Frequently Asked Questions 

Illinois State University is closely monitoring developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The University is taking a highly coordinated approach to planning and preparedness to ensure the safety of the campus community. Staff in Illinois State’s Incident Management Team, Emergency Management, Student Health Services, Risk Management, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs have closely monitored developments with the coronavirus and continue to develop contingency plans.

The University’s planning and preparedness efforts are guided by current information from the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, U.S. Department of State, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the McLean County Health Department, and University emergency management and risk management protocols. In addition to the University’s Incident Management Team, working groups from across campus are reviewing and enhancing preparedness and response plans. Academic programs, student services, health and safety, and all other campus operations are being reviewed.

Yes. University Housing Services contacted students on March 17 via their university email address with updated instructions about how to move out of the residence halls and university apartments.

Accommodations for students who cannot return home will be addressed on a case-by-case basis by University Housing Services.

No.  There are no plans to extend the semester.

As long as your site is still operating, you should report as previously assigned. If you have further questions, contact your academic advisor.  

Your instructor is reaching out to you to provide specifics regarding your course requirements and learning format.

Members of the campus community are strongly encouraged to read the guidance provided by the CDC regarding preventive steps you can take to avoid the Coronavirus and the spread of respiratory diseases. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

You should call ahead to your healthcare professional and follow the CDC guidance.

If you are an employee of the University, you should also reference the Human Resources FAQs for proper guidance regarding call-procedures and protocols for your department and reporting time away from work in accordance with university policy. 

Effective March 16, all University-sponsored, non-essential domestic travel and all international travel is suspended until further notice. All Summer 2020 study abroad programs and international internships are cancelled.

Those pursuing University-sponsored travel must first receive approval from the Vice President with authority over their school, department or office. Even if the travel had been approved prior to March 16, approval must be sought again given the evolving circumstances.

If travel is deemed essential and approved at the Vice Presidential level, anyone traveling for University-sponsored purposes MUST register their travel before their expected departure and update this information as changes occur, before and during travel. Registration is an important step in reducing the risks of traveling in heightened COVID-19 environments and helps keep the university community safe.

View form to register approved Domestic Travel.

For information on reimbursement of expenses due to changed travel plans, please visit the Travel office website.

In accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, all persons returning from a  CDC Travel Notice 3  nation should remain at home and self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of departure, avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing.

If you are returning to the United States in this circumstance, the University asks that you not return to campus during the self-quarantine period.  It is imperative that when you reach your final destination, that you contact your local health department. Your health department will advise you on steps you can to take to protect your health and the health of your community.  

If you are an employee, you should contact Human Resources at 309-438-8311 immediately to provide documentation of the self-quarantine/isolation and to discuss potential options for work from home and/or benefit usage. More information can be found by reading the Human Resources FAQs.

Please visit the Research website and the FAQs regarding Impacts to Research Activities.

Effective immediately, there should be no events on campus or university related events with more than 10 people through at least April 12. Beginning April 13 through May 31, there should be no events or university related events with 50 or more persons.

Realize that this is still a fluid situation. There is a possibility that these dates may be pushed further into the summer sometime in the future.

For any questions or concerns with anything related to technology, contact the Technology Support Center at ITHelp.IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 438-4357.

For more information on dining, please visit Dining.IllinoisState.edu/coronavirus-faqs/.

Currently the grading system for classes will remain the same. Only those classes originally designated as CR/NC will have this as its grading option.

The University understands that during a National or State emergency members of the National Guard and/or Reserves may be called to active duty. The Veterans and Military Services office is the main point of contact to help students and faculty understand the options available to address activation. You can contact the office by emailing Veterans@IllinoisState.edu.

If you are a staff or faculty member and you are activated please contact Human Resources at 309-438-8311 and ask to speak to your Benefit Counselor.

Most Illinois State University buildings have stations at the main entrances for use. The sanitizer is 70% alcohol-based, which is the recommendation by the CDC.

The safety and well-being of our campus community and guests is of top priority. We have been following increased cleaning practices for more than 2 weeks and continue to do so. The cleaning enhancements at this time include:

• Sanitizing and disinfecting high touch surface areas, such as wiping off desk tops and work stations, cleaning flat surfaces in offices, including key boards, door knobs, elevators buttons, hand rails, counter tops at all front desks, light switches, entry glass, and door push plates. Restrooms and public spaces are still being cleaned and disinfected at least daily, often more.
• The frequency of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting these surfaces was increased to at least daily
• Disinfectants that we are utilizing on campus are on the EPA-approved list of cleaners
• Social distancing is being explained and encouraged for our teams working on campus

Yes. Visit the Barnes and Noble book return webpage to begin the book return process. Enter your order number, found on your receipt and email. This will generate a pre-paid UPS label that will allow you to ship the book to the Barnes & Noble Illinois State Bookstore at no cost. The label needs to be printed before the May 9 rental return deadline and can only be printed once. Once the book is received, the return will be completed in the bookstore rental system.

If you have any questions or are unable to locate your order number, please email sm246@bncollege.com and the bookstore will get that information for you.

All advisors have moved to virtual advising. Your advisor should be able to meet with you during this time. At this time, registration dates and times have not changed.

As with any illness, employees who are ill should stay home and, if warranted, seek medical attention. Employees should follow normal call-in procedures and protocols for their department and report time away from work in accordance with University policy. If you believe you have been exposed to coronavirus, you should follow this additional guidance from the CDC.

You can suggest that the employee go home or seek medical treatment, but you should not mandate that the employee leave the workplace. If the employee chooses to go home, they should report time away from work in accordance with University policy.

The absence of an employee from work (except those employees who have traveled to a Level 3 country) should be handled the same as any other absence, following your normal procedures when an employee fails to appear for work.

Absolutely. The University has a Germs are Everywhere campaign that can be used for this purpose.

The fact that you have traveled, in and of itself, is not cause for concern. In accordance with guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, all persons returning from a CDC Travel Notice 3 nation should remain at home and self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of departure, avoid congregate settings, limit public activities and practice social distancing. If you are returning to the United States in this circumstance, you cannot return to the University during the self-quarantine period. It is imperative that, when you reach your final destination, you contact your local health department. Your health department will advise you on steps you can take to protect your health and the health of your community. Employees in this situation should contact Human Resources immediately at (309) 438-8311 to provide documentation of the self-quarantine and to discuss potential options for work from home and/or benefit usage.

The University has restricted all international travel and all non-essential domestic travel. Although the University cannot restrict your personal travel, you are encouraged to review all CDC travel advisories before making any final decisions regarding your personal travel.

If you choose to travel and the country to which you travel moves from a Level 2 to a Level 3 during the course of your travel, you will be required to self-quarantine (see previous question) upon your return.

No. The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask. The best way to prevent respiratory disease, including the coronavirus, is to use everyday preventive actions.

Students who work on campus should contact their supervisors prior to March 16 to determine the need for their return to their position. Students in this situation who reside in the residence halls must follow University Housing protocols for requesting to stay on campus.

You should follow CDC guidelines. Employees should follow normal call-in procedures and protocols for their department and report time away from work in accordance with University policy. Employees in this situation should also contact Human Resources Benefits Division at (309) 438-8311.

Individuals who become ill, from the COVID-19 or from any other illness, may be eligible for FMLA in accordance with Policy 3.1.12. Individuals should contact the Human Resources Benefits office at (309) 438-8311 with any questions or for assistance.

Supervisors should not compel a student to return to work. However, as the University is open for business, students can report to work. If the student resides in the residence halls, the student must follow University Housing protocol for requesting to stay on campus.

Note that Graduate Assistants are expected to return to work the week of March 15.

If you are unable to report to work because of the lack of childcare, you should notify your supervisor of the need for absence following your department's normal call-in procedures and report time away for work in accordance with University policy. Employees will need to use available vacation, comp time, or personal days (faculty associates only) for these absences.

Questions may be directed to the Human Resources Benefits Division at (309) 438-8311.

The University has taken a number of steps to limit the risk of exposure to our faculty, staff and students. Employees who are not sick but generally expect to follow existing departmental policy by requesting time off from their supervisor. Approval will be at the supervisor's discretion in order to meet operational needs.

If you have an underlying health condition and believe that, despite the precautions taken by the University, that you are at risk for exposure by reporting to work, please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) at EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu to discuss your eligibility for an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Employees who are off of work due to required self-quarantine guidance will not be required to provide a release to return to work. Employees who are off of work on approved leave for reasons other than self-quarantine will need to provide a release to work in accordance with the University's Return to Work procedures.

Yes. To protect the health and safety of our employees and students, persons returning from a CDC Travel Notice 3 nation will not be permitted to return to campus until they self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of departure from the Level 3 country. Individuals should contact the Human Resources Benefits office at (309) 438-8311 with any questions or for assistance.

Employees who are asked to perform their duties from another location, but would prefer to work on-campus, should seek approval from their supervisor.

Individuals who cannot perform their duties from another location should report to work according to their normal schedule. Where feasible, supervisors should adjust workspaces to follow the recommended CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and close contact.

Per the CDC, social distancing is defined as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible." Close contact is defined as “being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; close contact can occur while caring for, living with, visiting, or sharing a healthcare waiting area or room with a COVID-19 case or having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).”

Graduate assistants should work with their supervisor to determine if the duties they perform can be accomplished from an off-campus location.

Generally speaking, extra help are not permitted to perform their job duties from a remote location. Your supervisor will advise if you are able to work from an off-campus location.

Generally speaking, student workers are not permitted to perform their job duties from a remote location. Your supervisor will advise if you are able to work from an off-campus location.

You should work with your supervisor to see if your operational situation and (where applicable) union contract allows a modification to your schedule. If schedule modifications cannot reasonably be made and, as a result, you will not be able to report to work, you should use your own appropriate benefit time to cover this absence. All existing attendance policies, call-in procedures and protocols will remain in effect. Children should not be brought to campus.

Given the stay at home directive and university offices are restricted to essential personnel, in-person pick-up of paychecks is suspended until the stay at home directive is lifted. Paychecks will be mailed on payment date via the United States Postal Service (USPS) to the employee's mailing address on file.

Illinois State University encourages and recommends employees enroll in direct deposit. View instructions for enrolling in direct deposit.

If you are a full or part-time faculty, staff member or graduate assistant (hourly and stipend), you will continue to be paid during the Governor’s Stay At Home directive, regardless of whether you are working on-site or working remotely. You should complete your timesheet based upon your regular schedule; your department will let you know of any exceptions to this requirement. If you are unable to record your time, your supervisor will report the time on your behalf. As a reminder, VPN access is not necessary to complete time reporting.

If you are a Civil Service Extra Help, substitute teacher, and any other temporary employee, you will continue to receive pay during the Governor’s Stay At Home Directive only if you are assigned and performing work duties during the stay at home period. You should complete your timesheet as you normally would to reflect these work hours.

If you are a student worker, your pay will continue during the Governor’s Stay At Home directive. Time reporting should be completed as follows:

1. You are working your current student appointment:
   • Students should load hours worked as they normal would, recording actual hours worked under the 1RG code.
2. You are not working your current student appointment but your appointment is still active:
   • Supervisors will load time based upon your anticipated schedule for the rest of the Spring semester or through the end of your student appointment, whichever is sooner.
   • Questions regarding reported hours should be addressed with your direct supervisor.

The University continues to reevaluate our move-out process as new information is received by the University regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on updated guidance received from the State, you are welcome to pick up your belongings during or after the Governor's stay at home order. Students have been provided with an opportunity to select move-out times through March 28, but we want to be accommodating to your needs. You can wait to move out until after the stay at home order is lifted and cancel your move-out time by referring to the email sent to your on-campus email on March 23. For students who cancel their move-out time, we will continue to communicate with you regarding future move-out opportunities once the stay at home order is lifted. If you have questions or concerns, please email us at Housing@illinoisstate.edu.

We made the difficult decision to ask students to move to their permanent residence in order to maintain CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and aid our community in mitigating the spread of this virus. We will accommodate staff and students with extenuating circumstances who need to remain on campus while still maintaining CDC guidelines.

Unless you have been provided with an exception to live in on-campus housing for the remainder of the semester, you are required to move out of the residence halls/apartments as soon as possible before March 28. We ask for your patience as this situation unfolds during this unprecedented event.

Accommodations for those who have concerns that would require them to remain in on-campus housing will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Students should refer to the email sent on March 12 to their university email address regarding instructions for this process.

Students should refer to the email sent on March 17 to their university email address regarding procedures for moving out of the residence halls/apartments.

Illinois State will take steps to make appropriate adjustments to student accounts for prorated housing and dining costs. More information about this process will be provided to students via their Illinois State email address by Tuesday, March 31.

Per the CDC, this is defined as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible.”

You are not alone if social distancing, isolation, and/or the general pandemic is affecting your mood, stress levels, and feelings. Please do not hesitate to call Student Counseling Services at (309) 438-3655 and a trained professional will be happy to speak with you.

We encourage you to check for any packages when you arrive to move out and make arrangements to have your mail sent to your permanent residence. The front desks will still accept mail and packages and will be operational for those who are approved to stay in on-campus housing, but we will not be able to forward packages due to reduced staffing levels. If you have questions about this process, please contact University Housing Services at (309) 438-8611 or housing@IllinoisState.edu.

In order to practice good social distancing and CDC health and safety standards, we are not allowing guests in the residence halls during this time. Even if you are approved to stay on campus, you are not able to check-in guests until further notice.

We are ensuring social distancing by making appointments separated by area of campus in order to maximize students’ ability to maintain distance during their move out. We are not staffing the elevators to enable students to limit usage to their own parties. We recommend waiting for the next elevator if you are uncomfortable with its capacity before entering.

Students should leave their lofted beds as they are and only focus on moving out. They do not have to bring lofts down to their building's loft kit room as the loft kit rooms will be closed.

Yes. The “Pass-It-On” project is an opportunity to donate unwanted items and nonperishable foods to those in need during this time. Collection Bins are currently located in the lobby areas of every residence hall and Cardinal Court.

Yes. If you want to wait to collect your belongings, you are welcome to do so. Please email Housing@IllinoisState.edu to arrange for a special time to pick up your items.

No. Current guidance from SEVP and DOS allows for temporarily engaging in online instruction. For this reason, your visa status will not be impacted.

No. Current guidance from SEVP allows for temporarily engaging in online instruction from within the United States and abroad. For this reason, your visa status will not be impacted.

You should make ISSS aware of your travel plans by submitting a Travel Notification Form.

If you choose to leave, you should refer to the COVID-19 Country Specific Information through the U.S. Department of State and the CDC COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country for updates specific to your home country prior to traveling. You should also contact the airline or travel company to confirm you can still travel.

You should notify ISSS of your travel by submitting a Travel Notification Form. As the situation evolves, ISSS continues to receive new guidance from SEVP and DOS. Any student who submits a Travel Notification Form will be contacted by ISSS with further details regarding how their SEVIS record will be updated and what steps to take when returning to the U.S. in order to avoid possible issues at the border.

Travel Signatures: If you will require a travel signature in order to return, you can submit a Travel Signature Form. Please note that all ISSS staff are working remotely due to the COVID 19 pandemic and this may delay the travel signature process by several days.

Visa Renewals: All U.S. Embassies and Consulates have temporarily suspended routine non-immigrant visa services as of March 20, 2020. If you need to renew your visa in order to return to the U.S., you should continue to monitor the Department of State’s travel.state.gov website for updates and visit the website of your nearest U.S. embassy for the most up-to-date information.

Prior to Returning: It is crucial that you continue to review the information found at the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of State, and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the most up-to-date information regarding travel bans/restrictions or mandatory quarantine procedures.

You should also review the Travel Section of the ISSS website to make sure you have all the necessary documentation for re-entry and continue to read any emails sent from your ISSS Advisor or InternationalStudents@IllinoisState.edu.

All ISSS staff are currently working remotely. You can reach your ISSS Advisor by sending an email to internationalstudents@illinoisstate.edu or calling (309) 438-1931. We also encourage you to visit the International Student and Scholar Services website for more information regarding immigration, employment, travel, and more.

Until further notice, all ISSS walk-ins will be by appointment only. These appointments will be conducted via Zoom Meeting or telephone. If you would like to speak with your ISSS advisor, please submit an Appointment Request. Your ISSS advisor will send you an appointment confirmation via email within 1-2 business days.

More information about Zoom Meeting is listed below:

• How to Join a Zoom Meeting
• Overview of Zoom

All ISSS staff are currently working remotely. As a result, documents cannot be picked up in Fell Hall and must be mailed. If you submit an ISSS request, document shipping instructions will be provided via email once the request has been processed.

Students who work on campus should contact their supervisors to determine the need for their return to their position. 

Until Monday, March 23, it is officially considered a vacation period and you may work up to 28 hours per week in line with F1/J1 visa regulations. During the weeks following the extended spring break, you will be limited to 20 hours per week of on-campus employment.

If you have a graduate assistantship, you will be expected to resume your normal work schedule the week of March 15.

Yes. It is expected that all students are present in the U.S. in order to apply for OPT.

If you have already indicated to University Housing Services that you need to remain on-campus, you may continue to remain in your residence until the end of the spring semester. You will receive communication from University Housing Services with additional instructions and necessary information.

The Office of Admissions has cancelled all visits through April 12 and larger events through May 1. You can sign up for a future visit at IllinoisState.edu/Visit.

The Office of Admissions will work with applicants to ensure a decision in a timely manner. While official transcripts are required, we will temporarily allow students to submit unofficial transcripts for their admission decision.

You may email your unofficial transcript to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu. Once admitted, an official final transcript will still be needed in order to finalize you admission.

Transfer Registration and Orientation Days for students beginning in the summer or fall 2020 terms will be moved online. Students registered for these dates will be contacted by their academic advisor regarding the format of the advising appointment—these students will still be able to register for classes

You may schedule a phone call with an admissions counselor by contacting the Office of Admissions at (309) 438-2181 or Admissions@IllinoisState.edu.

The Office of Admissions has cancelled events and visits through April 12. If this has affected your plans to visit campus, we encourage you to take our virtual tour and sign up for a future visit.

The Illinois State University campus remains open to the public.

National Decision Day is May 1, and admitted students must submit their enrollment deposit by this date to secure their spot in the freshman class. This deadline may be extended as room allows.

Please contact the Office of Admissions at Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or (309) 438-8488, and we can discuss the options that are best for your situation.

SHS will remain open for the normal hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Please call SHS at (309) 438-2778 for all needs as we are screening everyone who needs an appointment before they come to the office.

Web booking has been shut off so that all appointments can be screened by a nurse for symptoms before coming in for an office visit.

Students are being offered the option of having their visit by telephone if no physical exam is required in an attempt to decrease exposure. ( We are working on setting up cameras that would allow visual contact as well for certain visits that require seeing the patient in the future)

Nurses are still available by phone for questions and concerns and making arrangements to get refills of prescriptions.

Please call SHS at (309) 438-2778 for all needs as we are screening everyone who needs an appointment before they come to the office.

Pharmacy will remain open as usual with limited staff to facilitate picking up prescriptions or transferring prescriptions to home pharmacy if student is no longer in the area.

Medical Records is available to transfer records if needed.

Our staff is in the process of contacting everyone who has appointments scheduled Please watch for an email regarding your appointment.

We are hoping to offer remote services via telephone or video conferencing. Our goal is to offer emergency services and help with referrals to local services to all students. Students who are already clients of Student Counseling Services may be able to continue contact with their counselor or with another counselor in the center. If you are already one of our clients, a counselor will be contacting you by phone or email to share additional details as the situation evolves.

We have suspended all group therapy services at this time. Your group leaders will be reaching out to you by email to discuss your needs for ongoing support and will work with you to arrange for those supports.

You can call us at (309) 438-3655.

Many people may experience anxiety and worry during challenging times. Student Counseling Services has provided information that might help you stay calm during this time.

Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with two opportunities to celebrate.

In lieu of the originally scheduled commencement ceremonies on May 8-9, 2020, Illinois State will present ceremonies online to recognize the achievements of the 2020 spring and summer graduates. These will include remarks by President Dietz and other Illinois State officials along with an opportunity for students to submit photos for virtual ceremony recognition. In addition, each graduate will receive a commencement program book and diploma cover by mail.

The University also wants to provide graduates the experience of walking across the stage. Therefore, we invite our spring and summer 2020 graduates back to campus to participate in person in the winter commencement ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, December 12.

These items will be mailed to the address you provided in the Application for Graduation for diploma mailing.

You will receive an email to your Illinois State University email address by Tuesday, March 31, with instructions for submitting your photo, along with information on when the online recognition will be available for viewing.

The existing ceremony schedule for Saturday, December 12, is being adjusted to accommodate more ceremony participants. The number of ceremonies is being expanded; ceremony details will be posted at Commencement.IllinoisState.edu by Tuesday, March 31.

There is no limit on the number of guests you may invite. Tickets are not required. The ceremonies will also be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends unable to attend.

All students who applied for spring or summer 2020 graduation will be contacted at their Illinois State University email address both this semester and again in the fall with a December commencement registration form.

You may elect to wear your regalia for photo opportunities, including photos for online submission this semester, as well as other photo opportunities on campus in the fall.

Unfortunately, Jostens, Inc., the regalia provider, cannot accept returns of Illinois State regalia.

If you have unopened commencement regalia, watch for more information to be sent to you at your Illinois State University email address later this semester about options for return through Illinois State University.

Yes, online ordering of the Illinois State University cap and gown through Jostens, Inc. is currently available at Commencement.IllinoisState.edu. Online ordering will be available at this site again in the fall.

If you have earned a Latin honors designation (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude), the Office of the University Registrar will mail your honor cord to you later this semester.

Cords and stoles provided by Registered Student Organizations, Athletics, and campus departments are managed individually by those organizations. Please reach out to your contact within that specific organization.

Any information about postponement of or alternatives to specialized graduate recognition events (e.g. departmental events, graduate receptions, hooding ceremonies, Umoja, Nuestros Logros, Lavender Graduation, MAPS, etc.) will be provided by the event sponsor.

If you complete the requirements for a degree at the end of the spring or summer semester, you will be considered a graduate at that time. Diplomas will be mailed to graduates when all degree requirements are met, usually 8–12 weeks following the completion of requirements.