July 31, 2020

SIU Families:

We can’t wait to welcome your student for the fall semester! Whether students are taking classes in-person, online or both, we’re here to help them achieve their educational goals.

By now, students who are registered for fall classes should have received information from their academic advisors about how to find the delivery method for each course this fall. Students should contact their advisors if they have questions or need assistance.

If your student will be taking courses on campus, I assure you that safety is our top priority. We have listened carefully to the recommendations of health agencies as we have prepared for the fall semester, and are implementing comprehensive safety protocols across campus. Please review Saluki Safety carefully so you know what we are doing and how your student can contribute to a safe community.

We are strongly encouraging students to test for COVID-19 prior to returning to campus, allowing enough time to get the results back before classes start. Students who test positive may not come to campus until they have been cleared by a health official; our Dean of Students office will work with them so they can stay on track with courses.

During the two weeks before classes, we also encourage students to minimize contact with others by self-quarantining. If they do go out, they should wear a mask, practice social distancing and avoid gatherings. We want them to take care of their health so they can get off to a great start this fall and do their part to protect others.

While you can find a lot of information in Saluki Safety, our fall 2020 plan, and on the coronavirus website, you may have more questions. Please send them to us at pandemicinfo@siu.edu.

I also invite you to join me and other members of the campus leadership team to a Zoom update on our fall plans from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, August 7. We’ll review our safety plans, talk about course delivery, field questions and much more. Visit chancellor.siu.edu to participate.

Thank you for supporting your student’s education.

Sincerely,

Austin A. Lane
Chancellor