Eastern Illinois University :: COVID-19

University Emails

EIU has been communicating with our students in regards to COVID-19. This is an archive of those emails.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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EIU COVID-19

University Emails

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Aug. 31, 2021

Details on EIU Vaccine Tracing and COVID-19 Surveillance Testing for Fall 2021

Aug. 3, 2021

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Student and Employee Privacy

EIU SHIELD Testing Details for Those Who Are Unvaccinated or Have Chosen Not to Disclose Their Vaccination Status

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General

EIU Response to Updated CDC Guidelines on Indoor Masking

July 27, 2021

Some FAQs Regarding the Fall 2021 Semester

July 13, 2021

1. What will EIU's student experience be like this Fall?

2. What are the guidelines for vaccinated students?

3. What are the guidelines for unvaccinated students?

4. What do I need to do for the COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program if I am unvaccinated?

5. Why does EIU need to verify whether or not I’ve been vaccinated?

6. What happens if I wait to get vaccinated until after classes start, or if I am not yet fully vaccinated?

Important Message for EIU Students, Faculty and Staff

July 1, 2021

SHIELD Testing Update

Feb. 1, 2021

Inauguration Day and Transition to Tier 1 Mitigation

Jan. 19, 2021

Welcome to EIU 2021

Jan. 5, 2021

Well Wishes For a Strong Finish to Our Fall 2020 Semester

Dec. 1, 2020

Fall 2020 Academic Affairs Update - Credit/No Credit Grade Option

Nov. 16, 2020

Important Information For All EIU Students For After Thanksgiving

Nov. 16, 2020

Oct. 30, 2020

Oct. 8, 2020

Sept. 24, 2020

Sept. 14, 2020

Saturday, September 19 (8:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.): Adventures at Aikman Wildlife (Arcola, Illinois)

Saturday, September 26 (2 to 4:30 p.m.): Adventure EIU!

Week of September 28 – October 4: EIU Homecoming

Saturday, October 10 (1 to 4 p.m.): Virtual Womxn Up Conference

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PROTECT OUR PANTHERS!

Panthers' Return: A Campus Guidebook to Returning to EIU this Fall

July 17, 2020

July 13, 2020

Plans to Return for Fall 2020

June 25, 2020

General Safety

Instruction

University Housing and Dining

Campus life

Employees

Testing and Notification

Reducing Employee Risk for COVID-19 in the Workplace

June 10, 2020

Summer 2020 Credit/No Credit (C/NC) Option Update

June 8, 2020

Masking and Return To Work

May 29, 2020

Masking and Social Distancing Policies

Details of Return-to-Campus Plan

Transitioning to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan

May 22, 2020

Announcement Regarding 2020-21 On-Campus Room Options

May 6, 2020

How to Submit Credit / No Credit Grade Type Requests

May 4, 2020

A Message from President Glassman about Fall 2020 Classes

May 1, 2020

Instructions Regarding Move-Out Procedures

April 28, 2020

Extension of Stay-at-Home Order Through April