should be based on that diagnosis.
Your cooperation in conducting a self-screening and abiding by guidelines for staying at home and returning to work are important in helping “flatten the curve” and in making EIU a healthier and safer place for all.
Eric S. Davidson, Ph.D., MCHES, CSPS
Interim Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services
Joseph R. Baumgart, M.D.
Medical Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services
A Message From EIU Housing and Dining Services
April 1, 2020
To All University Housing Students –
Thank you for your patience as we respond to the complexities and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please read the important information below as it answers many of your questions concerning University Housing and Dining. You can also visit the University Housing COVID-19 FAQ page for additional information. (read more)
Refunds/Credits
All students who currently are no longer residing on campus as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be provided a prorated credit to their university account for the time period from March 23 through the remainder of the semester. The credit will be first applied to any balance on the account, and then a refund check or direct deposit for any excess credit will be sent to the student’s permanent address in late April. For additional information on signing up for a direct deposit, students can visit eiu.edu/busofc/bursar_directdeposit.php. Dining Dollars not yet used will be rolled over to the 2020-21 school year.
Move-Outs
The State of Illinois is under a Shelter in Place order as mandated by Governor Pritzker. Eastern Illinois University is complying with this order and as such cannot offer move-outs from on campus residences at this time. Updates regarding a move-out process will be communicated as we are able.
Mail and packages
Our priority is the health and safety of our students. Mail forwarding may be delayed. As we are able, we will forward all 1st class mail and packages to the permanent address that students have on file with the University. If students need to update their permanent address, students can send the information to records@eiu.edu from their Panthermail account, or contact the Registrar's Office for additional instructions at 217-581-3511.
For residents that are currently on campus
Anyone approved and remaining on campus should continue to follow CDC’s recommended prevention guidelines as it pertains to social distancing.
Dining Services is open for carryout only in the Taylor Dining Center. We will be offering meals 7 days a week for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Residents must enter through the Lawson side of the Taylor Dining Center. As stated, meals will be carryout only and students should adhere to the social distancing guidelines when they eat their meals.
Residents currently on campus can pick up/check their mail at the Lawson Hall Desk. The desk will be open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents will be required to present a photo-id to retrieve their mail.
We appreciate your patience as we navigated these unprecedented events. Please know that our top priority is your safety as well as the entire university community. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at housing@eiu.edu.
Thank you and stay safe!
Undergraduate Student Option to Change Grade Type
March 30, 2020
Dear Students,
As the university makes our unanticipated transition to remote learning, EIU faculty continue to be committed to academic excellence and high-quality learning experiences for every student. At the same time though, we — the university and specifically your faculty — also understand the challenges this rapid transition presents you, our students. For that reason, your faculty encourages every one of you to remain fully engaged in their classes, read your email, login to D2L, and strive to obtain the highest levels of academic achievement — on every assignment, on every test, and in every course. Please know, we believe in you — you’ve got this! (read more)
While I am confident every member of the EIU community is working to promote student success, the university recognizes that in some cases students may need additional options. Indeed, the COVID-19 crisis itself has not only prompted academic challenges, but also has changed everyday life for students and faculty alike. To respond to these significant disruptions and the migration from face-to-face to remote learning, undergraduate students may petition the Registrar to change grade type in self-selected courses. While graduate students are not covered by this extraordinary change in practice, any graduate student who believes the COVID-19 events were especially harmful relative to their academic performance may contact the Dean of the Graduate School to discuss potential options (see the FAQs, below).
In terms of the administrative relief available to undergraduate students, a broad overview of the changes is presented below:
- Only after consulting their academic advisor, students can petition to change course grade types from a grade of “C” or “B” to “Credit,” or CR. Individuals with grades of “D” or “F” can request a “No Credit,” or NC.
- There is no limit on the number of Spring 2020 courses a student can convert to credit/no credit grading. Students can make the decision on a course-by-course basis after final grades are posted at the end of the Spring 2020 semester.
- When and where a CR designation may complicate graduation or program requirements, the Registrar, with the full support of your College Dean and Provost, will facilitate progress towards degree, registration, and/or certify graduation.
- Students may petition to change course grade types through the Registrar beginning May 13 through August 1, 2020. As indicated above, all students are required to consult their academic advisors prior to submitting requests.
In addition to the information above, I, along with the Registrar, Mr. Brad Bennington, will also review the official Spring 2020 academic standing for all students to ensure the relative performance of individual students will not be disproportionately harmed by the transition from the physical classroom to online or remote learning. Likewise, Financial Aid and Enrollment Management ensures all students that merit-based scholarships will not be negatively impacted as a result of a student selecting the CR/NC option.
We’ve made these options available with our students’ best interests in mind. If you have further questions about grading options, please contact your academic advisor. Further, I would encourage you to review the additional FAQs below the signature line.
Finally, as always, our primary concern continues to be your health, well-being and safety. Regardless of where you may be completing your semester from, please continue to follow the CDC’s best-practice guidelines for keeping you and those around you healthy and safe.
Sincerely,
Jay Gatrell Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CHANGING GRADE TYPE & FAQs
Are all courses now “Pass” or “Fail”?
No. Eastern Illinois does not have a grade type equivalent to “Pass” or “Fail.” After spring grades are posted, students may seek academic relief by requesting a grade type change for one or more courses. Please note, the only grade type change relief available will be from a letter grade to credit or no credit only. Most importantly though, while relief is available, the expectation is that all students will remain engaged in their courses and perform at the highest level possible. Finally, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with their advisor and submit any requests prior to the August 1, 2020 deadline. The online form will be available at the Registrar’s webpage in May.
Who can request a change in grade type?
Any undergraduate student enrolled at EIU during the Spring 2020 semester. This one-time form of administrative relief cannot be applied to prior or subsequent terms.
How does an undergraduate student request a change in grade type from a letter grade to credit / no credit (CR/NC)?
After the close of the Spring 2020 semester when final course grades have been entered, students must consult with their advisor prior to making a request for a change in grade type in one or more classes. Following the meeting with the advisor, students can complete an electronic form that will be posted on the Registrar’s website from May 13 through August 1, 2020.
How does a graduate student obtain administrative relief as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the transitions / disruptions that have occurred during the Spring 2020 semester?
Graduate students may make a direct appeal to the Dean of the Graduate School for academic relief in extraordinary situations. Depending on the context, graduate students may be eligible for the CR/NC option. Graduate students should consult with their academic advisor prior to making this request, and if desired, must do no later than August 1, 2020.
Why is consultation with your advisor required?
The decision to change a course grade from a letter grade to CR/NC in one or more classes can have significant consequences. In nearly all cases, students should focus on completing their coursework to earn the highest letter grade possible in each of their courses. Should a student consider the CR/NC option, every student needs to understand the implications relative to future transferability, as well as the future admission requirements to graduate school and/or professional programs (such as medicine, physical therapy, physician assistant, or law school). Indeed, many post-baccalaureate programs have minimum letter grade requirements in required courses as an admissions requirement. Please be sure to discuss your career goals with your advisor, including any intent to pursue an advanced degree. Similarly, if you are in a degree program leading to licensure or specialized accreditation, your advisor will be able to provide guidance.
Who is my advisor? How do I meet with my advisor?
Your advisor is listed at the top of your degree audit in PAWS (instructions here). If no advisor is listed, please contact the department office for your major. Students may accomplish the required consultation with their advisor through a virtual meeting (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, etc.), telephone call, or email. The key is to discuss the potential implications of a grade type change on future academic opportunities or professional goals.
What about teacher education students?
With respect to teacher education students, EIU has received confirmation from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) that the CR/NC is acceptable as the CR is the equivalent of a “C grade or better.”
What about EIU course pre-requisites?
In situations where a “C grade or better” is required in a pre-requisite course, a “CR” will meet the EIU requirement and all academic deans agree on this point.
What about student-athletes?
Student-athletes are expected to consult their departmental or program advisor, as well as their assigned Panther Athletic Academic Student Services advisor.
Do I need advisor “approval”?
No. The decision to change grade type is yours as a student. While an advisor consultation is required, you are responsible for the decision: advisor or program approval is not required. In order to prevent limiting future options or situations where a course would be repeated, the letter grade is the safest option and is preferred.
When can I submit the request?
Undergraduate students may submit their request electronically to the Registrar after final grades post on or about May 13, 2020. All requests for grade type changes to CR/NC must be submitted prior to August 1, 2020. After August 1, 2020, no further requests will be accepted. The same timeline applies to graduate student appeals to the Graduate School Dean.
What does CR/NC mean and why is it different than a letter grade (A/B/C/D/F)?
Generally, the safest and preferred option is to accept the earned letter grade. The most important potential benefit of the CR/NC option is that is does not impact your term or cumulative GPA. Although this may be a benefit in some cases (outlined below) it is important to recognize that choosing NC instead of a “D” means you will NOT earn academic credit for the course. Students are encouraged to consider the following:
- If you earned an “A” the “CR” does not provide any potential benefit. The letter grade is the optimal choice.
- If you earned a “B” the “CR” may provide some benefit depending on a student’s cumulative GPA. Additionally, all students should discuss the future implications of converting this grade to a “CR” with their advisor.
- If you earned a “C” the “CR” may provide some benefit depending on your cumulative GPA. All students should discuss the future implications of converting this grade to a “CR” with their advisor.
- If you earned a “D” the “NC” option is not optimal as you will not earn academic credit. As such you will need to retake the course, if required. Depending of the specific context, converting a “D” to a “NC” might make sense in a given term — particularly if the student intends to replace the grade in a future term by repeating the course. As the grading scale for graduate school is different than that for undergraduate students, only a B or C can be changed to CR/NC for a graduate student.
- If you earned an “F” the “NC” option would provide a concrete benefit to your term and cumulative GPA. In both cases, academic credit is not earned.
What about an “Incomplete”?
The grade "I" or "Incomplete" for courses in which letter grades are earned is given only by the course instructor when, because of documented illness or other valid reason, a student's progress in a course is delayed so that not all requirements for the course are fulfilled by the official closing date of the term. In no case may an "I" be substituted for a failing grade. Procedures for assigning and removing incomplete grades are outlined in IGP 46. An “incomplete” grade does not remain on your transcript and is removed once you have earned a letter grade. You are encouraged to complete course assignments as soon as possible.
March 27, 2020
To EIU Students —
The world we share has shifted noticeably in just the past few weeks. Even so, I am profoundly inspired by your determination and flexibility.
As lifelong learners and future leaders, your ability and willingness to rapidly adapt in this unprecedented time will be an epic hallmark of your experience here at EIU. More than that, it is a skill you can proudly carry with you throughout your personal lives and professional careers. (read more)
Together, it is my sincere hope that we are all confidently preparing for our Spring 2020 classes to resume Monday in an online format. EIU’s faculty members are positively poised to continue the semester online, and to provide each of you the most seamless transition possible as we finish the term. I encourage you to stay in regular contact with your instructors, who stand ready to assist you at every available opportunity.
Most importantly, I urge you, regardless of where you may be currently located, to continue to follow the CDC’s best-practice guidelines for keeping you and those around you healthy and safe. Practice physical distancing. Avoid close contact. Refrain from gathering in groups for social events or playing close-contact sports. Cover coughs and sneezes. Wash your hands often. Clean and disinfect common surfaces. By implementing these common-sense routines to protect ourselves, we also can protect everyone else around us — including those who we love most and are closest to us. Demonstrating such discipline today will pay dividends for all of us in the future.
I am very proud of each of you, and of the unique and compassionate relationship we all share as members of the EIU Family. For that, I celebrate you all.
Stay safe, and please continue to check your EIU email and the EIU website with increased frequency for the most up-to-date information from the university. Specific questions not already answered by our FAQs may be sent to covid19info@eiu.edu, and you should receive a response within 24 hours.
David M. Glassman
President
EIU Commencement Update
March 26, 2020
Colleagues,
The priority during this unprecedented global pandemic is the health and safety of our Eastern Illinois University family. As such, university leaders made the collaborative decision to cancel May 2020 Commencement Ceremonies, which we conveyed to students in an earlier email.
I am writing as faculty are often our students’ primary source for reliable and timely information. Consequently, I want to share the following information on EIU’s commitment to our graduating seniors.
First, we all know our students have worked hard to earn their degrees, and we couldn't be any prouder of the Class of 2020 for their achievements in and outside the classroom. While our collective disappointment surrounding commencement is understandable, we will continue to do all we can to recognize their accomplishments.
Please know all eligible May 2020 graduates will receive their EIU diplomas, diploma covers, graduation programs and, as appropriate, honors medallions in the mail at the end of the semester once all university and programmatic requirements have been met. Those will be mailed approximately six weeks after grades are finalized. We also encourage and welcome May 2020 graduates to participate in the university’s fall/winter ceremony, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020.
If you have questions, please contact Amber May at ammay@eiu.edu.
Additional information for EIU’s students and employees is available in the EIU FAQ tab at www.eiu.edu/covid.
Thank you,
Jay Gatrell
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
A Message from Paul McCann to All EIU Employees
March 24, 2020
To my EIU colleagues –
Some additional clarification on time reporting as EIU operates in a way consistent with IllinoisExecutive Order 2020-10.
Any employee who is working, on-campus or remotely, will need to take accrued time if they do not work as scheduled. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the regular absence call-in (alerting your supervisor of your absence) and reporting of time off under the appropriate accrued benefits category is required. This includes if an employee cannot work because: (read more)
- they believe they are in a high-risk category for COVID-19;
- they or a close family member have been exposed to COVID-19 and need to self-isolate; or
- they or a close family member have COVID-19 symptoms and are seeking a diagnosis.
EIU recognizes some of its Unionized employees may have reached temporary agreements during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those employees are encouraged to contact their local Union Representation.
Any questions should be directed to benefits@eiu.edu.
Thank you all for following these practices.
Sincerely,
Paul McCann
Interim Vice President for Business Affairs
Spring 2020 Commencement Ceremonies Canceled
March 21, 2020
The priority during this unprecedented global pandemic is the health and safety of our Eastern Illinois University family. With that in mind, the decision has been made to cancel May 2020 Commencement Ceremonies. (read more)
You have worked hard to obtain your degree and we couldn't be any prouder of the Class of 2020 for your achievements in and outside of the classroom. We understand your disappointment, but we want to do everything we can to recognize you for your accomplishments.
All eligible May 2020 graduates will receive their EIU diplomas, diploma covers, graduation programs and, as appropriate, honors medallions in the mail at the end of the semester if all university and programmatic requirements are met. Those will be mailed approximately six weeks after grades are finalized. We also encourage and welcome graduates to participate in the December 2020 ceremony, which will be held on SATURDAY, DEC. 19, 2020.
Other Important Deadlines/Information
Cap and Gown: Cap and gown rental is through Herff Jones and more information on cancellations, returns or rentals can be obtained from their site or by calling their customer service center at 800-837-4235. They will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST). In addition, even though the ceremony will not be held, many students have expressed an interest in renting a cap and gown for photos or family events. Herff Jones will fulfill those orders by mailing them directly to your home with no shipping cost (although you will be responsible for return postage).
Distinguished Seniors: Nominations and applications for the 2020 Distinguished Senior Awards are being accepted through an extended deadline of April 10. These awards are presented by the EIU Alumni Association to EIU seniors who have enriched the university community with their academic successes and active involvement in all facets of campus life. You can apply by clicking here.
Contact Information: We will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please fill out this form so we can stay connected and you can receive your diploma. If you have questions, contact Amber May at ammay@eiu.edu.
While we're as disappointed as you that we won't be able to celebrate with you and your loved ones during a May ceremony, we truly are All In for you.
Today. Tomorrow. Together ... don't ever hesitate to reach out to your campus family if we can be of assistance.
An Important Message from President Glassman Regarding Today’s Executive Order
March 20, 2020
To our entire EIU Family –
Federal and state COVID-19 actions continue to change rapidly, and we are responding to those actions as quickly and responsibly as possible. This afternoon, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 10, which includes a “Stay-at-Home” section. The order goes into effect tomorrow, Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m., and will continue through April 7 unless extended by the Governor. Today’s order will have far-reaching implications for how the State of Illinois will move forward as we continue to combat this escalating global health crisis together. (read more)
- The information in this email supersedes previous information you may have received; and
- More detailed information will continue to emerge from the university with additional specifics for all involved.
Consistent with today’s Executive Order, EIU is issuing the following announcements for its primary audiences:
Students:
- Classes will resume in online format March 30 as scheduled. Students having questions about their classes should contact their instructor.
- Students who were in University Housing and need specific education support materials, (books, computers, etc.) from their rooms may request an opportunity to retrieve these items by scheduling a time through the Housing and Dining Office at housing@eiu.edu. The University Housing and Dining Office will communicate instructions for this process. Students will not be permitted to reside overnight in campus housing.
- Students should not come to campus intending to move out of university housing (Residence Halls, Greek Court, University Court, or University Apartments), until the Executive Order is lifted. Students’ belongings will remain secure. University Housing will contact students to schedule a complete move out when appropriate.
- Prior to classes starting on March 30, residential students with extraordinary circumstances (such as international students, students without permanent homes, or other impacting situations) may petition to return to University Housing. Students requesting accommodations will need to complete a request form that can be obtained by contacting housing@eiu.edu
- Return of textbooks will occur at the end of the semester either through drop-off at Textbook Rental Service or through U.S. Mail. Instructions for mailing back textbooks will be communicated to students prior to the end of the semester.
Faculty, Librarians, and Student Academic Support Services:
- Faculty and staff who have the tools they need to facilitate distance learning and student success from home should do so.
- Faculty and staff who need access to departmental resources or their faculty office to facilitate distance learning may travel to work under the Executive Order.
- Faculty or researchers with critical research initiatives may access their assigned laboratory facilities.
- Booth Library will be remote and virtual through Sunday, March 29, and resume limited service beginning Monday, March 30.
Staff:
- Many EIU employees have begun and will continue to work remotely. In response to today’s Executive Order, the administration is reviewing whether there are additional employees who will be assigned to work from home. Supervisors will contact individual employees.
- All regular university faculty and staff will continue to be paid throughout the term of today’s Executive Order. Employees are not required to use accrued leave during this time period.
Once again, I stress the importance of monitoring your EIU email and checking the EIU website with increased frequency. The university will work diligently in communicating important details to our EIU community.
We are all in this together, and as a community, we will continue to do our best to limit the spread and impact of this global pandemic while advancing our educational mission. Remember to respect and support one another during this challenging time. Please also remember to follow guidelines for social distancing and for safeguarding personal wellness.
We all share in the stress and anxiety that this pandemic has placed on us as individuals and as a global society. More than ever, it’s important for all of us to value and care for one another.
With enduring appreciation for your patience, understanding, and trust,
David M. Glassman, President
Self-Screening Instructions for Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic
March 20, 2020
All Eastern Illinois University employees are strongly encouraged to self-screen each day prior to leaving their residence and reporting to work by taking their temperature and assessing respiratory symptoms.
Employees who demonstrate the following conditions should stay at home and remain there until symptoms are gone. If symptoms continue or progress, they should contact their health care provider for medical advice. (read more)
- a fever (100.4° F [38.0° C] or greater) using an oral thermometer,
- and/or symptoms of acute respiratory illness (i.e. dry cough, shortness of breath).
Supervisors who suspect an employee may be ill may send them home for the day with pay.
Current CDC guidance states that individuals with suspected COVID-19 who have home-isolated without having been tested for influenza, COVID-19, or other illnesses can stop home isolation when:
- they have had no fever for at least 72 hours (that is three full days of no fever without the use medicine that reduces fevers),
AND
- other symptoms have improved (for example, when one’s cough or shortness of breath have improved),
AND
- at least 7 days have passed since one’s symptoms first appeared.
Eric S. Davidson, Ph.D., MCHES, CSPS
Interim Director,
EIU Health and Counseling Services
Joseph R. Baumgart, M.D.
Medical Director
EIU Health and Counseling Services
An Important Message to All EIU Students
March 19, 2020
The current COVID-19 pandemic is escalating rapidly, and the university must make important decisions in response. That said, the health and safety of all our students, our campus, and our community remains our top priority. As such, the following actions are being announced: (read more)
- EIU intensely urges every student who can return home for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester to do so.
- Students residing in student housing (Residence Halls, Greek Court, University Court and University Apartments) will receive an email from the Housing and Dining Office on Friday which will include information on the checkout process and a link to a sign-up form to reserve your checkout time. It is important that we spread out checkout times so we can limit the number of people in the building at the same time. Available checkout times will start on Sunday, March 22 at 1pm and continue until Saturday, March 28. You must quickly pack your belongings, check out, and return to your permanent residences. Students are not allowed to reside on campus overnight. All belongings will need to be removed by Saturday, March 28. Students needing additional time to remove belongings, please contact EIU’s Housing and Dining Office.
- The University will provide prorated credits to accounts or prorated refunds to students leaving EIU residences (Residence Halls, Greek Court, University Court, and University Apartments) for the remaining portion of the semester. More information concerning the credits and/or refunds will be sent to students from the EIU Housing and Dining Office. Dining dollars remaining on student accounts will roll over for use in the Fall semester.
- We realize there may be special circumstances for some students that necessitate staying in student housing (including international students, students with no online learning access at home and other extraordinary situations). In these very rare cases, the university will make those accommodations. Students needing this accommodation should not return to campus until March 29, and will need to notify the Housing and Dining Office (housing@eiu.edu) of their intention and reason for their return as soon as possible. EIU’s Housing and Dining Office will communicate details to those who request accommodations. Students who remain in EIU residences may be moved to different locations on campus to ensure appropriate health-related social distancing as guided by CDC recommendations, as well as safety and staffing considerations. Some residential buildings will be closed.
- All graduate assistants and student workers should not return to campus until March 29 unless explicitly communicated by their supervisors between now and March 22 that they are needed next week.
- The decision has been made to cancel May 2020 Commencement Ceremonies and to allow those graduates to participate in the December 2020 ceremony. All eligible May 2020 graduates will receive their EIU diplomas, diploma covers, and graduation programs in the mail at the end of the semester.
The following facilities and events are closed or cancelled for the duration of the Spring 2020 semester:
- Student Recreation Center
- University Pool
- Bowling Alley and Billiards Center
- E-Sports Arena
- Multicultural Center
- Panther Shuttle Service
- Doudna Fine Arts Center Events
- Tarble Arts Center Events
- Intramural Sports Events
- All student campus events, including Greek Week, UB events, the Spring Concert, and others.
- All in-person meetings with more than 10 participants (virtual RSO meetings are still encouraged).
- Booth Library will remain open at reduced hours for EIU students, staff and faculty for the duration of the semester, and will operate under strict CDC distancing guidelines.
- University food services will remain open at Taylor Dining Center with reduced hours of operation. Food will be available on a grab-and-go basis only.
In what has proven to be an escalating and ongoing situation, these measures have been enacted to keep our EIU populations as safe and as supported as possible. While the university remains committed to sharing information reliably and rapidly, these announcements may generate additional questions. Please email those questions to covid19info@eiu.edu, and the university will do its best to answer them within a 24-hour period.
In the interim, I strongly encourage all students to continue checking their EIU emails and the EIU website with increased frequency to stay abreast of the most up-to-date and relevant information as these circumstances, and EIU’s resulting actions, continue to evolve rapidly for everyone.
We appreciate the enduring patience, flexibility, and trust you’ve all demonstrated as the University continues to navigate this unparalleled and evolving global crisis.
With appreciation,
David M. Glassman
President
CDC: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
WHO: www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
EIU Health & Counseling Services: www.eiu.edu/health
A Coronavirus Update from President Glassman
March 17, 2020
To our EIU students, faculty, and staff -
In my authority as President and in consultation with the Provost, I have instructed our university leadership to proceed with remote learning for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. This decision, though difficult, was made in response to state and federal best-practice suppression and mitigation strategies to help contain the COVID-19 virus. The health and safety of our students and employees is our top priority. (read more)
Please know that despite this decision, the University will remain open for the duration of the semester - including residence and dining centers for those choosing to remain on campus, the library, our student services offices (such as the Health Center, Counseling Center, Career Center, Advising Center) and our general business offices. Even as these offices are open, much of the work will be conducted remotely.
More information will be forthcoming soon, including a collection of FAQs that will provide students and employees with answers to many of their prevailing questions. Please continue to monitor the EIU webpage and your EIU email account.
Sincerely,
David Glassman, President
Jay Gatrell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Message to EIU Employees
March 17, 2020
To Eastern Illinois University’s employees:
As I’ve addressed, the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Within a week’s time, we have extended spring break, moved the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester to remote learning, and cancelled a variety of events. Despite these decisions, the University will remain open for the duration of the semester, as my previous email indicated.
Today, I am implementing a temporary, Remote Work Policy to allow some departments to implement a Remote Work schedule, as allowed by available resources. Specifically, this Remote Work Policy grants department leaders, with Vice Presidential approval, the discretion to create remote work assignments for specific individuals while meeting EIU’s needs. This may be in many different forms—half days, day specific, alternating days, entire week—and should be flexible to meet the department’s changing needs. To be clear, not every employee may be able to work remotely and the remote assignment is not position specific, it is by specific department needs. Each individual working remotely will be responsible for completing their work, generally during normal business hours. Additionally, individuals will be held accountable for accurately reporting their time worked, subject to review. Please address any questions you may have with your supervisor.
This policy will be reviewed from time-to-time during this COVID-19 period.
As always, I encourage you to continue checking your email and the university website with increased frequency. Please know we are working collaboratively to answer your existing questions as quickly and responsibly as possible.
As this international crisis continues to evolve, I thank you all for your patience, understanding, and trust. EIU’s distinguished reputation for excellence begins and ends with its people, as well as the core values we share. Together, we will overcome these difficult and challenging times.
With extraordinary gratitude for all you do,
David M. Glassman
President
A Message from Eastern Illinois University President Dr. David Glassman
March 12, 2020
To the Eastern Illinois University community:
We write to update you on our response to the unprecedented health challenges presented by the global Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. It is critical our university remains proactive and engaged in ensuring the health and safety of everyone within our university community. (read more)
In order to address these new challenges, a number of actions are necessary to protect the safety, health, and well-being of our University community. Our actions are based on current best practices for managing the quickly evolving situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, and in accordance with current COVID-19 information available from the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as well as from state and local health officials. We understand that many questions remain, and ask for your patience as we navigate these new challenges together.
The actions to be taken include the following:
- Eastern Illinois University will extend its spring break for students through March 29. No classes will be held during this time.
- Students will have the option of studying remotely from their campus residence or from home after spring break.
- The University and all of its offices will remain open during this time period and will remain open moving forward.
- To the greatest extent possible, when university courses resume March 30, classes will be delivered through online instruction and/or other alternative instructional methods. Online and other alternative learning methods will replace traditional face-to-face instruction and continue until further notice. We understand that some classes will be much more difficult to deliver online and in different formats. We continue to explore different approaches for completing these courses and faculty will communicate with their classes via email during the week of March 23rd.
- Faculty are expected to return to work on March 23rd to develop the necessary actions to move their face-to-face courses to online or other alternative models, working in close consultation with the Faculty Development and Innovation Center, as well as their college leadership, to provide instructional excellence shaped by best practices.
- There will be no change in programming for students enrolled in internship, clinical, or student teaching experiences off campus. These activities will continue, but may vary in the future based on the policies of the host organization, school, or business. If students have questions about these experiences, please contact the academic program coordinators.
- Graduate assistants and student workers should report back to work on March 23rd as usual, unless otherwise indicated by their unit supervisors. Alternative schedules may be developed on a case-by-case basis as determined by supervisors. Student employees will be contacted by the supervisors with more detailed information on student-worker assignments.
- Students, faculty, staff and their families will be updated regularly via email and university websites during this time frame. As such, it is imperative that students closely monitor their official EIU email accounts.
- Residence halls and Greek Court will close throughout the duration of the previously scheduled Spring Break, though students may return on March 23. In short, all residence halls and on-campus dining will be available to all enrolled students with housing and dining contracts.
- Effective March 12, all University-sponsored, non-essential domestic travel and all international travel is suspended until further notice, unless approved by the Office of the President. All forthcoming Summer 2020 study abroad programs and international internships are canceled. Personal international travel is strongly discouraged, and we urge caution and the exercise of good judgment for personal domestic travel, in accordance with previous university recommendations. Those choosing to travel must follow updated university policies on self-isolation before returning to campus if returning from any country with a Level 3 or higher federal health warning.
- Throughout this pandemic, Eastern Illinois University is attempting to contain or limit any spread by recommending observing the CDC’s recommended prevention guidelines.
- Effective March 16, events at Eastern Illinois University with 50 or more anticipated attendees are postponed through at least May 1. This includes all Registered Student Organizations (RSO) events. All gatherings falling into acceptable participant levels should follow the CDC’s guidelines. Events that do not fall into acceptable attendee limit parameters may opt for livestream or other telecommunication delivery, or be postponed to a future date. More information will be provided regarding the status of specific events.
We recognize these actions will undoubtedly create challenges for students, faculty, staff members, and the greater Eastern Illinois University community. However, this pandemic has created unprecedented circumstances, making these actions prudent and necessary. For more information about COVID-19 and Eastern Illinois University’s response, please visit https://www.eiu.edu/covid/.
We understand this message also will raise questions for which answers are not yet available. In the interim, we will continue to have ongoing discussions with students, faculty, and staff members impacted by today’s decisions answering to more specific issues. We ask for your patience as we attempt to address individual concerns and circumstances. Until then, inquiries can be directed to covid19info@eiu.edu.
Eastern Illinois University is a community unified by the deep, impactful relationships we create with our students. As such, we pledge to work together as we navigate these unprecedented circumstances. We appreciate your understanding as we move forward with the best interests of all involved driving our every decision.
Sincerely,
David Glassman, President
Jay Gatrell, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Lynette Drake, Vice President for Student Affairs
Additional resources:
EIU’s COVID-19 site: https://www.eiu.edu/covid/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization:https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Instructional Planning For Student Success: COVID-19 Update
March 11, 2020
To our campus community –
As President Glassman’s email indicated last night, EIU is actively exploring the implementation of potential distance learning options in the coming weeks as a possible response to the swift and dynamic changes of the current public health crisis surrounding COVID-19. (read more)
For this reason, I have met today with university deans, and together we are encouraging current on-campus students to bring all necessary academic resources and materials with them as they leave for Spring Break. Again, this is a precautionary action intended to allow our students to support learning at a distance, if needed, after the Spring Break period. More importantly, please know that there is no known presence of COVID-19 on our campus or community and that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff is paramount.
Finally, and for purposes of clarity, the University will remain open—including our residence halls, cafeterias, and other services, although there may possibly be a transition from face-to-face to online instruction. As always, additional information will be shared with students and the campus as it becomes available or should further actions be required.
Jay D. Gatrell, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
A Message from Eastern Illinois University President Dr. David Glassman
March 10, 2020
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
Please know that we are aware of wide scale changes occurring across other universities and their various responses to deal with potential fallout from the COVID-19 virus, especially following the spring break time period. EIU’s administration is closely monitoring these activities and are planning for and considering different responses, which may include alternative instructional models that move away from in-person classes. You will be receiving additional information in the future on any changes to a further EIU response, which has the capacity to happen quickly once announced, given the nature of this current health crisis.
Please know there is no presence of COVID-19 on our campus or in our community at this time.
Sincerely,
David M. Glassman
President
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Advisory Regarding Travel
March 4, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
As the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, there is growing potential for it to disrupt travel during Eastern Illinois University’s Spring Break beginning March 14 through March 22. (read more)
Spring Break Travel Within the United States
As of March 2, 10 states have reported confirmed and presumptive positive cases of COVID-19. Although Spring Break destinations may not currently be within cities and states in which positive and presumptive cases have been diagnosed, the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) situation is rapidly evolving. At this time, there are no destinations in the United States which require self-isolation for 14 days after having visited, although this could change.
Spring Break travelers are strongly encouraged to regularly check updates to the CDC COVID-19 Situation Summary and Johns Hopkins Hospital’s GIS Map for locations where COVID-19 has been detected. Should areas in the United States require 14 days of self-isolation, students will be notified through EIU e-mail.
International Travel
In recent weeks, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have raised health-related travel advisory levels and issued alerts for several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and Iran. Individuals traveling abroad should consider the possibility of experiencing travel difficulties returning to the United States, including quarantine.
Any student, faculty member, or staff member traveling from international areas designated by the CDC asLevel 3 Travel Health Advisory (Warning, Avoid Nonessential Travel)orLevel 2 Travel Health Advisory (Alert, Practice Enhanced Precautions)must self-isolate at their permanent home/residence before returning to campus. Before being allowed to resume normal campus activities, those who have traveled must provide documentation of 14-day self-isolation.
During the 14-day self-isolation period, faculty and staff will be required to use sick leave days.
During the 14-day self-isolation period, students should contact all faculty to inquire how they may continue their studies remotely.
As of March 2, the CDC has issued the following travel guidance related to COVID-19 (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html):
-
Level 3 Travel Health Advisory, Avoid Nonessential Travel (14-day self-isolation before returning to campus):
China, Italy, Iran, South Korea
-
Level 2 Travel Health Advisory, Practice Enhanced Cautions (14-day self-isolation before returning to campus):
Japan
-
Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions (No Requirement for Self-Isolation):
Hong Kong
If you are considering international travel this spring, Eastern Illinois University Health and Counseling Services and international travel officials encourage you to continue to monitor Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control.
Preventative Measures
As with any other virus, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. You can help prevent the spread of any respiratory virus by doing the following:
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-30 seconds.
-
Avoid close contact with persons who have respiratory illness symptoms.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
-
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
-
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
-
Stay home when you are sick.
Eastern Illinois University will continue to work closely with local, state, and national public health organizations regarding the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) concern and will take necessary precautions to safeguard the health and wellness of our campus community. Please be alert for additional university messages containing COVID-19 updates and other associated warnings and protocols. Updates and additional information may also be found at the Health and Counseling Services Medical Clinic website.
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) International Travel Self-Isolation Policy
March 4, 2020
Any student, faculty member, and staff traveling from international areas which have been designated as falling under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travel Health Notice Level 3 (Warning, Avoid Nonessential Travel) and Travel Health Notice Level 2 (Alert, Practice Enhanced Precautions) who wish to return to campus must self-isolate at their permanent home/residence after departing from the country in question and before returning to campus/Charleston for a period of 14 days. The CDC maintains a list of COVID-19 Travel Health notices at:www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html. (read more)
Self-isolation is defined as “staying in one’s dwelling (house, apartment, room) entirely during the 14 days. Individuals self-isolating should not go to classes, athletic events, work, or other social gatherings until the 14 days after the departure from the country in question has passed.” Those in self-isolation should avoid public spaces and places, as well as avoid taking public transportation. If living alone, those in self-isolation should plan for others to bring food and other necessities to them.
During the 14-day self-isolation period, faculty and staff will be required to use sick leave days.
During the 14-day self-isolation period, students should contact all faculty to inquire how they may continue their studies remotely.
Before being allowed to resume normal campus activities, those who have traveled must prove the 14-day self-isolation before being allowed to resume normal campus activities.
Those who are unable to return to their permanent home/residence for self-isolation should contact the Health and Counseling Services Medical Clinic to make alternative isolation arrangements.
Sincerely,
Eric S. Davidson
Interim Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services
Joseph R. Baumgart, M.D.
Medical Director, EIU Health and Counseling Services