COVID-19

Welcome to Fall Semester!

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.

President Green shared that she and her entire Cabinet have been fully vaccinated, and GSU encourages all members of Jaguar Nation who can safely do so, to get vaccinated. In addition, GSU has contracted with the University of Illinois to offer the U of I saliva-based Shield Test on campus twice per week at no cost to students and employees. The University encourages all members of Jaguar Nation to take advantage of this free testing opportunity, which is less intrusive than the nasal-based swab test and provides results within a day. Efforts to contribute to the health and safety of the entire campus are hallmarks of the GSU community.

Part of the University’s contingency planning includes the release of the Academic Year 2021-2022 Operating Plan

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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On Campus SHIELD Illinois COVID-19 Testing

Governors State offers weekly SHIELD Illinois COIVD-19 testing at no cost to employees and students. Test administrators will be available during the following days and times:

• 1 p.m. to 2:30 on Tuesdays
• 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Thursdays
• Location: Hall of Honors

To get registered for the test, individuals should create an account on the MySHIELD portal and schedule their test appointment. Please visit the SHIELD Illinois portal website and:

• Click on “Sign up for an Account”
• Enter the Agency Code: 9i508lu5
• Follow the prompts to create your portal account

On the day of testing, please bring a photo ID and the QR code provided when you scheduled your appointment. To ensure the highest quality samples, individuals should not eat, drink (including water), chew gum, smoke, or use tobacco products within 60 minutes of providing a saliva sample.

Any food or drink consumed could produce an inconclusive result and require additional testing. Test results will be posted in the patient portal within 24 hours.

Students and employees that participate in the SHIELD Illinois COIVD-19 testing will receive a single voucher to the dining center for a complimentary small Starbucks regular coffee and a cookie pack.

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Reminders:

• Masking indoors is still required, even for those fully vaccinated, including in classrooms, except when alone in a private office or personal residence hall room, or when an individual has a medical condition, disability or other reason that prevents them from safely wearing a face mask.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear masks outdoors on university property.
• Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to unmask outdoors on university property if traveling alone more than 6 feet from others.
• Scarves, bandanas and gaiters are not an acceptable substitute for a face mask.
• 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.
• The A building entrance provides access to the closest restrooms during regular campus hours (below). Masks are required to enter the building. Please visit the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park website for more details.
• Prairie Place Residence Hall is open for the 2021 – 2022 academic year.
• For more information regarding our response to COVID-19 in specific areas, please visit our following pages:
  
  
  • Academic Year 2021-2022 Operating Plan
  • Dashboard
  • Students
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

COVID-19 community updates and resources are available below.

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Resources