Frequently Asked Questions

Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should isolate for 5 days after onset of symptoms, or 5 days after the date of the positive test, if asymptomatic.

Everyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, should consistently wear a face covering when around others for 10 days following onset of symptoms, or if asymptomatic for 10 days following date of positive test.

You are released from isolation after 5 days, if asymptomatic, or symptoms are improving and you are fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications. Continue to wear a face covering around others for days 6-10.

Faculty and staff must contact Human Resources to discuss their leave options.

Students who need to request an excused absence due to isolation and quarantine can email the  Dean of Students Office  with the isolation/quarantine dates . Those who test on campus will receive a letter from Student Health Services in the  Patient Health Portal . Those who tested off campus must upload test results to the portal, then email  DeanOfStudents@ilstu.edu   the letter Student Health Services will place in your portal with isolation/quarantine dates .

It depends on your vaccination status and whether you are experiencing symptoms. Fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or two weeks after one dose of Johnson & Johnson.

If you are fully vaccinated; booster eligible and have been boosted; or you are fully vaccinated, but are not yet eligible to receive a booster:

• You do not have to stay at home.
• Consistently wear a face covering around others for 10 days.
• Test on day 5, if possible.
• If you develop symptoms, immediately quarantine until a negative COVID-19 test performed at any licensed testing facility (e.g., pharmacy, state-run testing site, healthcare facility, laboratory) confirms symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.

If you are fully vaccinated and are eligible for a booster but have not received a booster:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to diligently wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• Test on day 5, if possible.
• If you develop symptoms, immediately quarantine until a negative COVID-19 test performed at any licensed testing facility (e.g., pharmacy, state-run testing site, healthcare facility, laboratory) confirms symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.
• Faculty and staff must contact Human Resources to discuss their leave options.
• Students who need to request an excused absence due to isolation and quarantine can email the  Dean of Students Office  with the isolation/quarantine dates . Those who test on campus will receive a letter from Student Health Services in the  Patient Health Portal . Those who tested off campus must upload test results to the portal, then email  DeanOfStudents@ilstu.edu   the letter Student Health Services will place in your portal with isolation/quarantine dates .

If you are not fully vaccinated, or are unvaccinated:

• Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to diligently wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
• Test on day 5, if possible.
• If you develop symptoms, immediately quarantine until a negative COVID-19 test performed at any licensed testing facility (e.g., pharmacy, state-run testing site, healthcare facility, laboratory) confirms symptoms are not caused by COVID-19.
• Faculty and staff must contact Human Resources to discuss their leave options.
• Students who need to request an excused absence due to isolation and quarantine can email the  Dean of Students Office  with the isolation/quarantine dates . Those who test on campus will receive a letter from Student Health Services in the  Patient Health Portal . Those who tested off campus must upload test results to the portal, then email  DeanOfStudents@ilstu.edu   the letter Student Health Services will place in your portal with isolation/quarantine dates .

You can find the latest guidance on the Laboratory Schools website under Policies and Procedures. Guidance is listed under School Exclusion Guidance - Guidance for symptomatic individuals and close contacts.

As always, if you are sick, regardless of the cause, you should not report to work or classes.

Stay home and schedule a test at an on-campus SHIELD site or a COVID-19 test performed at any licensed testing facility (e.g., pharmacy, state-run testing site, healthcare facility, laboratory). Continue to stay home until results are received.

Faculty and staff must contact Human Resources to discuss their leave options. Students should contact the Dean of Students Office for information on a leave of absence.

You must upload all positive testing results performed at an off-campus testing facility to the Patient Health Portal.

If you have any Housing questions about COVID-19 or our related policies, processes, or procedures, please contact (309) 438-5967. Calling this direct number will ensure the Housing team is able to help you as quickly as possible.

For more information about length of quarantine and/or isolation, please review IDPH quarantine guidance.

Student Health Services will send you a secure message in the SHS portal. The message will provide important health information regarding your quarantine and isolation.

University Housing Services is notified by Student Health Services when there is a need for on-campus housing student to quarantine or isolate.  Upon notification, Housing staff will contact the impacted student and explain isolation and quarantine housing procedures.

Students are expected to return home during their isolation/quarantine period so that there is adequate space for students who have extenuating circumstances (e.g., housing and food insecurity, etc.) that prevent them from returning home or to their permanent residence.

Limited isolation and quarantine spaces are available for on-campus student

Any facility where you are tested will share the results with you. If you test positive, off-campus students are asked to quarantine or isolate at their student apartment or return to their permanent address.

Off-campus students who are in isolation or quarantine and need additional resources should contact the Dean on Duty at (309) 438-2008.

If you tested outside of Illinois State, please upload results to the secure patient health portal.

Email the Dean of Students Office with documentation from a health official (Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Student Health Services, or health care provider) that includes your isolation or quarantine dates.

If you have not received documentation, please call (309) 438-5202 or check your email or Student Health Services portal. You will be copied on the excused absence notification that is emailed to your instructors. You will need to contact your instructors to determine reasonable modifications/extensions for completing missed exams, quizzes, and other required work.

Students in need of support managing the various impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to contact Student Counseling Services where there are resources available regarding social, emotional, physical and financial wellness.

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

A negative test does not release you from quarantine. Your length of quarantine does not change with a negative test.

• Students who feel ill, whether related to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, should stay home and contact Student Health Services (SHS) (309) 438-7676 for assistance. If necessary, students should contact the Dean of Students Office to facilitate the student absence notification
• Employees who feel ill, whether related to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, should stay home and seek medical attention if appropriate.

Regularly scheduled events will continue with additional mitigation measures implemented where appropriate and feasible. If necessary, events will be subject to cancellation due to updated guidance or mitigation requirements.

• Enhanced cleaning will continue in restrooms although the risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces or objects is generally low, according to the CDC.
• Cleaning wipes and hand sanitizer will continue to be readily available across campus, including classrooms.
• HVAC systems for all campus buildings have been adjusted to increase the amount of fresh air from a 10% minimum to 40% outside air minimum. Where possible, the filters in campus HVAC systems were upgraded to provide filtered air equivalent to hospital rooms. Air purifiers will be considered for specific spaces that do not meet the above criteria only.

Yes. Student organizations and clubs are allowed to meet. 

When registration is open you may alter your schedule as you would like based on course availability. If you have questions about course options for your schedule, please talk to your assigned academic advisor.

According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated (i) 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Moderna or Pfizer's Comirnaty vaccines, or (ii) 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's.

Comirnaty is the new name for Pfizer vaccine, which remains the same vaccine, but took on a new name as it moved from solely emergency-use authorization. Read more in this FDA release.

Students, faculty, and staff who are taking courses or working on campus, are required to provide evidence of receiving an approved COVID-19 vaccination to Student Health Services (SHS). The University is accepting proof of vaccines currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or are authorized for emergency use by the FDA and World Health Organization (WHO).. Learn more about where to find a vaccine near you.

Individuals who do not provide Student Health Services (SHS) with evidence of vaccination are required to participate in weekly, on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing. If you are a student who needs an accommodation from this requirement, please contact Student Access and Accommodation Services . If you are an employee that needs an accommodation, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access.

• Students and employees should submit their vaccination records as soon as possible to the secure Patient Health Portal by uploading an image of your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or a COVID-19 immunization record provided by a healthcare provider.  Student Health Services is required to follow all confidentiality rules and regulations regarding medical information.
• Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
• Student Health Services verifies immunization records as they are received using information provided in governmental immunization databases.
• Employees should contact  Human Resources  for assistance with uploading their vaccination card. Students can contact  Student Health Services .

Illinois provides a search for vaccines by area code at Vaccines.gov. Because every location handles appointments differently, you will need to schedule your appointment directly with the location you choose.

Yes. Beginning August 9, 2021, students, faculty, and staff who are on campus and who have not provided Student Health Services (SHS) with evidence of vaccination are required to participate in weekly on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing provided by SHIELD Illinois.

• COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are readily available throughout Illinois and the nation. The current vaccines protect against COVID-19 variants, including the Delta variant. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines .
• Even if you have had COVID-19, vaccines provide added protection against future COVID exposures. Read the CDC guidance for those who are fully vaccinated .
• Getting vaccinated protects against the spread of this disease and protects you and others from getting COVID, including the Delta variant. Vaccinated individuals are less likely to become seriously ill or become hospitalized in the unlikely event they get COVID-19.
• See the latest information from the CDC.

Students and employees are required to participate in the on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing program until they are fully vaccinated and vaccination records are on file with Student Health Services.

Non-compliant students and employees are subject to the appropriate disciplinary process. Questions regarding this process should be directed to Human Resources for employees and the Dean of Students Office for students.

No. You cannot ask for anyone's vaccination status (it is protected health information).

Yes, testing is required until you are fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

The IDPH and CDC are recommending booster shots 5 months after receiving the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine or Moderna, and 2 months after receiving the single Johnson & Johnson dose.

Face coverings are recommended, but not required, within all University facilities except for:

• Clinical settings, including Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services, COVID-19 testing sites, and other sites listed on this website.
• University events when required by contract with speakers, performers, etc. 

As a courtesy, please wear a face covering in a private office or residence hall room upon the occupant’s request. Please also wear a face covering in classrooms if requested by the instructor.  There is no change to the University’s COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements at this time.

The University has obtained a stock of KN95 masks for the campus community.

Students who live off-campus, faculty and staff can pick an extra mask from one of these on-campus sites:

• Bone Student Center (Welcome Desk, Printing Services Office, Student Involvement Center)
• Milner Library Circulation Desk
• The Multicultural Center

Students who live within the residence halls may pick up an additional mask at their front desks.

Departments can place orders for additional masks via the COVID-19 Supplies Request Form on the Working on Campus section of the Coronavirus website.

Before using the KN95 mask, please review the KN95 Fact Sheet, which can be located on the Environmental Health and Safety website. 

Yes, before using the KN95 mask, please review the KN95 Fact Sheet, available on the Environmental Health and Safety website. 

It is up to the discretion of the wearer which approved face coverings to choose. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer insights on masks and respirators.

KN95 masks are shown to provide wearers with a heightened degree of protection. Data has emerged in recent weeks that cloth face coverings offer less protection against the Omicron variant than against previous COVID-19 strains.

Before using the KN95 mask, please review the KN95 Fact Sheet, which can be located on the Environmental Health and Safety website. 

Anyone working or operating in an open space can request an individual to wear a face covering. As a reminder, face coverings are only required in the areas listed under Face Coverings on the main Coronavirus page.

Face coverings are recommended, but not required, within all University facilities except for clincal settings, University events when requested by the speaker, and public transportation. During this transitional time in the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that we support one another, regardless of individual choices that are made regarding face coverings. Individuals should feel comfortable wearing face coverings in university spaces as we move forward together as a Redbird community.

The University asks that, as a courtesy, people wear a face covering in a private office or residence hall room upon the occupant’s request. Please also wear a face covering in classrooms if requested by the instructor.  There is no change to the University’s COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements at this time.

Departments can order supplies, at no charge through the COVID-19 Supplies Request Form on the coronavirus website.

Students and employees are required to participate in the on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing program until they are fully vaccinated and vaccination records are on file with Student Health Services.    

No. Only COVID-19 tests performed at any licensed testing facility (e.g., pharmacy, state-run testing site, healthcare facility, laboratory) are acceptable.  An over-the-counter at home test does not meet requirements.

• COVID-19 Testing Sites near campus
• COVID-19 Testing Sites throughout Illinois

If you are unable to take and submit a negative COVID-19 test just prior to returning to campus, you may sign up for an on-campus SHIELD test if appointment slots are available. If you choose this option, the test must be taken immediately upon return to campus

Yes, testing is required until you are fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

You do not have to test for 90 days past a positive diagnosis. (Following the CDC advice for those who test positive to refrain from retesting for  90  days to avoid false-positive tests.)  

After 90 days, you will have to test until fully vaccinated. Students and employees should submit positive COVID-19 test results to the Student Health Services Secure Patient Health Portal.

Asymptomatic Illinois State University students, faculty and staff and their dependents, ISU retirees, and campus volunteers can find the most current testing locations and hours on the testing website. SHIELD testing is only for those who are asymptomatic. Students experiencing symptoms should Student Health Services for a screening call. Employees and retirees should contact their promary healthcare provider.

Students and employees are required to participate in the on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing program until they are fully vaccinated and vaccination records are on file with Student Health Services.

Non-compliant students and employees are subject to the appropriate disciplinary process. Questions regarding this process should be directed to Human Resources for employees and the Dean of Students Office for students.

A reminder email is sent to all employees subject to the testing protocol at the end of the week for the next week’s testing cycle.  A list is also sent to supervisors to assist with operational scheduling needs. 

Testing is required when students and employees will be on University-owned or controlled property. Students and employees who are off-property for an extended period of time do not need to visit campus for COVID-19 testing during their time away.

You will be in a non-compliant status until you test, which should be done upon return to campus.

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) 438-5967 for more information about quarantine and isolation procedures.
• Off-campus students should isolate at their off-campus apartment 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.
• Faculty, staff, student employees, and graduate assistants, regardless of where they are living, should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has revised the contact tracing process. Those who test positive within Illinois for COVID-19, will receive a text from the IDPH that reads: “IDPH COVID: There is important info for you. Call 312-777-1999 or click: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/confirmed-or-possible-covid-19.html”

As a reminder, a close contact is defined as someone who was within 6 feet of the COVID-positive person for at least 15 cumulative minutes over a 24-hour period.

IDPH has indicated that it is the responsibility of the person who tests positive to identify and notify close contacts. Students who test positive for COVID-19 may contact Student Health Services, if needed, for guidance in this process and employees may likewise contact Human Resources for guidance.

For more information about length of quarantine and/or isolation, please review IDPH guidance.

Students who have been notified that they are a close contact of a positive individual should self-isolate or self-quarantine as directed. For students requiring assistance in obtaining a quarantine letter, please contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676. Students can send letters to the Dean of Students Office at DeanOfStudents@IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-2008 to report the absence and/or discuss how to manage any extended absence.

Employees who have been notified that they are a close contact of a positive individual should contact Human Resources at (309) 438-8311 to discuss a leave of absence. Employees are required to self-isolate or self-quarantine as directed and will be allowed to return to work in accordance with CDC guidelines.

As a reminder, a close contact is defined as someone who was within 6' of the COVID-positive person for at least 15 cumulative minutes over a 24-hour period.

Students should contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for further guidance, and faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider for recommendations.

Faculty and staff should test during working hours. Non-exempt (hourly) employees will be given release time, at a time approved by the department, to cover this testing. Exempt employees, including faculty, should test during working hours at a time that does not interrupt departmental operations. Employees should work with their supervisor to identify time(s) for testing that will not interfere with the needs of the department. Separate release time codes (RTP for nonexempt and XRTP for exempt) will be available beginning 8/9/21 to record this time. Non-exempt employees are required, and exempt employees are encouraged, to use this code when reporting their time

Testing hours have been established to cover most of the shifts on campus. Employees who normally only access campus outside of testing hours or days when testing is being administered (e.g., faculty who teach only at night, weekend-only positions, substitute teachers (K-12), athletic event support staff, etc.) and have not submitted proof of vaccination to Student Health Services should arrange to visit campus each week during testing hours to remain compliant with the testing protocol. Non-exempt (hourly) employees will be compensated for this additional time (and should still record this with the specific testing release time reporting code (RTP). Departments with hourly employees who are not scheduled to work during testing hours/days are responsible for implementing procedures to ensure the time spent at the testing center by these employees is tracked and recorded as testing release time on their timesheets.

If you are going to be working on campus and are subject to the testing protocol, you must be compliant with that protocol prior to working on campus.

All ISU employees who work on property owned or controlled by ISU are required to either submit their vaccination records, submit proof of a positive COVID-19 test taken between 90 and 10 days prior to returning to campus, or participate in weekly testing. Additional information will be provided to those employees who are located an extended distance (greater than 2 hours) from the campus and who do not access the main campus on a regular basis.

Your testing requirement is based upon your status as a student, not an employee. You should participate in the testing protocol as directed by the Dean of Students office.

Vaccinations cards are uploaded to Student Health Service's (SHS's) Point and Click system. Individual department supervisors will not have access to the vaccination card. Only those employees who are HIPAA trained and authorized to use the Point and Click system will be able to access the records.

The list provided to supervisors indicates only those employees who are subject to the testing protocol. It is not an indication of vaccination status, as an individual may be included in the testing protocol for a variety of reasons.

If an employee does not comply with testing requirements, a direct notice will be sent to the employee on the first day of noncompliance reminding them of the health and safety protocols.  A message will also appear on their My.IllinoisState.edu page indicating they are out of compliance with the testing protocols. Automatically generated emails are also sent to any noncompliant employees every Monday and Thursday. Individuals who are not in compliance with the testing requirement implemented as part of the University’s health and safety standards are subject to the appropriate discipline process which could include sanctions up to and including suspension and/or dismissal/discharge/termination.   

Symptomatic testing is not available on campus for faculty and staff. Employees who feel ill, whether related to COVID-19 or an unrelated illness, should stay home and seek medical attention if appropriate, and follow the Guidance for Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace.

Illinois Department of Public Health has revised the contact tracing process. Those who test positive for COVID-19, will receive a text from the IDPH that reads: "IDPH COVID: There is important info for you. Call 312-777-1999 or click: https://dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/confirmed-or-possible-covid-19.html"

Illinois State University students, faculty and staff and their dependents, ISU retirees, and campus volunteers. Dependents must identify themselves. Dependents who are minors must be accompanied by an adult.

You can find testing location and hours on the SHIELD page.

ISU Faculty, Staff, and Students can schedule a SHIELD COVID-19 test by visiting the Patient Health Portal.

Dependents of employees, retirees and volunteers MUST register onsite. Learn more about SHIELD testing. 

The FDA EUA approved Shield COVID test was developed by researchers at the University of Illinois. It is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test detecting RNA from the SAR-CoV-2 virus in saliva. It is also considered a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT).

The test is self-administered and non-invasive. After checking in with a collection site staff member, a patient receives a small vial and must deposit a small amount of saliva into that vial using a funnel. The patient then caps the vial, places it in a collection rack, and exits the collection site.

About 2 mL (a little more than one-half fluid ounce) of saliva (with no bubbles) needs to be provided for the sample to be processed correctly. Vials will have a mark noting how much saliva is needed.

You are not able to eat, drink, or put anything in your mouth one hour prior to taking the saliva-based test. This includes the use of tobacco or smokeless tobacco, drinking water, mouth wash, etc.  

The collection process is usually completed within a few minutes.

The current notification time for the SHIELD saliva-based test is 24 hours from the time a sample is received in our lab. SHIELD Illinois also supports a secure information management system for tracking and reporting results, which are sent via email.

Samples are processed by CLIA-certified SHIELD Illinois labs, meaning they meet federal standards for lab accuracy and reliability. Illinois State has a CLIA-certified SHIELD Illinois lab on campus. 

The notifications of the tests results are as follows:

• Negative – The virus was not detected
• Positive – The virus was detected
• Invalid – The sample provided was non-optimal and could not produce the appropriate data during processing at the lab (This is likely due to a poor-quality sample, not adhering to the fasting requirements, or interfering material in the sample. It is recommended to have the participant retest and adhere to the 1 hour fasting requirements, focusing on producing the specimen from saliva, not sputum).
• Inconclusive – The sample was able to be processed in the lab, but it was not able to definitively provide a detected/not detected results, (It is recommended to have the participant retest.)
• Rejected – The sample was not able to be processed at the lab (This is likely due to low sample volume, the cap coming off the tube in transport or other damage to the tube, and/or extremely poor sample quality. It is recommended to have the participant retest and adhere to the 1 hour fasting requirements, focusing on producing the specimen from saliva, not sputum).

The FDA emergency-use authorization approved Shield saliva test has a specificity of 98.9% and sensitivity of 96.8%. The SHIELD saliva-based test targets three highly conserved regions of the viral genome for detection. High specificity offered by 3 target detection, combined with frequent testing, makes the SHIELD saliva-based test extremely accurate.

Yes, the SHIELD COVID test can catch active infection before infectiousness. The test typically is able to pick up the virus as early as 2-3 days post exposure.

No, DNA is not analyzed by the test. Positive samples are retained, with the possibility of variant testing by the Illinois Department of Public Health using RNA analysis. All other samples are destroyed after testing.

No, the test is specifically designed to detect viral genomic material (i.e. RNA) present in viral particles or in free form.

No.

SHIELD does not provide any other information except negative/positive to the patient. The patient needs to get in touch with the patient's doctor or check the CDC guidelines for further guidance. Students who test positive should contact Student Health Services. Employees who test positive should contact their primary care physician as well as review the information provided in Guidance for Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace found on the coronavirus website.

The testing lab and the ordering physician will be able to see the results, as well as the patient. Both positive and negative test results are shared with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Address, phone number, and demographic information are also shared with IDPH.

No. While our test can detect the presence of COVID-19 in a patient's sample even if the person is infected with the variant, this test does not confirm which variant is present. Because of this, SHIELD cannot inform the patient on whether the positive is for a variant.

This test looks for three different SARS-CoV-2 genes. That way, even if a mutation changes one gene, the test will be able to detect an infection. The SHIELD test can detect all currently known variants. That ability is monitored rigorously by Thermo-Fisher, which produces the part of the test used to identify SARS-CoV-2.

Individuals who are fully vaccinated should not undergo testing unless they are symptomatic or have been exposed to COVID-19. If fully vaccinated and experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, individuals should contact their health care provider for guidance.

Yes. Student Health Services is required to follow all confidentiality rules and regulations regarding medical information.  

For more information contact coronavirus@illinoisstate.edu or the SHIELD Illinois patient support line at 217-265-6059 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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. CDC guidance indicates that if a vaccinated person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 they do not need to quarantine unless they are experiencing COVID symptoms. Unvaccinated student and employees need to follow IDPH and CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation.

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. CDC guidance indicates that if a vaccinated person has been exposed to someone with COVID-19 they do not need to quarantine unless they are experiencing COVID symptoms. Unvaccinated student and employees need to follow IDPH and CDC guidance on quarantine and isolation.

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.

A positive case in within the department does not necessarily mean that all employees in the department should stay home. You will be notified if you are a close contact and direct to quarantine if appropriate. The Guidance for Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace page has additional information for this and other employee related COVID-19 scenarios.

Campus Services staff will determine the extent of additional cleaning necessary in the area in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Employees who seek to delay their return to campus based upon an underlying health condition should submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access in accordance with Policy 1.3. Employees may also contact Human Resources at 309-438-8311 and ask to speak with their Benefits Counselor regarding a leave of absence.

Students living in on-campus housing should submit vaccination records prior to moving-in and submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test administered by a healthcare provider taken no more than 3 days before moving into your on-campus residence. Submit results to the secure Patient Health Portal.

If you tested positive for COVID-19 within the last three months and are not experiencing symptoms, you should not undergo the entry testing process. Instead, upload your positive test results to the secure Patient Health Portal.

It is a good idea to bring a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card and a copy of your recent COVID-19 test results to your Move-In appointment time in case they are needed for additional validation.

• Enhanced cleaning of restrooms and high-touch surfaces.
• There are no triple or quad room types available this year.
• Health education signage is posted throughout all housing facilities to remind students, staff, and visitors of public health guidance.
• Students who test positive for COVID-19 or are deemed a close contact are required to quarantine and isolate per the guidance of local and government officials.

If you are experiencing coronavirus symptoms, contact Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for an assessment and to make an appointment. Students without symptoms can be tested at either on-campus testing site. More information about on-campus testing sites can be found on the Student Health Services website.

University Housing Services is notified by Student Health Services when a student tests positive for COVID-19 or is deemed a close contact. Upon notification, Housing staff will contact the impacted student and explain isolation and quarantine procedures (see Quarantine and Isolation FAQ's on this page). The McLean County Health Department is working closely with the University to complete contact tracing for Illinois State students.

As stated in our Terms and Conditions, all students living in on-campus housing agreed to return to their permanent residence upon receiving a directive that they must quarantine or self-isolate. This involves a variety of factors, such as floor and bathroom configurations as well as considering the health and safety of the roommate(s), floor residents, and campus community.

Last Updated: (April 7, 2022)

The most current SEVP Guidance can be found at: https://www.ice.gov/coronavirus.

Important highlights for the Fall 2022 semester 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. In order to defer your program, please contact InternationalAdmissions@ilstu.edu .
• For new students in the United States or who can travel to the US in time to start a program of study for Fall 2022; the student can maintain F-1 status by enrolling in a program of study that is completely in person or includes both in-person and online components (to the extent online courses are available). New students must take at least one in person or hybrid course. 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.

Last Updated: (May 26, 2021)

If you notify International Admissions of your deferral within 60 days after the program start date, 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: April 7, 2022)

You can find information about your specific academic advisor through the My.IllinoisState.edu portal. Please enter your ULID and password, and then follow the links to the "Academics" section and the "Academic Advisors" button.

Graduate students should contact their Graduate Coordinator located on the Graduate School website.

Undergraduates will be advised by a University College Advisor until they have declared a major and earned at least 24 credits. After that point, you will transition to a Department/School advisor.

NOTE: All undergraduate Academic English and International Pathway students will be advised by the International Pathways Academic Advisor, Paisley Hartman (pdadams3@ilstu.edu), until they progress from the Pathway.

If you have additional questions or concerns about this, please contact your Academic Department for assistance.

Last Updated: (April 7, 2022)

The most current information and guidance can be found at the following links:

• SEVP COVID Guidance and FAQs (for F-1 students)
• EVP COVID Information (for J-1 students)

Last Updated: (April 7, 2022)

If your SEVIS record was terminated: You should submit a Returning from Leave Request as soon as you are certain of your plans to return. Once your request has been processed, a new I-20 with a new SEVIS ID number will be generated and attached to your request. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee for this new I-20 at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will also need to apply for a new visa using your new I-20 document. You will be permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to the start date of your new I-20. You must check-in with ISSS upon your arrival to campus by submitting a New Student ISSS Check-In Request.

If your SEVIS record is still active: You should submit a Travel Signature Request as soon as you are certain of your plans to return. If you have renewed or updated any of your immigration documents since you left the U.S., you should also submit an Immigration Documents Update. Once your request has been processed, a new I-20 with a new travel signature will be generated and attached to your request. Print, sign, and date your new I-20.

Last Updated: (April 7, 2022)

Students who need a travel signature should submit a Travel Signature Request.

A new I-20 will be printed within ten (10) business days and you will be notified via email when it is ready. You can retrieve your I-20 by logging into the ISSS Portal and navigating to My Records. Your new I-20 document will appear in the Attachments section of your Travel Signature Request. Always print and physically sign and date your document as soon as you retrieve it. This new guidance does not allow students to sign electronically; it only allows DSOs to sign electronically. You will need a printed copy of your I-20 for any visa interviews and when entering the U.S. at the port of entry.

Last Updated: (April 7, 2022)

1. Proof of COVID vaccination and negative test – In order to board your flight, you will need to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and proof of a negative COVID test one day before departure. Complete the Vaccine Travel Assessment to confirm you have what you need. See the State Department FAQ for further details.
2. Valid Travel Signature - Visit the ISSS travel signature webpage for full details, including tips on determining whether your current travel signature is still valid and a link to the Travel Signature request form.
3. Valid F-1/J-1 visa - You must have a valid visa on the date of your re-entry to the U.S. If your visa has expired, you will need to renew before returning to the U.S. In order to renew your visa, you must apply at a U.S. embassy/consulate. Find the nearest U.S. embassy at https://www.usembassy.gov/ and contact them for details. Visa procedures and processing times can vary by consulate and may be impacted by holidays.
4. Valid Passport - valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of the re-entry to the U.S.
5. Other Recommended Documents
   • SEVIS Fee Receipt
   • Contact information for ISSS
   • ISU Transcript
   • Redbird Card

(Last Updated: April 7, 2022)

General Questions: If you have a general question, please take a look at the F-1/J-1 Student FAQ. If you can't find your answer there, please use the main email or phone number to contact ISSS.

ISSS Main Email: internationalstudents@ilstu.edu
ISSS Main Phone: 309-438-1931

Specific Questions: If you have a case-specific question, please contact your ISSS Advisor. Sarah Van Alebeek, Senior International Student Advisor, is now the primary ISSS Advisor for all international students. Sarah can be reached via email or phone. You can also schedule an appointment with Sarah using our online booking system or visit her during walk-in hours. Sarah’s contact information can be found on her ISSS Portal staff listing page.

Questions About an ISSS Request/Application: You can check the status of your ISSS applications by logging into the ISSS Portal and navigating to My Records. Please allow 10 business days for processing.

If you have a specific question about a request that you are currently working on or a pending request that you have already submitted to ISSS, please contact Kera Storrs, International Data Specialist. Kera’s contact information can be found on her ISSS Portal staff listing page.

(Last Updated: April 7, 2022)

I-20 Documents: In October 2021, SEVP issued policy guidance allowing DSOs to electronically sign and transmit I-20 documents to F-1 students. All I-20 documents issued by ISSS will be digitally signed and uploaded to your ISSS Portal account. You will receive an email notification when a new I-20 has been uploaded so you can login to the ISSS Portal and retrieve your document.

Always print and physically sign and date your document as soon as you retrieve it. This new guidance does not allow students to sign electronically; it only allows DSOs to sign electronically. You will need a printed copy of your I-20 for any future visa interviews and when entering the U.S. at the port of entry.

DS-2019 Documents: All DS-2019s must be physically printed and signed. J-1 students who have been issued an updated DS-2019 by ISSS will be notified via email when their document is ready. Students can visit the front desk on the second floor of Fell Hall to retrieve their document or have the document shipped to them.

(Last Updated: February 12, 2021)

Students arriving from international travel are required to follow CDC guidelines in regard to quarantine and testing.

• Students who are also employees should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace
• Information about the Student Absence Policy can be found on the Dean of Students Office website.

If you have questions or concerns about your needs during quarantine, please e-mail Matt Schwab at mlschwa@ilstu.edu.

You can visit campus by selecting from a variety of different options , both virtually and on campus.

Transfer Registration and Orientation Days for students will take place in person. When available, students can register for their orientation at My.IllinoisState.edu.

You may schedule a virtual admissions counselor appointment online. Or, you can visit campus by selecting from a variety of different options , both virtually and on campus.

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.

Illinois State University is test optional and does not require students to submit an 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 2021 term, you can update your application to Spring 2022 or Summer 2022, 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 2021, if hoping to delay to Fall 2022, would need to submit a new application for admission and be reevaluated for admission for Fall 2022.

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 additional questions.