Eastern Illinois University will transition to online-only learning for all classes following the Thanksgiving holiday break and for the remainder of the Fall semester, including finals.
“Please know the decision to transition to online-only learning is out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to do our part to reduce the rising levels of Covid-19 transmission throughout the State,” a message to students Monday morning said.
While the mode of instruction will change during this short period of time, the University’s Residence Halls and Apartments, Dining Centers, Booth Library, the Union, and all student support offices will remain open under CDC, IDPH and EIU guidelines.
“As such, no refunds will be given for tuition, fees, housing or dining. On-campus student employment will also remain available,” the statement said.
EIU said that they are committed to keeping a safe learning environment for student who return to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday while other may opt to learn from home until the Spring 2021 semester.
“Whether you choose to stay at home for the last two weeks of classes and finals week, or choose to come back to campus after Thanksgiving for the remainder of the semester, we strongly encourage all EIU students to strictly adhere to the IDPH and the CDC’s recommendations of limiting travel and gatherings during the holiday season as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations across the State and throughout the nation surge,” the statement said.
The University statement also said:
- Students who do not choose to return to campus after Thanksgiving break will be required to mail their textbooks back to campus by Friday, December 18 to avoid late charges. This is necessary for us to redistribute the books on time for the start of the spring semester. More information will follow.
- Students who do choose to return to campus after the Thanksgiving holiday break and plan to live in their residence hall rooms for the remainder of the Fall semester should let the University Housing Office know that they are planning to do so by using this link: go.eiu.edu/HousingSurvey.
- As a precautionary measure, ALL STUDENTS should plan to take any materials home with them they would need to complete the Fall 2020 semester remotely. This includes personal computers, laptops, books, and any necessary notes, personal items, or important medications.
EIU, in partnership with IDPH, will host another voluntary COVID-19 testing event from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17. There is no out-of-pocket cost to EIU students and employees. The non-invasive nasal swab testing will be available via walk-up and drive-through.
