University News

WIU Moves to Alternative Course Delivery March 21-April 3

March 16, 2020

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- As the health and safety of our Western Illinois University community continues to remain a priority, all WIU classes will be delivered using alternative methods of the instructor's choice beginning Saturday, March 21 through Friday, April 3. Students will receive notices from their respective faculty members regarding the course delivery method(s) to be used through April 3.

A decision to return to traditional in-person classroom instruction will be made prior to April 3. Plans and decisions regarding the possibility of classes returning April 4 will follow public health and governmental guidelines and mandates to ensure the safety of our University community.

"I want to express my deep appreciation to our faculty who are working tirelessly to coordinate successful alternative course delivery methods for our students. Everyone has come together very quickly to ensure that we continue to provide a quality academic experience during these unprecedented times," said Interim President Martin Abraham. "I'd also like to thank our support staff for their work behind the scenes to keep our University operational, and our students for their patience and understanding as we work through this ever-changing scenario."

While classes will be held using electronic delivery methods (Zoom, Google Meets, YouTube, email, etc.), WIU's residence halls remain open. For students who have not yet returned to campus, but choose to do so between now and April 3, they must check in via their STARS account when they arrive on campus. Dining services are available.

For individuals who need Internet access from home, effective today (March 16), Comcast is offering new Internet Essentials customers two free months of Internet service. For more information, visit https://www.internetessentials.com/covid19.

Employees and students who feel ill should remain home and contact their health care provider. Employees should contact their respective supervisor, while students should complete the Online Absence Report (OAR) at http://wiu.edu/oars. The Student Development and Success Center will then distribute the absence report to the student's instructors.

Students, faculty and staff are also reminded that all University-affiliated domestic air travel is restricted until further notice. Nonessential travel by bus and train is strongly discouraged. WIU students, faculty and staff are encouraged not to visit areas with high numbers of reported cases within the U.S. If individuals return from high-risk areas in the U.S. or abroad, they could be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Individuals with questions can email covid-19@wiu.edu. The latest updates are also posted at wiu.edu/coronavirus and wiu.edu/news.


Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing