Western Illinois University to Resume On-Campus Classes, Activities Aug. 24
MACOMB/Moline, IL — Western Illinois University will resume on-campus activities and face-to-face classes Monday, Aug. 24 at its Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.
“We are engaging with faculty and staff to address final elements of our health and safety protocols that will ensure that we will be able to provide the best quality educational experience to all students in these challenging times,” Interim President Martin Abraham said.
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Academic Calendar
Like most universities in Illinois and around the country, classes will continue face-to-face through Thanksgiving, and then will transition into alternate formats beginning Monday, Nov. 30 for the final three weeks of the fall semester. Final exams will be offered remotely during the week of December 14.
Students who want to remain on campus following the Thanksgiving Break will have the opportunity to do so by contacting UHDS@wiu.edu to make arrangements. Students who choose to stay on campus may not travel during the holiday break. Individuals who leave campus during Thanksgiving Break will not be allowed to return until classes resume in January 2021. Additional details will be provided by UHDS during the fall semester.
Students who choose not to stay on campus for any part of the remaining fall semester will receive a credit adjustment to their housing and dining charges. This credit adjustment will be made directly to students’ accounts in late November. Residence halls will close at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20.
To ensure the health of the WIU campus community, the Fall 2020 Commencement will be a virtual event on Saturday, Dec. 19 for Fall 2020 graduates. More information will be shared at a later date.
It is the University’s plan to return to on-campus classes and activities for the Spring 2021 semester Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021.
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Classes
Western will have a full slate of classes available on campus, as well as classes available in hybrid or online format.
• The number of seats in classrooms will be reduced.
• Barrier shields will be installed at select locations throughout campus.
• Classes will be spaced to ensure sufficient time between classes to maximize social distancing.
• Faculty are continuing to prepare courses in online and hybrid formats.
Updates will be made to the class schedule to continue to best accommodate students up until the beginning of the semester. The Office of the Registrar will email revised schedule confirmations to students around July 31 and prior to the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester. Students are encouraged to stay in contact with their academic advisors to ensure the best academic experience suited to their needs.
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Campus Protocols
• Face coverings, which will be provided (two for each member of the University community), will be required on campus (with the exception of individual residence hall rooms), and in all buildings, dining halls and classrooms.
• Dining halls will provide take-out service and Union Food Court restaurants will be open with reduced seating in the food court
• University meeting rooms in the Union will have reduced occupancy limits to allow for effective social distancing.
• The University rec center will be open with equipment distributed throughout to allow for maximum utilization.
• A new “Leatherneck Pledge” has also been developed to help make students, faculty and staff aware of the University’s health and safety protocols. More information will be sent in the near future.
University protocols apply to both Macomb and Quad Cities campuses.
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Move-In
New students will move in Wednesday, August 19-Thursday, Aug. 20, with returning students moving in Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23. Specific time slots will be assigned to maximize social distancing measures.
• Students will receive an email from Housing on how to sign up for a move-in appointment. This information will go out after housing assignments are released (mid-late July).
• Students will be limited to the number of guests they may bring to help move in. Those who are pregnant or have underlying health conditions should refrain from assisting. Students are encouraged to bring their own cart or dollies, as carts will be limited.
• Social distancing measures will be in place, as only a limited number of students will be able to move in per hour. Masks will be required upon check-in and additional safety protocols will be in place.
• Additional protocols and information related to move-in and housing will be provided to students later this summer. More information will also be available at wiu.edu/movein.
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Move-In Weekend Programming
Programming begins Friday, Aug. 21, with the traditional new student convocation to begin at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 on Hanson Field to allow for social distancing measures. Student welcome events, including a re-imagined Rocky After Dark event will continue throughout the weekend, providing students opportunities to meet classmates, learn their way around campus, and receive an introduction to the University experience and Leatherneck traditions.
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To view frequently asked questions and for the most up-to-date information, visit wiu.edu/returntocampus.
