COVID-19 Update: Classes Canceled at WIU March 14-20

March 12, 2020

Dear University Community,



While there are no probable or confirmed cases of the Coronavirus at Western Illinois University, there are confirmed cases in Illinois. In an effort to keep our University community safe, particularly following Spring Break travel, all University classes are canceled Saturday-Friday, March 14-20. Classes will resume in an alternative format Saturday, March 21, 2020 and will continue in that format until at least April 3, 2020. Details will be forthcoming next week.



Residence Halls



Residence halls will re-open at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 15 as originally scheduled; however, students may choose to remain in their permanent residences until further notice. If students choose to return to their respective residence halls, they must check in via their STARS account when they arrive on campus. Dining services will be available.



University Operations & Faculty/Staff



While classes are canceled next week, the University remains open for regular business. All faculty and staff will resume their normal work schedule the week of March 15. Student employees and graduate assistants should consult with their respective supervisors. Employees and students who feel ill should stay home and contact their health care provider.



University Events



All events on either campus with more than 50 participants that are scheduled between now and April 3, 2020 should be canceled, unless deemed as essential for University operations. We have implemented a mandatory event registration form, which will remain in effect for the remainder of the semester, which can be found at bit.ly/WIUEventRegistration2020.



International & Domestic Travel



We recently canceled all summer study abroad trips and all international business travel for students, faculty and staff through Aug. 1, 2020. All University-affiliated domestic air travel is also restricted until further notice; however, faculty and staff who believe they have an essential reason to travel by air can request a waiver from Executive Director of Risk Management Joe Roselieb. Nonessential travel by bus and train is strongly discouraged. WIU students, faculty and staff are encouraged not to visit areas with high numbers of reported cases within the U.S. If individuals return from high-risk areas in the U.S. or abroad, they could be required to self-isolate for 14 days.



Information



There are numerous "what if" scenarios and questions that we may not be able to answer at this time. We are not taking this situation lightly and are working as quickly as possible to make informed decisions to keep our University community safe, while providing a quality academic experience for our students. Individuals with questions can email covid-19@wiu.edu. The latest updates are also posted at wiu.edu/coronavirus and wiu.edu/news.



Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we continue to develop plans to protect our University community.



Sincerely,



Martin Abraham

Interim President







Posted By: WIU News (U-Relations@wiu.edu)

Office of University Relations