Q: What are Chicago State University's plans for 2021 - 2022 academic year? |
A: Chicago State University is fully open for in-person instruction, classes, activities,
and events aligned with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for the 2021-2022
academic year. Safety precautions during this period is include requiring masks and
social distancing and conducting surveillance testing to rapidly detect cases among
students, faculty, and staff.
To learn more about the safety measures, please review the policies and operating
plan on the COVID-19 Cougar Wellness page.
Q: How is CSU protecting the campus community's health and wellbeing? |
A: CSU has taken a series of actions to ensure the health and safety of all, which
includes:
- Masks: All CSU students, faculty, staff and visitors must wear a face covering in
University spaces indoors and in all public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.
- Vaccines: Staff and faculty are required to provide proof of receiving the COVID-19
vaccine. Students who participate in in-person classes or on-campus activities are
encouraged to voluntarily provide evidence of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Students
living in the residence hall and student-athletes are REQUIRED to provide proof of
vaccination.
- Surveillance Testing &Monitoring: CSU provides continuous free COVID-19 testing on
campus. All non-vaccinated persons living on, working on, and/or attending in-person
classes on the CSU campus are required to participate in mandatory surveillance testing
twice a week.
- Contact Tracing: CSU is running contact tracing, tracking on-campus cases and notifying
individuals who had close contact with someone with COVID-19.
- Social Distancing: CSU is enforcing social distancing guidelines across campus, including
classrooms and other communal areas.
- Personal Protective Equipment: CSU has made several upgrades to adhere to public health
best practices, including updating the ventilation system, installing hand sanitizer
stations, and installing protective partitions.
CSU will continue to review and evaluate all available information on a consistent
basis in order to maintain safe operations that align to best practices.
A: All CSU students, faculty, staff and visitors must wear a face covering in University
spaces indoor and in all public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. A face covering
does not have to be worn when eating or drinking, or when alone in a private space.
Employees who cannot wear a face mask because of an underlying medical condition and/or
due to ADA requirements should notify their supervisor immediately. Students who cannot
wear a mask should notify their instructors.
Q: Can events take place on campus? |
A: Yes, campus events will take place on campus. Students, staff, and community partners
must secure approval from the university by contacting ddeener@csu.edu. Please note that all events will adhere to the latest public health guidance.
Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions? |
Q: What should I do if I have COVID-19? |
A:
- Stay Home: Do not come to campus. Self-isolate for the minimum of days that the prevailing
health protocols require.
- If you live in the Residence Hall, move to an isolation room by contacting the Residence
Hall Director at rking31@csu.edu.
- Report the Case to CSU: Inform the CSU COVID-19 Task Force Director by filling out
the COVID-19 Report Form (available on Cougar Connect and Covid19 Updates page).
- Students: Also alert all of your instructors and the Office of the Provost at provost@csu.edu
- Faculty & Staff: Also alert hyour direct supervisor and HR at amiles24@csu.edu
- Take care of yourself: which should include consulting with your physician or health
care provider and isolating as they recommend.
- Before returning to campus, provide proof of a negative COVID-19. You can find a local
COVID testing site here. Report your negative test result to:
- Students: Legal Affairs at asweis@csu.edu and the University Wellness Center at wellness@csu.edu.
- Faculty and Staff: Legal Affairs at asweis@csu.edu and HR at amiles24@csu.edu.
CSU Response: CSU will take immediate steps in accordance with city, state and federal
health guidelines to protect the campus community. Legal Affairs will use the COVID-19
Reporting Form to help conduct contact tracing. The information you submit is confidential
and is only used tor contact tracing purposes.
Q: Is COVID-19 testing offered on Campus? |
A: Yes, the University is offering free testing throughout the year for students,
faculty, and staff. Testing is conducted through Shield Illinois and available at
the cafe at the Library during the following days and hours
- Mondays & Wednesdays: 9 am – 11 am
- Thursdays: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm
- Fridays: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Testing is non-invasive, using saliva samples and takes 10 minutes or less. Results
are received within 24- 48 hours.
Additional details on the COVID-19 testing are available on the Shield Illinois FAQ page.
Q: I’ve had a COVID-19 exposure. What should I do? |
First - Confirm if it was an exposure. According to the CDC, a COVID-19 exposure is being in close contact (within 6 feet) of someone who has tested positive for the virus for a cumulative
total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
Second - follow the CDC recommended actions, based on exposed individuals’ vaccination status:
Non-vaccinated individuals:
- Stay home for 14 days after your last close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19.
- Watch for fever (100.4◦F), cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
- If you have symptoms, immediately self-isolate and contact your local public health
authority or healthcare provider.
Vaccinated individuals:
- If you are fully vaccinated, you do NOT need to quarantine after close contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless you have symptoms.
- You should get tested 3-5 days after close contact exposure, even if you don’t have
symptoms.
- You must wear a mask indoors on campus property at all times and in public for 14
days following close contact exposure or until your test result is negative.
Protocol if Exposed: Describe the exposure to the COVID Response Team Director through an email sent to
<asweis@csu.edu>. The Director will determine with you the appropriate course of action.
Q: What if I don’t feel well? |
A: As with any illness, students and employees who are ill should stay home and, if
warranted, seek medical attention. Students and employees should follow normal call-in
procedures and protocols for their courses or their department and report time away
from work in web time entry, in accordance with University policy.
Q: I am fully vaccinated, do I need to test? |
A: No, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to test unless they are symptomatic.
If fully vaccinated employees are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, they should contact
their healthcare provider for guidance.
Q: What is CSU’s vaccination policy? |
$50 Incentive for Proof of Vaccine: All students who show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to the university will
each receive a $50 payment incentive, which they may choose to receive in a refund
or have applied directly to their account balance. To receive this credit, scan or
take a picture of your COVID vaccination card and email it to the Wellness Center
at wellness@csu.edu.
Students Living in the Residence Hall & Student-Athletes:These students are REQUIRED to provide proof of being fully vaccinated before the
academic year starts or moving into the residence hall.
All Other Students On Campus for Classes, Work or Events: CSU encourages you to VOLUNTARILY provide proof of vaccination to the university.
Surveillance Testing: Students who do not provide proof of vaccination or receive an approved exemption
must comply with all protocols for unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated individuals,
including twice-weekly asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. CSU is providing this testing
on campus for free to all students.
Q: How do I receive the $50 incentive for providing proof of receiving the vaccine? |
A: All students who show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination to the university will each
receive a $50 payment incentive, which they may choose to receive in a refund or have
applied directly to their account balance. To receive this credit, scan or take a
picture of your COVID vaccination card and email it to the Wellness Center at wellness@csu.edu.
Q: What vaccines does CSU accept? |
A: CSU is accepting the vaccines authorized by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA)
and the World Health Organization (WHO). As of August 13, 2021, those vaccines are:
- FDA approved: Pfizer (2-dose vaccine), Moderna (2-dose vaccine), and Janssen or Johnson and Johnson
(1-dose vaccine)
- WHO approved: AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, and Sinovac-CoronaVac are approved by the WHO, as are the
three vaccines approved by the U.S. FDA.
Q: I have not yet received the vaccine. What should I do? |
A: Get vaccinated: Vaccine appointments are readily available through personal physicians, neighborhood
pharmacies, and other health care settings, You can find vaccine appointments here. As a service to our campus community, CSU is also offering on-campus vaccine clinics
in August and September (schedule available here). Receive the vaccine for FREE and quickly by stopping by during the vaccine clinics!
Participate in surveillance testing and other safety guidelines: Students who are not fully vaccinated must do the following until they provide campus
proof of vaccination.
- Get tested twice a week in CSU’s on-campus surveillance testing.
- Follow CSU’s other safety measures including wearing a mask on campus if around others or in public spaces.
Q: How do I participate in surveillance testing? |
A: CSU offers the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based COVID-19 test. Tests are quick (10 minutes
or less) and free. Testing is currently offered Mon & Wed 9 - 11 am; Thurs: 12 -
3pm ; and Fri 9 am - 12 pm. You can find the additional details on SHIELD Illinois
testing here.
Q: When do I need to receive the vaccine(s)? |
A: CSU is requiring students living in the residence hall and student athletes to be
fully vaccinated before the Fall 2021 Semester begins on August 23. The CDC considers individuals fully vaccinated two-weeks after the second dose of two-dose vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and two weeks after one dose of the Johnson and Johnson shot.
Students who choose to not provide proof of vaccination will not receive a $50 payment
incentive and are required to participate in twice-weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing,
wear a mask, and follow other public health guidelines.
Q: My classes are fully online or hybrid or I am a part-time student. Do I need to be
vaccinated? |
A: Only students participating in activities on campus are strongly encouraged to provide
proof of receiving the vaccine. Anyone participating in activities on campus (e.g.
working, studying, or joining events) at any point in the semester must participate
in twice-weekly surveillance testing if they do not provide proof of receiving a vaccine.
Q: I'm an international student and do not have access to approved vaccines. What should
I do? |
A: Get vaccinated: International students of institutions of higher education are eligible
to receive vaccines through U.S. health care settings. You can find vaccine appointments here. CSU is also offering vaccine clinics in August and September (schedule available
here). Receive the vaccine for FREE and quickly by stopping by during the vaccine clinics!
Participate in surveillance testing and other safety guidelines: Students who are not fully vaccinated must do the following until they provide campus
proof of vaccination.
- Get tested twice a week in CSU’s on-campus surveillance testing. CSU offers the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based
COVID-19 test. Tests are quick (10 minutes or less) and free. Testing is currently
offered Mon & Wed 9 - 11 am; Thurs: 12 - 3pm ; and Fri 9 am - 12 pm. You can find
the additional details on SHIELD Illinois testing here.
- Follow CSU’s other safety measures including wearing a mask on campus if around others or in public spaces, participating
in daily symptom monitoring offered through Kuvvr, and practicing social distancing.
Q: Why is CSU strongly encouraging (and in some cases requiring) the COVID-19 vaccine? |
A: CSU is issuing this health guidance based on the following factors:
- CDC Guidance: The latest CDC guidance emphasizes that vaccination is the leading prevention
strategy to protect individuals from COVID-19 disease and to end the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Wide Vaccine Eligibility and Availability: All individuals ages 12 and up are now
eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and the COVID-19 vaccine is now widely available
nationally, including throughout Illinois and the City of Chicago.
Q: Are my classes online, in-person, or both? |
A: For the fall 2021 semester beginning Aug. 23, 2021, CSU is fully open for in-person
instruction and classes aligned with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for
the 2021-2022 academic year. Most classes will take place in-person. Please review
the course scheduling page determine whether the course is in-person, e-learning or
hybrid.
To learn more about the safety measures, please review the policies and operating
plan on the COVID-19 Cougar Wellness page.
Q: How do I get ready for classes? |
A: Enrollment services, advising, and placement exams are open and available to assist
you with the application process and registration for the fall semester. Don’t forget
to make an appointment!
- Advisors can assist with selecting courses or registering for classes (contact information
here).
- Financial aid can assist with your financial aid plan. Make an appointment by emailing
csu-finaid@csu.edu.
- The Bursar can help you with textbook vouchers. Make an appointment by emailing bursar@csu.edu.
- Bookstore is now virtual.
- IDs are available in the library by appointment (email idservices@csu.edu).
Q: How do I prepare for classes that are fully or partially online? |
A: CSU is here to support our students who are in hybrid classes or are e-learning. Visit
our
Keep Learning page for more information.
Q: Are work study students required to be vaccinated? |
A: All Staff and Faculty of Chicago State University are required to be vaccinated. Vaccination
requests for work study students are at the discretion of the hiring department. Students
will receive a $50 incentive for submitting proof of vaccination clinics where students
can receive a free vaccine. Find the updated vaccination clinic shedule
here.
Q: What if I don’t have access to the internet and the e-learning tools online to access
my courses? |
A: The university library and all library resources are available virtually, and Gwendolyn
Brooks Library is open for students. Students can contact the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@csu.edu for assistance accessing equipment, the internet, and/or using e-learning methods.
Additionally, below are internet resources you can use for connectivity assistance.
Q: Can International Students apply? |
A: We are accepting applications in alignment with federal guidelines. Please email at
khaan@csu.edu if you are a current or prospective international student.
Q: Can I get protective equipment for my office or department? |
A: The Office of Administrative Services is providing Deans and staff with a PPE Kit
and any necessary sneeze guard protection for use in your office suites. Contact Ms.
Wheeler at ext. 2278 to schedule a time and date for PPE Kit delivery as well as any
desire to reexamine the placement of suite furniture (tables, chairs, desks, etc.)
to maintain proper social distancing. Notify Administrative Services for refills and
replacements.
PPE Kits will contain the following items:
- One bottle of Alfa Disinfectant (please keep bottle for refills)
- One 16oz bottle of Hand Sanitizer
- Disposable Gloves
- Face Masks
- One box of disposable paper towels
Q: What happens if my health is compromised due to the coronavirus or one of my family
members is sick and I do not have enough sick or vacation time? |
A: The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is an option for full-time civil service and administrative
employees. Employees can call (773)995-2040 for questions or email hr@csu.edu.
Q: Do I need to have FMLA to use non-cumulative sick leave time? |
Q: I have a question about my employment. Can I go to the HR main office to get it
answered? |
A: Please understand that Human Resources will be available to all CSU employees as a
resource during this period. However, HR is not accepting walk-in or face-to-face
appointments. We are ready to help, and we ask that you email or call for support.
Please email hr@csu.edu. or call (773)995-2040.
Q: Is CSU Requiring Vaccines for its employees? |
A: Yes. Effective August 23, 2021, all employees are required to be vaccinated or demonstrate progress towards full
vaccination by receiving the first vaccine no later than the first day of class on
August 23, 2021.
Q: What if I am unable to get my first vaccine shot by this deadline? |
A: Get vaccinated: You can find vaccine appointments here (https://www.zocdoc.com/vaccine). CSU is also offering vaccine clinics in August and September (schedule available
here). Receive the vaccine for FREE and quickly by stopping by during the vaccine clinics!
Participate in surveillance testing and other safety guidelines: Students who are not fully vaccinated must do the following until they provide campus
proof of vaccination.
- Get tested twice a week in CSU’s on-campus surveillance testing. CSU offers the SHIELD Illinois saliva-based
COVID-19 test. Tests are quick (10 minutes or less) and free. Testing is currently
offered Mon & Wed 9 - 11 am; Thurs: 12 - 3pm ; and Fri 9 am - 12 pm. You can find
the additional details on SHIELD Illinois testing here.
- Follow CSU’s other safety measures including wearing a mask on campus if around others or in public spaces, participating
in daily symptom monitoring offered through Kuvvr, and practicing social distancing.
Q: How do I share my vaccination status with the University? |
A: Employees can verify their vaccination status with the Office of Human Resources.
Several dates have been announced; however, if you have not had an opportunity to
participate in this process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at hr@csu.edu to schedule a time to verify your vaccine status.
Q: What does it mean to be fully vaccinated? |
A: According to the CDC, individuals are considered fully vaccinated (i) 2 weeks after their second dose
in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or (ii) 2 weeks after
a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson's.
Q: I have already had COVID-19, do I still need to get the vaccine? |
Q: How will new hire employee’s vaccine verification be handled? |
A: New employees must show proof of vaccine as a condition of employment and at the request
of the Office of Human Resources during the on-boarding process. This is done by the
completing the standard attestation forms provided by HR.
Q: If I am exposed to the virus and told to quarantine by CSU, will I be required
to use my accrued sick time bank? |
A: The paid leave related to quarantine, created by the federal government, expired on
June 30, 2021. Any employee who needs to quarantine must use available accrued and
unused time off.
Q: I just received a vaccine shot but am not “fully vaccinated” (2 weeks after final
dose). Do I still have to test? |
A: Yes, testing is required until you are fully vaccinated. Individuals are considered
fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series or two weeks
after a single-dose vaccine.
Q: If I had COVID-19 and my first vaccination shot, do I still have to test? |
A: You do not have to test for 90 days past a positive diagnosis. (Following the CDC
advice for those who test positive to refrain from retesting for 90 days to avoid
false-positive tests.) After 90 days, you will have to test until fully vaccinated.
Q: What if someone in my department tests positive? Am I required to come to work?
What steps will be taken to sanitize the work area? |
A: A positive case within the department does not necessarily mean that all employees
in the department should stay home. CSU will follow contact tracing protocol and notify
employees who had close contact (as defined by the CDC) with someone who tested positive
and direct to quarantine if appropriate. Based on each specific situation, building
services will determine the extent of additional cleaning necessary in the area, in
accordance with CDC guidelines, to ensure employee safety.
Q: What do I do if someone continues to not wear a mask? |
A: You can remind other employees or students that masks are required on campus and provide
a mask to the individual, as most offices should have a supply of masks available.
If this does not resolve your concern, please contact the Office of Human Resources
at hr@csu.edu.