COVID-19 Campus Operations Update

Dear Campus Community,

We’re looking forward to the start of the spring semester and have been monitoring, discussing, and planning for a safe return to campus due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns.

Our intent for the spring semester is to be on-campus, face-to-face, with classes beginning Jan. 19. Residence hall move-in will begin Sunday, Jan. 16 as planned.

COVID-19 continues to be a public health emergency, and we’re focused on minimizing disruption while continuing to provide a learning environment that’s as safe as possible. In order to do so, Bradley will modify its campus operations from Jan. 16 through Jan. 26. Classes will meet face-to-face, but other campus restrictions will be in place.

Similar to Fall 2021, other than those already provided in the course schedule, we are not offering remote learning options for students. We aren’t asking instructors to provide the same kind of hyflex instruction (i.e., the ability to use Zoom/Google Meet for online classes) as was done during the 2020-21 academic year.

Students:

  • We’re asking you to come to campus and stay on campus. Don’t go home or travel elsewhere during this period. The risk of COVID-19 exposure increases each time you leave campus and return. (Commuter students are not included in this recommendation).
  • No campus events will be allowed between Jan.16-26. This includes official and unofficial events. All student organization meetings and campus activities should be rescheduled or done in a virtual environment.
  • We urge you to limit the number of guests in your personal residences.
  • Do not host on-campus or off-campus gatherings, parties, etc.
  • Masks will continue to be required in indoor public spaces throughout campus, including classrooms. Please continue to wear your masks appropriately when in these spaces.
  • All campus buildings and dining operations will be open as scheduled.
  • If you have received your booster, please submit it to Health Services.

Employees:

  • Academic, orientation, and class related activities will remain face-to-face.
  • Organizational meetings and social activities should be done in a virtual environment or held after Jan. 26.
  • Masks will continue to be required in indoor public spaces throughout campus, including classrooms. Please continue to wear your masks appropriately when in these spaces.
  • All campus buildings and dining operations will be open as scheduled.

Students and Employees:

As you prepare to return to Bradley’s campus, for those of you who aren’t already on campus, please be vigilant and consider these actions:

  • If you are able, self-quarantine for five days prior to campus arrival.
  • If you have any COVID-19 symptoms or have been identified as a close contact, we encourage you to receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to your return. Keep in mind it may take longer than anticipated to get results due to an increase in cases and testing.
  • Get a COVID-19 booster shot if you’re eligible.
  • Monitor your health and if you experience any COVID-19-like symptoms, don’t return to campus. Students should contact Health Services if they will not be in classes due to symptoms or a positive/pending test. Employees should contact their supervisor and medical provider to determine a proper course of action.
  • A Moderna booster clinic will take place on campus Wednesday, Jan. 26. More details will be forthcoming.

We continue to monitor guidance from the CDC, IDPH, and other governing agencies regarding campus operations. The Bradley Unite site will be updated as quickly as possible when new guidance is released. We appreciate your patience as we do so. The university’s virus team meets regularly to review policies, discuss new developments, and the implications of the guidance from federal, state and local health and governmental agencies.

It’s up to all of us to continue protecting ourselves and the health and wellbeing of the Bradley community. We appreciate your patience and grace as we adapt to the changing COVID-19 environment. We anticipate sending more information next week regarding changes to our isolation, quarantine, and testing procedures. Send any questions to covid19concerns@bradley.edu.