Unfortunately, these cancellations include Parent and Family Weekend in Moscow as well as the Spring 2020 Commencement ceremonies statewide. By making this determination now, we hope everyone is able to cancel any reservations and travel plans. These decisions are difficult and are being re-evaluated daily as we consider how best to keep services in Moscow and around the state open and accessible. Updates on the university response to COVID-19 are being posted regularly on the U of I website. While all classes will be delivered online, services at our Moscow campus and statewide locations will remain physically open to our students. Every opportunity for student-employees to continue work study and other options will be provided. Those who choose to stay home will still get the education, counseling, advising and mentoring services they need, just in a different format. For students who have nowhere else to go, and for those whose hometowns may not have broadband access, university residence halls are open and Vandals Dining is offering safe meal options. Greek students are working with their leaders regarding personal distance practices and delivery of services. Vandals who are scheduled to graduate in May will still receive their diplomas in a timely manner. We will do our best to find a way to recognize the accomplishments of our graduating seniors. At a minimum, they will be invited to join us for our in-person ceremonies in December 2020 or May 2021. Celebrating the success of all our graduates is one of our most important traditions and celebrations. We promise to make it special. The coronavirus has challenged all of us. It will continue to test us as we make this move to online and distance formats. We’re asking everyone to be patient, flexible and resilient while we navigate these changes. We have made it through many significant crises in our 130-year history. We will make it through this one as well. I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff who are working long hours to adjust course delivery and doing everything possible to accommodate our students while keeping U of I safe and healthy. It is that dedication to our students that differentiates us – it is the Vandal way. I ask that during this time we all take care of each other by doing what we can to limit the spread of this threat to our greater community. My thoughts are with our extended Vandal Family that we and our families remain safe. I look forward to seeing our entire Vandal Family together again soon. Keep Calm and Vandal On. |