Charleston Middle School at EIU
Following the June 17 tornado that caused significant damage to Charleston Middle School, Eastern Illinois University and Charleston Community Unit School District No. 1 are partnering to provide temporary space for middle school classes during the 2026-27 academic year.
Charleston Middle School students and staff will be based primarily in Coleman Hall, with plans designed to support student safety while minimizing disruption to EIU’s academic schedule and daily campus operations. Faculty and staff offices will remain in place, and EIU classes will continue as scheduled, with some classroom locations adjusted as needed.
This page provides answers to common questions about transportation, parking, building access, security, shared campus spaces and other details related to the partnership.
Timeline & Duration
How long will Charleston Middle School be using space at EIU?
The arrangement is temporary, but a specific end date has not been determined. The timeline will depend on the scope of repairs needed at Charleston Middle School and how long it takes for the building to be ready for students, teachers and staff to safely return.
EIU is committed to supporting our neighbors for the duration of the need. We will continue working with Charleston CUSD1 to minimize disruption to campus while helping ensure Charleston Middle School students have a safe, welcoming place to learn.
Transportation, Drop-Off & Pick-Up
How will Charleston Middle School students get to campus?
Charleston CUSD1 will provide traditional school bus transportation for middle school students. Designated drop-off and pick-up areas will be used to support student safety and manage traffic flow.
- Bus drop-off will take place on 7th Street between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
- Bus pick-up will take place on 7th Street between 3 and 4 p.m.
- Parent drop-off will take place on 7th Street between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
- Parent pick-up will take place in the W Lot on 4th Street, near Wesley United Methodist Church, between 3 and 4 p.m.
Will there be crossing guards for students crossing the streets?
Parking
Where will Charleston Middle School staff and visitors park?
Charleston Middle School staff will be provided with student parking passes and may park in designated student parking areas.
A limited number of parking spaces will be available for middle school visitors during the school day.
Coleman Hall Access & EIU Classes
Will access to Coleman Hall be limited?
Yes. To support the safety of Charleston Middle School students, EIU students will have limited access to the first and second floors of Coleman Hall during CMS school operations.
The northeast entrance will be designated for Charleston Middle School use. The southeast entrance will be designated for EIU students and employees.
Faculty and staff will continue to have access to the South Entrance using their Panther Card. All other entrances will remain locked and will be available only for emergency exit.
Will I still have class in Coleman Hall?
Some EIU classes have been moved to other locations. Please check your official University schedule for the most up-to-date location of your classes.
Classes held on the third floor of Coleman Hall generally have not changed.
Can I still visit faculty members in Coleman Hall?
How will restroom access be handled?
To ensure the safety and privacy of CMS students, access to restrooms will be restricted.
On the first and second floors of Coleman Hall, there will be Adult Only facilities for CMS staff and members of the EIU community. Likewise, CMS students will have dedicated facilities for their use only.
All third floor restrooms will be available to EIU students, staff, and faculty.
To ensure the safety of the young learners, signage will be clearly posted on the appropriate restrooms beginning the week of August 10.
Student Safety & Supervision
Will middle school students mix with EIU students?
Charleston Middle School students will use designated spaces during the school day, including dedicated floors, classrooms and other assigned areas for their program. While common areas such as sidewalks and walkways may be shared, middle school students will not attend classes with EIU students.
Middle school students will be accompanied by Charleston Middle School staff when moving between designated areas.
Can middle school students wander campus alone?
How will campus security be handled for the middle school?
The security plan includes dedicated Charleston Middle School staff working in partnership with the University Police Department.
Designated School Resource Officers and school security staff will be stationed throughout Coleman Hall and other CMS-use areas to monitor student movement and transition periods during the school day.
Will security cameras be used?
Yes. In addition to EIU’s existing security system, Charleston Middle School will install its own camera system inside Coleman Hall to support the safety and security of the space.
The system will provide coverage throughout the first and second floors. The installation of security cameras is consistent with the district’s existing security plan and prior practice.
Daily Schedule & Student Activities
What are the hours for the middle school?
Regular instructional hours for Charleston Middle School will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Will CMS students follow EIU's schedule or a middle school calendar?
Charleston Middle School will operate on a traditional daily middle school schedule, with set morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times.
The academic calendar will follow the Charleston CUSD1 calendar, not EIU’s university semester calendar.
What are the plans for lunch and recess?
Charleston Middle School students will eat breakfast and lunch in a designated section of South Quad Commons, located in the Thomas Hall dining center. CMS students will use a dedicated entrance.
Recess and physical education will take place on designated university lawns, intramural fields or in McAfee Gym under close supervision.
Will CMS hold after-school programs or activities at EIU?
In general, CMS after-school programs and activities will not be held at EIU.
Campus Resources & Academic Spaces
Will CMS students have access to university libraries and labs?
Yes. CMS students may have supervised, scheduled access to Booth Library and campus laboratories in coordination with Booth Library staff, department supervisors and Charleston Middle School staff.
Discipline & Conduct
How will behavior issues and discipline be managed?
All disciplinary matters involving Charleston Middle School students will fall under the authority of the middle school principal and the district’s Student Code of Conduct.
University administration would only be involved if a student violates a fundamental university campus policy.
Agreement & Compensation
Is EIU being compensated for use of the space?
Yes. EIU and Charleston CUSD1 have agreed to terms that include a reasonable lease fee associated with the use of classrooms and other instructional space. This agreement also includes access to other EIU facilities and included the billing of direct ancillary costs.