Illinois State University will require periodic coronavirus testing in the fall for students who are not vaccinated, according to new guidance released by the school.
ISU President Larry Dietz said the university is still holding off on requiring vaccination in the absence of action by the governor, Board of Higher Education, or state Department of Public Health.
From the Fall 2021: Return to a More Traditional Residential College Experience Health and Safety Segment:
“Illinois State University will continue to address the lasting effects of the pandemic on mental health, food and housing insecurity, financial distress, and collective trauma.
The University recognizes that faculty and staff who have been working remotely and students who have been taking online courses may be apprehensive about returning to work and study on campus. By following the guidance of the CDC, IDPH, and other governmental and public health agencies, the University is acting to provide a safe environment for all. Faculty, staff, and students who are anxious about returning to campus are encouraged to gradually return to work and study prior to the start of the fall semester to acclimate to a different environment and to seek support in the transition.
Members of the University community should feel free to continue to wear face coverings without judgement. It is appropriate for an individual who chooses to wear a face covering for personal health reasons to ask others to be respectful of this choice and to wear a face covering and/or practice social distancing in their presence.
All students are expected to provide evidence of receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. Students taking courses on campus who do not provide evidence of receiving the COVID vaccine will be required to participate in the COVID-19 on-campus testing program which will be provided free of charge on campus.
Illinois State University will consider requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for students should the FDA grant full approval to at least one of the common COVID vaccinations widely available in the U.S. and will follow direction from IDPH or the Governor should such guidance mandate students to be vaccinated. While the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently mandated, Illinois State University strongly encourages all eligible members of the campus community – students, faculty, and staff – to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Employees who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to participate in COVID-19 testing which will be provided free of charge on campus. Illinois State University will follow guidance from IDPH or the Governor should such guidance mandate that employees are required to be vaccinated to work on campus.
Although enhanced cleaning will continue in public spaces and restrooms, the risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces or objects is generally low, according to the CDC.
Students who feel ill, whether related to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, should stay home and contact Student Health Services (SHS) (309) 438-8655 for assistance. Students should also notify their instructors about their absence. If the absence is extended, students should contact the Dean of Students Office to facilitate the student absence notification process.
Employees who feel ill, whether related to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, should stay home and seek medical attention if appropriate.
Employees requesting time away from work should follow normal call-in procedures and protocols for their department and report time away from work in accordance with University policy.
CDC guidance indicates that if a vaccinated person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 they do not need to quarantine unless they are experiencing COVID symptoms.
Unvaccinated students and employees need to follow IDPH and CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation.
Employees who test COVID positive, are presumptive positive, or employees who have been notified that they are a close contact of a positive individual should contact Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 and request to speak with a Benefits Counselor to discuss a leave of absence. Employees are required to self-isolate or self-quarantine as directed and will be allowed to return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines. In certain cases, a remote work assignment may be appropriate.
Students who test COVID positive, are presumptive positive, or have been notified that they are a close contact of a positive individual by a local health department should contact the Dean of Students Office at DeanOfStudents@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-2008 to report the absence and/or discuss how to manage any extended absence.”
