Dear UIS Students, Faculty and Staff —

On Monday, Feb. 28, the statewide mask mandate will be lifted, making mask-wearing optional in most public indoor spaces unless otherwise required by federal, local or organizational/business laws or policies. Over the past two weeks, members of the UIS leadership team have had numerous conversations with students, faculty and staff about possible next steps regarding our mask-wearing requirements.

The following modifications to our face-covering requirements will take effect Feb. 28 and, as with all of our health and safety guidelines, are subject to change based on the nature of the pandemic, university and community transmission rates, policy changes, and other relevant factors.

Effective Monday, Feb. 28, face coverings will no longer be required in indoor spaces except for the following:

• All classrooms, laboratories and instructional spaces during in-person class time
• Clinical settings such as UIS Health Services, the Counseling Center and the Shield Testing Site
• Cox Children’s Center
• Testing location for Civil Service classification exams
• Public transportation
• University and public events when required by performer/speaker contracts

Additionally, individuals should wear a face covering if requested by others when meeting in their private offices or residences, as well if they recently have been exposed to COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms. No additional requirements for face coverings should be implemented for particular units, spaces or events.

Current mitigation measures for individuals with exemptions, alternative work arrangements, or those not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will remain in place. 

Those who prefer to continue to wear a face covering anywhere on campus are encouraged to do so. Please remember that we are United in Safety and will treat one another with respect and understanding.

Thank you,

Karen M. Whitney, PhD
Interim Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield

Questions? Email covid19@uis.edu