Campus COVID-19 Updates - Archive

Blackburn Coronavirus Campus Updates

Archive: March 2020 – March 2022

COVID Data Tracker

Blackburn College is located in Macoupin County, Illinois. To find updated details for each county in the United States, go to the CDC website: COVID DATA Tracker.

This statistic is updated every Thursday and recommended actions are given based on current level.

COVID-19 Updates for the Blackburn Community (3/22/2022)

Dear Students:

We are pleased to report that presently COVID conditions on campus and in our local community continue to improve. According to Gary Ross, RN for the campus community, our recent county transmission numbers have been the lowest since July 2021.

As a result, at this time, and effective immediately, the decision was made to once again allow outside guests to visit students in all residence halls. However, please note that if conditions change the previous restrictions may be reinstated as necessary.

The “Residence Hall Visitation Policy” is outlined in the Student Handbook (“B-Book”) on page 68. Please read the details carefully since it has been quite some time since this policy applied. Specifically, note the following: “In cases where students do not wish to have visitors in their room, their right of privacy shall have priority over roommates who may wish to entertain visitors. If a resident requests such privacy, the roommate should be informed and must comply.”

Please consult your Resident Director (“RD”) or Resident Assistant (“RA”) with any questions about the policy.

In addition, if you host guests on campus, your guests will also be allowed to dine with you in DCC.

Please continue to follow recommended health and safety practices, and again, be aware that restrictions may need to be reinstated if conditions change.

The COVID Working Group

COVID-19 Updates for the Blackburn Community (2/28/2022)

To: All Students, Faculty and Staff:

Last Friday, February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidelines and a new COVID-19 Community Levels tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. (The community level for Macoupin County, as of 2.24.22 is LOW.)

Governor Pritzker also released a statement on Friday to end the Illinois indoor masking requirements.

Based on these new guidelines, effective immediately, Blackburn will no longer require masking on campus, with the following exceptions:

Any Blackburn faculty or staff member may require students or co-workers to wear masks while in their classroom/lab, or personal office space. (Please check with your instructor or work supervisor for any specific details.)
People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Please note that we will continue to monitor community level conditions and status changes (e.g., low to high status) could lead us to require masks indoors in the future.

Thank you.

The COVID-19 Working Group

COVID-19 Updates for the Blackburn Community (1/12/2022)

Dear Blackburn faculty, staff, and students:

Thank you all for your participation in our return to campus this week. For those who have yet to return, please remember to send your negative COVID test result to COVID-Results@blackburn.edu. If you test positive, please fill out the Report an Illness form. If you are unable to secure test results before you return to campus, please contact Gary.Ross@blackburn.edu to arrange a rapid test on your arrival.

UPDATES

At present, as previously scheduled, a return to in-person classes and activities is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18.
For the home basketball games against Fontbonne on Wednesday, January 19, only Blackburn students, faculty, and staff on the pass list will be allowed to attend. No outside fans will be allowed at that contest.

Please utilize proper masking guidance, social distancing and get your booster shot, if due. We will continue to keep you updated with additional information, as needed.

Thank you for helping to keep campus safe.

COVID-19 Working Group

Important COVID Campus Information (1/4/2022)

Dear Blackburn faculty, staff, and students:

Faculty, staff and students may return to campus as originally scheduled. However, everyone will need to be tested. Additional information regarding testing and other campus guidance is outlined below.

TESTING

* CLARIFICATION: Everyone is asked to secure a negative test BEFORE returning to campus — i.e., five days or less prior to returning.

Please secure a negative test within 5 days of returning to campus.
Results should be sent to COVID-Results@Blackburn.edu
Reminder – If your test is POSITIVE, please fill out the Report an Illness form.
We recognize it may be difficult in certain areas to get tested. We are working to acquire testing on campus for those unable to test in advance.

CAMPUS GUIDANCE

CLASSES – the first few days of classes will be remote. The first day of remote classes is Wednesday, January 12. The first day of in-person classes is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18.
WORK (for Students/Faculty/Staff) – Meetings should be remote when possible until Tuesday, January 18. Please check with your supervisor for specific work-related instructions.
ATHLETICS – no spectators are allowed until after Tuesday, January 18.
CHECK-IN – Spring Semester Check-in will take place on Monday, January 10, from 9am until 4pm. Early Check-in will be available from 9am until 4pm on Wednesday, January 5; Thursday, January 6; and Friday, January 7.

Return to Campus Plan in January 12/21/2021

Dear Blackburn faculty, staff, and students:

In anticipation of the return to campus in January 2022, all vaccinated students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to be tested for COVID-19 before returning to campus or within five days of their return for the new semester. All unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff will begin mandatory weekly testing on the first Wednesday they are back on campus, beginning January 5, 2022. Anyone who has symptoms, tests positive, or is exposed to someone who tested positive should stay at home and fill out the Report an Illness form.

In addition, vaccinated community members are encouraged to get their booster shot if eligible.

Finally, we have updated the COVID-19 policies document from the Fall 2021 semester in preparation for the Spring 2022 semester. It is attached to this email for your reference.

If you have any questions, please email covidinfo@blackburn.edu.

Sincerely,

COVID-19 Working Group

Download a full PDF of the COVID-19 Plans

IMPORTANT Campus COVID19 Update 11/8/2021

Dear Blackburn faculty, staff, and students:

The recent Covid-19 outbreak on campus, including eleven positive cases within the past week, provided stronger evidence that additional steps are necessary to provide a safe and healthy campus. In addition, given the resources necessary to manage multiple emergent situations, it has become apparent that we are no longer financially, emotionally, and physically able to maintain the extra work that is required. Although we have worked hard to accommodate all members of our campus community, including those who are simply unwilling to be vaccinated, the ongoing lack of compliance has made the situation on campus unsustainable. For example, there are still approximately fifty community members that did not participate in the recent mass testing and did not respond to additional efforts for compliance.

Therefore, after significant discussions, we have decided to enhance the Covid-19 vaccine mandate for faculty, staff, and students. Specifically, it is no longer acceptable to be simply unwilling to receive the vaccine or to have only philosophical objections to being vaccinated. Instead, to remain a faculty, staff, or student member of Blackburn College, you must receive your first vaccine dose by Friday, November 19, so that you can be fully vaccinated by the end of the calendar year. Or, if you received your first vaccine dose in the past, you must receive your final dose of the vaccine by Friday, November 19. The only exceptions that will now apply at Blackburn are the medical or religious exemptions as defined by the State of Illinois, and those forms are attached to this message.

To repeat, every member of the Blackburn community must provide proof of initial vaccination or submit a medical or religious exemption form for consideration by Friday, November 19. A noncompliant faculty, staff, or student member of the community may complete the Fall 2021 semester, but if proof of complete vaccination is not provided by December 31, 2021, they will not be allowed to return to work or school in the Spring 2022 semester.

For information on receiving the vaccine, contact gary.ross@blackburn.edu.

It is our hope that this action will not only increase the health and safety of the Blackburn community but also provide relief from the burden that the ongoing virus spread creates, and possibly provide the opportunity to ease restrictions on campus for everyone.

If you have any questions, please email covidinfo@blackburn.edu. Specifically, if you have been infected with Covid-19 and are interested in your options, please email covidinfo@blackburn.edu as well.

Sincerely,

Mark Biermann
President

Campus COVID 19 Update 11/3/2021

Four campus individuals have tested positive for COVID19 today.

Following advice from Macoupin County Public Health Department — beginning next week — testing will now occur twice a week for all unvaccinated individuals.
Any member of campus is welcome to be tested during the scheduled testing days.

Rapid testing also is available on non-testing days (Mon-Fri) through the campus nurse. Contact Gary.Ross@Blackburn.edu to schedule a test.

Current data indicates these most recent cases came from an off-campus event. We strongly encourage all members of the Blackburn community diligently to follow masking and other safety guidelines BOTH on campus and off-campus.

Additional action is likely to happen. This is an evolving situation and we will inform you of enhanced measures we will take to protect the safety and wellbeing of our community.

— From the COVID19 Working Group

COVID 19 Testing Results and Campus Restrictions (11/1/2021)

We have received the results from the PRC testing on October 27/28.
Thank you to all who took part in this testing.
Having received 99% of the PCR test results from Wednesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 28, no additional positive cases were identified.

We are happy to announce that the restrictions put in place on October 22 are lifted as of tonight at 7 p.m.

As of November 1, 2021 at 7 p.m.

CLASSES: Will continue in-person
STUDENT WORK PROGRAM: The student work program will continue as normal.
STAFF: Please continue activities as normal.
DINING HALL: Will be open. Please strictly adhere to the social distancing and masking expectations.
INDOOR RESTRICTIONS: Continue mandatory masking at all times. Please be diligent as masking is essential to keeping campus safe.
ALL OTHER INDOOR ACTIVITIES: Scheduling events is open and may be scheduled going forward.
OUTDOOR EVENTS: Use social distancing measures as needed.
ATHLETICS: Are open to scheduling. Student athletes, please contact your coach regarding any adjustments. Spectators will be allowed at any indoor athletic events following the approach in effect on October 21.
FITNESS CENTER: Open.

Thank you to everyone for your continued diligence in proper mask wearing, social distancing/when required, proper hand washing, and other ways in keeping each other and our campus community safe during this time.

The COVID19 Working Group

Important Campus COVID Update (10/22/2021)

Blackburn College has currently been designated by Macoupin County Public Health Department (MCPHD) as having a COVID outbreak.

Seven current positive cases have been identified as of today 10/22/2021.

COVID safety protocols are being implemented. Blackburn strongly encourages all community members to be fully vaccinated. Please get your vaccine.

We believe that any campus spread occurred through informal interactions. However, we are taking the following precautions. PLEASE NOTE – AS OF 7 P.M. TONIGHT:

CLASSES: Will continue in-person. Faculty may contact Provost McCain with any questions or concerns. Students with questions or concerns should contact their faculty member and follow up with Provost McCain if needed.
STUDENT WORK PROGRAM: The student work program will continue as normal. If you have questions or concerns please contact your work supervisor/manager.
STAFF: Please continue as normal. If you have a specific concern, contact Human Resources.
DINING HALL: Will be open. Please strictly adhere to the social distancing and masking expectations.
INDOOR RESTRICTIONS: Continue mandatory masking at all times. Please be diligent as masking is essential to keeping campus safe.
ALL OTHER INDOOR ACTIVITIES: Any indoor activities that have been scheduled over the next two weeks are cancelled. ALL meetings should be held remotely, for the next two weeks (10/22/21 through 11/5/2021)
OUTDOOR EVENTS: Use social distancing measures.
ATHLETICS: Student athletes, please contact your coach regarding cancellations and adjustments. No spectators at any indoor athletic events for the next two weeks.
FITNESS CENTER: Closed for the next two weeks.

PER MCPHD – MANDATORY TESTING FOR THE ENTIRE BLACKBURN COMMUNITY WILL TAKE PLACE. More information on this will be sent early next week. Depending on the outcome of this community testing, further adjustments to these protocols may be necessary.

These restrictions are in place from 10/22/2021 through 11/5/2021.

CONTACTS – NEED MORE INFO?
TO REPORT AN ILLNESS: blackburn.edu/illness/
COMPREHENSIVE BLACKBURN COLLEGE COVID-19 INFO: blackburn.edu/coronavirus
TO CONTACT THE BLACKBURN COVID TASK FORCE: COVIDInfo@blackburn.edu
MEDICAL/PHYSICAL QUESTIONS: Gary Ross, MCPHD campus nurse, at gary.ross@blackburn.edu
MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS: Tim Morenz, director of counseling services, at tim.morenz@blackburn.edu
FACULTY CONTACT — Provost Karla McCain, karla.mccain@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5801
STAFF CONTACT — Steven Lambert, steven.lambert@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5559
STUDENT CONTACT — Al Sturgeon, al.sturgeon@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5582

Important Information Regarding State COVID Vaccination Requirements (8/27/2021)

Faculty, Staff and Students,

Governor Pritzker announced yesterday, Thursday, August 26, 2021, a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for higher education personnel and students. The complete announcement is located here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/press-release.23808.html

Information specific to higher education, included:

As COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the state continue to increase, particularly in downstate communities with the lowest vaccination rates, Governor JB Pritzker and IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike today announced vaccination requirements for individuals in high-risk settings. All healthcare workers, … all pre-k-12 teachers and staff, as well as higher education personnel and students will now be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees in all of these settings and higher education students who are unable or unwilling to receive the vaccine will be required to get tested for COVID-19 at least once per week, and DPH and ISBE may require increased testing in certain situations.
To lower the number of breakthrough cases that require hospital admission, … personnel and students at higher education institutions are required to receive the vaccine. Workers and students in applicable settings must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination by September 5, 2021. Second doses of the vaccine must be received by 30 days after the first dose.
Workers who do not receive the vaccine or those who opt out for medical reasons or based on a sincerely held religious belief must follow a routine testing schedule to detect cases early and prevent further spread. Testing will be required a minimum of once per week in schools and healthcare facilities. The frequency of testing may be required to increase in the event of positive cases.

In response to this state mandate, Blackburn’s COVID Task Force has coordinated on-campus clinics next week for Blackburn Students, Faculty and Staff who are unvaccinated:

As noted in the Governor’s statement, “workers and students in applicable settings must receive the first dose of a two-dose vaccination series or a single-dose vaccination by September 5, 2021.”
Individuals who are presently not vaccinated will receive a separate email today which will include a pre-scheduled on-campus vaccine appointment time. Students and employees will be excused from classes and Work Program duties during this appointment time.
If you need to reschedule your appointment: email COVIDInfo@blackburn.edu ASAP and someone will get back with you regarding additional time options.
Email COVIDInfo@blackburn.edu if you have any health complications, religious objections or other information that prevents you from receiving the vaccine.
Those who opt-out will be tested on a weekly basis, and possibly more frequently.

If you need to speak to someone with any questions or concerns, please contact:

FACULTY — Provost Karla McCain, karla.mccain@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5801
STAFF — Steven Lambert, steven.lambert@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5559
STUDENTS — Al Sturgeon, al.sturgeon@blackburn.edu or 217.854.5582

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

The Blackburn COVID Task Force

Fall Semester COVID-19 Plans (8/17/2021)

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

On behalf of the COVID-19 Task Force, I have attached a document that attempts to summarize the COVID-19 plans, policies, and procedures of Blackburn College as we enter the Fall 2021 Semester. As we all know, plans related to the pandemic are constantly subject to change, but we thought it helpful to attempt to summarize the decisions that have been made at this time for all of us, but particularly for those new to our community.

Please keep this document close by for consultation when questions arise.

Thank you all for doing your part to keep our community safe and well as we continue to hope for a day when the pandemic is behind us.

Sincerely,
Al Sturgeon

Important COVID Update: Masking (7/29/2021)

The Macoupin County Public Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health, and the CDC have all issued new guidance recommending the wearing of masks while indoors in counties with substantial or high levels of COVID-19 transmission.

https://www.facebook.com/MacoupinCountyPHD/photos/pcb.4169628433075082/4169628173075108
https://www.dph.illinois.gov/covid19/community-guidance/recommendations-fully-vaccinated
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html#vaccinated

Macoupin county is currently experiencing high transmission: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view

In accordance with these recommendations, everybody on the Blackburn campus, whether fully vaccinated or unvaccinated, must wear a mask while indoors. This requirement, which is effective immediately, is in response to the new surge in COVID cases in our area, and to increase the safety of Blackburn students, staff, and faculty. As with our earlier policies during the pandemic, individuals do not need to wear a mask indoors if they are:
alone in their officeactively eating or drinking while socially distancedalone or with a roommate in their residential hall room

This policy will remain in force while Macoupin County has a substantial or high risk of COVID transmission as reported to the CDC and posted here: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. To minimize transmission of COVID as students and faculty return to campus, the COVID Task Force will likely require two weeks of masking by all individuals at the start of the semester, independent of the transmission risk level within the county.

Thank you for keeping Blackburn and our families safe, and remember that vaccination is the ultimate weapon to stop COVID through herd immunity. Blackburn strongly encourages everyone to get vaccinated if they are able.

The COVID Task Force

Important Reminder (Vaccination Proof) (7/19/2021)

Dear Blackburn community,

As mentioned in the communication shared by President Biermann on July 6, individuals who are fully vaccinated for Covid-19 are encouraged to provide appropriate evidence of vaccination by submitting a photo or scanned image of your vaccination card to covid-results@blackburn.edu. Although the target date for providing proof is August 15, we encourage you to share the proof as soon as possible so that we can plan appropriately for the fall semester, including regular surveillance testing.

As a reminder, unlike those who are fully vaccinated, those who do not provide proof of vaccination will be required to:

Undergo regular surveillance testing, likely every week or every other week
Wear masks and social distance indoors, and, under certain conditions, outdoors; and
Go into quarantine after direct contact with a Covid-19 positive individual.

Also, if you plan to be fully vaccinated prior to the fall semester, it would be helpful for us to be aware of that for planning purposes. You can share that information as well by emailing covid-results@blackburn.edu and then follow up with the proof of full vaccination once completed.

Thank you once again for doing your part for the health and safety of our community.

Sincerely,
Al Sturgeon

Fall 2021 Campus COVID-19 Approach (7/6/2021)

I hope that your summer is going well and that the extended daylight and warmer temperatures are providing some restoration and rejuvenation. I certainly appreciate all of the strong work that each of you provide day in and day out at Blackburn. Thank you. The purpose of this email is to inform the campus community of our approach to addressing the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic at Blackburn College during the Fall 2021 Semester. The approach that will be outlined in this email is based on our best understanding of the pandemic and its impacts on Blackburn. As internal and external conditions change, we may well need to re-visit these decisions in order to best keep the members of our campus community safe and to provide the strongest possible learning environment for our students.

The Covid-19 Working Group has spent many hours grappling with the single biggest question in regard to the ongoing pandemic, specifically, whether or not to require Covid-19 vaccinations for members of our campus community. The Working Group has discussed the available evidence regarding vaccines and the pandemic, and its members have thought carefully about the implications of our approach to vaccines for our community. The Working Group reviewed the results of the recent Covid-19 survey that was shared with members of the campus community. The survey had a strong response rate, and it revealed that members of our community have a range of strongly held positions regarding the use of vaccines and that some of these perspectives are mutually exclusive. Of particular concern is the reality that some members of our community indicated that they would choose to stop working at or attending Blackburn College if Covid-19 vaccines are required for the community, while others would choose to stop working at or attending Blackburn College if Covid-19 vaccines are not required for the community. The Covid-19 Working Group seriously considered all relevant information, data, and perspectives in seeking to develop a path forward for this fall.

After careful consideration, vaccines for Covid-19 will not be required for faculty, staff, or students for the Fall Semester 2021, at this time. While vaccines continue to be the best way to protect yourself and others from Covid-19, we also want to respect the strongly-held perspectives of members of our campus community. Please note that full approval of the Covid-19 vaccine by the FDA, that is, moving beyond the current Emergency Use Authorization, or EUA, or other significant internal or external changes will likely lead to a re-evaluation and potential revision of this approach regarding vaccines. Note also that while vaccines are not mandated for faculty, staff, and students at this time, Blackburn College does strongly recommend that you receive a vaccine for Covid-19 if at all possible. Again, being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect you and those around you from Covid-19. We will be announcing both on- and off-campus opportunities for individuals who would like to be vaccinated to do so free of charge.

Blackburn College will continue to follow the guidelines provided by the CDC and the Macoupin County Public Health Department, MCPHD, as fully as we are able. We have sought to follow the guidelines provided by the CDC and MCPHD throughout the pandemic and continuing to do so helps us to best protect the members of our campus community. The guidelines that we are using at this time were issued by the CDC on June 4th and are available at this link. Given that some members of our campus community will not be vaccinated, we will follow the approach for a mixed campus, that is, a campus with both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. As you can read in the current CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals generally do not need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, do not need to undergo regular surveillance testing, and do not need to go into quarantine after direct contact with a Covid-19 positive individual unless they then develop symptoms consistent with Covid-19. Unvaccinated individuals must wear masks indoors and, under certain conditions, outdoors, undergo regular surveillance testing, likely every week or every other week, and go into quarantine after direct contact with a Covid-19 positive individual. Additional details regarding this overall approach will be forthcoming. This two-pronged approach best enables us to provide the safest possible campus environment.

In order to appropriately implement our approach to Covid-19 during the Fall 2021 Semester, the College will collect information regarding the vaccination status of each faculty and staff member and each student. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to support safety and compliance regarding Covid-19. Individuals who are vaccinated are asked to provide appropriate evidence of vaccination by submitting a photo or scanned image of your vaccination card to the following email address: covid-results@blackburn.edu and proof of vaccination should be provided by August 15th, 2021. Fully vaccinated status is achieved two weeks after the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, or two weeks after a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson Covid-19 vaccine. Individuals who are not vaccinated can simply state that they are not vaccinated. Individuals who choose not to submit information regarding their vaccination status will be treated as unvaccinated individuals with regard to compliance and behavioral expectations. Again, information regarding vaccination status is essential as we address surveillance testing, contact tracing, quarantines, and other requirements for the Fall 2021 Semester. We apologize for any inconvenience related to providing this information.

More information will be forthcoming in the coming weeks. Please feel free to speak with a member of the Covid-19 Working Group if you have questions. Again, thank you for your great work. Acting together, we will be able to successfully keep our campus and community safe, and provide a robust and powerful learning environment for our students. Your good work is deeply appreciated. We will be successful in facing this challenging situation acting as we should: together and as a community.

Best Regards,
Mark Biermann, President

New Policy, Link to Report an Illness (7/7/2021)

Thank you for your commitment to protecting the Blackburn community throughout the global pandemic experience and your flexibility given the ever-changing nature of the health and safety guidance.

For the past year, we have required the daily submission of information through a “symptom tracker” app. We believe that the daily monitoring of health symptoms has been helpful in our overall success. However, at this time, we believe that we can safely transition to a new system for monitoring symptoms. Instead of daily submitting symptom information through an app, we now ask that you simply fill out a “Report an Illness” form when you experience COVID-19 symptoms. The new policy is described in italics below:

New Policy
Any member of the Blackburn community (students and employees) must use the “Report an Illness” link below if any of the following apply:You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (i.e., fever of 100.4°F or higher; cough; sore throat; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; loss of taste and/or smell).You have tested positive for COVID-19.You have been exposed to a person who has tested positive for COVID-19

The information you submit will automatically be forwarded to our COVID-19 response team who will then reach out to you.

If you are exhibiting any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed above, please stay home or in your dorm room until you are contacted by a Blackburn staff member. In addition, if you live on campus, please notify your RA.

The new “Report an Illness” link is found on our website at:
https://blackburn.edu/illness/
Please save this link for future reference.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this new policy. Thank you once again for your diligence in maintaining the health and safety of our community!

Sincerely,
Al Sturgeon

No Global Remote Learning Option at Blackburn in Fall ‘21 (4/2/2021)

All Blackburn students should plan to learn and work in-person for the Fall semester. As of now, there will be no campus-wide remote option offered to Blackburn College students in Fall 2021. Enrolled students should register for classes and apply for Work Program jobs anticipating that face-to-face learning and in-person working will be the norm. Students should watch for the upcoming on-campus housing placement process, as well.

Symptom screening will likely continue, and remote learning will be available to those in quarantine or isolation. There may be rare, exceptional circumstances in which a student might be allowed to learn remotely for a longer period, but such circumstances would be highly unusual and would require a formal accommodation. In-person learning and working are key to the Blackburn experience. Please plan on an in-person semester this Fall.

Blackburn strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated.

These policies may change if state-wide or nation-wide COVID-19 infection rates rise sharply, or if state/national public health guidelines change.

Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (3/5/2021)

Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, which was signed into law in December 2020, the federal government has provided funding for direct grants to students of Blackburn College. In order to comply with the government’s request that these funds be distributed based on student need, we are distributing greater amounts to students with greater financial need. In general, we will provide some level of funds to all students for whom we have received a FAFSA. The Department of Education states that these payments “may be used for any portion of the student’s cost of attendance or emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.”

The federal guidelines provide for up to one year for the College to distribute these funds to students, but we will begin processing them very soon and hope to have them available to students within two weeks. We will provide more information once the payments are ready for pick-up/mailing.

Policy Change Notice & Introduction to Students from New VP for Diverse & Equitable Student Life (3/4/2021)

Dear Blackburn Students:

My name is Al Sturgeon, and I am honored to begin work this week as your new Vice President for Diverse and Equitable Student Life, Dean of Students, and Title IX Coordinator. I am settling into my office in the Student Life suite and doing my best to learn everything about my new role. I am very excited to join the Blackburn community.

I attended my first COVID-19 meeting at Blackburn this week and am pleased to share a bit of good news with you all. Due to medical learnings regarding low transmission rates related to handling “common objects,” particularly in outdoor settings, we are pleased to lift a policy that had been in place all academic year that prohibited activities with a common object (like playing catch, frisbee, etc.), even outside, without disinfection between use. Please continue to practice social distancing outdoors, but the prohibition on playing catch or tossing a frisbee with friends is no longer in force.

While we must continue to maintain vigilance regarding health and safety standards, we hope this policy change is a signal of days to come when it will truly feel like a lively college campus again. With improved weather and spring rapidly approaching, it will be good to see more and more signs of life like frisbees flying around this beautiful campus!

Please take good care, and I look forward to meeting you all.

Yours,
Al Sturgeon

Sun. Jan. 24, 8am: Housing Re-Opens (1/15/2021)

Procedures for Faculty/Staff Violations of Blackburn COVID Rules (2/8/2021)

All reports of faculty/staff violations of COVID rules will first go to HR (Melissa). In the event that such a report is made the following steps will be taken:

Melissa will convey the information to the appropriate Division Chair and the Provost (in the case of faculty) or the appropriate Cabinet Member (in the case of staff).
The Division Chair/Cabinet member will talk to the person in question and any other persons involved to determine whether an actual violation of the rules has occurred.
If it is found that a violation has occurred, the person in question will receive a verbal warning and the Chair/Cabinet member will document that a verbal warning was issued.
If a second report occurs the same procedure will be followed as outlined in steps 2 & 3.
If a third violation is reported and found to be valid, the person in question will receive a written warning and a copy of that warning will be sent to HR.
If a fourth validated violation occurs, the person in question will be provided with a Behavioral Improvement Plan regarding the behavior in question.
If a fifth validated violation occurs the issue will be referred to the appropriate Professional Relations Committee. The Professional Relations Committee will take into consideration the nature and context of the violations in considering the sanctions to recommend to the President. Those consequences may include termination of employment.
The President will then consider the Committee’s recommendation and act accordingly.

Sun. Jan. 24, 8am: Housing Re-Opens (1/15/2021)

Housing check-ins will be by appointment to control the amount of people coming in at one time. Students will be emailed to sign-up for a block of time between 8am-5pm. If you have not received this email, you can sign up at https://calendly.com/blackburncollege-studentlife .Please contact daniel.sepion@blackburn.edu with any questions.
Up to two check-in helpers may be with the student checking-in. Everyone must follow our campus safety guidelines which include (1) stay home if anyone has a temperature, is sick or may have been exposed to someone that is sick, (2) wear a facemask while on campus and while inside the residence hallways, (3) and socially distance yourselves as much as possible. Check-In helpers must leave campus after the student is moved in and have completed any business at the college that day.
Check-In helpers must be pre-screened before assisting students with move in. Students and helpers should go directly to their assigned check-in location to begin the screening process which will include temperature taking.
Due to the nature of the pandemic, existing housing assignments may be changed as needed. If in the event we must close campus due to the pandemic, students should be prepared to move off campus with short notice. For this reason, please pack light and only bring the essentials you need to campus.
Random COVID testing may occur during the semester. For the safety of all, faculty, staff, and students coming to campus will be required to be tested if selected.
Room change or single requests should be directed to your Resident Director. No moves will occur during the first two weeks of the semester.
Students will be given a 10 day grace period to remove business and financial aid holds or students may be removed from housing.

Covid Testing RequirementsResidential students will need to submit a COVID-19 test that was taken no more than 5 days before housing check-in. Test results need to be sent to covid-results@blackburn.edu or faxed to 217-854-5700. Students that are not able to test before arrival need to contact Kyle Brown, COVID Coordinator, at kyle.brown@blackburn.edu by January 18th to make alternative arrangements.It is recommended that individuals test between Jan. 18th and 20th in order to have results by Jan. 23.Commuter and residential students should be tested for COVID-19 up to 5 days before arrival on campus. Public Health testing sites typically need 24 hour notice and will set an appointment date. Testing in Illinois is free through Public Health, and testing should be free and available in other states. Any student who is told that the testing is not free or available for them should contact Blackburn (see below).Students should have test results sent to Blackburn at covid-results@blackburn.edu or faxed at 217-854-5700.Students should also bring paper or electronic confirmation if possible.Students with positive test results must remain at home, and should contact Kyle Brown, Covid Coordinator at kyle.brown@blackburn.edu to arrange for remote learning and to reschedule their arrival to campus.

Students unable to be tested prior to arriving on campus should contact Kyle Brown, Covid Coordinator at kyle.brown@blackburn.edu by January 18th. We will work with these students to arrange testing here on campus or at the Macoupin County Public Health Department and modify their arrival date if necessary.

Students who test positive must be placed into isolation and return home if at all possible. Those who cannot return home will be placed in isolation on campus and will be unable to leave their room until released by Public Health.

Random campus testing and testing of symptomatic individuals may also be conducted throughout the semester. For the safety of all, faculty, staff, and students coming to campus will be required to be tested if selected.Screening App Requirements

Resident and Commuter students should start using the screening app 5 days before their arrival to campus. Enforcement of screening app policy violations will begin on January 24^th.
Questions regarding how to use the app should be directed to kyle.brown@blackburn.edu

Housing Safety Guidelines

Students must wear approved face coverings except when they are in their own dorm room and alone or with only their roommate, showering, or washing their face or brushing their teeth.
Students may not visit other students’ residence rooms for the first week of the semester
There will be a four-person limit in residence hall rooms after the first week (all must be wearing masks).
No off-campus visitors are allowed into residence halls after move-in. This includes remote students and commuters. Commuters are only allowed inside the residence hall for assigned duties for the Work Program. Commuters are never to enter a residence hall room.
Housing is limited this year due to preparing spaces on campus for isolation and quarantine. Graham & Stoddard Halls will be reserved to serve this purpose.
Bottles of sanitizer and paper towels will be available from your Resident Director.
Some bathroom sinks will be disabled to encourage social distancing.
Due to the nature of the pandemic, existing housing assignments may be changed as needed throughout the semester.
Isolation rooms are for students that have tested positive for COVID19. Quarantine rooms are for students that have been exposed to someone that has tested positive but they themselves have not tested positive. Quarantine rooms are also for students that have reported red level symptoms on the daily screening app.
Any student that requires isolation or quarantine will be sent home for 10- 14 days depending on guidance from Public Health. If you are not able to go home, you must stay in a designated room on campus until released from Macoupin County Public Health (MCPHD). This means you can not leave your room, except to use restroom facilities, while you are in quarantine or isolation for 10-14 days. Meals will be brought to you. You will attend your classes remotely during this time. Students will be given the option to have supervised time outside of the assigned building with a professional staff member.
The kitchens in Jewell and Stoddard will reopen. Only one person can use each kitchen at a time. Residents must not share dishes, utensils, or cookware. Kitchens must be wiped down and disinfected between use.

Student Violations/Sanctions of Covid Safety Guidelines

Individuals that have received vaccines must still comply with all of the following Safety Guidelines & Policies.

Daily COVID-19 app: 3 violations = offense. Two offenses (6 violations) = student required to go remote.

Face masks (not using or improper use): 3 violations =offense. Two offenses (6 violations) = student required to go remote.
Social distancing Violations: 3 violations =offense. Two offenses (6 violations) = student required to go remote.
Guest/Visitor Policy – first week on campus. No other resident students are allowed in each other’s rooms. First violation = automatic offense resulting in going remote for any students involved.
Guest/Visitor Policy – entire semester. No non-residents (examples: commuters, remote students, family/friends) permitted inside residence halls (unless required for Work Program duties). First violation = automatic offense resulting in going remote for all involved students.
On Campus Mandatory Testing. Students that miss a scheduled testing time = 1 violation. The second time missing a test = student required to go remote.

Sanctions Overview and Appeals Process

Two offenses of the same kind or two different offenses = student required to go remote.
Two offenses (not including the guest/visitor policies) = student required to go remote.
One violation of any guest/visitor policy = student required to go remote.

Sanctions of violations will be administered by the Assistant Dean of Students.

Appeals of decisions will be heard by the Dean of Students/VPSA. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 24 hours of receiving notice of sanction received for the violation.

Early Check-In Dates: January 18-22 (1/11/2021)The College Offices are open (9am-4pm) for students to take care of business, if needed. Students may visit the business office, financial aid, work program, bookstore, registrar, and student life to complete items.

COVID guidelines must be followed; these are not dates available to move into housing. The Early Check-in process will begin in Student Life for screening and temperature taking before you will be permitted to visit other offices.

Residential, Commuter, and Remote Options (1/11/2021)If you were a remote student for the FA-20 semester, January 18th is the last day to request to change status to become a residential student or a commuting student attending face-to-face courses.If you were a commuting student attending face-to-face courses for the FA-20 semester, January 18th is the last day to become a residential student.Residential and commuter students can choose to go remote at any time during the semester. Once you make that choice, please allow 2 business days to be fully set up for remote courses.Students who chose to go remote cannot return to residential status during the semester; although, those who are transitioned to remote due to isolation or quarantine may return once released.Remote students cannot participate in any face-to-face campus activities, whether academic, athletic, co-curricular, or social.Request to change status needs to be completed on the Intent to Return Form. If you need to change your status after submission, please complete the form a second time and then email studentlife@blackburn.edu to inform them of this status change.Students interested in housing for the Spring Semester should visit the Residence Life website for the housing application or contact daniel.sepion@blackburn.edu.

https://blackburn.edu/housing-application-form/

Move-In and COVID-19 On Campus Testing (1/4/2021)Move-in and Semester BeginningIt is the expectation that all students, faculty and staff get tested prior to returning to campus for this upcoming semester. The recommended dates to get tested are between Jan. 18-20, that way you should receive your test results prior to the start of the semester. You must have submitted a negative test result to covid-results@blackburn.edu prior to returning to campus. If you are unable to get a COVID test scheduled, please reach out to Kyle Brown, the COVID Coordinator, via email at kyle.brown@blackburn.edu or phone at 217.854.5512.On Campus TestingBeginning this semester we will start to roll out on campus COVID testing. To this end, this testing will be done via a random selection of the campus and will also be mandatory. Please follow the link below to fill out the registration paperwork. Copies of the registration paperwork are also attached to this email for you to print and fill out if the online link does not work properly or if you just prefer a paper copy. If you use the paper copy, please send the completed paperwork to covid-results@blackburn.edu. If you have issues filling out the registration paperwork or questions, please reach out to Kyle Brown via email at kyle.brown@blackburn.edu or phone at 217.854.5512.https://forms.gle/7xBTwziRt1oQLo239

Room and Board Refunds (11/21/2020)

Dear Blackburnians,

Due to the College’s decision to move to remote instruction, students who were in residence as of this week were unable to utilize nine days (November 16-24) of their room and board plan for the fall. These nine days equate to 7.5% of the total residential days for the fall. Blackburn will refund the portion of those charges that were paid by the student or their family to Blackburn, either directly or through loans. For example:

Semester charges for tuition, room, and board: $16,775
PELL, MAP, Tuition work credit, and Blackburn aid: $12,775
Student responsibility, including loans: $4,000
Fraction of costs paid by student: $4,000/$16,775 = 0.238

Total semester room and board costs (air conditioned): $4,300
7.5% of room and board: $322
Student responsibility: 0.238 x $322 = $76.75
Refund: $76.75

The refund amount will be placed onto the student’s account as a credit toward spring charges. If this results in a credit balance for the semester, the student may request a refund check by contacting Chris Beck, Accounts Receivable Supervisor, at chris.beck@blackburn.edu.

Shift to Campus Update: Fully Remote Instruction (11/12/2020)

I hope that you are well during this challenging time. The recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Macoupin County, Illinois, nationally, and globally is presenting many challenges for each and every one of us and for Blackburn College more generally. Recent developments have driven additional concerns about health and safety for our campus community, and have placed increasing pressure on our students, faculty, and staff. Of particular concern are the demands being placed on the Work Program and all of the students who make the Work Program function at such a high level, as more students, faculty and staff members are required to move into isolation or quarantine.

For all of the above reasons, and after thoughtful consultation with the leadership of the Board of Trustees, Cabinet, and the Covid-19 Working Group, I have decided that the last day for face-to-face instruction for the Fall Semester 2020 will be Friday, November 13th. While instruction will continue through November 24th, and the Double Instruction Period will be held the first week of December, all classes will go fully remote after the last class meeting on Friday the 13th of November. It is essential that all students fully participate in their remote class activities through the end of the semester.

Resident students should contact their RD or RA to schedule a check-out of their room and plan to vacate campus as soon as possible after class and work on November 13th, but no later than November 15th at Noon. If you need to stay on campus past Noon on November 15th, you will need to complete the Extended Stay Form. A separate email will be forthcoming to residential students with more details about the check-out process. We will seek to do all that we can to accommodate special circumstances, especially issues related to the personal safety of you or members of your family. Further details regarding student accounts and work program tuition credit will be forthcoming.

Students who have no access to the internet while remote, or who have no technology to work remotely, should contact Rachel Stull in the Student Success Center for a possible loan of technology.

Students must return key(s) to Gena Ober in the Physical Plant Office. If you stop by and the office is closed, you can find envelopes in the mailbox by the Physical Plant door. Please place your key(s) in an envelope, write your name on the envelope, seal it and drop the envelope through the mail slot in the door. If you have any questions, please call Gena at extension 5503.

During the remote instruction period, faculty may come to campus to use remote teaching technology, and staff should continue to work in their current mode unless instructed otherwise by their supervisor.

I want to thank every member of the Blackburn College Community for your outstanding work over the course of this pandemic. It was because of your diligent efforts and your commitment to each other that we have been able to maintain face-to-face instruction as long as we have. Indeed, as of today, we are still unaware of any instance of Covid-19 transmission within our campus community. I have been overwhelmed by the thoughtfulness, hard work, and dedication of each member of the Blackburn College community. Thank you.

We regret the need to make this move to fully remote instruction. However, given the combination of forces impacting our campus community at this time, I believe that this is the best approach for our Community. Do let me know if you have any questions that I can help to address. Again, thank you for the amazing work that you do for Blackburn, and for helping to make Blackburn the special place that it is. Take care.

Best Regards,
Mark Biermann, President

Updated Housing Information (11/12/2020)
Winter Break Closing

With the President’s recent announcement of our switch to remote learning, I wanted to provide you with updates to our move-out schedule and reminders about our Winter Break housing. If you have questions about our new move-out date, extended housing, or any other housing questions, feel free to email me at daniel.sepion@blackburn.edu or visit with your RD.

Thank you for your help as we close our halls. All of us in Residence Life appreciate your help in following our checklist guidelines and ensuring your room is ready for our extended winter break. While we are disappointed to close early, we look forward to your return this January and will be in touch to keep you up to date on campus happenings and our Spring Semester move-in.

UPDATED
This Sunday, Nov. 15, 12noon: All Housing Closes

Please make sure you follow your check-out list posted on your door and sign-up for a check-out appointment with your RA to return your keys and register check-out helpers

COVID Safety Move-Out Information

Up to two check-out helpers may be with the student checking-out
Notify your RA at your check-out appointment that you will have check-out helpers–we will arrange a screening of them
The screening process will be at your residence hall and will include temperature taking
Everyone must follow our campus safety guidelines which include (1) stay home if anyone has a temperature, is sick or may have been exposed to someone that is sick, (2) wear a facemask at all times — while on campus and while inside the residence hallways, (3) and socially distance yourselves as much as possible
Check-out helpers must leave campus after the student is moved out

Extended Housing Needs

With our early closure, we understand that you may not be able to leave immediately. To help, we are offering “extended housing” that will run from this Sunday, Nov. 15 through our planned closure date of Tues. Nov. 24 at 9pm. If you are in need of housing after Nov. 24, you must complete our online Extended Housing form. Our office will be in touch with you after your submission.

Break Housing

Break housing is available during two different break housing sessions. Housing outside of these sessions is not available. If approved for housing, students will be charged $100 for each break housing session and stay in their current housing assignment. The $100 charge for each break housing session will be billed to your student account. Break housing includes one meal per day served in DING at lunch time.

Students may sign-up for break housing online at: https://forms.gle/XUh357H8rS4MARG48.

Break Housing Session 1
Sun. Nov. 29 (12noon) through Tues. Dec. 22 (8am)

Break Housing Session 2
Sun. Jan. 3 (12noon) through Sun. Jan 24

Thank You
Dan Sepion

Blackburn Work Program Information (11/13/2020)

In response to the campus moving to remote learning for the remainder of the semester, the Work Program will be making adjustments to ensure everyone has the opportunity to meet their tuition hours. If you have gone remote and have hours still to work, you will be added to the Work Program modules. The modules are provided through Google Classroom, so be sure to check your email for the invitation.

The Work Office will be doing an audit of everyone’s time so we can help you determine how many modules you need to complete. Due to the disruption in the work schedule and semester, we will extend the due date for modules to be completed to Friday, December 4th at 5:00pm.

If you are able to complete your work virtually or in your current work position (some people are staying for break work purposes), you can complete your work in your department. I’ll be working with supervisors to figure out who will remain in their position to complete hours. Please know that anyone that remains on campus must follow all safety precautions and procedures already established.

If you have any questions about the modules or your hours, please feel free to contact me (angela.morenz@blackburn.edu) or the Work Office (work@blackburn.edu).

COVID-19 Policy Reminders (9/11/2020)

Employees and students on campus are required to follow Blackburn COVID policies.

Employees who repeatedly fail to follow safety policies may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment in accordance with Blackburn’s policies and procedures.
Students who repeatedly fail to follow safety policies may be removed from campus and transitioned to remote learning. Infractions to this policy will be adjudicated through the student conduct code process. Infractions occurred in the Work Program will be filed in the Work Program and also in Student Life for disciplinary action.
Blackburn community members who notice repeated infractions of these policies are encouraged to report the infraction to studentlife@blackburn.edu (if it involves a student) or to hr@blackburn.edu (if it involves an employee working on campus).

A reminder of COVID policies:

Employee Health Screening Procedures:

Employees and students on campus are required to self-screen and report symptoms daily through the institutional app https://app.covidoncampus.com/; those who miss or exhibit possible symptoms will be contacted.
Students will be given individual thermometers for self-temping.
Blackburn will have a temperature screening kiosk at DING to scan individuals as they enter for meals.

Face Covering, Social Distancing, and Safety Measures:

Face coverings (masks) are required to be worn in all public areas of buildings (including DCC Commons) and when individuals cannot maintain social distancing practices, except:

Faculty/staff offices when alone (or with office mate)
In DING while actively eating or drinking. Eating is not permitted in DCC Commons.
Students are in their own dorm room and alone or with only their roommate, showering, or washing their face or brushing their teeth
Student intercollegiate athletes or coaches who are physically active during athletic practice and play

There will be a four-person limit in residence hall rooms after the first week; all must wear masks.

Social distancing should be practiced as much as possible and individuals will be required to abide by posted signs in public areas.

Find our policies:
https://blackburn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Blackburn-College-Institutional-COVID-19-Policies.pdf
https://blackburn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Blackburn-College-Residential-Living-COVID-19-Plan.pdf

Update on Keeping Campus Open (9/9/2020)

Some in the Blackburn community have been asking what the “trigger point” might be that would cause Blackburn to shut down the campus and switch entirely to remote learning (as we did last spring). That is a much more complicated question than it may appear because a variety of factors interact and contribute to making such a decision. There is not just one specific event that would trigger that decision, but a number of factors that would be considered, including,

The numbers of students, who are on campus in quarantine/isolation, and our capacity to house, feed and otherwise support those students.
The number of students, faculty, and staff who are ill, quarantined or in isolation due to exposure to COVID-19. (For example, it takes a certain number of students actively able to do their work program jobs to keep dining services and campus services running).
Whether there is “uncontrolled community spread” of COVID-19 on campus. Uncontrolled community spread is defined as an outbreak of COVID for which we cannot trace the source and must assume it is coming from somewhere on campus, but we cannot identify and isolate the source.

The Blackburn COVID Response Team, which is made up of administrators, faculty, staff, and students, is meeting regularly and actively monitoring these factors. Based on these factors and others, as appropriate, this group would make a recommendation to the President and President’s Cabinet regarding whether or not to go to fully remote instruction. The President, with the advice and consent of the Board of Trustees, would then make the decision regarding whether or not to switch to fully remote learning.

Be assured that we are currently doing very well with respect to all three of these things, and that is largely thanks to your willingness to consistently comply with the COVID regulations we have put in place (masks, social distancing, daily symptom reporting, and handwashing). When you do that, you are actively contributing to keeping our campus open. Keep up the good work and we may become a shining example of how a college can safely provide a face-to-face experience in spite of the pandemic.

Remain Vigilant! Act as though everyone you meet has the virus and take precautions. Then the virus will have no chance.

Use of COVID screening information from the symptoms application
Per updated Public Health recommendations, individuals with stronger COVID-like symptoms will be quarantined until they receive an alternative diagnosis or a negative COVID-19 test. Students and employees should contact their medical provider or have a free telehealth consult with a public health nurse practitioner (call 217-854-3692, option 1, to set up an appointment). Those with health insurance can also utilize the walk-in clinic next to the Carlinville hospital, open Sunday through Saturday 8AM – 4PM. In all three instances, individuals are typically released from quarantine or asked to be tested for COVID. Those who refuse testing must quarantine for a minimum of 10 days from the onset of symptoms, and those who are tested will be released from quarantine with a negative test.

Stay safe,
The COVID Response Team

REMINDER – COVID-19 Test by Tuesday, August 18th

PLEASE NOTE: Any student who has not been tested for COVID-19 by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 18th will not be allowed to be on campus.

Please call the Macoupin County Public Health Department COVID-19 hotline at 217-313-5078 as soon as possible to schedule your test. If you need transportation to the county COVID-19 testing site, please call 217-854-5517.

Update to the Masking & Social Distancing Policy

A quick reminder and addition to the masking and social distancing policy on campus:

No activity, even outside, unless social distancing (at least six feet) is maintained
No activity with a common object (ball, frisbee, etc.), even outside, without disinfection between use

These protocols have been established for everyone in order to support our efforts to be as safe as possible and to remain on campus in a face-to-face learning environment this fall. As a community, we must remain vigilant, work together, and comply with these safe practices. Staff, faculty, and campus leaders must lead the way and set the example.

Fall Classes: Instruction and Meetings

Blackburnians,

The fall semester is nearly here! Welcome!

As you prepare for your classes, please know that some students and some professors will be joining their classes remotely through video-conference. Technology has been set up for these classes so that all students and faculty can see each other as well as course materials. When the professor is teaching remotely, the on-campus students may meet in a classroom or may all meet through video-conference.

Students will hear the details of their class from each of their professors by Tuesday, August 16.
Students learning remotely will receive an invitation to the video-conferenced course by Monday, and should join the class at the scheduled time through the course’s URL.
If the whole class is being held remotely, all students will receive an invitation to the video-conferenced course by Monday and should join the class at the scheduled time.
All students, on-campus and remote, must attend class during the scheduled time unless expressly told otherwise by their professor.

Faculty teaching all classes remotely. Students must attend all or most class meetings at the normally scheduled time, per faculty instructions:

- Mike Bradley
- Rashida Kadiani
- Deborah Wheeler
- Grace Fisher
- Chris Day
- Tony Vitale
- Tena Krause
- Odell Mitchell
- Andrew Hale

Faculty teaching remotely. Some classes will be held during the normally scheduled time, per faculty instructions, but much course work will be completed outside the normally scheduled time (i.e. these are hybrid face-to-face/online courses):

- Laura Wiedlocher (PS/CO 340)
- Natasha Casey (all)
- Pam Danker (all)
- Trisha Prunty (all)

Courses that will be taught completely online. These classes will rarely, if ever, meet during a regularly scheduled time:

- Laura Wiedlocher: SS330
- Ed Zalisko: BI 320

Sincerely,
John McClusky, Ph.D.
Interim President
Blackburn College

Important Update: active COVID-19 testing (8/6/2020)

Good afternoon,

Students from some areas have told us that they are having trouble scheduling their test for active COVID-19 virus. We are working with students in these situations so that they can be tested here. Commuters may be tested on August 14 even if they will not get to campus until Tuesday the 18th.

- You will soon receive an email with a survey monkey link to let us know whether you are having trouble scheduling a test. Please complete this survey after contacting your local Public Health to try to schedule your test. Students in Illinois can locate state testing sites on the web at https://https://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing – please note the state map towards the bottom of the page.
- For the safety of everyone on campus, anyone who arrives on campus without a negative active COVID-19 test result will be largely confined to a residence hall room until a negative test result is received by the college (whether the individual was tested here or elsewhere). Those tested at Blackburn will have restricted motion for at least one day until their test results are returned.
- Test results should be faxed to Blackburn at 217-854-5700 or emailed to covid-results@blackburn.edu.
- For any student or employee who is within 8 weeks of recovery from the virus, Blackburn will accept a physician’s clearance for all activities in place of a negative active COVID-19 test.

The survey data is very important to plan a safe and smooth return to campus. I apologize for the inconvenience of testing, but this important safeguard is in place to help keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your prompt action to schedule your COVID test.

Stay safe,
Dr. McClusky

Important: Blackburn Fall updates (8/4/2020)

Good morning, students!

I hope you are all doing well, and eager for the Fall semester to start! I know we are. This email is to tell you what to expect this fall at Blackburn.

Short version:

- Please carefully read the fall policies and procedures below, since they will tell you what to expect when you arrive on campus.
- All students should be tested for COVID-19 within three days before arriving on campus; the test should be free. Results should be faxed to 217-854-5700 or emailed to covid-results@blackburn.edu. There are details below about what to do if it isn’t free or you are unable to get tested, as well as the restrictions for students who arrive without test results (yes, we will work with you to help you get tested if you cannot get tested at home.)
- Social distancing and facemasks will be required for everyone almost everywhere indoors (yes, residence halls too, with a few exceptions)
- More policy details will be posted on the Blackburn website over the next couple of days at blackburn.edu/coronavirus, but please start by reading the information below.
- Other than innocent mistakes, students who repeatedly do not follow our safety guidelines will be sent home to learn and work remotely.

Long version:

The pandemic is changing college life on every campus in the country, and Blackburn is no exception. We’ve worked thousands of hours to prepare for your return so that you will have as safe an experience as we can make it.

Make no mistake, things will be different in every aspect of campus life: housing and dining, the classroom, athletics and the work program, and co-curricular activities. Please read these highlights carefully to understand our expectations for the fall. Public Health has made it clear that they will transition any college with a significant outbreak to remote learning, and Blackburn is no exception. Therefore, it will be important for everyone to follow these policies for Blackburn to continue our face-to-face experience.

Let me share four important things that will help keep us all safe:

- All students should be tested for COVID-19 within three days before arriving on campus; the test should be free. Results should be faxed to 217-854-5700 or emailed to covid-results@blackburn.edu. There are details below about what to do if it isn’t free or you are unable to get tested, as well as the restrictions for students who arrive without test results (yes, we will work with you to help you get tested if you cannot get tested at home.)
- Social distancing and facemasks will be required for everyone almost everywhere indoors (yes, residence halls too, with a few exceptions)
- Classes will have fewer students. In a few classes where there are too many enrolled students to fit into the classroom, students will have to take turns attending the class remotely
- Other than innocent mistakes, students who repeatedly do not follow our safety guidelines will be sent home to learn and work remotely.

Please read the highlights below carefully, and more details will be available over the next few days on our website blackburn.edu/coronavirus. Many of these items will likely be an inconvenience, at least until we get used to them. But in the important ways, your Blackburn experience will be the same as it has always been. Blackburn will give you an experience like no other to learn in the classroom and through the Work Program, and our faculty and staff are eager to work with you so you can become more than you ever thought possible!

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone this fall, whether in person or virtually.

Stay safe,
Dr. McClusky
Interim President and ProvostREAD THE FULL ATTACHED LETTER TO STUDENTS FROM 8/4/2020

BLACKBURN COLLEGE — COMMUNITY SAFETY STANDARDS (5/18/2020)

To protect our students, employees, and community, Blackburn College has implemented certain safety protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus on our campus. In doing so, the College is guided by directives issued by state and local government officials and recommendations from the CDC and state and local health authorities. The College will regularly review and update its protocols based upon current requirements, recommendations and information.

All employees, students, and visitors to campus are required to comply with the protocols in effect while they are present on campus. Individuals who fail or refuse to do so may be directed to leave and may be barred from campus.

Safety standards may include, but are not limited to:

Daily temperature checks at the start of shifts
Protective equipment worn in all public spaces and during shifts; an approved personal facemask may be worn
Social distancing standards of 6 feet of personal space will be adhered to
Calling off of a shift if any illness is detected, operating cautiously
If a student starts to feel ill during a shift, they will notify the supervisor immediately and remove themselves from the work space (clocking out and going home)
Testing (As available and appropriate)
Appropriate disposal procedures for protective materials (i.e. gloves, facemasks and disinfectant wipes)
All work surfaces will be cleaned at the start and conclusion of each shift (i.e. clocking stations, door handles, desktops, keyboards, and any equipment used that day)

Safety standards can be changed as new information and data is available. The campus community will be informed of any changes as they happen, new institutional guidance will be issued with changes. The measures set forth are intended to protect all members of the Blackburn Community.

END OF SEMESTER INFORMATION FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS (5/7/2020)

Dear Blackburnians:

Greetings from campus! We have missed spending the latter part of spring semester with you as I’m sure you’ve missed doing all the things that make life at Blackburn fun during the spring. We’re thinking about you as you finish up your coursework and complete your final exams.

While you are working on wrapping things up for the spring semester, we are working on preparing for a new semester in the fall. Here are some of the things we’re working on for you:

We have regularly communicated with the Illinois Department of Public Health and are attending to guidelines from the CDC and here’s how we envision the fall semester. Please be assured that we will continue to monitor changing guidelines and will make adjustments as necessary.

Residence halls will be open in August & will have been cleaned for your protection.

Room draw will take place in the next week so watch your email for details

Any residents with immuno-compromised conditions or other health conditions making residence hall living difficult or are concerned about living on campus due to health concerns, please contact Jarrod Gray at jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu for options.

As nasal swab and blood antibody testing becomes more available and “normalized” we will study the efficacy of these tools to help us ensure the health and safety of the campus community.

We are working on a system to regularly take temperatures of students, faculty & staff to ensure that those who have a temperature get medical attention & don’t attend class or work.

We are also working on a system which will facilitate social distancing. This will include helping to allow distancing space in classrooms, in the campus dining hall, in work settings, and in residence halls.

We are going under the current assumption that masks, provided by Blackburn, will be required in all circumstances where social distancing (staying outside of 6’ from one another) will not be possible.

Regarding fall classes: we are making plans for how to hold classes on campus while respecting social distancing. These may include dividing large classes into sections, developing a hybrid approach (online and face-to-face), restructuring seating in small classrooms, scheduling appropriate lab usage, regular cleaning to sanitize desks, tables, equipment and provide hand sanitizers in classrooms, library, labs and other academic spaces, and finding appropriate spaces for private conversations with advisors and course instructors.

The Work Committee and Work Program are currently working on rehiring students to positions and advertising/interviewing students for open positions.

Advertising for leadership positions (i.e. assistant and crewheads) is underway currently, with interviews for those positions in the next week or two.

Anyone not hired, or in a secured position, will be placed in a position later this summer.

Work Committee is planning for Work Program leadership training anticipated for August. Leadership teams will be notified as to the days and times for training after hiring has closed later this month.

The Work Program is working collaboratively with Student Affairs to establish orientation materials for incoming students

Athletics is currently operating under the College guidelines using physical distancing and a stay-at-home policy that will continue through the end of May. The department has cancelled all summer athletic activities including summer camps, fundraising events and alumni gatherings. We expect that in the fall:

All fall sports teams will return to campus in mid-August pending institutional approval and under the guidelines of local and state health officials.

We anticipate the fall sports season will be played as originally scheduled with full competition schedules.

The department is working on precautions and protocols that must be in place to open our fall season and we will provide more details on these plans in the weeks ahead. We expect that when we do return, there will be many changes in the way we operate our athletic programs and events and in what might be expected of each of us in our daily routines.

Should the state force colleges and universities in our region to move online for a portion of the semester, faculty, staff, and the Work Program are making contingency plans to maximize all forms of the Blackburn experience during that time.

Please keep in mind as you plan for fall, we’re planning for your safety when you return. Our area of the state continues to be among the lowest rates of positive test results for COVID-19. Remember–we have a spacious campus, we’re located in a rural community which is not densely populated and we already offer small class sizes – all important factors in protecting the health and safety of you and other members of our community.

Good luck on final exams, have a safe and enjoyable summer and we’ll look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Sincerely,

Heidi Heinz
Interim Vice President &
Dean of Student Affairs

CAMPUS UPDATE & REFUND STATUS (4/27/2020)

Dear Blackburnians,

I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and safe. I recognize that this is not the way you planned on spending this semester, and appreciate the resiliency you, your family, and the whole Blackburn Community have demonstrated as we deal with this unprecedented pandemic. Below I share our plans for the future, as well as provide details about refund and emergency relief checks that will be coming to many students.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Stay Healthy,
Dr. McClusky

Fall Semester

We are planning for classes to resume in person this fall! While we’ve learned we can survive online, I know you’ll agree that one of the many things that makes Blackburn special – and that makes the Blackburn experience so much more valuable – is the interactions we have with each other. And so I’m very happy that we expect classes to resume, on time and in person, August 19!

While we have every intent to resume fall classes on campus, there is a chance that there will be a resurgence of the virus during the semester that may require we move online for a while. We are making careful contingency plans to minimize any disruption. We’re planning with faculty how we could help classes run more smoothly. We’re talking with the Work Program about how to help you continue to learn important skills that will propel you into your career. We’re exploring with faculty and staff how we can build and resume mentoring opportunities, with Athletics about how we can provide opportunities for all sports to compete, and with Student Life how we can keep everyone safe if someone does get sick. The bottom line is that we’ll have your back no matter what happens.

Work credit forgiveness

As a reminder, Blackburn previously notified students that they would receive full credit for their Work Program tuition credit despite not working the last eight weeks. This is a $1250 benefit to each student in the Work Program.

Refunds and disbursements: students must confirm current address to receive a check

Checks to refund prorated room and board expenses, excess funds due to MAP, and/or CARES Act student emergency relief funding (details below) will be mailed. Students will receive one check even if receiving funds from multiple allocations. The check will be sent to the address indicated on an online Address Verification for Refund Checks form. This form must be completed and submitted by 12:00 PM midnight central time on Sunday, May 3, 2020. Please click on this link to access submit your current address.

Refund of unused housing and food charges

Blackburn College recognizes the financial burden the coronavirus pandemic has placed upon our students and their families. Due to the State’s shelter in place order, students were unable to utilize 50% of their room and board planned for the spring semester. Blackburn will refund the portion of those charges that were paid by the student or their family to Blackburn, either directly or through loans. For example:

Semester charges for tuition, room, and board: $15,705
PELL, MAP, Tuition work credit, and Blackburn aid: $12,705
Student responsibility, including loans: $3,000
Fraction of costs paid by student: $3,000/$15,704 = 0.191

Total semester room and board costs (air conditioned): $7,900
50% of room and board: $3,950
Student responsibility: 0.191 x $3,950 = $754.45
Refund: $754.45

Any outstanding balance owed Blackburn will be subtracted from the refund. Checks to cover room and board refunds, MAP excess funds, and/or federal student emergency relief funds will be sent by May 8.

Please be sure to update your mailing address on the link above.

Refund of Illinois MAP grant excess funds

The State of Illinois owes Blackburn College approximately $725,000 for MAP awards to students. When we receive this money, we recognize that it will create a credit balance for some students. Knowing the importance of this to our students, checks to cover MAP excess funds and any additional funds will be sent by May 8.

Please be sure to update your mailing address on the link above.

Federal student emergency relief (HEERF) funding

The Federal CARES Act provided Blackburn $456,532 to distribute to eligible students for the “direct payment of grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.” The Department of Education encourages colleges to prioritize students with the greatest need; all students receiving aid must be eligible to submit a FAFSA.

Blackburn will allocate this money based on each student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) determined from their 2019-2020 FAFSA. Students with a zero EFC will receive the maximum allocation of funds. Students with paid hours contracts will receive funds towards that lost income. Checks will be sent to students by May 8, 2020.

Please be sure to update your mailing address on the link above.

Residence Life

Room Selection/Room Draw
Residence Life is currently working on an online process for room selection (aka room draw) for fall semester. This online format will follow the room draw process found in the B-Book (pgs. 75-77). Priority will be given to students based on semesters lived on campus. Squatter guidelines for those with roommates requesting to stay roommates and in the same room will be followed. Students must be registered for fall semester courses before a room assignment will be made. When this process begins, students will be provided a blank copy of floor charts as a reference for buildings and room numbers. Residence Life will then collect student housing/room preferences and assign students rooms based on our policies.

Res Life RD & RA Positions
Residence Life is also coordinating with the Work Program on application and hiring timelines for new RD and RA positions. These positions will follow the recruiting timelines for other Work Program leadership positions that still need to be filled.

Take a Moment to Engage
You’ve likely seen the virtual engagement activities residence life staff have been hosting. (please check announcement emails for more info) Give yourself a break and take some time to enjoy some virtual connection time with fellow students. You never know…..a few laughs and sharing some time with others who know what you’re going through…could be quite helpful for your soul!

Teletherapy
Is the virtual world causing you anxiety? Take advantage of FREE counseling from Blackburn counseling services. Set up an appointment with Tim Morenz (tim.morenz@blackburn.edu) or Jenny Langley (jenny.langley@blackburn.edu).

Spring Move Out
Students that still need to move out of their room may schedule a check-out from May 1-17 by emailing Mak Wiedewitsch: mak.wiedewitsch@blackburn.edu. You must schedule a check-out in advance as your keys to the buildings no longer work. If you are not able to return by May 17th to move-out, email Mak ASAP to discuss.

Work Program

The Work Program is moving ahead with the intent that students will return in fall, but understanding that the future is uncertain. Work Committee is starting the rehiring process, and returning work applications have been sent out via announcements (an online form). Additionally, there is an established timeline to complete hiring in May, as we would do traditionally if we were on campus. Please check your email for a comprehensive list of open positions being advertised in the coming weeks.

Athletics

The St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Commissioner is working with the conference athletic directors to consider possible contingency plans in case COVID-19 continues to disrupt the fall athletic sports season. Currently, two contingency plans are being considered. The first plan would allow for a later fall season start date (October 1) and possibly eliminate many non-conference games from the schedule. A second plan under consideration would move all conference sponsored sports to the spring 2021 semester. This plan would eliminate non-conference competition and include a shorter, conference only schedule. Final details of these plans will be worked out over the course of the next several weeks with final plans announced early in the summer.

Everyone involved in this process is hopeful the fall 2020 athletic season will be played as originally scheduled with full seasons, but we will remain focused on planning our sports programs with the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and fans being of ultimate importance.

SUMMARY OF BLACKBURN’S RESPONSES TO THE CORONAVIRUS (4/8/2020)

I sincerely appreciate everyone’s resilience and flexibility as we respond to the serious threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have two goals: 1) keep you, your families, and Blackburn faculty and staff safe, and 2) ensure that you continue to receive the excellent education you came to Blackburn to receive.

We at Blackburn want to acknowledge that this situation might be causing some fear, anxiety, doubts, and questions. We honor those feelings: they are natural and real. We recognize this is not what you have planned for the conclusion of the spring semester, and for some the end of your college career. If you are feeling anxious and could use a confidential sounding board, virtual counseling is available to the campus by scheduling an appointment with Counseling Services at tim.morenz@blackburn.edu or jenny.langley@blackburn.edu.

Here is an updated summary of the most important points for students:

CLASSES

Classes resumed Monday, March 30 in an online “Distance Learning” format. Classes will remain online for the rest of the semester.

If you are concerned about your access to necessary technology for your coursework, please contact Rachel Stull, Director of the Student Success Center at rachel.stull@blackburn.edu or at 217-854-5623 to discuss the program. Alternatively, you may contact your professor, coach or your advisor who will forward your concerns.

As I hope you are experiencing, moving online does NOT mean that you will be on your own for the semester!

Your professor is more than happy to communicate with you (video chat, phone, email, etc.) about questions and difficulties you may have with your coursework. Faculty have online office hours or other procedures so they can respond to your concerns quickly.
The Writer’s Block is still open (writer’s.block@blackburn.edu), and tutoring continues in biology and computer science.
Online library resources are still available through the Lumpkin Learning Commons page on our website. Lynn Armstrong will still be available to help meet your needs.

In short, moving online does not mean students are on their own. It means only that we will be communicating with each other in new ways. Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor, advisor, coach, or Rachel Stull with any questions or concerns about making this transition. Beaver Nation is still going strong!

The date to drop a class with a withdraw passing ‘WP’ grade has been extended to Tuesday, April 21. A grade of ‘W’ has no punitive effect on a student’s grade point average. If you have any unresolved questions about an internship, please reach out to your supervising faculty member or Dianna Ruyle, Registrar.

If you are currently a full-time student and you drop a class that puts you below 12 hours, your financial aid may be impacted. Please contact the Financial Aid Office, financialaid@blackburn.edu, if you have any questions.
Any student with an internship should reach out to their supervising faculty member for guidance about completing their internship hours.

Finals/DIPS will be held as originally scheduled, Friday and Saturday May 8 and 9, and Monday and Tuesday May 11 and 12.

WORK PROGRAM

Students will receive credit for the remaining unworked tuition credit hours they would have been expected to complete during the remainder of the semester, even though they will not be working those hours.

Work Managers are working on the details for fall hiring. We will communicate the timeline and process as it is finalized.

Due to the quarantine, we do not anticipate any additional paid positions in the near future. Any openings will be placed on Blackburn Announcements.

RESIDENCE HALLS

If students were not able to move out of your residence hall room, please contact Jarrod Gray at jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5582. In light of the shelter in place order, nobody is being allowed to move out at this time. Specific dates and times for move out will be announced once the order is lifted.

Blackburn will return prorated room and board costs. Unfortunately, we are unable to share more details at this time, as we continue to wait for guidance from the Department of Education and potential legislative changes related to financial aid (financial aid covers some room and board charges for most students.) Please be patient, we will provide that information as it is available to us.

We are working out the details about things like room selection for next year, senate elections, etc. Please stay tuned as we will keep you informed.

The Campus Bookstore is beginning to forward mail.

Residential Life is sponsoring a number of remote engagement activities that can help you do something different, engage with your classmates and work to fight off cabin fever. Watch for information in Blackburn Announcements.

SPRING ATHLETICS

The SLIAC conference has cancelled the remainder of the season, including any championship competitions. Students impacted by the cancellation will not lose any eligibility.

GRADUATION

While we recognize that commencement exercises are very important to our graduates and their families, we also recognize the importance of keeping you and your family safe. Therefore, it is with great sadness that I announced that in-person commencement exercises will not take place on May 16, 2020. We are planning a virtual graduation for the 16th, and will have additional information coming soon.

In addition, we are planning for a special in-person graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 the weekend of May 15th, 2021. We sincerely hope you and your family will join us that weekend to celebrate your accomplishments and update everyone about the amazing directions your life will have taken you.

When will I officially be a graduate? Will that wait until the graduation ceremony?

Degrees will be officially conferred on May 16 for students who have successfully completed all required coursework. Graduate status will appear on graduates’ transcripts by May 22.

Take care and be well.

Sincerely,

Dr. John McCluskey
Interim President

GRADUATION UPDATE (4/6/2020)

Dear Seniors,

While we recognize that commencement exercises are very important to our graduates and their families, we also recognize the importance of keeping you and your family safe. Therefore it is with great sadness that I must announce that in-person commencement exercises will not take place on May 16, 2020. We are planning a virtual graduation for the 16th, and will have additional information coming soon.

But a virtual commencement is not sufficient for such an important accomplishment. We are planning for a special in-person graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 the weekend of May 15th, 2021, separate from the ceremony for the class of 2021. (While we had hoped for a face-to-face graduation ceremony at Homecoming, the stark reality is that we might have had to postpone that event too.) We sincerely hope you and your family will join us that weekend to celebrate your accomplishments and update everyone about the amazing directions your life will have taken you.

Seniors, I apologize for the great disruption to your final semester at Blackburn: this is not the way any of us pictured Spring 2020. Yet I am proud of the resilience that you and your fellow students have demonstrated as we make the best of this terrible pandemic. You are truly Blackburn Beavers, never giving up and ready to change the world!

Stay healthy and stay focused on the positive,

Sincerely,

Dr. John McCluskey
Interim President

BLACKBURN CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY UPDATE (3/25/2020)

Dear Blackburnians,

We are aware of a petition that has circulated online requesting that Blackburn College immediately award a “pass” for all coursework this semester. Our guiding concern is that the proposed solution would cause long-term harm to your future education-based endeavors, whether in future Blackburn courses, graduate school, or meeting career-specific requirements. Given the unprecedented nature of the current worldwide situation, we understand and appreciate the stress and concerns behind this suggestion. While we cannot control the spread of the epidemic, beyond doing our part by closing the campus and practicing social distancing, we can ensure that your college education continues in a manner that guarantees the value of your degree. To this end, the automatic “pass” proposal is not a viable option for several important reasons:

Blackburn College must maintain the standards set by accrediting agencies and the Department of Education. It has been made clear that we still must demonstrate that our students meet certain learning objectives, which includes demonstrating that we are still providing and requiring appropriate learning activities and assessments.
All colleges and universities are facing the same concerns, and we are reflecting a pattern of response that is common among most institutions. The procedures we are establishing are the result of careful and extended thought and discussions. Our concern is to adopt those practices that will meet the needs of our students and maintain a high quality of education.
A “pass” would require partnering with other institutions to ensure that our coursework would meet admissions standards of graduate schools or professional standards (such as Teacher Education) for employment. An institution would be unlikely to do that for only partially completed work.
Many courses are prerequisites to other courses required for completion of a major, and require a certain level of mastery for continued success. Other classes provide important general skills necessary for success. A “pass” would not allow for a student to attain the necessary preparedness or mastery.
While a “pass” may ease some of the pressure short term, the decision to continue with a grade system does not mean that we are not aware of the anxieties and concerns that many students may have. We have made, and continue to employ, a concerted effort to provide personal attention and continual contact with all students. Instructors, advisors, coaches and staff have encouraged students to reach out to them with their needs, whether they are academic, personal or technological. Our professional counselors remain available for personal attention online.
Faculty are adjusting their coursework expectations to reflect the realities of distance learning (reducing some of the obstacles and taking advantage of some new opportunities), without reducing the quality of the instruction offered.

A great deal of thought and caring attention has gone into planning how Blackburn College will complete this semester. We have tried to anticipate your needs and concerns throughout this process and, as we resume coursework, we encourage your feedback. Please do not hesitate to contact your instructors, advisor, coach, or the Student Success Center and let us know of your academic, personal or technological needs. We are still here for you.

Take care and be well.

Sincerely,

Dr. John McCluskey
Interim President

BLACKBURN CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY UPDATE (3/19/2020)

Dear Blackburnian:

Over the course of the last few days, the institution has made every attempt to keep you up-to-speed on changes, latest developments, and next steps regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. Emails have been fact-based, to the point, and full of information; an effort to keep you informed. While that is important, and it really is, the institution also wants to acknowledge that this situation might be causing some fear, anxiety, doubts and at the very least questions. The institution wants to honor those feelings, they are natural and real. We recognize this is not what you had planned for the conclusion of the spring semester, and for some the end of their college career.

We want to be mindful of the fact that the recent decisions have disrupted the Blackburn community. What should have been a few more months to prepare for goodbyes and spending time together ended abruptly. You should have had time to celebrate with each other, make more memories, and acknowledge accomplishments. We also know that moving from a face-to-face model of learning to distance learning is a new challenge that you now have to manage.

This situation is changing daily, and through each of those decisions, the best interests of the students are at the forefront. We would love nothing more than to have a bustling campus right now, but your health and well-being are at the heart of all decisions. We want you to know that we understand this isn’t easy, we support you through this, and for you to know that we are here for you.

It seems we are entering a window of “new normal” so I will slow down the daily letters to you. We have a plan to move forward and will continue communicating periodically as we have news to share with you. Please continue to reach out to us if you have questions.

At this time, we are doing our best to try and find out about any students that lack technology or connectivity and may not be receiving these emails. If you know of anyone where that is the case, please reach out to Rachel Stull (rachel.stull@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5623) & provide the student’s name and the best way to communicate with them. We will really appreciate your help with this.

For those students in the Chicago area who need some help in getting back to campus to pack up their rooms, we are offering an “Express Check-Out Beaver Bus” option for you on Friday, March 27. We will have the Beaver Bus pick you up, bring you to campus so you can collect and pack your belongings, and return you to Chicago—all on the 27th. If you’d like more information about this option, please contact Mak Wiedewitsch at mak.wiedewitsch@blackburn.edu or at 217-854-5618.

Please remember that we’d like you to be checked out of your room by Sunday, March 29. We’ll be collecting your room keys, mailbox key & any work-related keys in the student life office in DCC, Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or after hours (see posted flyers in your residence hall for res hall staffer on call). If you’re not able to checkout by Sunday, March 29th, you must contact Jarrod Gray to arrange an alternative date/time. jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu or at 217-854-5582.

And finally, if you’re feeling anxious and could use a confidential sounding board, virtual counseling is available to the campus by scheduling an appointment with Counseling Services at tim.morenz@blackburn.edu or jenny.langley@blackburn.edu.

Take care and be well.

Sincerely,

Dr. John McCluskey
Interim President

BLACKBURN CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY UPDATE (3/18/2020)

Dear Blackburnians:

It’s a dreary, rainy day on campus which seems to match the mood of the country. I am continuing regular communication with you in an effort to be sure you are aware of our plans as we move into somewhat uncharted territory for the College. I first and foremost ask you to let us know if you know of any fellow students who may not be receiving this communication due to connectivity, technology or other communication issues. If you can, please inform Heidi Heinz or Jarrod Gray of the student’s name and the best means to contact them.

Here is a summary of the decisions that have been made in the past 24 hours.

Academics:

You will be hearing from some of your professors already about the various online platforms they will use for their courses.
- PLEASE if you are concerned about your access to necessary technology for your coursework, contact Rachel Stull, Director of the Student Success Center at rachel.stull@blackburn.edu or at 217-854-5623 to discuss with her what your issues will be. Alternatively, you may contact your professor, coach or your advisor who will forward your concerns.
Beginning Monday, March 30 all Blackburn courses will begin again in an online format. Classes will remain online for the rest of the semester.
The date to drop a class with a ‘W’ grade has been extended to Friday, April 3. A grade of ‘W’ has no punitive effect on your grade point average. You may contact your advisor or Dianna Ruyle, Registrar, if you have any questions. The drop form is attached below.
- If you are currently a full-time student and you drop a class that puts you below 12 hours, your financial aid may be impacted. Please contact the Financial Aid Office, financialaid@blackburn.edu, if you have any questions.
Any student with an internship should reach out to their supervising faculty member for guidance about completing their internship hours.

For Resident Students:

We are closing the residence halls for the remainder of the spring semester.
Students not currently on campus have until Sunday, March 29th to come to campus and move all of their personal belongings out of their residence hall room.
Check out will be “express” where residents will not need to schedule a check-out time with their RA/RD.
If you are unable to move out of your residence hall room by the 29th, please contact Jarrod Gray at jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5582 to arrange an alternate time to pick up your belongings.
Regarding refunds of room and board—we continue to wait for guidance from the Department of Education and potential legislative changes related to financial aid and loans. Please be patient, we will provide that information as it is available to us.

We Are Collecting Keys:

All keys can be turned in to the student life office in DCC Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. After hours and weekends, keys can be turned into the Resident Director on Call (see the flyer in your hall for phone number)

Keys being collected:

Your room and exterior residence hall keys
Your mailbox key
Your work-related keys

Other stuff:

If anything is preventing you from coming to campus to pick up your possessions (transportation issues, etc.) please contact Heidi Heinz at heidi.heinz@blackburn.edu or jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu to discuss your options.
Please take care of yourself and in an effort to help, please see the attached letter from Tim Morenz, Director of Counseling Services.

Future things:

You may be wondering what we’ll do about things like room selection for next year, work positions for next year, senate elections, etc. Please stay tuned as we will be working on these things and will keep you informed.

We understand the concerns that moving courses to distance learning can raise, especially about one’s own ability to succeed in an unfamiliar environment. All of us – students, faculty and staff – are feeling levels of anxiety and uncertainty as we have to adjust to unfamiliar ways of doing things and schedules.

To help ease any anxiety you may be feeling about the completion of the semester through distance learning, we want to re-emphasize that we are all working to make your success possible. Please be assured you will still have ample contact from your instructors and college staff.

As they work out the logistics, faculty will be in touch with students in their courses about how the class will proceed. Your instructor is more than happy to correspond with you about difficulties you may have with coursework. Faculty will be establishing on-line office hours or other procedures so they can respond to your concerns quickly. And, while some staff members are working from home, we are still “open for business” and can answer your questions via email, just as if you walked into our office on campus.

We at the college, are setting up additional resources to aid in your success; we are also ramping up some of the existing ones. If you are having difficulties with the physical aspect of distance learning (connectivity, access to laptops, etc.) please contact your course instructor, your academic advisor, your coach or Rachel Stull (Director of the Student Success Center) and relay your concerns. We will work with you to get the equipment or service you need.

In short, moving online does not mean you are on your own. It means only that we will be communicating with each other in new ways. Please do not hesitate to contact your instructor, advisor, coach, or Rachel Stull with any questions or concerns about making this transition. Beaver Nation is still going strong!

Be well,

John McClusky
Interim President

BLACKBURN CORONAVIRUS COMMUNITY UPDATE (3/17/2020)

Dear Blackburnians:

We continue to work on our plans for keeping all members of the Blackburn community safe and healthy while we ensure the remainder of our semester is as successful as possible for our students. Here is a summary of the decisions that have been made in the past 24 hours.

Academics:

By tomorrow (Wednesday) you should hear from your professors about the various online platforms they will use for their courses.
- PLEASE if you are concerned about your access to necessary technology for your coursework, contact Rachel Stull, Director of the Student Success Center at rachel.stull@blackburn.edu or at 217-854-5623 to discuss with her what your issues will be. Alternatively, you may contact your professor or your advisor who will forward your concerns.
As you know, beginning Monday, March 30 all Blackburn courses will begin again in an online format. Classes will remain online for the rest of the semester (see below concerning residential housing).
- We continue to hold hope that we will be able to hold our traditional commencement ceremony; however, you should be aware that the date may need to be postponed.
- The semester schedule will remain as is reflected in the college catalog and student handbook.
- Any student with an internship should reach out to their supervising faculty member for guidance about completing their internship hours.
Since we will be completing the semester in an online format, students will not be able to work their 10 tuition hours per week. You will receive a credit for the remaining unworked hours you would have been expected to complete during the remainder of the semester, even though you will not be working those hours.
We had hoped to allow resident students to move back into their rooms by the end of March. We now know that is not advisable until (at the very earliest) almost the end of the semester. So, we will be closing the residence halls for the remainder of the spring semester.
Students who are currently on campus & living in residence halls will receive additional guidance from the Office of Residence Life today (if they haven’t already).
Students not currently on campus have until Sunday, March 29th to come to campus and move all of their personal belongings out of their residence hall room.
We will be conducting “express check-out” where residents will not need to schedule a check-out time with their RA/RD. This is in an effort to encourage students to get in and out as quickly as possible.
- Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. room keys can be turned into the Student Life Office in DCC
- After 5 p.m. and on weekends keys can be turned in to the Resident Director On Call (see posted flyers in your residence hall for RDOC phone number).
Students will need to turn in mailbox keys when the mailroom is open (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). If after 4:00 p.m. RDOC will collect mailbox keys.
If any circumstances prevent you from returning by the 29th, please contact Jarrod Gray at jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5582 to arrange a time for you to return to campus to move out your belongings.
Exterior residence hall building locks will be changed on March 30 so students will be unable to access their residence hall without prior approval from residence life.
We will make every effort to protect the belongings in your room, but the college does not carry liability insurance for your personal possessions. Please be sure to check in with your rental insurance policy carrier to ensure your personal possessions are covered.
Many students have asked about refunds of room and board. We are anticipating guidance from The Department of Education related to financial aid and financial aid laws as they pertain to refunds. Please stay tuned and we will provide that information as it is available to us.
The Campus Bookstore is beginning to forward mail. When you come to campus to collect your belongings, please be sure to check in with the Bookstore to collect any personal mail—including packages that aren’t able to be forwarded to you.
If anything is preventing you from coming to campus to pick up your possessions (transportation issues, etc.) please contact Heidi Heinz at heidi.heinz@blackburn.edu or jarrod.gray@blackburn.edu to discuss your options.
If you’re feeling anxious about the circumstances the pandemic has put you in, Tim Morenz, Director of Counseling Services, is working on some options for virtual counseling sessions. Stay tuned for more information.
If you are unable to share these regular campus communications with your parent/guardian, please direct them to the Blackburn website www.blackburn.edu/coronavirus
When classes resume on March 30 they will be online; syllabi will be adapted as appropriate. No classes will meet in person.
While unlikely, students may be able to return to face-to-face classes before the end of the semester.
Faculty will be contacting the students enrolled in each of their courses by Wednesday (March 18) about the technology needs for each course. PLEASE contact Rachel Stull at rachel.stull@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5623 if you have concerns regarding that technology.
Other than the March 30 resume date, we will follow the existing academic calendar (no classes on Easter Monday, Student Worker Appreciation Day, or Reading Day, and the regular schedule of Double Instruction Periods/final exams).
Faculty may require all students to join specific class meetings for real-time interactions; if so, those classes will meet during their regularly scheduled times.
Students must remain full time to keep federal and institutional financial aid.
Internships: if students cannot continue as originally planned or reasonably modified, prorated credit hours will be awarded based on hours worked. Students may need to enroll in a new online course to retain full time status (12 semester hours) and financial aid.
Just this afternoon the Presidents and Athletic Directors from all schools in the SLIAC (our athletic conference) voted to cancel the remainder of the athletic season.
Please take care of yourself!
Tim Morenz, Director of Counseling Services, found a good article about tending to your mental health in these uncertain times. Here is the link to that article.
Wash your hands — thoroughly with soap and water while you sing happy birthday to yourself twice (approximately for 20 seconds). Do it often—but especially after you’ve touched any publicly touched surfaces—think door handles, faucets, chairs, tables, stair rails, etc.
Practice social distancing — give people space (approximately 6 feet)
If you don’t feel well — stay home/in your room
Because there will be people that won’t stay home if they don’t feel well (shame on them!) — avoid large public gatherings
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are
not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.