Weekly update from Chancellor Jones (March 30 – April 3)

We often say the people who come through this university regularly redefine the word “impossible.” From creating a prototype emergency ventilator to transitioning to online course delivery formats, I am thankful for your innovation as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are conducting summer classes online to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Summer 2020 courses will be conducted remotely via alternative delivery mechanisms. I encourage you to read a letter from Professor Ollie Watts Davis about our ongoing commitment to student success.

The decision has not been made about camps, programs and events. We will communicate with you when we have more information to share.

We are using Illinois innovation to craft global solutions to COVID-19.

A team led by The Grainger College of Engineering and Carle Health has produced a prototype emergency ventilator to help address the need for respiratory care during the COVID-19 pandemic. ⠀

A new consortium that includes top Illinois scientists will use some of the world’s most advanced supercomputers alongside A.I. to help curb current and future pandemics.

We are continuing to support our community.

We are partnering with community leaders to help connect people with resources during the pandemic. Please visit the Champaign County Coronavirus Response website to learn more.

In preparation for the anticipated increase in COVID-19, the university has entered into an agreement with Carle Health System. The agreement provides Carle with the ability to stand up an alternate care facility at the Activities and Recreation Center (ARC) and house medical personnel in Bousfield Hall.

Blood donation is still permitted under Stay at Home directives. If you are able, please consider donating.

We also hope you will respond to the 2020 US Census. Illinois students should be counted at the address where they would have been living prior to COVID-19 changes.

Please feel free to direct questions to covid-19@illinois.edu and engage with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Robert J. Jones

Chancellor

Weekly Update from Chancellor Jones

Earlier this month, I promised to communicate with you as openly, honestly and quickly as I can. As part of that promise, I want to begin sharing weekly university updates regarding COVID-19. I hope it can be a way for us to stand together and stay informed.

We are taking actions to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We have taken steps to reduce the density of our campus population to allow for greater social distancing and to make the environment safer for those who remain here.

We are also greatly limiting access to many buildings across campus. The buildings that do remain open are being cleaned thoroughly and systematically.

We are implementing policies to deliver the best educational experiences for our students.

We have implemented new policies for Spring 2020 courses, including pass/no-pass grading options and new deadlines.

We are committed to finding ways to celebrate Commencement when it is safe to do so.

The university is actively exploring options for a rescheduled in-person ceremony when it is safe to do so and planning experiences for our graduates in the coming weeks to celebrate their achievements.

We are creating policies that recognize the challenges facing our faculty and staff.

Our COVID-19 Pay Continuation Protocol ensures employees that are promised pay and benefits will not be affected by any COVID-19-related changes.

We are also providing options to ensure faculty members’ promotion and tenure processes are not disrupted by COVID-19.

We are successfully supporting teaching and learning in this transition.

We have outlined additional mental health and support resources to help assist our Illinois students, faculty and staff—including those who are not on campus.

We have also shared both teaching resources and learning resources.

Please feel free to engage with us in the following ways: email us at covid-19@illinois.edu and find updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

I am grateful for each of your extraordinary efforts during this challenging time.

Robert J. Jones

Chancellor