SIC Announces Changes and Cancellations Due to COVID-19

Due to the highly unusual situation regarding the Coronavirus pandemic, Southeastern Illinois College has canceled all college classes, functions, and events from Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20, as an extension of the previously scheduled spring break, March 9-13. 

Faculty and staff, however, will report for duty March 16-20 to plan for a minimum two-week alternate/remote delivery of services schedule per employee communication.

Per the CDC recommendations for higher education, when classes are closed due to Coronavirus, all extra-curricular activities are to be canceled during this time.

Beginning Monday, March 23, the college will engage in a two-week alternate/remote delivery learning schedule in lieu of on-campus classes in order to limit disruption to learning. Students will be required to check their SIC e-mail regularly for instructor communications.

Registration for summer and fall 2020 will be postponed until April 6, when normal operations should resume.  Questions should be directed to advising@sic.edu for current students and admissions@sic.edu for new students.

Additionally, the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study will be closed during this three-week period with plans to re-open on April 6.  Child Study staff will report the week of March 16 – 20.

The SIC board meeting will take place as scheduled on March 19, and select staff and faculty may work on campus during the two-week alternate/remote delivery schedule provided social distancing and CDC hygiene guidelines are observed. 

Effective March 16, all non-essential travel will be canceled. At this time, all Great Rivers Athletic Conference (GRAC) sports for the spring have been canceled for the entire conference as determined by presidents in the GRAC.

According to SIC President, Dr. Jonah Rice, “These decisions were made in consultation with state and federal sources as well as local college officials. We have been in near constant contact and sharing resources in order to make the best decisions we can with the best evidence at our disposal. My top priority is the comprehensive safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.”

Ultimately, this strategy is a calculated precaution and public health measure also designed to align with other higher education institutions and entities.  Staff and students are encouraged to continue to follow CDC and IDPH guidelines regarding hygiene and social distancing especially during this alternate scheduling period. Visit www.cdc.gov/covid19 for details.

For campus updates, please visit www.sic.edu/coronavirus regularly.  SIC will post updates and important communication at this location.

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