The three campuses in Urbana-Champaign, Springfield, and Chicago all have different vaccine exemption policies. In Springfield, UIS says get vaccinated or prove you should be exempt, otherwise don't come to campus.
"I think it's really good that everyone here has to get vaccinated to be on campus, but I know a lot of people who think otherwise because they're scared of it,” UIS freshman Mina Edmondson said.
If you’re planning to attend a show at the UIS Performing Arts Center this fall, be prepared to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test.
That’s just one of the precautions being put in place by UIS amid an ongoing surge of new COVID cases. Attendance at Sangamon Auditorium events is being limited to 1,000… which is 50-percent capacity. Concession stands will be closed, although patrons can bring bottled water into shows.
This article appeared on WMAY on August 19, 2021.
Due to our on-campus density increasing with the start of the Fall 2021 semester and the high transmission rates of COVID-19 throughout our region, state and country, the UIS COVID-19 Rapid Response Team has made the decision to require COVID-19 testing for all on-campus individuals for a one-month “entry testing” period beginning the week of Aug. 16. Compliance with this directive will be closely monitored.
All on-campus students, faculty and staff who are fully vaccinated must test once per week.
7.30.21
Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff —
Earlier this week, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention issued new recommendations that all individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, wear face coverings when indoors in public settings in areas that have substantial or high community transmission of COVID-19. Sangamon County is included among many counties in Illinois with substantial transmission.
7.27.21
Dear Students:
As we quickly approach the fall semester, my hope is that you are seeing your university act in many ways to prioritize your safety to the greatest extent possible. Last year, we clearly heard that you want, to the closest extent possible, a traditional college experience at our university — a college experience that is filled with opportunity, experiences and people. You want to be able to have lunch with others in the Student Union, have friends over to your apartment on campus and attend more events and meetings in person.
7.27.21
Dear UIS Colleagues —
Today we are issuing our UIS Fall 2021 Employee COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in alignment with the UI System’s recently announced requirement that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of the Fall 2021 semester.
University of Illinois System President Timothy L. Killeen sent the following email to UIS faculty and staff on July 21, 2021.
Dear colleagues:
As part of our ongoing commitment to the safety of our campuses and the communities around them, the University of Illinois System will require that all faculty and staff be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 by the beginning of the fall semester of 2021. For employees covered by a union contract, guidance will be implemented at the universities through the applicable collective bargaining processes.
Good morning, UIS!
It’s been reinvigorating to see our new Prairie Stars on campus this month as they’ve participated in our revamped one-day orientation programming. We’re hearing great things about their experiences, and I know all of us cannot wait to have the Class of 2025 join us this fall.
New Information
Vaccination Requirement
7.1.21
Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff —
Today we are issuing our UIS Fall 2021 Student COVID-19 Vaccination Policy in alignment with the UI System’s recently announced requirement that all students be vaccinated against COVID-19 if they plan to be on campus during the Fall 2021 semester.