CSU Fall 2020 Semester Operating Plan

Operating PlanToday, we are releasing the Chicago State University Fall 2020 Operating Plan which provides a framework for how the university will prioritize the safety of our students, faculty, and staff while also providing a rich learning environment. Our plans are to open the campus for in-person and remote instruction in the fall, with an adjusted academic calendar and several public health measures.

The framework is the result of extensive deliberation by CSU faculty, staff, and administrators, reflecting local and state guidelines, best practices from public health experts, and guidance from the Cougar community. With thoughtful planning and continuing to make the appropriate precautions, I am confident we can safely open as a residential university. The Operating Plan provides requirements, guidance, and expectations in preparation for our University community to return to campus. A complementary appendix is available on Cougar Connect.

The Operating Plan has extensive information for the fall semester, including:

  • A combination of in-person, remote and hybrid classes. In general, classes that rely heavily on experiential learning will continue to meet in person, with several precautions.
  • An adjusted academic calendar, with on-campus classes ending at Thanksgiving to minimize student travel home and back to campus.
  • Residence halls and dining facilities will be open, with single-person occupancy in the dorms. Density in dining halls will be reduced, and more boxed meals will be offered.
  • The University will purchase more hand sanitizer, masks and other forms of personal protective equipment and require everyone wear masks on campus to keep the university community safe.
  • Student services will remain available, though we will require appointments to support social distancing.
  • Staff will work with their supervisors to determine their schedule for working on campus. We will maintain a rotating schedule on campus to allow for social distancing.

Chicago State University will release much more information next month on a range of topics, including guidelines for the dorms, accessing student services, and securing textbooks and IDs. All students (freshmen, transfer, and continuing) and staff will receive training on e-learning and accessing campus and our services this fall. We are committed to ensuring students, faculty, and staff have the information they need to excel this fall.

The fall looks different than what we pictured a year ago or even six months ago, but our commitment to our students remains steadfast. Our time together this fall semester will reflect the best guidance and ideas from public health experts and innovative faculty and staff, and we continue our work of developing students into leaders in their professions and communities.

Warmly,

Zaldwaynaka Scott, Esq.

President