On Thursday, August 26, 2021, Governor Pritzker announced a statewide indoor face covering requirement for all individuals ages 2 and older, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, it was announced that all P-12 teachers and staff, higher education personnel and students, and healthcare workers are required to be vaccinated and, if not, test weekly at a minimum. State officials could increase the frequency of required testing for unvaccinated individuals in areas that become COVID-19 outbreak hotspots. As new guidance becomes available from the state, the University will review and update its approach to coronavirus as appropriate.
At this time, this announcement does not change Illinois State’s vaccine or face covering requirements, but reinforces that vaccines are the most safe and effective way to keep our Illinois State University community healthy. “I want to thank Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health for their continued commitment to the health and safety of higher education students and employees and the people of Illinois,” said President Terri Goss Kinzy.
The following message provides an update on the Fall 2021 Illinois State University health and safety standards applicable to the University community for students, faculty, and staff.
These health and safety standards are subject to change and are adopted as a part of the University’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies as recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For the most up-to-date information about the University’s approach to COVID-19, email Coronavirus@IllinoisState.edu or visit the Coronavirus website.
On-Campus Vaccination Clinics Next Week
Being a responsible Redbird includes taking measures to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Walk-in vaccination clinics for Illinois State University students, faculty, and staff will be held from 1-3:45 p.m. Tuesday, August 31, and Wednesday and Thursday, September 1 and 2, in the Bone Student Center Circus Room. Both walk-up and pre-registrations are accepted and Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available.
ISU hourly employees may use release time to attend these clinics, including any required monitoring time at the vaccination location immediately following receipt of the vaccine.
More information can be found about the on the University’s Coronavirus website.
Vaccination Requirement
Students, faculty, and staff who are taking courses and/or working on campus and/or property owned or controlled by the University, are required to provide evidence of receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccination to Student Health Services (SHS). See the information below regarding how to be in compliance with the vaccination requirement and be exempt from weekly testing.
The University is accepting vaccines currently authorized for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as those authorized for emergency use by either the FDA or the World Health Organization (WHO).
Students with questions about vaccine safety and effectiveness are encouraged to ask questions of Student Health Services. Employees should reach out to their healthcare provider or local pharmacists who are providing the vaccine.
In addition to on-campus vaccination clinics next week, the Coronavirus website includes links to all known area sites within the community offering COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 Testing Reminder
Students, faculty, and staff who are on campus and who have not provided Student Health Services (SHS) with evidence of vaccination are required to participate in weekly on-campus, saliva-based, COVID-19 testing provided by SHIELD Illinois. Students and employees will be contacted by the University if not in compliance.
Individuals must do one of the following to be in compliance with the vaccination requirement and be exempt from weekly testing:
Upload your COVID-19 vaccination record to the Patient Health Portal as soon as possible.
Upload proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken within 90 days of submitting your results to the Patient Health Portal. (Following the CDC advice for those who test positive to refrain from retesting for 90 days).
Individuals who are not in compliance with the testing requirement implemented as part of the University’s health and safety standards are subject to the appropriate discipline process which could include sanctions up to and including suspension and/or dismissal/discharge/termination.
Learn more about SHIELD COVID-19 testing and testing locations.
Students in need of an accommodation may contact Student Access and Accommodation Services. Employees in need of an accommodation may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.
