Frequently Asked Questions

As long as your site is still operating, you should report as previously assigned. Teacher education pre-student teaching clinical experiences will not occur within the schools. Student Teaching will continue in the modality of te school in which the student is placed. If you have further questions, contact your instructor or internship supervisor.

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 CDC guidance recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. This recommendation is an effort to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

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.

Anyone who believes that they have been exposed to COVID-19 should be tested.  Student Health Services will have the ability to test symptomatic students on-campus with same-day results.  There is also a state testing center in the Bloomington-Normal community, which is located at the Interstate Center. The site is currently open to anyone who would like to receive a test.  

All University-related, non-essential domestic travel and all international travel is suspended through July 31, 2020. Essential university-related travel requires written pre-approval of the president or appropriate vice president.

While no decision has been made regarding faculty/staff travel in the fall, you should be aware that public health concerns driven by COVID-19 could continue to affect air travel and activities deemed non-essential.

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.

All camps, conferences, events and activities held on the Illinois State University campus or sponsored by Illinois State scheduled through July 31, 2020 have been postponed or cancelled. Meetings to conduct University business may continue if attendance is capped at 10 people and current safety practices are followed.

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/.

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. 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.

As with any illness, employees who are ill 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.

University Housing Services will remain open for the entire semester for any student who wishes to remain in the residence halls.

Individuals will be allowed in the Student Fitness Center Monday–Friday 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. to collect their belongings from their locker. All lockers from the spring semester should be cleaned out by August 14 at 5 p.m. If you are unable to retrieve your belongings and clean out your locker by this date, please contact Riley Spenningsby ( rlspenn@ilstu.edu ) for accommodations.

If you choose to renew your locker from the spring semester, you may leave your belongings in your locker and notify Riley Spenningsby (rlspenn@ilstu.edu). Locker renewals will be available starting on Monday, August 3 at the Bob and Julie Dobski Welcome Center at the Student Fitness Center.

In order to ensure the safety of all people coming into the building, we ask that you wear a face covering when you are inside the facility.

Currently, gatherings are limited to groups of no more than 50. So large group meetings will be prohibited. The Dean of Students Office will provide guidance on meeting guidelines for registered student organizations and clubs.

All services such as residence halls, Milner Library, Campus Recreation, computer labs, etc will be open for student use.

The University is making every effort to provide instruction with safe measures for all members of the University community. Fall courses will be offered in 3 primary ways: 1) face to face, 2) hybrid (mixture of face to face and online), and 3) online (both synchronous and asynchronous).

Synchronous classes occur on set schedules where students and instructors are online at the same time during all lectures, discussions, etc. The class meets online at the scheduled day and time that is listed on your class schedule. Students must be online at the designated time in order to participate in the class.

Asynchronous classes do not occur on a set schedule. Instructors will provide materials, lectures, assignments, etc. that can be accessed within the time frame specified by the instructor. While asynchronous classes do not meet during a specific day/time, students are still expected to meet deadlines set by the instructor for assignments, exams, readings, etc.

Online courses that have days and times listed are being offered as synchronous. You will need to be online on those dates/times in order to participate in the class.

As we continue to learn more about the virus and space limitations, course offerings are being adjusted as needed. Please continue to monitor your class schedule for updates. While we anticipate that most courses will be finalized by July 31, our planning remains fluid to allow for changes related to the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. If you have a hybrid course, please check Course Finder for information on how the course will be structured. In addition, you are encouraged to reach out to your instructors for more information regarding your hybrid courses.

Online fall registration is currently open for students to make any schedule changes. You may alter your schedule as you would like based on course availability. If you have questions about course options for your fall schedule, please talk to your assigned academic advisor.

Your instructor will be asked to reach out to you to provide specifics regarding your course requirements and learning format. We encourage students to maintain regular communication with their instructors throughout the semester. In addition, you should check your ISU email often for updates from the University.

No. Due to COVID-19, Illinois State University adjusted the policy for adding the Pass/No Pass option for the spring 2020 semester only. Beginning summer 2020, the Pass/No Pass policy reverted back to the University's regular policy. There are currently no plans to adjust the Pass/No Pass policy for the fall 2020 semester.

At this time, there are no plans to adjust tuition for online courses.

No. At this time, registration dates and times have not changed. Students will move forward with course registration for Winter Session and Spring 2021 courses as planned.

Yes. Please contact your assigned academic advisor for more information on advising appointments.

Students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be tested for Coronavirus (COVID-19) prior to returning for the fall 2020 term. Most testing centers can take 5-7 days to provide test results. It is important for any member of the campus community to be tested if they are experiencing symptoms. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to avoid large gatherings and limit travel prior to returning to campus.

The University is recommending a COVID-19 antigen test. An antigen test indicates whether a person is currently positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 antigen testing is available at many locations throughout the State of Illinois. Visit Illinois Department of Public Health testing website to find the testing site closest to you. Sites at the top of the page are free for anyone, regardless of residence. Other sites can be searched by zip code but may or may not charge for the test. Regardless of the site chosen, individuals are encouraged to contact their health insurance provider (if applicable) to determine any potential charges.

All students are strongly encouraged, but not required, to be tested for COVID-19 before arriving on campus. It is recommended that you share your test results with Student Health Services by uploading them to the secure health portal. Employees should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

The COVID-19 antigen test is a moment in time snapshot of a person’s positive or negative status. Therefore, if you are tested, you should seek testing as close to your return to campus as possible, and then limit exposure to others as much as possible before returning to campus. Most testing centers can take 5-7 days to provide test results. It is important for any member of the campus community to be tested if they are experiencing symptoms. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to avoid large gatherings and limit travel prior to returning to campus.

No, students should remain at home until released by a medical professional or the public health department. If you submit your test results to the SHS Secure Patient Health Portal, they can communicate with the Dean of Students Office without providing medical information so that your absence is excused and communicated with faculty members. Information about the Student Absence Policy can be found on the Dean of Students Office website. Employees should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

Yes, Student Health Services and/or a testing partner will provide testing for symptomatic students. Non-student close contacts will be directed to testing by their healthcare provider or at a community-based testing site. The possibility of providing surveillance testing, which means general testing for anyone not currently suffering COVID-19 like symptoms, is being researched. More information will be provided when possible.

ISU community members are not permitted to come to campus if they test positive for COVID-19. A positive test means you must self-isolate for the entire amount of time indicated by the health department or a medical professional in order to prevent infecting others.

Students who live in on-campus housing who test positive or who are deemed a close contact should stay at or return to their permanent residence. Contact University Housing at (309) 438-8611 for more information about quarantine and isolation procedures.

Off-campus students should isolate at their off-campus apartments or return to their permanent residence. The University does not have space to house off-campus students in our limited on-campus quarantine and isolation spaces.

Employees should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

McLean County Health Department (MCHD) is responsible for contact tracing and notification in McLean County. ISU will continue to partner with MCHD to assist with contact tracing that involves any ISU community member. Students not residing in McLean County for the 2020 Fall semester will receive information from the local health department where they reside.

You should not come to campus if you are notified by either a local health department or a medical provider that you are a close contact. You should seek a COVID-19 antigen test and self-quarantine as instructed by the public health department or medical professional.

Students living in on-campus housing should contact to University Housing at (309) 438-8611 for more information about quarantine and isolation procedures. Off-campus students should quarantine at their off-campus apartments or return to their permanent homes.

Current ISU students not returning to McLean County should notify SHS about being a close contact so the Dean of Students Office can be notified so that your absence is excused and communicated with faculty members. Learn more about Student Absence policies by visiting the Dean of Students Office website.

Employees should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

If you were near someone (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes) who tested positive for COVID-19 but have not been contacted by the local health department, you should call the local health department where the positive COVID-19 case is located and tell them your circumstances. The local Health Department will review your level of contact and advise the appropriate protective measures.

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 the steps outlined in Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace.

Individuals who become ill may be eligible for FMLA in accordance with Policy 3.1.12. Individuals with questions or who need assistance should contact Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 and request to speak with their Benefits Counselor.

If you test positive or presumptive positive for Covid-19, you should follow the steps outlined in Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace.

If you have been contacted and advised that you are a non-household close contact, you should follow the direction of the contacting entity (generally a physician or the applicable County Health Department) and the steps outlined in Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace.

To protect the health and safety of faculty, staff and students, individuals who have been directed to self-quarantine will not be permitted to return to campus until the directed period of self-quarantine has passed. Employees who have been directed to self-quarantine should review the steps outlined in Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace for further information.

Illinois State University has taken extraordinary steps to limit the number of individuals on campus during the summer as well as conducting enhanced cleaning and sanitizing as outlined in the Return to Work Toolkit - Summer.

If the University learns of a presumptive positive or positive case and determines that the individual was within the workspace during the period of time in which they were contagious, the University will follow all CDC guidelines on cleaning, sanitizing and, if appropriate, limiting access to the area. Unless directed otherwise, faculty and staff assigned to that area should continue to come to work.

Any notifications regarding exposure will be handled in accordance with directions from the Illinois Department of Public Health or the applicable County Health Department. If an individual is deemed a close contact of a confirmed positive person, the Health Department will contact that individual directly.

The University follows CDC and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidance for all U.S. workers and employers as it pertains to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The University provides PPE to all employees as required based upon the work that they are performing in the position to which they are assigned.

Unlike PPE, which is position and work specific, face coverings are required, consistent with state directives, for employees and visitors in all common indoor areas, defined as any space where more than one individual may be at a time (hallways, restrooms, breakrooms, dining facilities, retail establishments, elevators, stairwells, office reception, etc.). Face coverings are also required in outdoor spaces when physical distancing cannot be reliably maintained. Additional information can be found on the Face Coverings and Physical Distancing guidance.

The University has purchased a sufficient supply of face coverings to provide all faculty, staff and students with one reusable cloth face covering. Individually owned face coverings may alternatively be worn. For employees with uniform, dress code or other employment-specific requirements, face coverings should be plain, without text or pictures, except for ISU branded materials, or patterned (e.g. chevron, paisley, checkered, etc.), provided the pattern itself is not comprised of images or pictures other than those specifically permitted. The coverings must be kept in a clean condition, may not be contrary to other requirements of the work assignment and cannot pose a safety hazard.

All employees should remember that, regardless of the work performed or the area of work, it is always a good practice to:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice physical distancing of 6 feet between each person to the greatest extent possible.

Employees who believe they have a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) at (309) 438-3383 or by email at EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu to discuss your eligibility for an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The University has taken numerous steps to limit the risk of exposure to our faculty, staff and students. Even so, we understand that many employees remain concerned about returning to work on campus.

If you have been provided a return to work date under the Redbird Return Plan and would like to delay your return, you should email Covid19_hrquestions@ilstu.edu regarding your concerns. Human Resources will then work with you and your supervisor to determine if a Temporary Work at Home agreement is appropriate or what leave of absence options (Emergency FMLA; Emergency Paid Sick Leave; Covid-19 Related Leave of Absence) may be available if continued remote work is not feasible. Using Human Resources in this process ensures that your personal health information is protected, and you are provided with all available alternatives.

Employees who believe they have a disability which prevents them from reporting to work as directed and would like to request a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access (OEOA) at (309) 438-3383 or by email at EqualOpportunity@IllinoisState.edu to discuss your eligibility for an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you have returned to work on campus and now need to revert to remote work or been provided a return to work date under the Redbird Return Plan and need to delay your return due to childcare issues, you should email covid19_hrquestions@ilstu.edu regarding your concerns. Human Resources will then work with you and your supervisor to determine if a Temporary Work at Home agreement is appropriate or what leave of absence options (Emergency FMLA; Emergency Paid Sick Leave; Covid-19 Related Leave of Absence) may be available if continued remote work is not feasible.

Students and/or extra help employees who have not returned to work on campus should contact their supervisors to determine when they will be able to return to work.

In-person pick-up of paychecks remains suspended with paychecks mailed on the 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.

The University has restricted all business-related international travel and all non-essential business-related domestic travel but not personal travel. You are encouraged to review all CDC travel recommendations for any personal domestic or international travel before making any final decisions regarding your personal travel. Employees who have recently traveled should contact Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 after reviewing the CDC travel information and request to speak to their Benefits Counselor to determine what, if any, additional steps must be taken before returning to campus.

No, you are not required to still take this time but, if you cancel your scheduled vacation or sick time, you will be expected to work during the scheduled time that would have otherwise been vacation/sick time. Although we understand that individuals may not want to take time away from work during this period, the maximum amount of vacation that can be accrued will not be adjusted. Also please remember to give as much notice as possible to your supervisor about your change in plans, in accordance with normal departmental procedures.

As with any illness, employees who are ill should stay home and, if warranted, seek medical attention. If an employee who is ill reports to work, you can suggest the employee return home and/or seek medical treatment. If the employee chooses to go home, they should report time away from work in accordance with University policy.

There are certain areas on campus (e.g. clinicals, dining operations, athletics) where temperature checks/screenings of employees are being conducted. Any employees who do not successfully meet the requirements of those screenings will be sent home and directed to follow time reporting procedures consistent with University policy. The University continues to review the availability of self-screening for all employees and will provide updates to this FAQ as those decisions are made.

Follow your normal procedures when an employee fails to appear for work.

Employees assigned to work remotely are expected to be available during their normal working hours and complete work as assigned. If you have an employee who is not available or is not completing assignments, you should contact the appropriate Employment Consultant for assistance.

We are planning to fully open our University-owned residence halls and apartments for the fall 2020 semester.

• We are requiring physical distancing in all common areas.
• We will provide a face covering and hand sanitizer for each student during Move-In.
• Custodial staff will conduct enhanced cleaning of restrooms and high-touch surfaces.
• We are not offering triple or quad room types.
• Educational signage will be posted to remind students of positive healthy behaviors.
• We are not allowing off-campus or overnight guests.
• We have closed the Fitness Centers in the residence halls and Cardinal Court.
• We have developed quarantine and isolation protocols.

Yes, you must wear a face covering while in the residence halls and Cardinal Court. The exception to this is when you are in your room/apartment and in situations where a face covering is not feasible (teeth brushing, showering, etc.).

This expectation will be enforced through our student conduct process.

Our team will confront inappropriate situations as they encounter them, but you and other students will also need to demonstrate personal accountability for your own physical distancing efforts. Part of this means removing yourself from situations where you feel others may not be following this important guidance.

If you are concerned about living in University housing due to risks associated with COVID-19 or have online classes, you do not have to live in University housing for the 2020-21 academic year.

Contract Cancellation Request

If you have submitted a housing contract and initial payment, you can cancel your housing and meal plan contracts with no penalty. Your initial payment will be credited to your student account.

Exemption Request

If you have not submitted a housing contract and initial payment, but you are required to live on campus, you must submit a housing exemption request.

Deadline

Requests should be received by July 31, 2020 by following the steps outlined in the Housing and Dining Portal. Our team will review requests and respond via email within 5 business days. If you do not put in a request by July 31, 2020, we will expect that you plan to live in University housing.

You will be asked to return to your permanent address to recuperate for a period of time determined by the McLean County Health Department in collaboration with Student Health Services.

If you are concerned about living in University housing due to risks associated with COVID-19, you do not have to live in University housing for the 2020-21 academic year. If you are not able to return to your permanent residence, we have set aside quarantine and isolation spaces that can be used as space allows.

We ask that you notify Student Health Services immediately if you begin to experience any Coronavirus-related symptoms and encourage other students with symptoms to do the same.

To further protect the health and safety of all Redbirds, we recommend that students only share their personal health information with public health officials and their healthcare provider.

Housing will not be involved in the contact tracing process. The McLean County Health Department will work with Student Health Services to coordinate contact tracing and communication with all affected parties as needed.

This year, our Move-In timeline is extended, and check-in times are staggered to mitigate risk across campus. Move-In will be appointment-based and you will select your own one-hour Move-In time after selecting your room in the Housing & Dining Portal. Times will be available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day between August 7 and 16.

We are requiring everyone to wear a face covering to enter our buildings.

You may bring up to 2 helpers with you to Move-In. This supports physical distancing by limiting the number of people in our buildings at a given time.

Yes. Illinois State offered students adjustments to their rates back in March of 2020 and will plan to do the same if services are unavailable due to unexpected closure.

Please note that while the University will move to online instruction after fall break, University housing will remain open, so refunds will not be provided.

If space is available, students will be allowed to live on campus in the spring.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

The most current SEVP Guidance can be found at: https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus. SEVP reinstated the March Guidance for Stakeholders and includes two sets of Frequently Asked Questions dated July 15, 2020 and July 24, 2020.

Important highlights include the following:

• For new students outside the United States who cannot travel to the United States, the current guidance suggests that these students have the option to defer their academic program to a future term. ISU is also permitting students to begin their academic program online from abroad.
• For new students in the United States or able to travel to the US in time to start a program of study for Fall 2020; the student can maintain F-1 status by enrolling in a program of study that includes in-person and online components. A student will not be permitted to enter the US to pursue a full course of study that is 100 percent online.

If you have a VISA appointment, please contact InternationalAdmissions@ilstu.edu as soon as possible. It may be helpful to have documentation demonstrating that you are enrolled in a program that is not 100 percent online.

Please find more information and contact International Admissions to inform them of your plans for Fall 2020 by completing the New International Enrollment form.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

If you notify International Admissions of your deferral within 60 days after the program start date (for ISU, typically by October 2020), you will be able to keep your same SEVIS record and defer your start date. After that date, International Admissions will need to create a new SEVIS record for you.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

The most current SEVP Guidance can be found at: https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus. SEVP reinstated the March 2020 Guidance for Stakeholders and includes two sets of Frequently Asked Questions dated July 15, 2020 and July 24, 2020.

Important highlights for the Fall 2020 semester include the following:

• Continuing F-1 students can remain in status provided the students are making normal progress in their degree programs and maintaining a full course load to the extent this is possible.
• Continuing F-1 students can enroll in a combination of in-person, hybrid, and online courses (while inside the U.S.) or enroll in 100% online courses (from inside or outside the U.S.) and maintain their status provided they have maintained all other requirements of of their nonimmigrant status since March 9, 2020.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

No, there is currently no special paperwork that must be filed with ISSS.

All continuing F-1 students should keep their ISSS Portal user profile up-to-date and also update the contact information in their My account. Any time you move within the U.S., you need to update the LOCAL address type in your My account to reflect your most current U.S. address.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Yes, based upon our current interpretation of the March 2020 SEVP Guidance and associated FAQ, continuing F-1 students can enroll full-time in 100% online courses and still maintain their F-1 status as long as they otherwise maintain the terms of their nonimmigrant status since March 9, 2020. The SEVIS records for these students will remain active.

You must notify ISSS of your location outside of the U.S. by logging in to the ISSS Portal and editing your user profile information. Specific questions have been added to your user profile pertaining to your current location and plans for Fall 2020. Make sure to answer all questions and update the information if it changes.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Under the standard SEVP regulations, the five-month rule permits F-1 students to re-enter the U.S. using their current I-20 for an absence of less than five months. The "five-month rule" was suspended due to COVID-19.

Continuing F-1 students who left the U.S. and continued their Spring 2020/Summer 2020 studies online from abroad were able to maintain their F-1 status and keep their SEVIS records active. The five-month rule will not apply to students in the above situation.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

The University continues to work on options and additional resources to deal with time zone restrictions. If you are unable to maintain a full course load for the Fall 2020 semester due to these technological limitations, contact your ISSS Advisor.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

SEVP recognizes that some students may find it difficult to return home during the COVID-19 emergency because of diminished travel options. Students in this situation are encourages to communicate with ISSS for guidance and to assess options for alternative study arrangements such as online classes during this time. ISSS will document in the student’s record any material information related to the student’s inability to leave the country due to COVID-19. If you are unable to leave the U.S. after finishing your program of study, you may be able to remain in the U.S. if you are approved for OPT work authorization, begin a new academic objective, or possibly change to a different visa status. More details regarding your options can be found on the Completing Your Program page of the ISSS website.

Students encountering such travel restrictions should contact their home country's embassy or consulate located in the U.S. for assistance. You can also check the Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific website for updates on the status of flights and possible entry requirements for your home country.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Continuing international students who do not physically return for the fall 2020 semester can:

• Enroll in all online courses if they are available. Please communicate with your Academic Advisor/Graduate Coordinator regarding available alternative courses if you have hybrid or in-person courses.
• Defer to a future semester.
  Note: For continuing students, to maintain their student visa status, an F-1 student must continue to be enrolled. International students who do not register for the Fall 2020 semester should update their user profile in the ISSS Portal and contact their ISSS Advisor for further details. Students should consult with their Academic Advisor/Graduate Coordinator for confirmation of the steps needed to resume their studies after a semester of non-enrollment.

International students must communicate their travel and enrollment plans with ISSS by updating their user profile in the ISSS Portal and contacting their ISSS Advisor. New required fields have been added to the information tab of your user profile. Please log in and complete all required fields. If the information you submit changes at any point in the future, please log in and update these fields accordingly.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Travel restrictions can vary depending on several factors. The COVID-19 pandemic is a highly fluid situation that is ever-evolving. Students should continuously monitor this FAQ as well as the following resources prior to finalizing any international travel plans and carefully follow any guidance, as well as quarantine directives. Any student who needs to apply for a visa prior to traveling should visit the website of the nearest US Embassy for further details. If you are unable to return to the United States after travel, this could impact your student status.

• Department of State Travel Advisories
• Department of State COVID-19 Country Specific Information
• CDC Travel Page
• CDC Travel FAQ
• gov FAQ

You should also review the Travel Section of the ISSS website to make sure you have all the necessary documentation for re-entry. If you will require a travel signature in order to return, you can submit a Travel Signature Request.

If you are nearing the end of my program and thinking about traveling internationally there are additional considerations. You need to speak with their ISSS Advisor in advance of committing to or making travel arrangements. If you are unable to return to the U.S. prior to completing your program/degree, this may impact your academic program as well as your immigration status and ability to apply for certain benefits, such as OPT work authorization.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Students who need a travel signature should submit a Travel Signature Request through the ISSS Portal. At this time, if you have a VISA appointment, please contact your ISSS Advisor so that you can receive a new I-20 that indicates the University’s mode of instruction overall.

A new I-20 will be printed within five (5) business days and you will be notified via email when it is ready. The email will provide you details about your shipping options. Students should take processing and shipping times into consideration when submitting requests.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

ISU students who are enrolled full-time for the Fall 2020 term will automatically be charged for ISU health insurance coverage.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

ISU health insurance provides coverage outside of the U.S. However, if you are outside of the U.S. and do not want ISU health insurance there will be a separate opt-out process for the charge/coverage to be removed. The opt-out process for Fall 2020 health insurance has not yet been established, but please continue to monitor this FAQ for updates.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Students within the U.S. must go through the normal waiver process and present proof of alternative insurance, if they want to have the health insurance charge/coverage removed.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

International students with additional questions regarding ISU health insurance should contact the Student Health Insurance Office.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Course type definitions can be found on the Office of the Registrar website. Online courses are 100% online. The online content may be synchronous, asynchronous, or a combination of both. Hybrid courses consist of a combination of both online and in-person content.

You can view the current format for a specific course in the University’s Course Finder. Please understand that the format is still being assessed and may change as circumstances evolve.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

You can reach your ISSS Advisor by sending an email to internationalstudents@illinoisstate.edu or calling (309) 438-1931. In addition, you can chat live with your ISSS Advisor during specified hours. We also encourage you to visit the International Student and Scholar Services website for more information regarding immigration, employment, travel, and more.

Currently all ISSS appointments are being conducted via Zoom Meeting or telephone. If you would like to speak with your ISSS advisor, please submit an Appointment Request.

More information about zoom meetings are below:

• How to Join a Zoom Meeting
• Overview of Zoom

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Currently, documents are being mailed. Please submit a request for a document(s) to ISSS and it will be mailed to you. ISSS will send you an email informing you that the request was processed.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Currently, CDC guidelines state that individuals returning from international travel are required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Students traveling from outside the US are encouraged to arrive on campus fourteen (14) days before the start of the semester to quarantine prior to classes starting.

International students entering the U.S. from international travel should contact Student Health Services for further guidance. If you will be living in a University residence hall, you should also contact University Housing prior to arrival on campus.

For continuing students, if you are unable to arrive by August 17, 2020, please contact your ISSS Advisor.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

There are varying factors involved depending on each student's unique situation. It is highly recommended that students expecting a delayed arrival to campus stay in close contact with their Academic Advisor/Graduate Coordinator regarding their expected arrival date.

International students must also communicate their travel plans with ISSS by updating their user profile in the ISSS Portal and contacting their ISSS Advisor. New required fields have been added to the information tab of your user profile. Please login and complete all required fields. If the information you submit changes at any point in the future, please login and update these fields accordingly.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

Students with medical conditions that may require an accommodation should request this accommodation by contacting Student Access and Accommodation Services.

(Last Updated: July 24,2020)

International students should visit the Financial Assistance page of the ISSS website for more information regarding funding opportunities.

The Office of Admissions offers a variety of visit options for prospective students and their families, both virtually and on campus.

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 spring 2021 term will take place online. When available, students can register for their orientation at My.IllinoisState.edu.

You may schedule a Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointment online.

The Illinois State University campus remains open to the public. Visitors are welcome to visit outdoor areas such as the University Quad at any time while following state guidelines. Most University buildings are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5: p.m. Face coverings are required to enter any University building.

For students applying for summer or fall 2020, 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.

For students applying for summer or fall 2021, Illinois State University will not require a SAT or ACT score to apply.

Your application for admission is valid for three consecutive terms, but your admission status does not carry over. For example, if you applied for the Fall 2020 term, you can update your application to Spring 2021 or Summer 2021, and you would not need to reapply. However, you would still need to submit any new documentation for review and evaluation. Contact the Office of Admissions to start this process.

If you wanted to delay entry for anything more than two consecutive semesters, you would need to submit a new application for admission along with any new documentation. A student originally admitted for Fall 2020, if hoping to delay to Fall 2021, would need to submit a new application for admission and be reevaluated for admission for Fall 2021.

Be sure to discuss deferring your application with an admissions counselor as doing so may affect admission to your academic program and scholarship opportunities.

Yes, Illinois State University will continue to award academic credit for Advanced Placement Programs as determined in the University Catalog.

For pass/no pass grades, Illinois State University will accept "pass" for credit. If a transcript shows P/S/CR (depending on the transcript key), Illinois State will award transfer credit as being a course that has a C or better. A course that has been passed is eligible for meeting general education, major, and prerequisite requirements.

Contact the Office of the Registrar at Registrar@IllinoisState.edu for additioanl questions.

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 is not currently available 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 a televisit, if no physical exam is required in an attempt to decrease exposure. Televisit appointments at this time may be via a telephone call or video conferencing.

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 any appointment.

Pharmacy will remain open (Monday-Friday 8 a.m.–Noon and 1–4:30 p.m., Closed Noon–1 p.m.) 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.

Initial Consultation appointments: SCS is now offering telementalhealth Initial Consultation appointments to all currently enrolled Illinois State students. Students will need to have access to the internet with sufficient bandwidth to run Zoom videoconferencing. Contact us at (309) 438-3655 to schedule an appointment.

SCS is now offering telementalhealth Initial Consultation appointments to all currently enrolled Illinois students. Students will need to have access to the internet with sufficient bandwidth to run Zoom videoconferencing. Contact us at (309) 438-3655 to schedule an appointment.

SCS will continue to offer telemental health services through the summer to eligible students (Students are eligible for counseling services if they were enrolled in Spring semester and are enrolled for fall classes).

We will not be able to provide group therapy services this summer but hope to offer group in the fall.

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

No. Due to recent public health circumstances, some or all Illinois State University undergraduate and graduate instruction for all or part of the 2020-2021 academic year may be delivered by traditional in person instruction, online instruction, and/or in a hybrid format (including both in-person and online components). The mode of instruction may be adjusted based on public health and safety considerations.  View billing information concerning Illinois State University tuition and fees for the 2020-21 academic year . Tuition and mandatory fees have been set regardless of the mode of instruction and cover a variety of short and long term expenses which continue regardless of the instructional mode or access to campus facilities. Illinois State University will continue to follow published withdrawal and refund policies concerning tuition and fees. Tuition and fees will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the 2020-2021 academic year.

Yes. Student reimbursements will be given top priority. Appropriate documentation and approval is required for processing.

Receipts showing payment of expenses are required. During this time period copies, paper or electronic, are acceptable. It is the responsibility of the traveler and approver to ensure the charges are accurate.

All non-essential travel is prohibited at this time. No booking of travel is allowed without VP approval.

Our goal is to process reimbursements within 30 days. In order to expedite processing, submission of appropriate documentation is critical. Please review all receipts and information closely prior to submission. For faster receipt it is highly recommended that everyone enrolls in ACH – Electronic payment processing. Details on how to submit a Travel voucher are available on the Comptroller website.

The current process will remain in place for distribution to your campus location. It will be the responsibility of the employee and department to obtain the check.

• The host organization should issue a full refund. If this is in the form of a voucher for future events the department and employee are to maintain these. They can be carried over to another fiscal year
• The employee should cancel their airline, hotel, rental car, etc. immediately. Refunds are likely to be given in some form. If the employee does not receive a full refund ISU will reimburse expenses with proper approval and documentation based on the original agreement.
• If a vendor credit voucher is issued to the individual that voucher should be used for ISU business travel if the employee is reimbursed. If unable to be used for ISU travel and is used for personal use the employee must reimburse the University.

The department and individual employee will be responsible for tracking unused travel expenses. This credit may result in usage by the employee or someone else in the department. If, at a later date, the University is able to seek reimbursement for unused travel from a governmental or insurance program, we will reach out to fiscal managers for this amount.

Yes. Carryover of travel credits to the next fiscal year and Strategic Budget Carryover (SBC) of unused travel budgets is allowed and will follow normal practice.

Yes, provided all approvals are obtained. The process is:

• Obtain electronic copy of receipt. This can be done via initial receipt of invoice or scanning of a paper copy.
• Email scanned copy of invoice to Budget Officer for approval
• Voucher created and entered in Colleague (aka Datatel)
• Budget Officer approves directly in Colleague or via e-mail which will be submitted with the electronic voucher.
• Electronic copies of receipts, invoices, etc. can be mailed to Comptroller@IllinoisState.edu. If using paper vouchers they will be sent to the Business Office Campus Box 1200.

The department should keep the original receipts. This will minimize the handling of paper and associated health risks at this time. Once processes return to normal a final determination will be made.

Yes. Due to staff working remotely this may cause delays.