EIU Media Relations

An Important Message from President Glassman Regarding Today’s Executive Order

To our entire EIU Family – 

Federal and state COVID-19 actions continue to change rapidly, and we are responding to those actions as quickly and responsibly as possible. This afternoon, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 10, which includes a “Stay-at-Home” section. The order goes into effect tomorrow, Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m., and will continue through April 7 unless extended by the Governor. Today’s order will have far-reaching implications for how the State of Illinois will move forward as we continue to combat this escalating global health crisis together.  

Two items of critical importance: 

1. The information in this email supersedes previous information you may have received; and 

2. More detailed information will continue to emerge from the university with additional specifics for all involved. 

Consistent with today’s Executive Order, EIU is issuing the following announcements for its primary audiences: 

Students:

• Classes will resume in online format March 30 as scheduled. Students having questions about their classes should contact their instructor.
   

• Students who were in University Housing and need specific education support materials, (books, computers, etc.) from their rooms may request an opportunity to retrieve these items by scheduling a time through the Housing and Dining Office at housing@eiu.edu.  The University Housing and Dining Office will communicate instructions for this process.  Students will not be permitted to reside overnight in campus housing.  
   

• Students should not come to campus intending to move out of university housing (Residence Halls, Greek Court, University Court, or University Apartments), until the Executive Order is lifted. Students’ belongings will remain secure. University Housing will contact students to schedule a complete move out when appropriate. 
   

• Prior to classes starting on March 30, residential students with extraordinary circumstances (such as international students, students without permanent homes, or other impacting situations) may petition to return to University Housing. Students requesting accommodations will need to complete a request form that can be obtained by contacting housing@eiu.edu.
   

• Return of textbooks will occur at the end of the semester either through drop-off at Textbook Rental Service or through U.S. Mail. Instructions for mailing back textbooks will be communicated to students prior to the end of the semester.

Faculty, Librarians, and Student Academic Support Services:

• Faculty and staff who have the tools they need to facilitate distance learning and student success from home should do so. 
   

• Faculty and staff who need access to departmental resources or their faculty office to facilitate distance learning may travel to work under the Executive Order.
   

• Faculty or researchers with critical research initiatives may access their assigned laboratory facilities.
   

• Booth Library will be remote and virtual through Sunday, March 29, and resume limited service beginning Monday, March 30.

Staff:

• Many EIU employees have begun and will continue to work remotely. In response to today’s Executive Order, the administration is reviewing whether there are additional employees who will be assigned to work from home. Supervisors will contact individual employees.
   

• All regular university faculty and staff will continue to be paid throughout the term of today’s Executive Order. Employees are not required to use accrued leave during this time period.

Once again, I stress the importance of monitoring your EIU email and checking the EIU website with increased frequency. The university will work diligently in communicating important details to our EIU community.

We are all in this together, and as a community, we will continue to do our best to limit the spread and impact of this global pandemic while advancing our educational mission. Remember to respect and support one another during this challenging time. Please also remember to follow guidelines for social distancing and for safeguarding personal wellness.

We all share in the stress and anxiety that this pandemic has placed on us as individuals and as a global society. More than ever, it’s important for all of us to value and care for one another.

With enduring appreciation for your patience, understanding, and trust, 

David M. Glassman
President