EIU Media Relations

Fall 2021 COVID Guidelines for Students and Employees

EIU expects every student who plans on taking any in-person classes on campus to have received a full COVID-19 vaccination. This expectation also extends to all EIU faculty and staff members.

Students:

Vaccinated:

• Not required to wear masks in most indoor and all outdoor locations. (Masks will still be required for all in a few specific locations, including all classrooms, the Student Health Center, the Shield Covid-testing site on Court 5 of the Student Recreation Center, and on the Panther Shuttle. Based on state guidance physical distancing may be observed in these venues, too.)
• Not required to observe social distancing protocols.
• Can meet in person with vaccinated peers in gatherings of any size for campus activities.
• Will not need to be quarantined if contact-traced to someone who has tested positive (unless symptoms present).

Unvaccinated:

• Can participate in face-to-face classes and university events, activities and gatherings across campus, but must follow University masking and distancing guidelines for unvaccinated students.
• Masks required in all indoor areas except in their on-campus Residence Hall/Greek Court room or University Apartment.
• Social distancing of six feet continues to be required everywhere indoors and outdoors except inside their on-campus room or apartment.
• Will need to participate in EIU’s COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program. Like last spring, EIU will use the noninvasive SHIELD saliva testing method.

Employees

Vaccinated:

• Not required to wear masks in most indoor and all outdoor locations. (Masks will still be required for all in a few specific locations, including all classrooms, the Student Health Center, the Shield Covid-testing site on Court 5 of the Student Recreation Center, and on the Panther Shuttle. Based on state guidance physical distancing may be observed in these venues, too.)
• Not required to observe social distancing protocols.
• Can meet in person with vaccinated peers in gatherings of any size for campus activities.
• Will not need to be quarantined if contact-traced to someone who has tested positive (unless symptoms present).

Unvaccinated:

• Required to wear masks indoors at all times except in their individual, private offices, or outdoors when they are unable to maintain a six-foot distance from others.
• Will need to participate in EIU’s COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Program. Like last spring, EIU will use the noninvasive SHIELD saliva testing method.