Hello Colleagues!
Can you believe the fall semester starts a month from this week? As we return to an academic year with a balance of in-person and online classes, we will do so with a change related to COVID-19 procedures.
The most significant update, effective immediately, is that we are no longer required to provide proof of vaccination or test weekly. This state mandate was lifted by the governor last week for students and employees at colleges across Illinois. The testing center on campus has closed.
Our focus at HCC remains on the health and safety of all students, instructors and staff. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to stay up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. You are still welcome to submit those records to Highland.
If you’re feeling unwell for any reason, please stay home. Positive test results for COVID-19 must still be reported to Christie Lewis in Human Resources.
Masks and social distancing are also no longer required this summer or moving forward into fall. Disposable face coverings and hand sanitizer will continue to be available to you across campus.
Our Emergency Operations Team will monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and HCC will keep contact tracing practices and a dashboard of current cases in place.
I want to thank you for putting the well-being of our Highland community first. Our care for one another has made all the difference these past two years, and it will be a joy to see more Cougar faces this fall!
-Chris Kuberski