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Campus Communications 2020-2021

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Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Campus Communications 2020-2021

December 2021

Dear Fellow Community Members,

As we continue to see a rise of COVID-19 in Chicago and across the nation, today I’m announcing the following important steps the university will take to help reduce risks and provide more flexibility and support for our community.

Staff Encouraged to Work from Home
Starting Monday, December 20, staff whose jobs can be performed remotely are encouraged to work from home, with supervisor approval, until the start of the spring semester on Monday, January 10, 2022. Staff whose work requires them to be physically present on campus should remember to wear a face covering at all times while indoors and are encouraged to socially distance themselves. As a reminder, the university will be closed from Friday, December 24 through Friday, December 31.

Booster Requirement
Consistent with current university vaccination requirements and applicable exemptions, the university will require all eligible students, faculty, and staff to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster by January 10, 2022, and for others, as soon thereafter as they are eligible.

In the coming weeks, directions describing how to submit your booster documentation, along with additional details regarding implementation of this policy, will be provided. Your only action item right now is to simply get the booster as soon as you are eligible. If you are having trouble scheduling a vaccination appointment, a vaccine finder is available at Vaccines.gov. The City of Chicago have also assembled resources that you can use to secure a vaccination appointment.

Thank you for all you do to support the health and safety of your fellow Illinois Tech community members.

Sincerely,

Raj Echambadi
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

July 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As recommended by the newly released Chicago Department of Public Health mask guidance, all students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors must now wear face coverings indoors, regardless of vaccination status. The university’s face covering policy will be updated accordingly.

As a reminder, Illinois Tech requires all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. You can read the entire vaccine requirement policy by clicking on the following link: Vaccine Requirement and Reopening Policy.

Thank you for your continued support and flexibility.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Due to the likelihood of new city masking requirements, the university will maintain its current work status for the next two weeks as we draft appropriate campus protocols and prepare for full in-person instruction this fall semester.

The university continues to aim to align its policies with the applicable COVID-19 guidelines and protocols set by the City of Chicago and, once the university has established the appropriate indoor masking policies, a return to normal office operations will commence on August 16.

Until then, campus leaders and supervisors will continue with the current team schedules in place, which they previously determined as the proper on-campus schedules necessary to support student success in preparation for the full return of in-person instruction.

As a reminder, the following criteria were used to determine the current scheduling, and supervisors should continue to use these criteria in determining any adjustments to team schedules until we all return to campus:

• First, supervisors should make scheduling decisions based on ensuring a successful return to normal student life and campus instruction this fall semester. They should also carefully consider, and prioritize where appropriate, voluntary requests to return to campus as they plan for their on-campus staffing levels. In order to be equitable, supervisors should ensure that all staff members return to campus to some meaningful degree, unless individual employees have been approved for an Americans with Disabilities Act-related reasonable accommodation. It is up to supervisors to create and manage this schedule.

• Second, supervisors are required to discuss with the Office of Human Resources any plans to allow any staff member (who does not have an ADA-related reasonable accommodation) to work remotely full-time for more than 30 days in order to ensure the university is being consistent and equitable with these decisions.

Please note that the annual Illinois Tech/IITRI Family and Staff Picnic will still be held on Monday. Attendance at this event is optional but encouraged.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this dynamic situation.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are pleased to announce multiple opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

State Senator Mattie Hunter will be hosting her Annual Family Health and Fitness Fair on Saturday, August 7, 2021, on Mies Campus. As part of this event, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will be administering the Moderna vaccine, by appointment, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Siegel Field.
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be coming to campus to provide vaccination appointments on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hermann Hall. CDPH will be providing Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, and those who elect for a two-dose vaccine (Pfizer) will be directed to a local CDPH site of your choosing to receive your second dose.
IDPH will be returning with Moderna vaccines to be administered on Saturday, September 11, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Hermann Hall. You can register for your first or second dose; however, if this will be your first dose, you will need to schedule your second dose through another provider such as Howard Brown Health.

These appointments will be open to all students, faculty, and staff. We strongly encourage members of the entire Illinois Tech community to sign up for an appointment to be vaccinated, if they have not already scheduled a vaccination appointment through another provider. For our international students, these World Health Organization approved vaccines will be accepted on campus if you have received all required doses for full vaccination.

For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of the vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine page.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Thanks to your resilience, vigilance, patience, and commitment to the success of our university community, Illinois Tech will soon return to full, on-campus activities, starting on August 2.

Vaccination Requirement for Students, Faculty, and Staff

To continue this hard-earned progress, Illinois Tech will require all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Specifically, individuals who are in the United States on or before August 2 will be expected to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine shot by August 15, 2021. Individuals who come to the United States after August 2 will be required to receive their first shot by September 17, 2021. All Illinois Tech students, faculty, and staff are required to report proof of vaccination as soon as possible, according to the process detailed below. Second shots, if required, are to follow as prescribed.

You can read the entire vaccine requirement policy by clicking on the following link: Vaccine Requirement and Reopening Policy.

The World Health Organization and the Food and Drug Administration have found COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective, and the vaccines are readily available at pharmacies and health care providers in Chicago and Illinois. By requiring our university community to be vaccinated, we will further support a complete return to normal for campus operations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and state and local health authorities, have made it clear that widespread COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk to our community. Earlier this week the Illinois Board of Higher Education strongly urged all Illinois colleges and universities to require vaccinations for campus communities.

Submitting Proof of Vaccination Status
Subject to the limited exceptions discussed below, all Illinois Tech students, faculty, and staff are required to provide proof of vaccination as soon as possible.

Illinois Tech faculty and staff are to electronically upload proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations to the Office of Human Resources via this link: Faculty & Staff Vaccination Documentation.

Students are to electronically upload proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to the Student Health and Wellness Center via this link: Student Vaccination Documentation.

Proof must be either a CDC-issued COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card or an electronic health record from a health care provider or health care system.

If you are having trouble scheduling a vaccine appointment, a vaccine finder is available at Vaccines.gov. The City of Chicago have also assembled resources that you can use to secure a vaccine appointment.

Illinois Tech will be hosting a number of on-campus vaccination events this semester; details will be circulated as these events are announced.

Exceptions and Mitigation Measures
We understand that the following limited circumstances may apply to members of our community, and as a result, these individuals may be unable, permanently or temporarily, to get vaccinated as required:

a) Health conditions,
b) Sincerely held religious beliefs, or
c) Concerns about receiving currently available vaccines while they are under FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) status.

Anyone who remains unvaccinated due to one of these three exceptions or is not fully vaccinated or who has not reported their vaccination status by Sunday, August 15 is required to:

Participate in increased levels of COVID-19 testing as and when determined by the university
Wear a face covering in all shared indoor settings
Practice physical social distancing in all shared indoor settings

Exceptions Documentation
Faculty, staff, or students seeking a permanent or temporary health exception must provide the university with documentation from a licensed medical provider. Faculty and staff are to submit this documentation to the Office of Human Resources via this link: Faculty & Staff Medical Vaccine Exception Requests; students are to submit documentation to the Center for Disability Resources via this link: Student Medical Vaccine Exception Requests.

For exceptions due to non-medical reasons—either a deeply held religious belief or EUA exception—faculty, staff, and students must provide, as the case may be, a personal statement that identifies such belief and explains how it inhibits their ability to get vaccinated, or an acknowledgement that they are deferring getting vaccinated due to the vaccines’ EUA status but that they will get vaccinated as soon as a vaccine receives full FDA approval. Faculty or staff members are to submit this statement to the Office of Human Resources via this link: Faculty & Staff Non-Medical Vaccine Exception Requests; students are to submit this documentation to the Center for Disability Resources via this link: Student Non-Medical Vaccine Exception Requests.

The documentation will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law, and the faculty or staff member or student will be notified whether the exception has been granted.

For more information about vaccine exceptions, please refer to the full policy here: Vaccine Requirement and Reopening Policy.

As always, the university will review and revise this policy as appropriate given changes to state and city public-health guidelines.

Thank you for your continued and tireless commitment to the success of our university community. We are all looking forward to a healthy and safe return to campus with our colleagues and friends.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

June 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you may know, both the city and state have announced a full reopening and the resumption of normal activities. In light of this, we are sharing new campus policies aligned with federal, state, and city guidance that will help allow for a full return to normal campus operations on August 2.

Masking and Social Distancing Policy Updates

In summary, members of the Illinois Tech community who have been vaccinated will no longer be required to follow masking and social distancing requirements. However, individuals who have not yet been vaccinated must maintain all masking and social distancing requirements. More detailed policy information can be found at the links below:

COVID-19 Vaccination and Reopening Policy
Policies and Procedures Handbook: COVID-19 Vaccination and Reopening Policy

It’s important to emphasize that this reopening and the lessening of restrictions for vaccinated individuals is due to the effectiveness of vaccines. Each of the vaccines has been shown to be safe and highly effective in preventing illness, hospitalization, and the spread of COVID-19. For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of the vaccines, please visit the CDC’s vaccine page.

To the extent practical, the university will strive to provide classroom, working, and common spaces to allow those who have not been vaccinated to socially distance.

Accommodations

Per the accommodation sections of the above-referenced, if you have a disability or medical condition that you believe necessitates an accommodation, please contact the Office of Human Resources (hr@iit.edu) if you are an employee or the Center for Disability Resources (disabilities@iit.edu) if you are a student; if you are not fully vaccinated and wish to discuss physical distancing matters, please contact the Office of Human Resources if you are an employee or the Office of Student Affairs (dos@iit.edu) if you are a student.

In the interest of equity to your fellow colleagues, we will not grant accommodations for other matters, including, but not limited to, transportation, children’s school schedules, and caregiver duties. Of course, for Illinois Tech employees, the university’s FMLA policy may be an option, depending on the circumstances.

Returning to Campus

As a reminder, we are planning to return to full, on-campus, in-person operations on Monday, August 2, 2021. This includes a full return to the normal classroom and student experience at Illinois Tech.

We thank you for your continued support and patience during the last year, and we look forward to welcoming you back to campus in August.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb

President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick

Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

May 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The rollout of vaccinations across the city, state, and country is signaling what we believe will be a long-awaited return to normalcy. We know this has been an incredibly challenging year for everyone, but thankfully, there now appears to be evidence that the pandemic is subsiding.

Thanks to your commitment to the success of our students and university community, we believe that Illinois Tech has managed this pandemic better than many universities. We thank you all for the resilience, vigilance, and patience that you have shown to help bring us to this point.

Full Return to Campus

In light of recent good news from city, state, and national public-health officials, we are excited to announce that the university plans to return to full, on-campus, in-person operations on Monday, August 2, 2021.

This includes a full return to the normal classroom and student experience at Illinois Tech. By resuming normal teaching, social activities, and research, we intend to set the foundation for a successful fall semester on our campuses without limitations or restrictions.

Given the likely short-term changes to public health guidance over the coming weeks, we have decided that the university will continue to operate as it has this year until August 2, at which point employees will be expected to resume their normal work schedules in their respective campus offices. By setting the return date as August 2, we allow people the necessary time to get vaccinated and prepare for the transition to full-time, in-person operations.

What to Expect When You Return

Going forward, the university will aim to align its policies with the applicable COVID-19-related guidelines and protocols set by the City of Chicago. Additionally, the university has also developed specific policies around vaccinations and on-campus masking for your reference. The university will not require employees and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but we strongly encourage everyone to receive the vaccine and support community members in doing so. With regard to masking, all individuals on campus must wear face coverings and practice social distancing, unless it is known to all in any particular interaction that everyone has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If there is doubt or uncertainty, then face coverings should be worn and social distancing should be practiced. This is simply the most practical, efficient, and nondisruptive means of complying with existing state and city public-health guidance. The university will review and revise this policy as appropriate given changes to state and city public-health guidelines.

Temporary COVID-19 Leave

In light of the recent positive trends in infection rates across the nation, the Temporary Policy Due to COVID-19 on the Use of Unearned Sick and Vacation Time, the Temporary COVID-19 Leave Policy, and the Temporary COVID-19 Visitor Policy will be allowed to expire on May 31, 2021, as stated therein.

Accommodations

For individuals who may have questions about accommodations, please continue to engage with the Office of Human Resources if you have a qualifying disability or medical condition. In the interest of equity to your fellow colleagues, we will not grant accommodations for other matters including, but not limited to, transportation, children’s school schedules, and caregiver duties. Of course, for those employees, the university’s FMLA policy may be an option, depending on the circumstances.

Thank you for all that you have done to get us to this point. We all no doubt look forward to returning to campus to resume the face-to-face interactions with our students and colleagues that make our work so meaningful here at Illinois Tech.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Howard Brown Health will be returning to campus to provide first- and second-dose vaccination appointments on Saturday, May 22 from 8 a.m.–2:55 p.m. in Hermann Hall.

These appointments will be open to all students, faculty, and staff, and our neighbors throughout the Bronzeville community. We strongly encourage the entire Illinois Tech community to sign up here, if they have not already scheduled a vaccination appointment through another provider.

In partnership with State Senator Mattie Hunter, State Representative Lamont Robinson, State Representative Kam Buckner, and Alderman Pat Dowell, Howard Brown Health will be providing Moderna vaccines as either a first or second dose.

As a reminder, individuals may seek to book a second-dose appointment through other providers if the campus vaccination appointments are no longer convenient after finals. Students, faculty, and staff who live locally will also have the flexibility to schedule a second-dose appointment at another Howard Brown Health facility if their return to campus date is not convenient.

Please note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that “both doses of the series should be completed with the same product.”

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

April 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We are pleased to announce that Howard Brown Health will be coming to campus to provide vaccination appointments this Saturday, April 24 from 8:15 a.m.–2:55 p.m. in Hermann Hall.

These appointments will be open to all students, faculty, and staff, and our neighbors throughout the Bronzeville community. We strongly encourage the entire Illinois Tech community to sign up here, if they have not already scheduled a vaccination appointment through another provider.

Howard Brown Health will be providing Moderna vaccines and will return to campus to administer second doses at a later date. However, individuals may seek to book a second dose appointment through other providers if the campus vaccination appointments are no longer convenient after finals. Students, faculty, and staff who live locally will also have the flexibility to schedule a second dose appointment at another Howard Brown Health facility if their return to campus date is not convenient.

For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of the vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine page.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As vaccination rates continue to improve, we have decided to allow limited campus visits of vaccinated individuals, according to the following campus visitor policy, which will be effective Monday, April 26.

If you would like to invite someone to campus, please make sure to read the policy and follow the steps outlined, including submitting a visitor request form, after which your proposed visitor will be contacted directly and asked to provide evidence that they have been vaccinated.

Please note that the City of Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order is still in place, and all members of the community and their visitors are expected to adhere to all applicable public health guidance.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students,

We strongly urge all community members to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

As you know, the State of Illinois and Cook County opened up vaccine eligibility this week to any individual age 16 and older, and the City of Chicago is expected to make all individuals ages 16 and older eligible on Monday, April 19.

IDPH College Vaccination Days
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced “College Vaccination Days” to encourage all eligible university students across Illinois to get vaccinated at mass vaccination sites. The county has made available a specific link for Illinois Tech students to sign up for a vaccination at the Cook County sites on Monday, April 19.

International Student Vaccination Eligibility
All international students residing in Chicago and/or Illinois are eligible to receive a vaccination. International students may use the resources listed above and below to schedule appointments.

City, County, and State Vaccination Eligibility
You should review the overview of the current city, county, and state COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria at the links below:

• Cook County

• City of Chicago

The state, county, and city have all stated that eligibility does not guarantee that all individuals will be able to get a vaccine immediately. At this moment, vaccine demand continues to exceed vaccine supply, but vaccine appointments do appear to be becoming more readily available.

Vaccination Appointment Resources
We strongly urge all students to sign up for updates through both the county’s vaccine page (https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/), as well as the city’s vaccine page (Chicago.gov/Covidvax), and to utilize the resources listed below to book appointments as early as possible:

• City of Chicago Vaccine Finder

• ZocDoc

The city also recommends that eligible persons pursue vaccine appointments through all available avenues. This includes:

• Primary care physicians

• Pharmacies, including, but not limited to:

- Walgreens

- CVS

- Jewel-Osco

- Mariano’s (Kroger)

• City distribution centers (appointments made through ZocDoc)

For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of the vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine page.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students,

This week the State of Illinois and Cook County opened up vaccine eligibility to any individual age 16 and older, and the City of Chicago is expected to make all individuals ages 16 and older eligible next Monday, April 19.

You should review the overview of the current city, county, and state COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria at the links below:

We strongly urge all students to sign up for updates through both the county’s vaccine page (https://vaccine.cookcountyil.gov/), as well as the city’s vaccine page (Chicago.gov/Covidvax), and to utilize the resources listed below to book appointments as early as possible:

The city also recommends that eligible persons pursue vaccine appointments through all available avenues. This includes:

Primary care physicians
Pharmacies, including, but not limited to:

- Walgreens

- CVS

- Jewel-Osco

- Mariano’s (Kroger)

City distribution centers (appointments made through ZocDoc)

For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of the vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine page.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

First of all, thank you for all you have done over the course of this pandemic. While we have worked hard this academic year to adhere to health protocols, we must continue this trend through the end of the semester. To that end, I wanted to send a reminder regarding several important policies and procedures in place that support student success and help mitigate the risk of COVID-19. Please take a moment to review this information.

Requirements for Students Exhibiting COVID-19 Symptoms
If a student believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student who tests positive must self-isolate for at least 10 days or until released by Student Health and Wellness medical staff.) Accordingly, students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or any other gatherings/events until they have satisfied one of these criteria. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule. (This is the same protocol followed by students who are either self-quarantining due to having been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 or self-isolating because they have tested positive for COVID-19.)

The dean of students will provide written validation to the appropriate faculty member(s) if a student reports a medical issue that causes that student to miss regularly scheduled coursework or to not attend class in person. Students should contact the Office of Student Affairs at dos@iit.edu if written validation is needed. Medical documentation may be required.

Contact Tracing
The university is aware of test results only for students who have been tested on campus or who have submitted results to the university. If you have received a positive COVID-19 test from an off-campus facility or have been in close contact with someone who is not a member of the Illinois Tech community and who has tested positive for COVID-19, please promptly contact the Contact Tracing Hotline at 872.216.7440 to report this information. Only upon such notification will the university be able to commence contract tracing.

Self-Isolation/Self-Quarantine
Self-isolation is required when a person tests positive for COVID-19; self-isolation generally lasts for at least 10 days from the time symptoms first appeared (or for asymptomatic individuals, from their test date) or 24 hours from the last fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improved symptoms, whichever is longer. Those students who have tested positive must be released from isolation by medical staff from the Student Health and Wellness Center before resuming normal activities. Self-quarantine is required when a person is identified by a contact tracer to have come into “close contact” with a person who has tested positive. Close contact is currently defined as contact that is within six feet of another person for more than 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period). Self-quarantine generally lasts for 14 days as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Chicago Department of Public Health continue to endorse a 14 day quarantine for those known to have been in close contact with a positive case.

It is imperative that anyone in self-isolation/self-quarantine adhere to the guidance they receive upon entering self-isolation/self-quarantine for the benefit of the entire campus community. Students in self-isolation/self-quarantine will be given the CDC guidelines to assist them with staying safe and keeping the community safe. A health care provider will also monitor each student in self-isolation daily, and students must comply with all phone health screenings and temperature checks. A student who is in self-quarantine must contact the Student Health and Wellness Center if they experience symptoms of COVID-19.

More information regarding self-isolation, self-quarantine, or contact tracing can be found online.

Social Gatherings (On Campus or Off Campus)
Consistent with public health guidelines, Illinois Tech regulates social gatherings. This means no gathering is allowed that exceeds 50 people or the maximum allowed occupancy capacity for a space, whichever is fewer. (Per public health guidelines, the occupancy capacity for most spaces is now 50 percent of its normally authorized capacity.) In addition to the capacity limit, those at a gathering are required to adhere to all applicable face covering and social distancing standards.

Students must be cognizant of the posted maximum allowed occupancy for the spaces that they enter. Further, the occupancy of student gatherings in individual residence hall rooms is strictly limited: the number of people in any residence hall room cannot exceed the number of beds in the room. We expect that in any public place, on campus or off campus, students observe face covering and social distancing requirements.

No gathering is allowed anywhere on campus, including, but not limited to, in the residence halls and fraternity and sorority houses, that does not conform to the foregoing requirements, and hosting or attending such a gathering can subject a student to discipline under the Code of Conduct. Students should also avoid parties and events held off campus that do not follow these requirements.

In addition to possible discipline under the Code of Conduct, students found to have attended a gathering that did not adhere to these guidelines will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days, provided that a student may end their self-quarantine by showing a negative test result so long as the test was taken no fewer than five days after the non-compliant gathering. For students who have been in close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, the 14-day quarantine period will be enforced regardless of the test result.

As a reminder, social distancing, wearing face coverings, and washing hands often are required university health protocols.

We must all work together and do our part to reduce the risk of COVID-19. If you have concerns about COVID-19-related issues, please email COVIDconcerns@iit.edu. If you would like to report a possible violation of the Code of Conduct (including COVID-19 policies) please submit an incident report at www.iit.edu/incidentreport.

Sincerely,
Katherine Stetz
Vice Provost, Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

On this page you will find two charts: the first featuring the random testing results and the second reporting cumulative known cases. The university will conduct random testing approximately every two weeks to estimate the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community and to assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. The cumulative results consist of all known cases, including those from random testing as well as those proactively reported to the dean of students or human resources.

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/reopening. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

March 2021

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Below please find an overview of the current city, county, and state COVID-19 vaccine eligibility criteria:

State of Illinois: Currently Phase 1B+—As of Monday, March 22, higher education staff and faculty are eligible for vaccination appointments.
Cook County: Currently Phase 1B+—As of March 22, higher education staff and faculty are eligible for vaccination appointments.
City of Chicago: Currently Phase 1B—As of March 29, higher education staff and faculty will be eligible for vaccination appointments.

Students who work for Illinois Tech may be eligible for a vaccination appointment, and such students are encouraged to work through the state, county, and city vaccination websites to see if they can secure an appointment. Unfortunately, being a college student alone doesn’t qualify one for a vaccination appointment at this time. But students may qualify under another category (e.g., ages 16–64 with certain underlying conditions or if they work as an essential employee).

The state, county, and city have all stressed that eligibility does not guarantee that all individuals will be able to get a vaccine immediately. At this moment, vaccine demand continues to exceed vaccine supply. Individuals should continue to check the state, county, and city websites linked above for full eligibility criteria and to stay aware of any changes to eligibility.

The city recommends that eligible persons should pursue vaccine appointments through all available avenues. This includes:

• Primary care physicians

• Pharmacies

• City distribution centers (appointments made through ZocDoc)

We urge all faculty and staff to sign up for updates through the city’s vaccine page at Chicago.gov/Covidvax and to utilize the resources listed below to book appointments as early as possible:

• City of Chicago Vaccine Finder

• ZocDoc

For questions regarding the safety and efficacy of any of these vaccines, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine safety page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html.

Thank you for your continued excellent commitment to our university community during this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/reopening/. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

We will very soon open up registration for fall 2021 courses, and it is imperative that we properly set expectations for our fall semester and how the university plans to conduct our education.

Governor J. B. Pritzker, in his May 5, 2020, Reopening Plan, established three alternative criteria whereby the state would enter “Phase 5–Illinois Restored.” Quoting Governor Pritzker, “With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing.” At this point in time, it seems likely—given that the efficacy of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the imminent distribution of the single shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and the potential of other vaccines working their way through the regulatory approval process—that we will anticipate having sufficient vaccines in place by the summer to vaccinate those in the United States who want to be vaccinated. If this happens, the first criterion should be easily met by August 2021.

Moreover, the trend line of new cases in Chicago since the start of the year hopefully suggests a continued decline. Given all of this, Illinois Tech will plan, albeit cautiously, for a complete return to in-person operation and education for fall 2021. Many of our students have clearly expressed a need for a return to normalcy, and as we increase our efforts to be a student-focused university it is imperative that we do this.

Accordingly, I am instructing all academic units to plan for a complete return to in-person classes, labs, studios, and other course offerings for fall 2021. I am also asking our registrar to work with these academic units to develop a fall 2021 schedule involving a preponderance of in-person classes, including a robust suite of labs, studios, and other on-campus activities. We feel that this is crucial to the development of a vibrant campus community, which is essential for the fullest professional development of our students—and indeed to their educational progress and mental health.

We understand that the path of the pandemic is still somewhat uncertain and that the hoped-for return to in-person operations may not materialize precisely as we anticipate. Since this is still uncertain, I am asking all faculty, staff, and students to anticipate more normal operations in the fall, including a preponderance of in-person operations, while also being flexible during this transition. We should all be ready for further communications on this during the spring and summer, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state of Illinois, and other guidance is released, and be ready to adapt as needed.

We also understand the value of the significant investment we have made in excellent remote-class delivery technology and how this has helped make an Illinois Tech education and the Illinois Tech experience more accessible to many students. This will continue to be an important part of our future and, as we have long done, we will continue to deliver online courses to augment our in-person offerings, not replace them.

We also note that this event has transformed not only higher education, but also society, and that we may well be operating under a “new-normal” even for in-person events. As Governor Pritzker writes in his Phase 5 narrative, even though large gatherings will be permitted, they must occur “with new safety guidance and procedures in place.” Accordingly, while we plan for larger classes and gatherings, we should anticipate the need to still adhere to various public safety and personal hygiene measures.

Sincerely,

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

February 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

The City of Chicago has recently updated its Emergency Travel Order and quarantine guidelines to account for the increasing number of vaccinated persons throughout the region. In general, this new set of guidelines doesn’t require fully vaccinated individuals to follow the same guidelines as those who have yet to receive the vaccine.

Below you will find the precise criteria as outlined and defined by the Chicago Department of Public Health:

1. Quarantine after exposure -- Vaccinated persons who are a close contact to a confirmed COVID-19 case are not required to quarantine if they meet all of the following criteria:

Are fully vaccinated (i.e., are ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine).
Have remained asymptomatic since their last contact with the infected person; and
Are not inpatients or residents in a health care setting.

2. Quarantine after travel -- Vaccinated persons (returning travelers who live or work in Chicago, or visitors to Chicago) who have traveled domestically are not required to quarantine if they are:

Asymptomatic; and
Fully vaccinated (i.e., are ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine).

Again, people who are not fully vaccinated (i.e., are ≥2 weeks following receipt of the second dose in a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or ≥2 weeks following receipt of one dose of a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine) must continue to quarantine as required by the Emergency Travel Order.

As always, we encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communication regarding university plans and policies as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19.

For more information regarding testing and the latest public health guidance from the City of Chicago, please visit chicago.gov/2019-nCoV or cdc.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@chicago.gov, or call 312.746.4835.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Staff,

Given that our two most recent campus surveillance tests (held on February 2 and February 9) both resulted in zero positive cases, and considering the overall trends in the city and state’s positivity rates, which are falling, staff should prepare for a limited return to campus. This return to campus will commence on March 1, and we will follow the protocol (discussed below) as we did during the October to November 2020 return. So that supervisors and staff can better plan for this return, we are announcing that this protocol will be in place through May 31. Thereafter, based on the city’s current vaccination schedule, it is our expectation that we will resume normal staff operations beginning June 1, by which date the vaccine is expected to be widely available. This June 1 date is subject to change based on the city’s actual vaccination progress.

As you know, taking into consideration the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state, and city public health guidance, the university prioritized bringing back to campus essential and critical employees whose physical presence is necessary for campus operations and for the success of our students and faculty.

Beginning Monday, March 1, supervisors should consider bringing back non-essential staff based on the following criteria, while keeping in mind that the university will continue to prioritize making sure that critical and essential staff are able to work on campus consistent with public health guidelines:

• First, no department should have more than 25 percent of its staff in the office at any one time.

• Second, supervisors should carefully consider, and prioritize where appropriate, voluntary requests to return to campus as they plan for their on-campus staffing levels. In order to be equitable, supervisors may consider that all staff members return to campus in some meaningful degree on a monthly basis, unless individual employees have been approved for an Americans with Disabilities Act-related reasonable accommodation. In making plans, supervisors should continue to prioritize accommodating essential and critical employees while also keeping in mind general city guidance to limit the number of employees on campus. It is up to supervisors to create and manage this schedule.

• Third, we do require that supervisors discuss with Hilary Hudson Hosek in the Office of Human Resources any plans to allow any staff member (who does not have an ADA-related reasonable accommodation) to work remotely full time for more than 30 days in order to ensure we are being consistent and equitable with these decisions.

• As staff return to campus, it is important to note that we will be within public health limits. If the state and city adjust these restrictions, the university will adjust these restrictions as needed to comply with then-current restrictions. To some extent, these restrictions are expected to remain in effect until we achieve widespread vaccination, and we fully anticipate everyone being back on campus for their regular schedules once we are in Phase 5.

Any employee who travels for vacation or personal reasons to a state that has been designated as “orange” by the city of Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order will, per city guidelines, be required to “quarantine for 10 days or submit a pre-arrival negative test result (no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival) with strict masking, social distancing and avoidance of in-person gatherings.” For any days during the quarantine period that an employee would otherwise be required to be on campus, the employee will need to use vacation days or take unpaid leave for all such days.

Everyone on campus will be required to wear a face covering in all public areas, including classrooms and meeting rooms. Exceptions for those medically unable to wear a face covering will be made, but clear plastic face shields will be encouraged as a substitute. We will also be required to practice social distancing by staying at least six feet apart at all times. Your supervisor and the facilities team will be in communication about potential changes necessary for your workspace to accommodate social distancing practices and will communicate with you accordingly.

Please submit any additional questions to HR@iit.edu.

As always, we encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communication regarding university plans and policies as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19.

For more information regarding testing and the latest public health guidance from the City of Chicago, please visit chicago.gov/2019-nCoV or cdc.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@chicago.gov, or call 312.746.4835.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you know, we are continuing to actively monitor the COVID-19 trends and positivity rates across our campus, city, and state, and to advocate to city and state officials that they include faculty and staff at institutes of higher education in earlier phases if possible.

Update to CDPH Eligibility Definitions
Based on what the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced so far, Chicago remains in phase 1B, meaning that individuals age 65 and older and specific groups of highest-risk and frontline essential workers are currently eligible for vaccination.

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced last week that they will not be expanding vaccine eligibility in phase 1B, given current vaccine supply levels. This means that all university faculty and staff will be eligible for vaccination in phase 1C (which also currently includes all other essential workers and Chicagoans ages 16–64 with underlying medical conditions).

As a reminder, CDPH currently anticipates that phase 1C will begin sometime after March 29, subject to change by public health officials. Phase 2, which includes all Chicagoans age 16 and older, is currently estimated to begin at the end of May, according to CDPH.

Campus Surveillance Testing Results
We are happy to report that our last two campus COVID-19 surveillance tests (conducted on February 2 and February 9) both yielded a zero percent positivity among those surveyed.

These positivity rates are a direct result of your diligent efforts to adhere to university and public health guidance and protocols, and for that, we thank you. However, as rates continue to trend in the right direction, we must remain vigilant in our adherence to all social distancing, wearing face coverings, hand washing, and other applicable guidance.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to navigating this pandemic together.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our campus community, university administrators are also focused on reopening elements of regular operations where and when appropriate. Given that our two most recent campus surveillance tests (held on February 2 and February 9) both resulted in zero positive cases, and considering the overall trends in the city and state’s positivity rates, which are falling rapidly, we will begin to allow limited campus visits for prospective students beginning this month.

Please be assured that the university has established appropriate health protocols for these visits. These measures include:

• Limiting tours to small groups of no more than seven individuals (including students and their families) at any one time

• Strict adherence to all university health protocols, including face coverings, social distancing, and hand washing

• Strict adherence to the city of Chicago’s emergency travel order including documentation of a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days before coming to campus

• Limiting the number of locations on campus that tours are allowed to access

• Limiting tours to only three categories of potential students, presently including:

- Prospective undergraduate students
- Prospective law students
- Prospective student-athletes

We will continue to monitor the trends in positivity rates across our campus, city, and state, and will make adjustments and future determinations based first and foremost on evidence and on what is in the best interest of our current students and their well-being. Thank you, and we look forward to continuing to reopen campus operations to the extent possible.

Sincerely,

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As a reminder, there will be no classes next Tuesday, February 9. Last fall, the university made the decision to institute a series of COVID-19 study days throughout the spring 2021 semester, in lieu of a traditional spring break, to help reduce the number of individuals traveling to and from high-incidence locations.

These study days, which apply to both undergraduate and graduate courses (with the exception of Institute of Design students), are designed to offer students more flexibility to study and take a break from classes throughout the semester. Please mark your calendars for the designated study days, as listed below:

Tuesday, February 9
Wednesday, March 10
Thursday, April 8
Friday, April 30

I hope that you will take advantage of these days, to dedicate time not only to your studies, but also for your own self-care. Please know that our entire administration is here to support you both academically and personally, and we encourage you to reach out to advisers, faculty, and support staff with any needs you may have.

Sincerely,

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you likely know, each county in the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago control, oversee, and administer COVID-19 vaccinations. Although the university has no ability to secure and provide vaccinations to its community, we understand that many of you have questions regarding the city and state COVID-19 vaccination plan, and the university can assist in sharing vaccination information with our community. As the university is subject to the city of Chicago’s vaccination program, that program is the primary focus of this email. For those who live outside the city, we urge you to check with your county public health department for COVID-19 vaccination information.

As the citywide rollout will be subject to change based on public health planning and vaccine availability, we urge all students, faculty, and staff to sign up for updates through the city’s vaccine page at Chicago.gov/Covidvax.

Registering for Updates and Appointments
The city recently launched a tool called ZocDoc to help individuals confirm eligibility and receive notifications when new appointments are available. The city has also developed the Chi COVID Coach, which is designed to provide Chicagoans with critical information regarding symptoms, testing, and vaccine distribution. We highly encourage students, faculty, and staff—regardless of age and medical status—to register with both of these platforms to stay aware of the latest developments.

Illinois Tech as Vaccine Provider
We want to inform you that the university, led by the Student Health and Wellness Center, is currently pursuing approval to become a vaccine provider. At this time, it is not clear when the government may approve us and what it will mean for the university community if the government does approve us.

Current Chicago Department of Public Health Timelines
Based on what the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has announced so far, Chicago is in phase 1B, meaning that individuals age 65 and older and specific groups of highest-risk and frontline essential workers are currently eligible for vaccination.

CDPH estimates that phase 1C (which at present includes all other essential workers, Chicagoans ages 16–64 with underlying medical conditions, and university employees) will begin around March 29, subject to change by public health officials. Phase 2, which includes all Chicagoans age 16 and older, is currently estimated to begin at the end of May, according to CDPH.

IITRI and Our Health Services
As IITRI personnel are working on COVID-19 research, IITRI employees were recently deemed essential workers by the CDPH and were vaccinated. Our own health service employees, who have a similar classification, have also been vaccinated.

University Efforts to Expedite Community Distribution
We know that many of you are disappointed that the city and state have decided to include university employees in phase 1C, instead of the 1B phase. We share this concern, and please know that the university and public and private universities across the state are strongly advocating with the city and the state to include university employees in the 1B phase.

As we continue to advocate to state and city officials for increased vaccinations for every member of our community, we want to thank you for your continued patience and support in the face of this global pandemic. We are closer and closer to widespread vaccination each and every day, and we will do everything in our power to make that a reality as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

January 2021

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the spring semester.

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

All individuals testing positive are self-isolating as required by university policy or public health guidance. They will remain in self-isolation for the time period recommended by public health authorities. Any university community members who had been in close contact with these persons have been notified and have been quarantining in accordance with university policy. The university conducts extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

As a reminder, per current public health guidance, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period) starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order for Colleges and Universities
It is essential that all university community members follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 10 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

Health Best Practices
I encourage you to watch this video featuring Illinois Tech students, faculty, and staff describing the essential public health protocols that you should follow to contribute to the effort to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on the campus environment for yourself and others.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

• Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
• Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
• Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
• Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
• Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Public Health Guidance
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you or your child develop symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be evaluated in person or tested.

For severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or difficulty waking up, or bluish lips or face, please seek the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately.

As a general reminder, university policy requires any individual who is sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms not to report to work or go to class and to either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared [or for asymptomatic individuals, from their test date] and at least 24 hours from last fever [without using fever-reducing medications] and improved symptoms, whichever is longer.)

For any additional COVID-19 questions or support, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus for the most reliable information. If you do not find the information you need on the website, email coronavirus@chicago.gov.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order for Colleges and Universities
For those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states in the coming weeks, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students,

We realize that you may have questions about self-quarantine processes, guidance, and campus life leading up to the start of the spring semester, and we appreciate your patience.

We expect that in the spring the university will operate essentially as it has during the fall semester. Our housing will be open, and based on current indications, we expect more students to return to campus. The university will continue to offer most of its classes either online or in a hybrid fashion, with an increase in the number of in-person classes and labs in order to help students graduate on time. We expect that, as a vaccine becomes generally available, the City of Chicago will reduce the current restrictions, allowing collegiate sports to restart and student clubs to meet more freely, in-person class and study group sizes to increase, and our campus to become more accessible to our students. We also expect greater access of our student body to in-person interactions with our faculty and staff. Of course, we do not know when the city will reduce its public-health restrictions, but our plan is to allow additional activities when the city allows.

Furthermore, as the university's random-testing program has allowed us to track the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, we plan to continue with this approach as we begin the semester and as needed in the months ahead.

We have included some pertinent and updated information and guidance below to help answer some general questions you might have. If you have any specific questions regarding campus life, please email campus.life@iit.edu.

Note that if you have questions about self-quarantine and campus housing, please email housing@iit.edu for the latest guidance.

Additional information specific to Illinois Tech guidance for COVID-19 processes is also below.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 you can contact COVIDconcerns@iit.edu.

Arrival Self-Quarantine Protocol (for Domestic Students)
First, for those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states within the United States, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements. Please pay close attention to the color coding that the city designates for your state in order to properly follow the guidelines above. Please also be sure to note guidance from Illinois Tech below immediately following the Considerations for Out-of-State Students and the Travel Order.

The following is a summary of what students need to do, as of today, to comply with the order, but students should consult the order for full details and to ensure no changes have occurred:

Considerations for Out-of-State Students and the Travel Order

In response to the changing dynamics of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to support Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City has issued a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19.

Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to:

• Obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago, OR

• Quarantine for a 10-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter).

For those traveling from a state on the Yellow list:

• No quarantine or pre-arrival test is required,

• Maintain strict masking and social distancing, AND

• Avoid non-essential travel

Steps to Follow the Order

1. When planning, review the CDPH Travel Order state list. Avoid all non-essential travel.
2. Prior to arrival, Orange list travelers must:

• Receive a negative COVID-19 test result no longer than 72 hours prior to arrival and have proof of negative results, OR

• Plan to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

3. Upon arrival in Chicago, Orange list travelers should:

• Maintain a copy of negative test result with them while in Chicago, OR

• Quarantine for 10 days if they chose not to take a test.

Arrival Self-Quarantine Protocol for New International Students
For new international students arriving on campus in January 2021, follow the guidance for states on the orange list, and view the City of Chicago’s travel guidance and CDC guidelines for further details.

University Documentation Guidance

For students coming to campus from states on the orange list
Students must provide documentation of a pre-arrival negative diagnostic test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival by uploading your test results to medproctor.com. After uploading the negative test results, it is permissible to return to campus.

However, if a student chooses to quarantine for 10 days after arrival to Chicago/campus (for example, in an off-campus apartment), they must document adherence and upload documentation to medproctor.com before returning to campus.

For students from Illinois or a state on the yellow list
Return to campus is allowed, but all students must adhere to all university policies, including but not limited to strict masking and social distancing practices.

Testing
To schedule a testing appointment with the Student Health and Wellness Center, call 312.567.7550.

Testing is also available at Loop Medical Center, located at 1921 South Michigan Avenue; Loop Medical offers testing that is covered by health insurance. Visit loopmedicalcenter.com for additional information.

Sincerely,

Thy Nguyen
Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Career Services

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students,

We realize that you may have a number of questions about campus housing, quarantine processes, and campus life leading up to the start of the spring semester, and we appreciate your patience. We also know that you may have questions about your existing housing contracts and other options for the spring semester. The Office of Campus Life will be working closely with Office of Residence Life (housing) in the spring semester to ensure that we offer myriad programs and activities to support you.

Please know that we’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have. We have included some pertinent information below to help answer any general questions you may have. If you have any specific questions regarding housing, please call 312.567.3025 or email housing@iit.edu.

Campus Housing Updates

Housing Availability and Move-in Process
On-campus housing options are available for new contracts. Students who move into a residence hall will need to reserve a move-in slot between January 4–18. Everyone will be required to wear face coverings and practice social distancing to the greatest extent practicable. Students can bring up to two guests to help with move-in.

Arrival Quarantine Protocol (Domestic)
First, for those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements. Please pay close attention to the color coding (red, orange, or yellow) that the city designates to your state in order to properly follow the guidelines above.

The city updates its state designations each week, and further details including the color-coded state map are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

In order to comply with the order, students need to adhere to the following:

For those coming from states on the red list and internationally

1. Quarantine for two weeks prior to coming to Chicago/campus with a method of documenting adherence. You should provide documentation of a negative diagnostic test (antibody tests not acceptable) taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or arrange for testing within 72 hours after arrival to Chicago/campus. If test results are pending on arrival in Chicago, the student must quarantine until they can show documentation of their test result; OR

2. Quarantine for two weeks after arrival to Chicago/campus; OR

3. Quarantine at home for one week prior to coming to Chicago/campus with a method of documenting adherence, followed by:
1. A negative diagnostic test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or arrange for testing within 72 hours after arrival on campus; AND
2. Quarantine for another week in Chicago/on campus

If quarantining prior to coming to Chicago, proof of a negative test will be required by uploading test results to medproctor.com before checking in or returning to the residence halls. Students living in campus housing who do not provide prior evidence of a negative diagnostic test are required to self-quarantine at the Hilton at McCormick Place at 123 East Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois 60616 before checking in or returning to their residence hall on campus. Note: you are strongly advised to quarantine at home and obtain a pre-arrival test result before arriving in Chicago or you may be billed for your stay at the hotel.

For those coming from states on the orange list
1. Quarantine for two weeks after arrival to Chicago/campus; OR

2. Provide documentation of a pre-arrival negative diagnostic test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival, or arrange for testing within 72 hours after arrival on campus. If test results are pending on arrival in Chicago, the student must quarantine until they can show documentation of their negative test result. Strict masking, social distancing, and avoidance of in-person gatherings (excluding going to class) must be adhered to by students choosing this option.

Proof of a negative test will be required by uploading test results to medproctor.com before checking in or returning to the residence halls. Students living in campus housing that do not have proof of a pre-arrival negative test result will be required to self-quarantine upon arrival at the Hilton at McCormick Place. Note: you are strongly advised to quarantine at home and obtain a pre-arrival test result before arriving in Chicago or you may be billed for your stay at the hotel.

Parents from high-incidence states who accompany students to campus to assist with move-in should have documentation of a negative result from a diagnostic test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago (antibody tests not acceptable). In addition, parents from red states should quarantine during their stay, avoid all public settings, and limit exposures to others outside of the scheduled move-in time. Parents from high-incidence states visiting Chicago for a reason other than to assist their child with move-in must follow the same guidelines as anyone else traveling inbound to Chicago from orange or red states under the new order.

If you have any questions about campus housing, please call 312.567.3025 or email housing@iit.edu.

Arrival Quarantine Protocol (New International Students)
For new international students arriving on campus in January 2021, follow the guidance for states on the red list and visit the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities.

Sincerely,

Thy Nguyen
Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Career Services

Abby McGrath
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services

December 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the fall semester.

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order for Colleges and Universities
For those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states in the coming weeks, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students,

Residence Hall Food Options During Winter Break
Take-out meals will be offered through Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at a cost of $10 per meal. For questions about ordering meals, please email housing@iit.edu.

In order to comply with the order, students need to adhere to the following:

For those coming from states on the red list and internationally

Sincerely,

Thy Nguyen
Associate Vice Provost for Student Engagement and Career Services

Abby McGrath
Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services

Dear Student-Athletes,

As we near the end of the fall semester, we would like to commend you all for your dedication and flexibility during these unprecedented times.

Due to the pandemic and related city guidelines, we have made the difficult decision to opt out of fall and winter sports competition this year to decrease risks to our student-athletes. Student-athletes in these sports will have the opportunity to train and possibly play intrasquad games.

Contingent upon city guidelines on collegiate athletics and interstate travel requirements, our hope is to move forward with spring sports participating in competition within the NACC. This includes baseball, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, outdoor track and field, men’s and women’s tennis, and men’s volleyball. We will continue to monitor these matters as well as the general course of the pandemic throughout the coming weeks, and we will keep you informed of updates as they become available.

Given the recent surge in COVID-19 numbers both locally and nationally, this option will allow for more time to implement further testing.

We do not take these decisions lightly and appreciate all of the time and effort put forth by our student-athletes and staff.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Tech

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Tech

Marc Colwell
Co-Interim Director of Athletics

Usha Gilmore
Co-Interim Director of Athletics

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the fall semester.

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order for Colleges and Universities
For those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states in the coming weeks, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As we near the conclusion of the fall 2020 semester, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of our students, faculty, and staff in the face of these uncertain times. Through your dedication, flexibility, and perseverance, you rose to meet the moment, and in doing so, perfectly encapsulated the spirit of solution-focused innovation that defines Illinois Tech.

We thank our students for making this semester a resounding success in spite of the challenges that the pandemic has posed. Your dedication to learning has been truly inspirational and is indicative of the kind of discipline and commitment that will carry you far in the years to come.

We would also like to recognize the efforts of our faculty and staff in helping to ensure a successful semester. Thanks to the hard work that you have put into adapting lesson plans, physical spaces, and campus operations to ensure student success, we are poised to emerge from this pandemic even stronger.

Spring 2021 Planning
As we applaud your accomplishments from over the past semester, we understand that many of you have questions about plans for spring 2021. As always, our focus will remain on the well-being of our students while maintaining our academic mission.

First, for those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements. Please pay close attention to the color coding (red, orange, or yellow) that the city designates to your state in order to properly follow the guidelines above. The city updates state designations each week, and further details including the color-coded state map are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

Second, we expect that in the coming spring the university will operate essentially as it has during the fall semester. Our housing will be open, and based on current indications, we expect more students to return to campus. The university will continue to offer most of its classes either online or in a hybrid fashion, with an increase in the number of in-person classes and labs in order to help students graduate on time. We expect that, as a vaccine becomes generally available, the City of Chicago will reduce the current restrictions, allowing collegiate sports to restart and student clubs to meet more freely, in person class and study group sizes to increase, and our campus to become more accessible to our students. We also expect greater access of our student body to in-person interactions with our faculty and staff. Of course, we do not know when the city will reduce its public-health restrictions, but our plan is to allow additional activities when the city allows.

Third, except for those individuals required to get tested in accordance with the City of Chicago travel guidelines above, we do not expect requiring all members of the community to get tested before the spring semester. The university's random-testing program has allowed us to track the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community, and we plan to continue with this approach as needed in the months ahead.

Thank you again for your incredible efforts to help ensure a healthy and successful semester in spite of these global challenges, and congratulations to those students who graduated in December.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

Nicholas Menhart
Chair, Faculty Advisory Council, Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the fall semester.

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order for Colleges and Universities
For those who will be traveling back to Illinois from other states in the coming weeks, it is essential that you follow the City of Chicago’s travel guidance for colleges and universities, which contains detailed quarantine and testing requirements.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Public Health Guidance
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you or your child develop symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be evaluated in person or tested.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order

The City of Chicago has issued the below updated travel order:

In response to increased and high rates of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to add to Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 14-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). Anyone traveling from a state on the Red list must quarantine for a 14-day period or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter.

This order applies to returning Chicago residents and out-of-state visitors arriving in Chicago.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

November 2020

Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university has launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order

This order applies to returning Chicago residents and out-of-state visitors arriving in Chicago.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the fall semester.

New Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

On this page you will find two charts: the first featuring the random testing results and the second reporting cumulative known cases. The university will conduct random testing approximately every two weeks to estimate the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community and to assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. The cumulative results consist of all known cases, including those from random testing as well as those proactively reported to the dean of students or human resources.

All individuals testing positive are self-isolating as required by university policy or public health guidance. They will remain in self-isolation for the time period recommended by public health authorities. Any university community members who had been in close contact with these persons have been notified and have been quarantining in accordance with university policy. The university conducts extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

As a reminder, per current public health guidance, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period) starting from two days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, two days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated. As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated City Travel Order
Additionally, the City of Chicago has issued the below updated travel order:

In response to increased and high rates of COVID-19 transmission across the United States, and to add to Chicago’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, the City is issuing a Travel Order applicable to anyone coming into the City of Chicago from designated states with a significant degree of community-wide spread of COVID-19. Anyone traveling from a state on the Orange list is directed to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result no more than 72 hours prior to arrival in Chicago or quarantine for a 14-day period (or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter). Anyone traveling from a state on the Red list must quarantine for a 14-day period or the duration of their time in Chicago, whichever is shorter.

This order applies to returning Chicago residents and out-of-state visitors arriving in Chicago.

Further details, including the color-coded state map, are available here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Public Health Guidance for Symptoms and Self-Monitoring
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle/body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. If you or your child develop symptoms of COVID-19, please contact your medical provider to discuss whether you need to be evaluated in person or tested.

For severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion or difficulty waking up, or bluish lips or face, please seek the closest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately.

As a general reminder, university policy requires any individual who is sick or exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms not to report to work or go to class and to either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared [or for asymptomatic individuals, from their test date] and at least 24 hours from last fever [without using fever-reducing medications] and improved symptoms, whichever is longer.)

For any additional COVID-19 questions or support, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus for the most reliable information. If you do not find the information you need on the website, email coronavirus@chicago.gov.

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/reopening. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Although Governor J. B. Pritzker has not issued a new Executive Order imposing requirements on employers, in light of the increasing number of daily cases of COVID-19, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) made a recommendation yesterday afternoon that employers consider allowing their employees, to the extent possible, to work from home for the next three weeks. IDPH stated that the aim of this de-densification recommendation “is to reduce transmission as we head into the holidays so businesses and schools can remain open.”

Throughout this pandemic, the university has sought to comply with not only the mandates but also the guidance and recommendations from state and local public health officials. We believe our efforts as a university to do so are a primary contributor to the relatively low number of COVID-19 cases that we have seen on our campus, as reflected in our bi-weekly surveillance testing. Accordingly, we will continue to act in accordance with public health mandates, guidance, and recommendations.

We wish to be clear that we are not canceling classes or closing the residence halls. The university will continue to function as it has been, and it will continue to do so in accordance with public health mandates, guidance, and recommendations. We ask all members of our community to again review these mandates, guidance, and recommendations, which are at https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home.html. We also urge everyone, especially our students, to follow the rules on social gatherings, which are currently limited to generally no more than six people.

In light of the latest IDPH recommendation, all vice presidents and deans are, consistent with the guidelines below, to develop plans to allow their faculty and staff to work from home for the next three weeks unless it is necessary for them to be in the workplace. As noted, the goals of de-densification are to reduce the likelihood of transmission and to allow businesses and schools to remain open. The guidelines below seek to accomplish these dual goals, especially as we are four weeks away from the conclusion of the semester.

Specifically, no later than Monday, November 16, and continuing through Friday, December 4, the vice presidents and deans should allow employees to work from home, unless:

The employees were designated as essential back in the spring, in which case they should continue to report to work as they have been.
The employees were deemed, in August, to be critical to providing support directly to students or faculty members in connection with academic and student life activities. Supervisors were responsible for making this designation in August, and they remain responsible for making any needed changes thereto. Supervisors should make these decisions and communicate them as soon as practicable; they should also promptly communicate these decisions to Human Resources by email to hhudsonhosek@iit.edu.
With respect to instruction, the university is not prohibiting in-person classes. Rather, faculty members should use their judgment to determine what their students need at this time. It may well be that some class instruction can be best delivered online; however, when it comes to labs, studios, and IPROs, faculty members may conclude that student learning outcomes will be best met by continuing in-person learning. With respect to any in-person learning over the next three weeks, we reiterate the need for adherence to the wearing of face coverings, maintaining maximum social distance, and the utilization of hygiene protocols. To the extent the instruction is moved online, faculty members should strive to provide as much synchronous one-on-one time to their students as possible by expanding office hours or through the use of Zoom, Google Meets, or other video conferencing services.

For the time period noted above, supervisors should not permit individuals who volunteer to return to work on campus, and as a reminder, the university has generally prohibited non-members of our community from coming to campus. This remains the case. Anyone who is not a part of our community—guests, contractors, salespersons, colleagues from other institutions, and the like—should not be permitted on the campus unless their visit has been deemed necessary by a vice president or dean to advance an important university business interest.

With respect to employees who will continue to come to campuses, vice presidents and deans should, to the extent feasible, continue the practice of establishing consistent groupings of staff members working together that follow the same schedule wherever practical (i.e. workplace “bubbles”). Vice presidents and deans should communicate all established “bubbles” to Human Resources by email to hhudsonhosek@iit.edu. If a team member were to be diagnosed with COVID-19, these workplace “bubbles” would help contain the number of exposed individuals within the broader campus community and make contact tracing easier. Vice presidents and deans also should review and reemphasize the need for their team members to follow all applicable university COVID-19 protocols, including, but not limited to wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, practicing good hygiene, self-monitoring their health, not coming to campus if they are sick, and following signage.

We are extremely proud of how well all the members of our community—students, faculty, and staff—have responded to this pandemic. As a community, we have taken the pandemic seriously and have followed the guidelines and protocols. As a result, our numbers to date suggest that we have been able to navigate this semester. If we continue to work together and follow the guidelines and protocols, we will hopefully be able to manage the remaining four weeks of the semester.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Alan W. Cramb
President, Illinois Institute of Technology

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost, Illinois Institute of Technology

To All Illinois Tech Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The university has revised the academic calendar for the spring 2021 semester in response to a number of concerns and issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences and to the dramatically reduced granting of international student visas.

The start of classes for the spring 2021 academic semester has been moved to Tuesday, January 19, 2021, to accommodate students who must self-quarantine before the semester and to accommodate international students obtaining student visas at the last possible moments.

In recognition that travel to and from campus should be minimized during the course of the semester, the university has eliminated the standard “spring break” and has included four study days spread over the course of the semester. In order to balance the academic calendar, these study days are:

• Tuesday, February 9, 2021;

• Wednesday, March 10, 2021;

• Thursday, April 8, 2021,

• and Friday, April 30, 2021

Additionally, we will maintain the observation of Martin Luther King Jr. holiday (Monday, January 18, 2021) as a day with no courses scheduled. We recognize that this will require some nimbleness on the part of instructors and lab coordinators but believe this is the fairest and most equitable way to ensure occasional break and study times for our students.

The final day of classes will be Saturday, May 8, 2021, and the final examinations will end on Friday, May 14, 2021. Finally, Commencement will remain on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Sincerely,

Anthoula Lagunas
University Registrar

To All Illinois Tech Faculty, Staff, and Students,

The university is announcing a temporary shift in academic policy to allow a modified, opt-in PASS/FAIL grading modality for undergraduate students this fall 2020 semester only. This was broadly supported by the Student Government Association leadership and by the majority of the University Faculty Council members in a vote on Friday, November 6, 2020.

In implementing this policy, we recognize the stress that both students and faculty have experienced resulting from the social isolation induced by the behavior necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, in collaboration with UFC and SGA, we are implementing an opt-in PASS/FAIL policy. Undergraduate students, including Accelerated Master’s Program (co-terminal) students, will have the option to take all of their courses this fall 2020 semester only as EITHER ALL PASS/FAIL or ALL GRADED. We are strongly encouraging students to consult with their advisers and mentors to fully understand the ramifications of this decision, as this may impact their future educational and career opportunities. Nonetheless, we understand that a few select students may need this extraordinary measure. Students must opt using this form in no later than 5 p.m. CST on Tuesday, November 24, 2020. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.

Those students who opt in to the PASS/FAIL grading modality will be allowed to register for ONLY 15 total credit hours in spring 2021 unless they are granted a waiver by their academic adviser. Again, this policy applies ONLY to undergraduate and Accelerated Master’s (co-terminal) students.

Sincerely,

Peter Kilpatrick
Provost and Senior Vice President

Nicholas Menhart
University Faculty Council Chair

Alex Kern
SGA President

New Confirmed Cases Dashboard
The university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

Updated Indiana/Wisconsin Travel Restrictions
Both Indiana and Wisconsin have been placed on the list of states for which the City of Chicago requires a 14-day quarantine period from the last day in either state.

To summarize the information provided by the City of Chicago, as commuter workers, Indiana and Wisconsin residents are allowed to come into Chicago for their work, but they must limit movement to work-related activities and functions that directly support their work, and they should avoid public spaces as much as possible. This summary is based on the information found in the link below from the City of Chicago, and the specific language can be found by navigating down to “Travel” on the left-hand side and then clicking on “How will the order apply to Indiana/Wisconsin?” I encourage you to read through this site for further details:

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

• Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth

• Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water

• Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)

• Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill

• Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

October 2020

New Confirmed Cases Dashboard
This week the university launched its COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Dashboard, which can be found online at www.iit.edu/reopening/confirmed-cases.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
If a student, faculty, or staff member believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student, faculty, or staff member who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students, faculty, or staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class or work until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth
Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water
Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)
Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill
Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Beginning last month, the university has begun a new phase of testing for our community. Approximately every two weeks, a random sample of nearly 200 members of the Illinois Tech community will be selected to be tested. The purpose of this random testing initiative is to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community. The data collected through this initiative will assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. To be clear, the weekly confirmed case report below includes confirmed cases from the random testing as well as test results unrelated to the random testing proactively reported to the university by community members in the last seven days.

The number of individuals included in this week’s random testing, which occurred on Monday, October 19, totaled 189, and the percent positive of this random testing is 0.53. Separate from those who participated in the random testing, since October 16, an additional 90 students, faculty, staff, and community members have reported test results. The total confirmed cases reported below include both confirmed cases from the random testing as well as additional confirmed cases reported to the university.

Weekly Confirmed Case Report: October 23, 2020

• 9 students

• 3 faculty/staff

• 1 tenant/contractor

Of the nine students who tested positive, four live on campus.

Random

	Total	Negative	Positive	Positivity
Students	120	119	1	0.83%
Faculty/Staff	69	69	0	0.00%
Total	189	188	1	0.53%

Cumulative since 10/16

	Total	Negative	Positive
Students	199	190	9
Faculty/Staff	79	76	3
Contractors	1	0	1
Total	279	266	13

All of the above individuals who tested positive are self-isolating as required by university policy or public health guidance. They will remain in self-isolation for the time period recommended by public health authorities. Any university community members who had been in close contact with these persons have been notified and have been quarantining in accordance with university policy.

The university conducted the same extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Symptoms and Contact Policy
If a student believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students who have tested positive for COVID-19, have been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

• Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth

• Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water

• Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)

• Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill

• Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As you may know, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot yesterday announced a new set of restrictions designed to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 as the city addresses a growing number of cases. It is essential that all Illinois Tech students, faculty, and staff follow these guidelines.

Summary of New City Public-Health Guidelines
As always, we are all required to continue wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently. Also, please note the following are the new guidelines:

• Effective today, a curfew for nonessential businesses from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is in place until further notice, but it will last for at least the next two weeks. In the spirit of this, classroom use, lab research, and similar activities during those hours should be avoided.

• The city is asking, for at least the next two weeks, that individuals limit social gatherings to six people or fewer and end such gatherings by 10 p.m. No social gathering can ever exceed occupancy limits already set by the city and university.

• The city has defined a social gathering as a planned or spontaneous social event where individuals are interacting with non-household members within close proximity (less than six feet) for an extended period of time. Note, the limits on social gatherings do not apply to classes or other normal university business functions.

Please note that the social gathering guidelines apply to all student organization functions. Thank you for your attention to these important matters. Working together, we can continue to reduce the risk of COVID-19 across our university. If you have any questions, please email covidconcerns@iit.edu.

Sincerely,

Katherine Stetz
Vice Provost and Dean of Students
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

I am writing today to inform you of the university’s Winter Break procedures and to remind you of the contact tracing and self-isolation procedures that the university has put in place to help further reduce the spread of COVID-19 as outlined on www.iit.edu/reopening.

Given the rise in cases in the state of Illinois and across the nation, I would like to stress the importance of remaining vigilant in adhering to all city, state, and university public health protocols. It is essential that all members of the university continue to practice social distancing, wear masks and abide by gathering limits.

Winter Break Services and Travel
Winter Break begins on December 13, 2020, and classes resume on January 19, 2021. The residence halls and Greek housing will remain open during the Winter Break period. Food service venues will have limited hours of operation, which will be updated soon and can be viewed online.

If you are considering traveling over the Winter Break period, please note the following:
• The City of Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order is anticipated to still be in effect and will be enforced. This means that if you travel to a state that is indicated on the travel order list, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days when you return. This also applies to all international travel.
• University housing will be open throughout the break and will welcome new residents on January 4, 2021.
• Food service will be limited during the break period, but it will be available on campus.
• The spring semester start date has been delayed, in part, to accommodate students who travel during the Winter Break and need to self-quarantine.

University Symptom and Contact Policy
If a student believes they are sick with COVID-19 symptoms, university policy requires that they either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (A student who tests positive must self-isolate for 14 days.) Accordingly, students who have tested positive for COVID-19, been in contact with someone who has tested positive, or are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should not attend class until they have satisfied either criteria (i) or (ii) above. In such circumstances, students are expected to work with their professors to request extensions on coursework and/or to reschedule exams if their illness impacts attendance, the ability to participate in the course, and/or the ability to complete assignments and exams as per the established schedule.

Required Notification and Contact Tracing
The university is aware of test results only for students who have been tested on campus or who have submitted results to the university. If you have received a positive COVID-19 test from an off-campus facility or have been in close contact with someone who is not a member of the Illinois Tech community and who has tested positive for COVID-19, please promptly contact the Contact Tracing Hotline at 872.216.7440 to report this information. Only upon such notification will the university be able to commence contract tracing.

Self-Isolation and Quarantine Procedures
Self-isolation is required when a person tests positive for COVID-19; self-isolation generally lasts for 10 days from the time symptoms first appeared (or for asymptomatic individuals, from their test date) or 24 hours from the last fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improved symptoms, whichever is longer. Self-quarantine is required when a person is identified by a contact tracer to have come into “close contact” with a person who has tested positive. Close contact is currently defined as contact that is within six feet of another person for more than 15 minutes. Self-quarantine generally lasts for 14 days.

It is imperative that anyone in self-isolation/self-quarantine adhere to the guidance they receive upon entering self-isolation/self-quarantine for the benefit of the entire campus community. Students in self-isolation/self-quarantine will be given the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to assist them with staying safe and keeping the community safe. A health care provider will also monitor each student in self-isolation daily, and students must comply with all phone health screenings and temperature checks. A student who is in self-quarantine must contact the Student Health and Wellness Center if they experience symptoms of COVID-19.

More information regarding self-isolation, self-quarantine, or contact tracing can be found at iit.edu/COVID-19.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely,

Katherine Stetz, Dean of Students
Illinois Institute of Technology

Weekly Confirmed Case Report: October 16, 2020
• 1 student

As a reminder, beginning last month, the university began a new phase of testing for our community. Approximately every two weeks, a random sample of nearly 200 members of the Illinois Tech community will be selected to be tested. The purpose of this random testing initiative is to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community. The data collected through this initiative will assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. Results from these random tests will continue to be reported as they become available. The most recent random tests, which occurred on Monday, October 5, totaled 193, and the percent positive of this random testing is 1.04. The next round of random testing is scheduled for Monday, October 19.

All of the above individuals are self-isolating as required by university policy or public health guidance. They will remain in self-isolation for the time period recommended by public health authorities. Any university community members who had been in close contact with these persons have been notified and have been quarantining in accordance with university policy.

The university conducted the same extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

As a reminder, per current public health guidance, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more. As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

University Contact Policy
As a general reminder, if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, self-quarantining is important in order to protect the people in your lives who might be more vulnerable to the virus. University policy requires that individuals in contact with someone with COVID-19 stay home, get tested, and monitor their health for 14 days from the date of contact.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

The health and wellness of our staff and students are the highest priority of Illinois Tech. As always, I encourage you to visit our coronavirus (COVID-19) website: www.iit.edu/COVID-19. This website contains up-to-date information and communications regarding university plans and policies, as well as important information from government authorities regarding COVID-19. You are also welcome to call 312.567.5810 between 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. CST for university-related information regarding COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Beginning last month, the university has begun a new phase of testing for our community. Approximately every two weeks, a random sample of nearly 200 members of the Illinois Tech community will be selected to be tested. The purpose of this random testing initiative is to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community. The data collected through this initiative will assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. To be clear, the confirmed cases below include results of the random testing as well as test results unrelated to the random testing proactively reported to the university by community members in the last seven days.

Weekly Confirmed Case Report: October 9, 2020
• 2 students
• 2 faculty/staff

The number of individuals included in this week’s random testing, which occurred on Monday, October 5, totaled 193, and the percent positive of this random testing is 1.04. Separate from those who participated in the random testing, since October 2, an additional 94 students, faculty, staff, and community members have reported test results. The total confirmed cases reported above include both results from the random testing as well as those additional results reported to the university.

The university conducted the same extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

As a general reminder, university policy requires any individual who is sick or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 symptoms not to report to work or go to class and to either (i) get tested and self-quarantine until they have received their test results, or (ii) remain in self-quarantine for 10 days from the date of symptom onset. (Anyone who tests positive must self-isolate for at least 10 days since their symptoms first appeared [or for asymptomatic individuals, from their test date] and at least 24 hours from last fever [without using fever-reducing medications] and improved symptoms, whichever is longer.)

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

Dear Illinois Tech Students,

I wanted to take this opportunity to send you an advisory regarding any personal travel you may be planning this semester.
Personal and non-essential travel is highly discouraged, and it is recommended that students do not travel during the semester.

Fall and Thanksgiving Break
As you are aware, there have not been any changes to the fall 2020 academic calendar. This means that there are no classes scheduled for Fall Break (October 12, 2020) and Thanksgiving Break (November 25–29, 2020).

The residence halls and other campus buildings will, as always, remain open during both Fall Break and Thanksgiving Break. Food service venues will be open until December 12, 2020.

Winter Break
Winter Break begins on December 12, 2020, and classes resume on January 19, 2021. The residence halls and Greek housing will remain open during the Winter Break period. Food service venues will have limited hours of operation, which will be updated soon and can be viewed online.

If you do find it absolutely essential to travel this semester and/or during Winter Break, please note the following:

• The City of Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order is still in effect and will be enforced. This means that if you travel to a state that is indicated on the travel order list, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days when you return. This also applies to all international travel.

• A 14-day quarantine could impact your ability to participate fully in your coursework.

• If you travel over Thanksgiving Break, you may want to consider completing your semester away from campus to avoid the quarantine requirement. Before you make this decision you should contact your professors to determine if there is a virtual learning option for the remainder of the semester and to discuss all academic expectations for completing your courses.

We are committed to assisting you in your success this semester, and your personal choices are an important part of this plan. If you do plan to travel and anticipate that you will need quarantine accommodations, please fill out this form.

Sincerely,

Katherine Stetz
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to inform the university community about known confirmed cases in a weekly report throughout the fall semester.

Weekly Confirmed Case Report: October 2, 2020
• 1 student

As a reminder, beginning last week, the university began a new phase of testing for our community. Approximately every two weeks, a random sample of nearly 200 members of the Illinois Tech community will be selected to be tested. The purpose of this random testing initiative is to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community. The data collected through this initiative will assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. Results from these random tests will continue to be reported as they become available. The most recent random tests, which occurred on Monday, September 21, totaled 143, and the percent positive of this random testing is 0.70.

The university conducted the same extensive cleaning of all affected areas to further limit the risks.

As a reminder, per public health guidance, prolonged close contact is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for 15 minutes or more. As always, everyone should monitor their health and stay at home if they develop symptoms. Anyone who develops severe symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

We continue to follow the Chicago Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines as we work to implement proper protocols and preventative measures.

University Contact Policy
As a general reminder, if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, self-quarantining is important in order to protect the people in your lives who might be more vulnerable to the virus. University policy requires that individuals in contact with someone with COVID-19 stay home and monitor their health for 14 days from the date of contact.

The simplest and most effective measures that you can take include:

• Wearing your face covering, which should cover both your nose and mouth

• Washing your hands frequently for a minimum of 20 seconds using soap and water

• Staying six feet away from others, which includes walking on the right side of the hallway (social distancing)

• Monitoring your health, which includes staying at home and seeking medical attention if you feel ill

• Staying apprised of important information pertaining to COVID-19

Sincerely,

Hilary Hudson Hosek, AVP, Head of Human Resources
Illinois Institute of Technology

September 2020

Beginning this week, the university has begun a new phase of testing for our community. Approximately every two weeks, a random sample of nearly 200 members of the Illinois Tech community will be selected to be tested. The purpose of this random testing initiative is to monitor the rate of COVID-19 cases among our campus community. The data collected through this initiative will assist the university in making decisions about the future operations of the university. To be clear, the confirmed cases below include results of the random testing as well as test results unrelated to the random testing proactively reported to the university by community members in the last seven days.

Weekly Confirmed Case Report: September 25, 2020

• 4 students

• 1 faculty/staff

The number of individuals included in this week’s random testing, which occurred on Monday, September 21, totaled 143, and the percent positive of this random testing is 0.70. Separate from those who participated in the random testing, since Saturday, September 18, an additional 65 students, faculty, staff, and community members have reported test results. The total confirmed cases reported above include both results from the random testing as well as those additional results reported to the university.