Follow up Regarding Plans for the Remainder of the Semester
Nov. 16, 2020
Deat Faculty,
As President Freeman just shared, the steady increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Illinois has prompted the Illinois Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory. We should assume that a mandatory order from Gov. Pritzker could happen in the coming days or weeks if the surge continues. It’s important that we take what steps we can now to help protect our students and colleagues during these challenging weeks ahead.
If you are currently teaching a face-to-face course or have face-to-face class meetings or activities planned for the remainder of the semester, please communicate with your chair about the status of your class and finals. If you can move to virtual delivery, please do so. If not, please talk to your chair by the end of the day Wednesday, Nov. 18, about seeking an exception. Faculty are asked to update their students of any changes to their course modality and/or finals via Blackboard by Friday, Nov. 20. This advance notice is critical to their success and ability to plan accordingly for Thanksgiving week and after. For now, research operations may continue as long as the existing protocols outlined in Protecting the Pack are in place. As much as possible, research and scholarly activities should continue remotely. In addition, off-campus educational activities such as internships and clinicals should follow the COVID protocols of the host institution. I continue to appreciate your flexibility and the care you are demonstrating for our students and one another. Thank you for all of the work you’ve done this semester, and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! Beth | 
