Phase 3 Campus Safety Precautions

Students, faculty, and staff are expected to practice self-monitoring before coming to campus. Some helpful self-monitoring questions include:

• Do you have a fever of 100.4 or higher in the last 24 hours?
• Do you have any of the following symptoms that cannot be explained by another illness or condition?
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
• Have you come in close contact with someone who has a lab-confirmed COVID-19?

If you answered yes to these questions, do not come to campus. It is recommended that you contact your instructor(s) as detailed in the syllabus that you will miss class. Please remember, Highland does not have a health clinic on campus. If you have further questions, contact your healthcare provider or call the FHN COVID-19 hotline at 815-599-6412 or speak virtually to Monroe Clinic telehealth.

While on campus, you must wear a mask or cloth face covering at all times when socially distancing is unavailable such as hallways, classrooms, restrooms, entering buildings, elevators, and stairways. Your mask usage must align with CDC and IDPH guidance.

Wipes and disinfectants are in most areas. All common area touch surfaces are disinfected throughout the day and multiple times when feasible by custodial maintenance. Your assistance in keeping surfaces clean is appreciated.

According to the CDC, gloves are not necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Instead, please follow frequent handwashing guidelines including washing your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and water in a nearby restroom, when available. Hand sanitizer is also available in all campus buildings.

IDHP and CDC guidelines require maintaining social distancing for the safety of everyone. While on campus, you must keep a safe distance of six feet from others. Gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people, including in the classroom and outside. Common areas or social gathering areas have limited sitting.

Please practice social distancing in the restrooms. All restrooms are open with toilet paper, paper towels, and hand soap. We have moved trash receptacles outside the door for easy disposal of your paper towel after opening the door.

Drinking fountains that do not have touchless bottle refill stations are unavailable for use. If you need water throughout your visit, please bring a reusable bottle (already filled) from home. Buildings H, M, and N have touchless bottle refill stations available.

Our vendor emptied campus vending machines in April, so they are not currently available. You may bring a snack from home if needed. The cafeteria remains closed. The bookstore has some food, but you need to call first to make sure they are open.

To limit foot traffic, our staff and faculty continue to work from home, but do come to campus at varying times during the week. Please remember our campus remains restricted to visitors, and all services are available virtually. If needed, you may schedule an in-person meeting by appointment with your advisor, financial aid, testing center, admissions, and the bookstore. Please email your instructor for virtual office hours.

Unavailable Campus Services

• Cafeteria
• Library (available virtually)
• Computer Labs
• Fine Arts Theatre
• Common Areas
• Sports Complex (Call YMCA for status)

Building doors remain locked, except for some summer session courses; those may have in-person labs, including buildings H, M, N, R, and T. Some labs may proceed while practicing the Phase 3 safety precautions. Your instructor will communicate expectations for any in-person learning.

Athletes should contact their coach or athletic director regarding athletic workouts. If a Club would like to meet, the officer should contact the club advisor.

Prospective students may schedule individual tours through admissions or athletics. These tours will need to practice the Phase 3 campus safety precautions.