University News

Protect the 'Necks Plan III: Updated Policies, Procedures Set for Fall 2022

August 10, 2022

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NOTE: The plan outlined below (and at wiu.edu/coronavirus) contains essential, detailed information. Please take time to read through this document carefully to become familiar with all requirements and protocols in order to comply. Visit wiu.edu/coronavirus for more information, including FAQs.

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL -- As Western Illinois University plans to resume the traditional in-person experience this fall on its Macomb and Moline campuses, to ensure the continued health and safety of the members of University community and beyond, WIU's Protect the 'Necks Plan III has been updated to include the latest policies and procedures set for Fall 2022. As procedures and guidelines are updated, the information will be shared with the University community and available at wiu.edu/coronavirus and wiu.edu/returntocampus/.

"We are excited to be back to as close to normal operations this fall; however, the traditional in-person academic experience hinges on our University community and visitors following the protocols we have in place," noted WIU President Guiyou Huang. "We are committed to continuing with the protections we've had in place for two years, which include free COVID-19 testing on both campuses, hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics, adjusting building mechanical equipment as necessary, providing face coverings to those who wish to wear and those returning to campuses after a positive diagnosis, and other measures. Thank you for taking our Protect the 'Necks Plan seriously and doing what is necessary to protect yourself and others."

According to Auxiliary Services and Risk Management Executive Director Joe Roselieb, as the COVID-19 pandemic is an ever-changing situation, the protocols and practices are subject to change.

"WIU will utilize current data, benchmarking, and consultation with local and regional health experts when determining the progress of the institution," Roselieb added. "We are committed to following health and safety guidance from the CDC, IDPH, and other governmental and public health agencies and will adjust accordingly. We continue to encourage individuals to get vaccinated and/or boosted before the start of school, and take advantage of the free test and vaccine clinics we're hosting on our campuses."

Protect the 'Necks Pledge

All members of the WIU community are asked to review and commit to the updated Protect the 'Necks Pledge.

Vaccines

Students, faculty and staff are expected to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine prior to the start of school (Monday, Aug 22). Vaccination clinics can be found by visiting bit.ly/FindVaxClinic. WIU and the McDonough County Health Department will host a vaccination clinic on the Macomb campus from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30 in the University Union Sandburg Lounge.

Individuals who have been vaccinated can upload a copy of their vaccine card to WIU's internal secure site at wiu.edu/vaccinationportal/ (select "student" or "employee" category). For those who do not wish to upload the information, the card can be physically shown to University staff at the following locations: WIU-Macomb students: Beu Health Center; WIU-Macomb Employees: Sherman Hall 321 (Vice President for Student Success Office); WIU-Quad Cities Students & Employees: Riverfront Hall.

COVID-19 Testing

Testing is no longer required for unvaccinated individuals; however, University health and risk management officials encourage continued frequent testing (at least once per week) for all individuals (vaccinated and unvaccinated).

WIU-Macomb students, faculty, and staff can attend free weekly COVID-19 antigen-based (simple nasal swab) testing clinics in the University Union Student Organization Center (SOC) (basement level). The University will adjust schedules based on demand and usage. WIU-QC campus students, faculty, and staff can obtain a test kit at Riverfront Hall reception. Appointments are not needed; walk-ins welcome.

The University COVID-19 testing center on the Macomb campus is for individuals who are asymptomatic. Students who have COVID-19 symptoms, should contact Beu Health Center (309) 298-1888 or their primary care physician. Employees who experience COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care physician.

Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 90 days do not need to test as long as they do not re-develop symptoms. Individuals who re-develop symptoms within three months of having COVID-19 may need to be tested again if there is no other cause identified for their symptoms.

WIU Self-Reporting

With access to COVID-19 home kits, individuals can test at home. The University encourages individuals to utilize home kits to help mitigate transmission. If you take an at-home test with a positive result, the University requests that you self-report by going to the COVID-19 Self Report Form.

See full Protect the Necks Plan III at wiu.edu/coronavirus for complete information regarding a positive diagnosis, quarantining/isolating, etc.

Face Coverings

Face coverings must be worn in select areas (Beu Health Center and the University COVID-19 Testing Site) and at the request of individuals when meeting in the personal work or living spaces of those individuals, or in classrooms if required by the faculty member. Face coverings may be required in other campus sites following guidance from governing regulatory agencies.

"While face coverings are no longer required in most settings on WIU's campuses, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and the virus continues to be a dangerous illness for individuals with compromised immune systems. We urge members of our University community to continue to take COVID-19 seriously and wear face coverings, wash hands frequently and respect others' personal space to help ensure the health and safety of others," noted Beu Health Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michael Waters.

Individuals are expected to comply with requests to wear a face covering in the University's designated locations, a classroom or office space and are subject to being asked to leave and/or conduct/disciplinary referral. Face coverings remain required for individuals who are exposed to others with COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19, or develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Individuals who prefer to continue to wear a face covering are welcome and encouraged to do so. Members of the Leatherneck community should not assume an individual's vaccination status, exposure,
or symptomatic status based on whether or not a face covering is worn.

Classrooms, Activities, Events, etc.

Classroom and instructional spaces have returned to 100 percent capacity for the Fall 2022 semester, and residence halls and dining centers will operate at standard occupancy. While there are continued protocols in place for University events, these activities, including athletics, performances, intramurals, etc. will resume in person, along with Fall Commencement Exercises.

Information

See full Protect the Necks Plan III at wiu.edu/coronavirus for all of the protocols, guidelines and policies in place.

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