24 • Thursday, July 30, 2020 • On the Edge of the Weekend
SIUE to look different in fall
Fall courses will include on-ground, online and hybrids formats By Scott Marion smarion@hearst.com EDWARDSVILLE — In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall semester at SIUE promises to be a mix of familiar elements and new experiences.
The semester begins on Monday, Aug. 24. Fall courses will be held in varied formats (onground, online and hybrid) in order to maintain the health and safety of the community while ensuring academic excellence. Classrooms will require social distancing and face covering. “This is the biggest challenge I’ve had to
face in my 35 years at the university in getting ready for a semester,” SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker said. “We have reimagined the university three times and we’re ready for a fourth time just in case. Even if we would have to go back to Phase 3 [of the Restore Illinois plan], we have contingency plans in place for that.”
Masks and physical distancing will be required for all on-ground courses during the fall semester at SIUE.
Classrooms will be cleaned and disinfected nightly. Personal cleaning resources will be made available in classrooms for students who want to do additional cleaning. Classes will feature floor markers and altered traffic flows to reduce face-to-face contact. Reusable, washable face coverings will be provided to all students and staff and will be
(Photo courtesy University Marketing and Communications | For The Edge)
