University News

Spring 2021: Return to WIU COVID-19 Protocol

January 6, 2021

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University is scheduled to resume in-person classes on WIU's Macomb and Moline campuses Tuesday, Jan. 19. As preparations for the Spring 2021 semester are underway, all members of the University community (faculty, staff and students) are encouraged to quarantine for a minimum 10 days and/or receive a COVID-19 test* before returning to campus.

Free tests are available on the WIU-Macomb and Quad Cities campuses on select dates (see dates and information at bit.ly/WIUSpring21COVIDTestUpdate). Visit wiu.edu/coronavirus for additional return to campus information.

Illinois COVID-19 testing sites can be found by clicking here. Iowa COVID-19 test sites can be found by clicking here. Individuals who reside in another state should find test site information on their respective county's health department website.

All students who live in WIU residence halls are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (taken AFTER January 6, 2021) before receiving their residence hall room key. Upon arrival to their respective residence hall, students will be asked to show proof of their negative test with a hard copy document or on their mobile device.

On campus students who are unable to obtain a COVID-19 test before arriving on campus will be directed to the free test location at meter parking lot at the northeast corner of the University Union. The WIU site will be open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, Sunday, Jan. 17 and Monday, Jan. 18. For those arriving on campus after 4 p.m., they will be allowed to move into their residence hall, but will be directed to perform a test the next morning.

Students who reside on campus who do not want to take a COVID-19 test will be provided on-campus housing accommodations in a designated quarantine location for a period of 10 days. Students who select this option should first go to their respective residence hall for additional guidance and directions.  

Students residing off-campus, as well as faculty, and staff, are not required at this time to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test upon return to campus as the established University protocols when followed appropriately greatly reduces the spread and infection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, all members of our University community are encouraged to complete a test prior to returning to campus as a precautionary measure.

"Our goal is to quickly identify individuals who may be symptomatic, and isolate them safely to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As part of the Leatherneck Pledge, it is the expectation that all individuals follow these protocols to keep our campuses safe," said Joe Roselieb, executive director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management at WIU. "We appreciate your cooperation, patience and understanding as we prepare for the Spring 2021 semester. We want everyone to be safe, and we want to start the new semester, and the new year, as healthy as possible."

More information regarding additional testing schedules, changes in campus policies and vaccination information will be shared at a later date. Individuals should visit wiu.edu/returntocampus for more information.

* Note: The CDC recommends that an individual who has had tested positive for COVID-1 19 should refrain from taking a test at least 90 days post-recovery. If an individual has had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, they are not subject to this request prior to returning to campus.

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