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 results available in 3-5 business days. 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.

COVID-19 PCR testing is available for students at Student Health Services for those with COVID-19 like symptoms. Non-symptomatic students can be tested at either on-campus testing location. Visit the Student Health Services website for the most up-to-date information about testing locations and hours.

The Interstate Center, 1106 Interstate Drive in Bloomington, has daily testing available. Please check their website for current operating hours. Anyone (students, faculty or staff) can visit the Interstate Center for testing.

If you are not tested on campus, it is recommended that you share your test results with Student Health Services by uploading them to the secure health portal. Employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, should follow the steps outlined in Managing Covid-19 in the Workplace.

Any student not feeling well or experiencing symptoms should call Student Health Services at (309) 438-7676 for testing. Any student who is not experiencing symptoms can be tested at either on-campus testing site. Visit the Student Health Services website for the most up-to-date information about testing locations and hours.

Faculty and staff not feeling well or having symptoms should contact their healthcare provider for direction about testing.

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.
• Employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, regardless of where they are living, 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 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) 438-5967 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 residing in McLean County should notify Student Health Services that they are a close contact so the Dean of Students Office can be notified and your absence from class communicated with faculty members. Learn more about Student Absence policies by visiting the Dean of Students Office website.

Employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, 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.

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.

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

Isolation and quarantine spaces are available in all residential areas of campus for on-campus students.

There are a limited number of spaces for on-campus students who must isolate or quarantine. Students are asked to return home only if it is safe to do so 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. The CDC has provided information about safely quarantining with roommates or family members. 

Students in on-campus isolation or quarantine spaces are provided with linens, cleaning supplies, and a weekly treat bag, and are delivered a continental breakfast and two hot meals each day. Staff contact students each day to check on their well-being. Care for students in these spaces involves staff from Housing, Student Health Services, Facilities Management, and Event Management, Dining and Hospitality.

If you test positive, you will be required to isolate for a period of 10 days or length of time determined by the McLean County Health Department or health professional. If you are deemed a close contact, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

If you are tested anywhere at Illinois State, Student Health Services will receive the results. If you are tested anywhere else, upload results to the secure patient health portal. The McLean County Health Department is working closely with the University to complete contact tracing for Illinois State students.

If you test positive, you will be required to isolate for a period of 10 days or length of time determined by the McLean County Health Department or health professional. If you are deemed a close contact, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

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

Off-campus students are asked to quarantine or isolate at their student apartment or return to their permanent address.

Students should contact the Dean of Students Office to facilitate the student absence notification process.

If you test positive, you will be required to isolate for a period of 10 days or length of time determined by the McLean County Health Department or health professional. If you are deemed a close contact, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Students in need of support managing the various impacts of the global coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to contact Student Counseling Services or visit Redbirds Keep Thriving—Students on the Coronavirus website 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.

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 sent an email to students telling them that Housing contracts may be canceled at any time during the fall term without financial penalty. Students can cancel their housing and meal plan contracts with no cancellation fee in the Housing and Dining portal.

If you cancel your housing contract, you will be charged for housing dating back to August 12, 2020 (which is the traditional first day of Move-In) and through your check out date. You will not be charged for “early move-in dates” that were put into place this year as a result of COVID-19. If you officially checked-in to housing after August 12, 2020, you will be charged since that date. Charges for your stay will be applied to your student account.

Once you cancel your housing contract in the Housing and Dining portal, you must also schedule a move-out time in the portal.

• Physical distancing is required in all public and common spaces.
• Students were provided with a cloth face covering, hand sanitizer, and thermometer during Move-In.
• Face coverings are required in all spaces except in a student's own residence hall room. 
• 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. 
• No off-campus or overnight guests are allowed.
• Fitness centers in the residence halls and Cardinal Court are closed. The Student Fitness Center is available for students.
• 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.

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 test positive for COVID-19, you will be required to isolate for a period of 10 days or length of time determined by the McLean County Health Department or health professional.  If you are deemed a close contact of someone who has tested positive, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Learn more about when to quarantine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Isolation and quarantine spaces are located in all residential areas of campus for on-campus students. There are a limited number of on-campus spaces for students who must remain in university housing to isolate or quarantine. Students are asked 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.

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 want to cancel your housing contract, please contact University Housing Services at 309-438-8611 to discuss cancellation procedures at this time. 

There are a limited number of spaces for on-campus students who must isolate or quarantine. Students are asked to return home only if it is safe to do so 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. The CDC has provided information about safely quarantining with roommates or family members. 

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.

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. Spring semester contracts will be available in the Housing and Dining Portal starting Wednesday, November 4 at 8:30 a.m.

Yes, your housing contract spans the entire academic year from August to May. If you cancel your contract during the fall semester, it will be cancelled for the entire academic year.

Possibly. You can certainly share your preferences by emailing Housing@IllinoisState.edu once you have established a spring contract; however, there is no guarantee that Housing will be able to honor your request.

No, renewal happens every year in February and all students who have lived on campus and are required to live on campus the following academic year (2021-2022) receive priority for contract renewal. Please check housing.IllinoisState.edu for updated information.

You can check Housing.IllinoisState.edu for updated information on contract creation for the 2021-2022 academic year. Updates will be made in late January. If you lived on campus, even for a day or two, you will follow the current student schedule. If you have never lived on campus, you will follow the new student schedule.

You must have a private or semi-private bathroom available. If you have roommates, the timeline for each student leave and return from isolation/quarantine may differ based on directives from Student Health Services.

Quarantine and isolation spaces are located at a variety of on- and off-campus areas with discretion in favor of student privacy. These spaces have kitchens (or access to a fridge/microwave) and private or semi-private bathrooms.

Yes. Please avoid visiting these rooms, lingering in hallways, and remember to practice physical distancing to ensure your health and safety. The students in those spaces have an agreement with the University that they will remain in their isolation/quarantine space for the duration of their designated period or they will be put through the student conduct process.

(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)

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 INTO ISU Academic Advisor, Veronique Parmenter (vlparme@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: 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 30,2020)

Students who need a travel signature should submit a Travel Signature Request through the ISSS Portal.

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 30,2020)

Yes, 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 by emailing Bobbie Stevens at bjsteve@ilstu.edu.

• On-campus students with Housing contracts should contact University Housing prior to arrival on campus for more information about quarantine and isolation procedures.
• Off-campus students should isolate at their off-campus apartments. The University does not have space to house off-campus students in our limited on-campus quarantine and isolation spaces.
• 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 or Wouter Van Alebeek at wvanale@ilstu.edu.

(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.

(Last Updated: July 30,2020)

It is important to arrive by the start of classes, August 17, 2020. Given the current pandemic and travel issues, this may not be possible. If you are not able to arrive by August 17, 2020, the University needs to assess both employment and school options.

For new students, if you are unable to arrive by the start of classes on August 17, 2020, please contact InternationalAdmissions@ilstu.edu as soon as possible.

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

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 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.

Web booking is available.

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.–5 p.m.

Medical Records is available to transfer records if needed.

Absolutely! Our staff continue to other both individual and group therapy to in-state and on-campus students. Providing services across state lines is a little more complicated. If you are out-of-state, please contact our front desk staff and let them know where you are living. They will get back to you within 48 hours to let you know if we are able to provide services to you. If we are NOT able to provide services to you, we will help you find a referral in your area.

Sorry, no. To keep both you and our staff safe, we are relying on telehealth services exclusively this fall.

Yes, both individual and group telehealth therapy will be available to in-state and on-campus students. If you are out-of-state, our front desk staff will collect information about your location and get back to you about our ability to provide services from us at this time. If we are unable to provide services, we will help you find a referral in your area.

We may be able to offer you a private office (a “Zoom room”) in Student Counseling Services. There are also other spaces on campus that you might be able to reserve. Please ask about this when you schedule your appointment, and we'll talk through the options with you. Please cancel any appointments in a Zoom room if you are sick. We will be happy to reschedule you.

Please bring your laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Laptops are preferred for video and sound quality, so if you have a laptop, please bring it.

Yes, face coverings are required. Thank you for wearing one if you come in person to schedule an appointment or to use a “Zoom room”. If you forget to wear one, a disposable face covering will be provided to you. Once you are in the “Zoom room” you can remove your face covering, but before you leave the office you will be expected to clean the space you use with the provided sanitizing wipes. You should put your face covering back on to leave the Zoom room. Please cancel any appointments in a Zoom room if you are sick. We will be happy to reschedule you.

Yes, face coverings are required for all faculty, staff and students in public spaces on campus.

Yes, we have those available for you.

Our waiting room is now furnished with chairs that are easy to sanitize. Additionally, please wait behind the marked 6-foot barrier when you check in at the main window.

If you have an urgent need for assistance, please call our office at (309) 438-3655. One of our counselors will get back to you as soon as they can over phone and/or Zoom. After hours, your call will be directed to our after-hours telephone services, staffed by counselors who can assist you by phone.

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.

Illinois State does not want the achievements of our students to go unheralded. Therefore, we will honor and recognize these accomplishments with an online ceremony featuring slide shows of all winter 2020 graduates and remarks by President Dietz and other Illinois State officials. These recorded ceremonies will be available for viewing on the commencement website beginning on December 12.

In addition, in early December, we will mail each student who has applied for winter graduation a celebratory packet featuring a diploma cover, several copies of the commencement program booklet highlighting our winter graduates, a commemorative tassel, and a keychain from the Alumni Association.

Following state and local guidelines, the University is continuing to explore ways to host an in-person celebratory experience for all 2020 graduates in spring 2021. To receive future communication about these plans, please complete the 2020 Graduate Communication Form.

These items will be mailed to the address you provided in your application for graduation for diploma mailing.

To submit a photo, complete the Commencement Photo Submission Form by November 16, 2020.

You may elect to wear your regalia (cap and gown) for photo opportunities or other celebrations. However, if you have regalia that you do not intend to use, unopened commencement regalia may be returned for reimbursement. Please visit the Graduation Services website to complete a Regalia Return Form.

Yes, online regalia ordering of the Illinois State University cap and gown through Jostens, Inc. is available until November 5, 2020. Please note: Regalia ships approximately five weeks after the order date. If you need expedited shipping, please contact Jostens at 1-800-854-7464. Additional shipping charges may apply.

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

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

If you complete the requirements for a degree at the end of the fall semester, you will be considered a graduate at that time.

Diplomas will be mailed to the address indicated on the application for graduation approximately 10-12 weeks following the conclusion of the fall semester.

As with all travel, please consult with your Dean/Director/Administrator for guidance and direction. In addition, please review the following resources.

• CDC — Traveler FAQ
• Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

Multiple passengers (including the driver) not of the same household must maintain a minimum of 6 feet physical distance and wear face coverings for the duration of travel. See the CDC transportation guidelines. Passengers (including the driver) who cannot maintain a minimum of 6 feet physical distance at all times, even while wearing a face covering, may not occupy the same vehicle.

The International Travel Notification is a stand-alone item that requires approval from the respective Vice President.

• Domestic Travel Registry and Pre-Check
• International Travel Notification

It is used to assess and mitigate travel risk.

Risk Management Staff and the Comptroller's Travel Office. Submitters will have access to the information they have entered.

Risk Management Staff and the respective Vice President.

One email will be sent to them in their Dean/Director/Administrator role.

No. However, the student will receive an automated email requiring them to review the information and electronically sign an acknowledgement of risk for the travel.

Yes, notification will be sent to the individual who submitted the travel. Students will receive a copy of the submission and an acknowledgement of risk for completion before travel is finalized.

Binding travel arrangements should not be finalized until the Domestic Travel Registry and Pre-Check has been approved by all appropriate parties. It is quite possible that the public health environment in your travel destination(s) may change between your initial registry and the date of your departure, possibly increasing the travel risk.

This is dependent upon the information provided in the travel registry.

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.