EIU Media Relations

State Mitigation Update - October 30, 2020

Students and Employees,  

Earlier today, the State of Illinois announced Region 6 – EIU’s Region – will join other Regions across the State in Tier 1 COVID-19 mitigation.  

Although universities are excluded from the mitigation order, Eastern Illinois University will act responsibly in the Region’s enhanced fight against further spread of the virus by initiating protocols to reduce risk to students, staff, faculty, and our community. 

EIU’s existing health and safety guidelines have helped to make campus as safe as possible for our students and employees. For that reason, EIU will continue to follow its existing academic calendar, and classes will continue to meet as scheduled on campus. The modality of instruction for course sections remains unchanged for all modes including face-to-face, hybrid, and online course delivery.  All university offices will remain fully staffed to support our students' collective success. Student workers will continue their work but should contact their direct supervisors to discuss any case-by-case adjustments.

Although Region 6 Tier 1 mitigation will officially go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2., we encourage all EIU students to immediately begin following EIU’s mitigation protocols. These mitigation protocols will result in reduced campus activities for a period of at least 14 days. As a result, many events and community programs will need to be revised, suspended, or cancelled based on EIU’s mitigation protocols, which include:

1. Students should not socialize in any group larger than 10 individuals, and all must be wearing masks and social distancing. Students are strongly encouraged to avoid off-campus public spaces as much as possible. 
2. Campus dining centers will be limited to “grab and go” meals, including the food court in the MLK, Jr. Student Union.  
3. Indoor and outdoor EIU-sponsored group activities and events will be limited to the lesser of 25 percent of normal venue capacity or a maximum of 25 appropriately distanced individuals. Masking and social distancing will be strictly enforced. 
4. Use of the Rec Center by students and staff will be limited to 25 percent of capacity. Adult fitness programming at the Rec Center will be suspended until Coles County is no longer in mitigation. More specific information on Rec Center limitations will be made available at www.eiu.edu/covid. 
5. Other items may be added to this list as appropriate.
6. University Athletics events are excepted by the mitigation order. Any modifications to EIU Athletics events will be shared when available.
7. For the latest EIU COVID-19 updates, visit www.eiu.edu/covid.  

Additionally, voting and related election activities are excluded from Tier 1 guidance and limitations. As such, please know that you are able to visit your polling place on Election Day Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Students are advised to limit off-campus travel to necessary travel only. Students should avoid socializing in groups of more than ten individuals. In short, when students are not in class, limit your travel off-campus, observe social distancing, continue to observe all mask requirements, and avoid groups of more than ten. Employees are strongly encouraged to follow similar guidelines when off campus.  

These protocols are critical to combatting the virus and reducing risk to campus and the community. As indicated above, campus remains open, the residence halls remain open, and campus-based instruction continues. Stay safe Panthers, and please continue to look out for one another.  

Sincerely,

David Glassman
President
Eastern Illinois University