COVID-19 Campus Plan for Fall 2021
Important
Saint Xavier University is looking forward to safely welcoming all students, faculty, staff and visitors on campus in fall 2021, as we prepare to return to our normal levels of in-person classes in accordance with local, state and national public health guidelines. Most of our classes will be held in person, as we had done prior to the pandemic. Support services and co-curricular activities will be available in person with virtual opportunities when necessary to promote a safe and inclusive campus experience. As always, SXU will continue to monitor and follow public health guidelines and transition if needed to support the health and safety of the SXU community.
The Saint Xavier University Campus intends to resume in-person courses and campus life for the fall semester in a responsible way that follows social distancing guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
Our Return to Campus Implementation Team developed a five-phased plan for reopening
that aligns with Governor Pritzker's Restore Illinois plan for reopening the state. An additional phase has since been added in accordance with
the addition of "A Bridge to Phase 5" in the Restore Illinois Plan.
We will continue to keep you updated every step of the way should major deviations
to this plan become necessary due to local, state and/or national developments.
Saint Xavier is currently in Phase 4 as we open campus with limited access, social
distancing and face mask wearing recommendations.
- Access to campus is restricted.
- There are no face-to-face meetings or gatherings.
- Classes are remote in Phase 1.
- In Phase 2, classes are remote, unless in-person instruction is critical for students preparing to work as essential personnel, including: medical professionals, first responders, transportation workers and trade professionals, as determined by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
- Social distancing is practiced.
- Mask usage is required.
- Student facilities are closed.
- Student activities are done remotely.
- Housing facilities and dining are closed.
- Counseling and Health Center appointments are done virtually via telehealth.
- Essential employees work on campus.
- Non-essential employees work remotely.
- Access to campus is limited.
- All classes, meetings and gatherings are limited to 10 people.
- Classes are remote, unless in-person instruction is critical for students preparing to work as essential personnel, including: medical professionals, first responders, transportation workers and trade professionals. In-person instruction is also available for lab science courses and other courses that require in-person instruction to complete that course of study, as determined by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
- Social distancing is practiced.
- Mask usage is required.
- Student facilities are closed.
- Student activities are done remotely.
- Housing facilities are limited.
- Dining is closed.
- Counseling services are provided via telehealth.
- Health Center visits are provided via telehealth and well-check visits are limited.
- Essential employees work on campus.
- Non-essential employees work remotely.
- Campus is open, but access to campus is limited.
- All classes, meetings and gatherings are limited to 50 people.
- Social distancing is practiced.
- Mask usage is required.
- Student facilities are open and limited to 50 people with social distancing precautions.
- Face-to-face student activities are limited to 50 people with social distancing precautions.
- Housing facilities are open at capacity.
- Dining offers limited venue opening with social distancing precautions.
- Counseling services are provided via telehealth with limited face-to-face visits.
- Health Center visits are provided via telehealth with limited face-to-face visits.
- Shuttle buses will run to the Visual Arts Center (VAC) with social distancing precautions.
- Advising services are provided online with limited face-to-face visits.
- Tutoring is provided online or in small groups.
- Essential employees work on campus.
- Non-essential employees work remotely and on campus by area.
- Campus is open.
- Social distancing is practiced.
- Mask usage is required.
- Classes, meetings and gatherings are limited to 250 people indoors and 500 people outside.
- Housing facilities and on-campus dining venues are open at capacity with social distancing precautions.
- Student facilities and face-to-face activities are open with social distancing precautions.
- Student advising and tutoring is provided in person and virtual.
- Counseling Services and the Health Center are open without restrictions with normal business operations.
- Shuttle buses will run to the Visual Arts Center (VAC) with social distancing precautions.
- Essential and non-essential employees work on campus.
- Campus is open.
- All classes, meetings and gatherings are not limited to any size.
- Social distancing is not required.
- Mask usage is not required.
- Student facilities and activities are open and available without restrictions.
- Housing facilities are open at capacity.
- Dining is open without restrictions with normal business operations.
- Counseling services are open without restrictions with normal business operations.
- Health Center visits are open without restrictions with normal business operations.
- Essential employees work on campus.
- Non-essential employees work on campus.
These plans are subject to change as COVID-19 progresses throughout Chicago and the state of Illinois, with guidance by local, state and national public health regulations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), among others.
The Saint Xavier community has a shared responsibility as we navigate this changing situation, and it is important for each person to use caution while on campus to protect oneself and others as we all play a part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
If you have further questions, please email healthinfo@sxu.edu.
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COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing
The SXU Health Center is able to do COVID-19 testing and has been designated as a
vaccination site. Learn more about how to get tested for COVID-19 or how to schedule
your vaccination appointment.
While most campus locations will be open with usual business hours, it's possible hours or staffing may need to change with the situation. Please call to confirm a department's availability.
Library
The University's Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library will be open both in-person and online. The library will provide socially distanced study spaces and computer workstations, though fewer than in previous terms to ensure a safe space between patrons. Wipes will be available to sanitize your workspace, and hand sanitizers will be available.
The library will continue to offer online services with searchable databases and many full-text materials. The searchable knowledge base will be available and the "Ask the Librarian" live chat will be open during the library's posted hours.
For safety, the upstairs study rooms have been closed, but the library has provided a guide to virtual study room spaces so you can gather remotely for group study.
Health and Wellness
Health Center
The Saint Xavier University Health Center is available by appointment only for flu shots and COVID-19 testing for students, staff and faculty. Please call 773-298-3712 with any questions.Shannon Center
Standard hours of operation and community membership access will resume in August.
How will on-campus events, fall sports and University-sponsored travel be impacted?
On-Campus Events
Similar to other colleges and universities, many on-campus, large events are being reformatted in consideration of the health and safety of students. The Registered Student Organization Center will be open for use with limited capacity and social distancing. Registered student organization events will follow the same event protocols as University events and will be encouraged to host regular meetings online when possible. All in-person events will follow social distancing guidelines and have strict attendance caps, and future event confirmation status is subject to change as required to maintain the campus community's health and safety. Events and activities will be communicated on the SXU Calendar, The Den via SXU's social media channels.
Fall Sports
All athletics will return to regular schedules this fall. Pending any contradicting guidelines that may come out, we will plan for spectators in our venues for home contests.
University Sponsored Travel
University-sponsored international travel to any country is restricted until further notice. University-sponsored activities include all academic conferences, athletic travel, academic-sponsored trips and other activities arranged or funded by the University.
Due to a national state of emergency that was declared on March 13, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, University-sponsored domestic travel is prohibited unless prior written approval is provided by both the respective VP or AVP and University President.
What is the CampusClear App?
All students, faculty and staff can download the #CampusClear app on their smartphone.
CampusClear is a user-friendly program and tool to self-monitor your health prior to coming on campus each day.
The app allows you to indicate whether you have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed or are experiencing symptoms and gives you simple instructions about what to do next. Not experiencing any symptoms? Great! Press the "No Symptoms" button and you'll be cleared to come to campus!Informed Consent Forms
As our SXU community prepares to return to normalcy, we have a shared responsibility
in contributing to a safe and healthy campus environment for all.
Informed consent agreements are available for their respective audiences:
Student-athletes will be asked to sign an additional consent form.
NOTE
Campus visitors are asked to sign and submit 24 hours prior to their scheduled visit.
If 24 hours is not possible, visitors may sign and submit the form upon their arrival.
Every student, staff and faculty member and visitor should monitor themselves for
COVID-19 symptoms every day prior to coming to campus. If you are sick, please stay
home.