University News

WIU Update: Interim President Martin Abraham

April 28, 2020

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Dear WIU Community,

As we wind down the spring semester and prepare for summer and fall, I know there are numerous questions and uncertainties we must address. I want to take this opportunity to provide an update on many of the ongoing efforts underway to support our students and prepare for the future in these uncertain times.

First, to recognize our Spring 2020 graduates, we will host a virtual commencement ceremony, to be launched at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9 on WIU's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Students were sent a survey on April 16 regarding a new in-person commencement ceremony that we hope to be able to host later this year.

We have moved our Summer Session 2020 entirely to alternative delivery formats, and all campus activities are canceled through June 30. Students who are not on campus, and have not yet moved their belongings out of WIU residence halls will receive an email from University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) this week with information and instructions on selecting a designated return and move-out time during the week of May 4-10, 2020. Those students remaining on campus will also be able to check out of their respective halls during this time. Students who wish to stay on campus during the summer months will be able to move to Olson Hall, but must first contact UHDS (uhds@wiu.edu) to make those arrangements.

The remote work measures in place for our faculty and staff, as well as the protocols we have in place for those who come to campus, will continue per the extension of the stay at home order, which is in effect until May 30. While we are planning for the return of faculty and staff when the stay at home order is lifted, there may be additional protocols that will have to be implemented.

We continue to support our students during this pandemic and are trying to ease the burdens many of our students and their families are facing. Over $4 million in emergency funds provided through the federal CARES Act, as well as from the generous support of donors to our WIU Foundation, are available to help our students in need. Our virtual Purple & Gold Day of Caring on April 24 raised over $110,000 for the WIU Student Emergency Fund. The emergency fund grants, which do not have to be paid back, can be used for any expenses incurred by students while dealing with the pandemic, including medical expenses; lost wages; food; rent/housing/utilities; technology, and other basic needs. Please complete the Student Emergency Fund application at bit.ly/WIUStudentEmergencyAidForm to be considered for emergency funding. To date, more than 1,400 students have applied.

Continuing and new student registration is already underway, and initial enrollment projections for Fall 2020 look strong. Our Summer Orientation sessions for incoming new students will be held virtually, beginning May 27. Staff and faculty are working behind the scenes to provide stellar virtual events for our new incoming students, and our advisers are working tirelessly to assist current and new students with registration.

Looking ahead to the 2020-2021 academic year, our Board will consider recommendations for academic year 2020-21 tuition and fees during a virtual meeting on May 6. We are finalizing the hiring of new faculty and staff and are planning for the traditional campus experience to resume this fall. We are looking at what this will entail, and we will have safety measures in place for the well-being of our University community. We will continue to follow all directives and guidelines from state and federal officials.

To our students, thank you for hanging in there alongside us. I know it hasn't been easy, yet you continue to persevere and demonstrate your Leatherneck strength and determination. Thank you to all members of our University community for weathering this storm together.

Although there remains a great deal of uncertainties, we are looking ahead to the days when we can get back to the WIU experience we all know and appreciate. We remain optimistic about WIU's future, and we look forward to the day when everyone returns to our campuses to celebrate our Leatherneck traditions.

Take care,

Martin Abraham
Interim President

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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