University of Illinois Springfield releases Return to the Prairie plan on Wednesday

The students are going to return to campus for fall classes at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS). The UIS administration released a detailed “Return to the Prairie” plan on Wednesday related to the return of students to campus during the coronavirus pandemic. The 18-page plan included instructions for the students and faculty members.

According to the plan, UIS will offer on-campus courses in the form of blended and on-ground classes. The fall courses will begin on Wednesday, November 25. These courses will be completed through remote instructions. Blended classes are a combination of face-to-face and remote instruction. A distance of six-feet must be maintained on campus. Face coverings are required where a physical distance of six-feet will not be possible to be maintained, according to the plan.

The UIS officials said that face-covering would be required in all common areas including classrooms. Karen Whitney, the interim chancellor of the UIS, said, “It is our best intention to unite us in public health and safety, and we are committed to providing a high-quality experience regardless of the circumstances in which we may find ourselves.”

The main aim of the UIS is to provide the best on-campus experience to its students, administration, and faculty. The University will make changes to the common areas of the campus to implement social distancing. According to the UIS officials, they will set up the classrooms, laboratories, common spaces, and event halls.

The students will be allowed to live on campus in single and double occupancy residence halls, apartments, and townhouses. Guests will not be allowed to enter resident halls. The UIS Student Union Food Studio will go for a carry-out option. There will not be any self-service option available for the students. The Campus Health Service will provide COVID-19 testing to all students on campus.