Dear Colleagues,
We write today to remind you of your responsibility as unit executives to reinforce with your students, faculty and staff the most current COVID-19 safety protocols that are in effect. The safety, health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and greater community, especially during this pandemic, is our number one priority. This is why we put the SHIELD safety ecosystem and its requirements in place.
It is critically important that you do not create or share incomplete or contradictory information about our COVID-19 safety protocols. Creating or sharing incomplete or contradictory information can introduce confusion and expose students to significant sanctions for violating the campus policies and rules. We ask that you refer to the exact language on the covid19.illinois.edu website and to official university massmails when you are communicating about these issues. You should not summarize or paraphrase the official source information.
Students who are charged with violating the Student Code are afforded due process in a disciplinary procedure that includes the right to written notice of charges, the opportunity for a hearing with an advisor present, the right to present evidence and testimony and the right to appeal any disciplinary action. The procedure is a system of shared governance led by the Senate in partnership with the Office for Student Conflict Resolution (OSCR). Cases and appeals in which a student faces separation from the university are heard and decided by a panel of students, faculty and staff. Students are well informed of their rights, responsibilities and options throughout the process.
At any time, if you have questions about the student discipline process, you should contact the Office of the Dean of Students for advice or clarification. Stephen Bryan, dean of students, may be reached at 217-333-0050.
Our goal for the SHIELD program is to give all of us the best opportunity to learn, live and work as safely as possible under these extraordinary circumstances. Consistent, accurate and frequent communication about the rules and expectations is the most effective way to help students make the best choices and avoid any further interruption of their experiences here at Illinois.
We know the ordeal of the COVID-19 pandemic has been frustrating for everyone. We know that these required health and safety measures are difficult to sustain. For nearly a year, this community has come together in virtually every conceivable way to fight this pandemic and to do all we can to look out for one another. We can’t stop now.
Thank you for your efforts and thank you for helping to ensure our students understand our rules and expectations during these challenging days.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Jones
Chancellor
Andreas C. Cangellaris
Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost
