Health & Safety Protocols

August 26, 2022 

The upcoming 2022-23 academic year at Chicago State University is here.

The following announcements are based upon and relate to elements of the 2022-23 Academic Year Operating Plan.

UPDATED Vaccination Policy

For the 2022-23 Academic Year, the University strongly encourages all students, faculty, and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required for students or employees, with the exception of student-athletes and residence hall students. The University is maintaining an initial vaccine series requirement for all student-athletes and all students living in the residence hall.

Furthermore, all students, faculty, and staff are strongly encouraged to receive a COVID-19 booster shot as soon as they are eligible per the CDC Booster Shot guidelines to meet CDC “up-to-date” guidance. You are considered up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccines when you have received all doses in the primary series, and all boosters recommended for you, when eligible.

As we begin the 2022-23 academic year, the best way for all of us to fully experience an enriching campus environment is to continue to follow recommended public health guidance, which includes being up-to-date with your vaccinations.

$100 Student Vaccination + Booster Incentive Program and Guidelines

The University will continue to provide up to $100 to all continuing and new students who choose to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The University will apply the incentive payment directly to a student’s account balance or issue as a refund.

For students who have never received an incentive payment for showing proof of vaccination during the last academic year (2021-22), students who show proof of completing an initial series vaccination will receive a $50 payment incentive. Additionally, for students who have never received an incentive payment for showing proof of booster shots during the last academic year (2021-22), students who show proof of completing a booster vaccination will receive an additional $50 payment incentive.

To receive these incentives:

1. First, Click Here for instructions to upload proof of vaccination to your student account on Med+Proctor, the University’s site for managing COVID-19 documentation.
2. Second, scan or take a picture of your COVID vaccination card and email it to the Wellness Center at wellness@csu.edu.
3. Both of these actions will be verified by the University. Upon verification, you will receive a notice about the incentive if you qualify.

Vaccination Clinics On-Campus in Fall 2022

The University is working to secure support from trusted healthcare providers to offer free, on-campus vaccination clinics with both initial series + boosters. More information will be announced at a later date on the CSU COVID-19 webpage.

Update on On-Campus COVID-19 Testing Services

Due to the expiration of state funding, SHIELD IL, the University’s on-campus COVID-19 testing service, ended services on Wednesday, July 13.

For campus community members who are seeking testing services, we have linked to lists of qualified testing sites managed by both the City of Chicago and the State of Illinois at the top of the CSU COVID-19 webpage.

Additionally, the University has received a limited number of at-home rapid tests from the State of Illinois and will provide select opportunities for distribution to students, faculty, and staff through the Campus Wellness Center in the fall. More information will be announced at a later date on the CSU COVID-19 webpage.

We also recommend that you monitor the official federal government website for ordering free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests, https://www.covid.gov/tests, as well as inquire with your health insurance provider for eligibility for at-⁠home tests.

Framework for the 2022-23 Academic Year Operating Plan

The Public Health Precaution Levels for Cook County, IL will serve as the framework for the Operating Plan, which are informed by CDC and IDPH.

Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, the University will adhere to a flexible approach that allows campus operations to adapt to the prevailing precaution level.

The CSU COVID-19 webpage will provide the current Public Health Precaution Level. The 2022-23 Academic Year Operating Plan contains the table that provides details on mitigation factors and/or resources where appropriate.

Updated Masking Policy

The mitigation measures of masking are set according to the Public Health Precaution Levels of the University, as outlined in the 2022-23 Academic Year Operating Plan. The CSU COVID-19 webpage will provide the current Public Health Precaution Level, which indicates if you need to wear a mask on campus property and where, according to the prevailing level.

 

PPE Distribution in Fall 2022

The University will provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to receive KN95 and surgical masks at no charge through an on-campus distribution in the fall. More information will be announced at a later date on the CSU COVID-19 webpage.

Additional precautions that align with the latest public health guidance are detailed in the 2022-23 Academic Year Operating Plan.

We look forward to continuing a strong and healthy academic year and we appreciate your vigilance in helping us keep our Cougar community safe!