COVID-19

Welcome to Fall Semester 2022!

GSU's pandemic operating framework has always been built on science-based guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), and other agencies, and our primary concern continues to be the safety of our community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has assured the public that the vaccines are safe and effective and a critical tool to ending the pandemic.

Moving forward, GSU is utilizing Public Health Precaution Levels as the framework for campus operations. This provides a multi-layered approach to minimize the spread of Covid-19 and is guided by the IDPH and CDC tracking of Covid-19 Community Levels. Please refer to the GSU AY23 Operating Plan for details on the current Public Health Precaution Level.

We look forward to more in-person classes, support services, and operations, and members of the University community will continue to work together toward these common goals.

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Free COVID-19 Vaccinations

The Will County Community Health Center is offering free COVID-19 vaccinations at several locations.

As a public health strategy, Will County officials recommend households plan to be vaccinated at the same time. Appointments are not required but highly recommended. For additional information on all Will County Health Departments vaccination locations and scheduling, please visit Will County Health.

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Reminders:

• • Masks, which cover the nose and mouth, will still be required in instructional spaces during in-person classes and passing periods when in Public Health Status levels red or yellow.
• • Masks, which cover the nose and mouth, will still be required in Health and Wellness Center.
• • Campus labs will require face coverings consistent with all safety protocols that govern the operation of laboratories.
• • Masks will be required for employees and/or students meeting in office spaces, except by specific agreement between those in attendance when in Public Health Status levels red or yellow.
• • Some university events may still require face coverings as dictated in performer contracts. Requirements are posted in the CPA webpage.
• • Masks will no longer be required in open areas and in the cafeteria.
• • Masking in the residence halls is no longer required in open areas. Individuals should respect the rights of any student to wear a mask and request that you mask up if entering their room.
• ○ If you choose to voluntarily wear an N95 or KN95 mask, guidance on how to correctly wear a mask is available from the CDC.
• ○ To request KN95 and N95 masks, please fill out a Mask Order form.
• • Regular building hours are as follows:
• ○ Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
• ○ Saturday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• ○ Sunday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• • Click here to learn about exceptions for holidays and emergency closures. Faculty, staff, students, and visitors are advised to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for social distancing while on campus.
• • The Cube is open to serve faculty, staff, and students. Please click here for hours of service.
• • The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is open to the public from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year.
• • Prairie Place Residence Hall is open for the 2022 – 2023 academic year.
• • For more information regarding our response to COVID-19 in specific areas, please visit our following pages:
• ○ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• ○ Academic Year 2023 Operating Plan (Updated: 8/8/22)
• ○ Center for Performing Arts COVID-19 Information

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Resources