EIU has been communicating with our students in regards to COVID-19. This is an archive of those emails.
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.
Following the Executive Order extension, I’d like to share the following important updates with our students:
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
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.
The best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. You can help prevent the spread by doing the following:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Student-athletes are expected to consult their departmental or program advisor, as well as their assigned Panther Athletic Academic Student Services advisor.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
To my EIU colleagues –
Some additional clarification on time reporting as EIU operates in a way consistent with Illinois Executive 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:
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Consistent with today’s Executive Order, EIU is issuing the following announcements for its primary audiences:
Students:
Faculty, Librarians, and Student Academic Support Services:
Staff:
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
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.
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:
AND
AND
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
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:
The following facilities and events are closed or cancelled for the duration of the Spring 2020 semester:
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
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.
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
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.
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:
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
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.
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
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
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.
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 as Level 3 Travel Health Advisory (Warning, Avoid Nonessential Travel) or Level 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.
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.
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
Medical Clinic
Eastern Illinois University Human Services Building
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-3013
health@eiu.edu