Illinois State University plans for a “more traditional campus experience” starting next fall after the coronavirus pandemic pushed most classroom instruction online since last March.That’s according to a message university President Larry Dietz sent to students, faculty and staff on Wednesday.
Dietz, who is set to retire in June,said the Biden administration’s plan to distribute 600 million COVID vaccine doses by the end of July gives him optimism that all students will be able to safely return to campus in August.
“As a result, we strongly believe that our students, faculty, and staff will have the opportunity to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in advance of the fall semester,” said Dietz, who cautioned those plans could change based on vaccine distribution and public health guidance.
“As we know, information about COVID-19 has changed rapidly as we have moved throughout the pandemic,” Dietz said. “The university will continue to be flexible and ready to quickly modify plans if necessary.”
According to ISU’s COVID dashboard, the university has had 2,134 positive coronavirus cases among students, faculty and staff since the start of the pandemic.
Some university faculty already have received COVID vaccinations.
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