February 11, 2022 4:00pm

Due to the Governor’s recent announcement, Southeastern Illinois College anticipates lifting the Mask requirement on campus on March 1^st, 2022.  This is contingent upon the Governor officially rescinding the Mask Mandate at the end of February, and is subject to change.

As such, masks on campus are optional but recommended.  Off-site requirements may require students to wear masks (e.g., clinicals, etc.).  SIC still encourages spacing and other mitigations as much as possible.

It should be noted that the Governor’s announcement does allow for institutions to institute more stringent mask requirements.  Depending on localized infection rates and spikes on our campus, the College could change mandates at any time, either for the entire campus or with a localized population that is higher risk for some reason (e.g., nursing).  However, at this time, SIC will not enforce more stringent requirements.  This is subject to change.

Additionally, the Governor’s announcement has no impact of the Vaccine/Testing Executive Order.  This order remains in place and continues to apply, until the College hears otherwise.  Students and faculty who are not vaccinated must still undergo weekly testing.  SHIELD Illinois will continue weekly testing on Wednesdays on campus.

 We will continue to update the campus community with any changes to this guidance as we approach March 1^st.  We truly appreciate continued compliance with these mandates and orders.

Dr. Jonah Rice

President

September 27, 2021 10:00am

SIC Staff and Students:

Please read all of the following message.  This is important.

I want to inform you that our shipment of tests will not arrive in time for our weekly testing.  As we have a limited supply on hand, we will resort to only testing once a week on just a few groups on campus.  You will be contacted by the appropriate office with information.  We must ration our tests to these groups until we get more kits from the Illinois Department of Public Health, a private supplier, or when the University of Illinois deploys the Shield saliva tests.  This way we promote safety and maintain compliance with the State Mandate as well.

Students who came to be tested last week, thank you for your cooperation.  Students who did not come for testing last week will be placed on a non-compliance list and tracked by our Student Services Department.  Further details will be forthcoming.  We had superior compliance from faculty and staff.  I thank you.  Broad scale testing for students will not occur until we get more test kits.  Please stay informed as we will update as needed.

If you have your vaccination records and have yet to submit them to the appropriate office (Admissions for students, HR for staff), please do so as soon as possible.  We are still providing $100 gift cards for proof of vaccination.

Once testing kits arrive, we will resume testing and engage non-compliance per our policies and procedures.

I thank all of you for your collaboration and positive attitude as we negotiate the pandemic and regulatory requirements in place.

Stay safe and take care.

Dr. Jonah Rice,

President

September 3, 2021 4:00pm

COVID Mitigation Process and Procedures in Compliance with State Mandate 

Including a Valuable Incentive Program for Everyone! 

NEW:  TESTING WEEK NOW BEGINS September 22, 2021  

Per the Governor’s Change to his Executive Order

This is a State Mandate, and so we must comply.  We appreciate your understanding and willingness to help move us all forward.  All colleges and universities must follow this mandate, and we are all glad that we can remain face-to-face in instruction and service.  Should anyone not comply with these options, they may be subject to corrective action per existing procedures, regulations, and policies in concert with the State Mandate.

• There are exemptions from both vaccination and testing:
  • Dual credit students are exempt as they are governed by K-12.
  • Totally remote staff and students are exempt as they have no physical contact with others.
  • Vendors, delivery personnel, and other short-term visitors displaying little contact with the campus at-large but who practice proper protocols (e.g., mask mandate, social distance) are also exempt.
• Option One:  Proof of Vaccination 
  • Students and Staff may provide proof of full vaccination.  Proof includes (1) a vaccination record card or photograph of the card; (2) state immunization record; or (3) documentation of vaccination from a health care provider.
  • How to provide proof of full vaccination:
    • Bring a physical copy of your medical proof of full vaccination and a photo ID (e.g., SIC ID Card or driver’s license) with you to the VPAC Lobby in E/F Buildings on the days and times below:
      • Tuesday, September 7 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
      • Wednesday, September 8 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
      • Thursday, September 9 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
      • After those dates, please take your copy and ID to the following:
        • Students:  Admissions Office
        • Staff:  HR Office
    • Once your proof is recorded (minus exempt populations), you will receive $100 gift card to the SIC Falcon Bistro or the Coffee and Ice Cream Bar!
    • If you need a vaccine, please contact your health care provider, your local pharmacy, or the local healthcare department. 
• Option Two:  Testing (no cost to students or employees) 
  • Testing will occur in two locations on the main campus every Wednesday beginning September 22, 2021 from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
    • NURSING and CTE STUDENTS will be tested in T-Building (Nursing Area).
    • For ALL OTHER STAFF AND STUDENTS, testing will occur in Deaton Gymnasium in C-Building.
    • Anyone conducting testing will utilize appropriate PPE.
    • When you enter one of these spaces, personnel will be available to provide you with the test.
      • Positive COVID tests will be submitted to the local health department and the IDPH.
      • Should you test positive, directions will be given to you at that time.
    • We thank you for your cooperation with us per the Governor’s Executive Order.
• NOTE:  Vaccination Incentive Program:  If SIC reaches a campus-wide 70% vaccination rate by November 1, 2021 for staff and students combined, SIC will provide a full week off at Thanksgiving Break!

Please know that given the fluid nature of our pandemic as well as the changes to rules and guidelines regarding the Mandate, this information is subject to change.  Stay informed on SIC’s webpage and social media.

Dr. Jonah Rice
President

September 2, 2021 10:30am

COVID Mitigation Process and Procedures in Compliance with State Mandate 

Including a Valuable Incentive Program for Everyone! 

Implementation Date:  Wednesday, September 8. 

• This is a State Mandate, and so we must comply.  We appreciate your understanding and willingness to help move us all forward.  All colleges and universities must follow this mandate, and we are all glad that we can remain face-to-face in instruction and service.  Should anyone not comply with these options, they may be subject to corrective action per existing procedures, regulations, and policies in concert with the State Mandate.

• There are exemptions from both vaccination and testing:
  • Dual credit students are exempt as they are governed by K-12.
  • Totally remote staff and students are exempt as they have no physical contact with others.
  • Vendors, delivery personnel, and other short-term visitors displaying little contact with the campus at-large but who practice proper protocols (e.g., mask mandate, social distance) are also exempt.
• Option One:  Proof of Vaccination 
  • Students and Staff may provide proof of full vaccination.  Proof includes (1) a vaccination record card or photograph of the card; (2) state immunization record; or (3) documentation of vaccination from a health care provider.
  • How to provide proof of full vaccination:
    • Bring a physical copy of your medical proof of full vaccination and a photo ID (e.g., SIC ID Card or driver’s license) with you to the VPAC Lobby in E/F Buildings on the days and times below:
      • • Tuesday, September 7 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
        • Wednesday, September 8 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
        • Thursday, September 9 between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
        • After those dates, please take your copy and ID to the following:
          • Students:  Admissions Office
          • Staff:  HR Office
    • Once your proof is recorded (minus exempt populations), you will receive $100 gift card to the SIC Falcon Bistro or the Coffee and Ice Cream Bar!
    • If you need a vaccine, please contact your health care provider, your local pharmacy, or the local healthcare department. 
• Option Two:  Testing (no cost to students or employees) 
  • Testing will occur in two locations on the main campus every Wednesday beginning September 8, 2021 from 8:00am – 4:00pm.
    • NURSING and CTE STUDENTS will be tested in T-Building (Nursing Area).
    • For ALL OTHER STAFF AND STUDENTS, testing will occur in Deaton Gymnasium in C-Building.
    • Anyone conducting testing will utilize appropriate PPE.
    • When you enter one of these spaces, personnel will be available to provide you with the test.
      • Positive COVID tests will be submitted to the local health department and the IDPH.
      • Should you test positive, directions will be given to you at that time.
    • We thank you for your cooperation with us per the Governor’s Executive Order.
• NOTE:  Vaccination Incentive Program:  If SIC reaches a campus-wide 70% vaccination rate by November 1, 2021 for staff and students combined, SIC will provide a full week off at Thanksgiving Break!

Please know that given the fluid nature of our pandemic as well as the changes to rules and guidelines regarding the Mandate, this information is subject to change.  Stay informed on SIC’s webpage and social media.

Dr. Jonah Rice
President

August 31, 2021 9:00am

To All Campus Staff and Students:

SIC must comply with the new State Mandate regarding COVID-19 mitigation. Our State and particularly our region are in a very precarious situation with dramatic increases in the virus and a significant shortage of available hospital space.

The Mandate is for all Higher Education in the State. Non-compliance is not an option as the State could withhold vital State Funding for Operations among other potential ramifications.

This State Mandate will entail key measures that will affect all of us on campus. There are choices to be made:

• All Higher Education Personnel and Students must have, at a minimum, the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series or a single-dose COVID-19 vaccine within 10 days after the issuance of the Executive Order (September 5, 2021), or be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 within 30 days following administration of the first dose in a two-dose vaccination series. Verifiable proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required from official sources by September 8, 2021. Students and Staff may upload their vaccine verification via directions that will be provided to you soon. Uploads will begin on Monday, September 6th, 2021. Further directions will be provided soon.
• If any Higher Education Personnel and Students do not have the aforementioned vaccination requirements, they must be tested at a minimum of once a week. Testing will be conducted on-site to verify infection status. Testing will begin within the next ten days. Look for important announcements regarding location, date, time, and procedures to be posted very soon.

SIC advises you to gather the necessary vaccine documentation as soon as possible and prepare to upload it as soon as directions are provided. Should you undergo weekly testing, then be prepared to come to campus on the scheduled day for your free test.

We appreciate your understanding that we have no other choice but to adapt to the State Mandates. SIC will work with all of you as best we can within the parameters of the Executive Order on COVID Mitigation.

This time in our lives is stressful as we see COVID cases rise rapidly with little to no room in our hospitals for patients. The situation is critical, but together we can come through these challenges and the result will be a return to a more normal order.

Thank you for your patience and understanding of the immediacy of this Mandate and our speedy compliance to it.

Please look for further information and guidance soon.

Given this is a fluid situation whereby timelines could be affected by shipments of equipment, staffing shortages, as well as further defining guidance from the State, SIC reserves the right to alter this plan of action to respond to changing variables. We will notify you of such changes as soon as we are able should the need arise.

Dr. Jonah Rice
President

July 29, 2021 9:00am

SIC continues to review the latest COVID data for our region.  We have determined a series of mitigations to be effective Monday morning, August 2.  SIC is closed this Friday as already scheduled.  Included in these mitigation efforts will be the requirement for everyone to wear a mask indoors.

Southeastern Illinois College COVID Guidance

The College Will:

(per health and safety resources)

EFFECTIVE:  Monday, August 2, 2021

1. Promote vaccination to help prevent spread and further illness.
2. Require everyone to wear a face covering when inside buildings except when in an isolated space (e.g., office) or when dining.
3. Maintain appropriate physical distance (3’ recommended).
4. Practice proper hand hygiene.
5. Promote testing with your healthcare provider to help track the disease.
6. Practice effective respiratory etiquette (e.g., cover cough in bend of elbow).
7. Continue to practice good cleaning and sanitation.
8. Encourage daily self-screenings for symptoms.  SIC will not require self-reporting at this time.
9. Engage in quarantine as necessary per consultation with appropriate medical authorities.
10. Ask employees to maintain the current face-to-face schedule.  No remote scheduling is in place.  Sick days should be used if you are ill.
11. Require you to report if you test positive for COVID:

Employees:  Report to HR immediately.
Students:  Report to the Executive Dean of Student Services immediately.

Further Guidance Notes:

Classroom and Faculty Guidance will be provided in a separate document and be given to faculty.  Classroom spacing as needed, hygiene, protocols, sanitation, etc. will be engaged.  Additionally, special space considerations will be detailed for areas such as the Learning Commons, Spirit Store, Gym, etc. as needed by area.

Athletics and extra-curricular activities safety measures will be determined in more detail by College executive officers and personnel as aligned with conventional safety measures and mandates but not necessarily in accordance with any individual external organization outside of governmental or health-related entities.

These safety protocols may change with little notice.  Please keep informed on SIC’s website and social media regarding COVID mitigation.

May 25, 2021 2:30pm

 SIC Campus Community:

Per the CDC Newest Guidelines on COVID-19 Safety Protocol from May 2021 and Illinois officials:

• Vaccinated individuals do not have to wear a mask and physical distancing is not required, although such measures are still encouraged.

• Unvaccinated individuals must wear a mask particularly if six feet of social distance is not possible. Honor code, per government directive, is requested.

• Respect social distance and practice good germ-prevention hygiene as appropriate.

• MJOCCS daycare protocols will follow DCFS and IDPH guidelines.

As for campus employees, we no longer will require daily COVID reporting, but we do require any individual exhibiting symptoms to contact HR and encourage testing if you have those symptoms.

Southeastern Illinois College

March 26, 2021 2:00pm

SIC will begin implementation of the 3’ suggestion by the CDC in regard to COVID distancing. Some points of clarity need to be made in this regard.

Three feet is not a sweeping change as any reduction of space necessitates all other safety measures are followed. The CDC recently released new studies that support the ability to reduce spacing to 3’ as long as prevention strategies such as universal mask wearing, proper hygiene, and cleaning are in place.

The CDC continues to recommend at least 6 feet of distance when possible among adults particularly in areas like lobbies, auditoriums, etc. When masks can’t be worn, such as when eating, 6’ is still recommended. The CDC also recommends 6’ to be observed still during activities when increased exhalation occurs, such as singing, shouting, sports, exercise, etc. These activities should be moved outdoors or to large, well-ventilated spaces whenever possible. Six feet of distance should still be observed in community settings outside of the classroom.

While 3’ will not be all-inclusive, SIC will begin to phase that spacing in given arrangements made with the appropriate supervisor(s).

SIC still encourages the 6’ spacing but will work with those areas and services that may benefit from a smaller distance with safety precautions still in place.

Southeastern Illinois College

February 18, 2021 3:00pm

Welcome back! The majority of SIC classes will return to in-person instruction on Monday, February 22nd. Please check with your instructor(s) to determine if your individual class(es) will be returning to on-campus instruction next week. Masks will be required and social distancing will be observed when returning to campus. All classes will return to in-person on March 8. We are looking forward to having you back on campus!

Southeastern Illinois College

November 30, 2020 2:00pm 

All,

Good afternoon.  I trust you all had a safe, enjoyable Thanksgiving Break.

As we wrap up the term, we need to let you know how the College plans to reopen this Spring.  COVID data and mitigations may (and probably will) change our plans, so please anticipate this.  The speed at which a vaccine is given to educational workers could also impact this timetable.  All of this is subject to change at any time, but at least it is a projection for planning’s sake.

If you have questions, please contact your appropriate Cabinet supervisor.

January

• Faculty/Staff Inservice Days on January 7 and 8 will be remote.  Dr. Weiss will provide further guidance on this at a later date.
• Beginning January 11, lecture courses will utilize Zoom (same time as scheduled) and other remote technologies as needed; F2F lab courses, CTE courses, and Nursing & Allied Health courses are allowed to be on campus face-to-face with safety protocols engaged.  Faculty should work with their chairs and Dr. Billman on schedules and planned modalities.  We need to keep on a schedule and utilize synchronous modalities (Zoom, etc.). Many students will need/want structure along with immediate engagement per their registered schedule. Please work with OLET as needed to fulfill this request.
• Hot spots will be available in campus parking and in the Learning Commons as well as the Cafeteria (maximum capacity will be required in these spaces).  Student WiFi access will be available in A/B Lobby and Security will be present to assist.  Times for indoor access are limited with the College opening at 8:00 am.  Please be mindful of student access with this start time, especially with cold weather approaching.
• Testing services will be available by appointment only.
• Advising will be by appointment only.
• Operations will be conducted as is presently with limited staffing on a rotating basis by Cabinet functional area.
• Safety protocols remain in place.
• Auxiliary Services:  MJOCSS remains open unless the State (e.g., IDPH or DCFS) or local mitigations force a closure.  Falcon Bistro/Cafeteria and Spirit Store will be open as well.

February

• Given COVID trends and impact, we expect to transition back into our hybrid model with more face-to-face instruction in all areas at a yet-to-be-determined date.  This phase is how we began the Fall term. Faculty, work with Dr. Billman on a similar on-campus schedule as you had in the Fall.
• Operations will return to a 2.5 day rotation in each Cabinet functional area in the Spring unless otherwise notified.

March on

• TBD

Take care and stay safe.

Jonah

November 18, 2020 7:30PM

Fall 2020 (Update)

The remainder of the Fall term will be slightly modified by a week and two days due to the increasing quarantine challenges and increasing positive cases. While SIC is confident in our ability to drastically curb germ spread on campus, it is the infection rate external to the College that is creating challenges to operations. We want to reduce our population density while serving students as best we can in safe manner. I appreciate your patience and dedication. Other colleges have or expect to make similar adjustments as their contexts dictate. It is testament to your hard work that we made it this far. However, with surges and record-breaking infections as well as the potential for a critical point in hospitalizations, it seems prudent to be conservative in our risk assessment. I appreciate your understanding and concern for all our safety.

As such, the following will be engaged per the Return to Campus Plan noted caveat for just such a safety situation:

1. The existing remote schedule will end on November 13^th.
2. The adapted remote schedule will begin on November 16^th.
3. Academic Modifications:
   1. All baccalaureate courses will go completely virtual on Monday, November 16^th for the rest of the Fall term. Exceptions will be made for classes with labs. All lectures normally in person should happen in Zoom for student consistency and retention efforts. If faculty intend to bring students on campus after November 16, please provide this notification to Dr. Billman by November 11.
   2. All applied technical courses will go completely virtual on Monday, November 16^th for the rest of the Fall term. Exceptions will be made for classes with labs. All lectures normally in person should happen in Zoom for student consistency and retention efforts. If faculty intend to bring students on campus after November 16, please provide this notification to Dr. Billman by November 11.
   3. All nursing lectures will happen via Zoom starting on Monday, November 16^th for the rest of the Fall term. Clinicals will still meet until Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, all nursing education will happen remotely including make-up clinicals.
   4. Faculty may still use their offices with doors closed and safe COVID-19 precautions followed. Students may meet with instructors on-campus for office hours if scheduled in advance. Appointments may be conducted remotely via Zoom as well by both parties.
   5. Faculty will not be required to be on campus except for labs and special circumstances as well as pre-arranged student conferences utilizing our safety protocols.
   6. The Learning Commons and Testing Center will remain open on a limited service basis. Students will be allowed to use these services, but keep in mind that staff will be sparse during this remote schedule. Mass testing for regular coursework is simply not plausible. Associate Dean Karla Lewis will publish the new hours by early next week. She will send out a notice to all of you.
   7. Marketing will notify students of this new schedule via regular channels, but please help communicate to your students.
4. Non-Instructional Service/Offices Modifications:
   1. We will continue on our 2.5-day rotation to ensure office areas are staffed for continued operations.
   2. Remote work required. No changes have occurred.
5. The MJOCCS will remain open at this time but will be closely monitored. We will work with state agencies on this service.

July 15, 2020, 1:30pm

Read the Fall 2020 Reopening Plan for students, faculty, staff, and patrons.

Southeastern Illinois College 

June 2, 2020, 215:pm

Summer Labs Update — All summer lab courses will be held online.

Work Schedule for Summer and Fall 2020 at SIC

Under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan, Southeastern Illinois College will open to key functional work areas only beginning June 8. Still, no students or public members will be allowed on the Harrisburg campus or David L. Stanley White County Center in Carmi during the coming three-week period. This will allow staff time to prepare for a planned, phased in reopening for the Fall.

Those key functional work area staff that will be permitted on campus this month will be working in a recommended two-day rotation within each department. This time period will allow staff to begin reopening procedures and prepare functional areas for a safe reopening. Proper protocols per Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and state agencies as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be followed, such as social distancing and the required wearing of masks. Self-monitoring of sickness and reporting measures will also be in place.

The college has also purchased multiple hand-washing stations in addition to sanitizing stations to be placed all over campus in addition to restroom sinks. Remodeling to expand some classrooms and upgrades to lecture halls are being completed this summer as well to increase safety. Multiple other measures are being implemented according to protocols being addressed by organizations like the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Beginning June 29, SIC will allow students on campus by appointment only while practicing safe protocols. These protocols will be posted soon on SIC’s website, www.sic.edu, and include social distancing and wearing a mask to be on campus.

For athletics, SIC will follow the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) recommendations. Non-NJCAA student activities and events will be engaged by staff on an individual basis with appropriate supervisors. More details will be announced for this step soon.

On Aug. 3, SIC will return to regular operational days and times with the allowance of a modified work schedule by area and according to the SIC Return to Campus Plan under Phase 4 of Restore Illinois following protocols and safety measures. This plan will soon be posted on SIC’s website.

On campus classes will resume the beginning of the fall semester Aug. 17, but will be modified according to the Return to Campus Plan. After the Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 25-27) where students and employees tend to travel, SIC plans to revert to all-remote and online learning to help prevent the spread of germs during this higher infectious period. Some events and activities will take place during the post-Thanksgiving break, to be approved on a case-by-case basis.

SIC will also finalize plans for reopening the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study in the fall for its youngest students. Those plans will be announced at a later date.
Virtual graduation plans are underway and will be announced soon. Registration for summer is wrapping up and registration for fall is underway. Current students can visit https://my.sic.edu/ics to register. New or continuing students can contact advising@sic.edu or call (618)268-5400, ext. 4130 to start the registration process.

Southeastern Illinois College

April 15, 2020 2:00pm 

SUMMER 2020 TERM and GRADUATION 2020

Southeastern Illinois College will convert its 2020 Summer Session to remote learning. Students are asked to contact their instructors for specific course details. Academic advisors are also available to answer questions. Welding courses will be modified to be online for the first of the term and will have face-to-face application late in the term unless health and safety will require modification of that. Other lab courses will be all online. Some workforce education courses will be canceled as well and handled on a case by case basis. Students with summer internships are asked to check with the respective academic dean’s office for that information. Campus offices will open when the Governor allows us to return.

As for graduation, Southeastern understands the importance of this moment for those students who have worked so hard at their goals. The College will postpone graduation until further notice pending health and safety regulations. An announcement will be made at a later date regarding our Commencement ceremony details. The nurse pinning ceremony has been canceled.

Southeastern Illinois College