Essential information for all members of the USI community regarding the remainder of the spring semester

*Editor's note: This message was sent to all USI students and employees from Dr. Ronald S. Rochon, USI president, on Tuesday, March 17. Additional information can be found at usi.edu/COVID-19.*

The health and safety of the University of Southern Indiana campus community continues to be our top priority. In response to the rapidly changing environment created by the COVID-19 virus, the University is taking further immediate actions.

The move to online or alternative instruction, scheduled to begin Monday, March 23, will now extend through the end of the spring semester. Students with difficulty accessing online coursework should contact the Dean of Students Office.

The USI campus, including University-owned and -operated locations outside of campus, such as Innovation Pointe, New Harmony properties and the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences, will remain open only to authorized personnel beginning at the end of the scheduled workday, Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, April 6. The April 6 date is subject to change. Authorized employees will be limited, and you will be notified by your supervisor if you are required to fulfill that role. Access to the University will be granted by Public Safety only to authorized personnel at the roundabout entrance on University Boulevard.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING TO CLOSE

USI will close on-campus housing effective immediately in order to facilitate social distancing. Procedures for an orderly move-out and transition, including retrieving essential items, will be provided to housing residents via email and on the Housing and Residence Life website by Wednesday, March 18. All move-outs should be completed no later than Sunday, March 22. Limited exceptions will be made only for students who do not have a permanent residence or cannot return to their permanent residence, including some international students. These students should complete a waiver form available in MyUSI through the housing portal.

All students who vacate housing will have their account credited for unoccupied days from Sunday, March 22 through Wednesday, May 6. After applying the credit, refunds, if applicable, will be received at a later date. Students who vacate housing will have the value of all meal plans converted to Munch Money. Students will have until the end of the fall 2020 semester to use this converted Munch Money.

WORKING REMOTELY/COMPENSATION

During the three-week period of March 17 through April 6, all University employees will continue to receive their normal rate of pay. Employees not authorized to work on campus are required to work remotely. Supervisors will provide assignments as needed and determine authorized personnel. Supervisors should be as flexible as possible, considering the nature of the work and whether the necessary tools and technology are available to allow employees to fully perform their job duties away from campus. In cases where necessary tools and technology are not available to fully perform job duties, alternative assignments will be provided to allow for remote work. Paid time off (i.e. vacation) will still be allowed with supervisor approval.

Employees should also be flexible regarding performing both the duties of their position and potential other assignments as needed and directed by their supervisor.

STUDENT EMPLOYEES

Student employees, including graduate assistants and on-campus interns, should contact their supervisor to determine possible remote work schedules. 

EVENTS/COMMENCEMENT

All University events, including those hosted by registered student organizations or outside groups, are canceled for the remainder of the spring semester. The University is postponing Commencement until further notice.

TRAVEL

All University-sponsored or -led domestic and international travel of any kind is canceled for the remainder of the spring semester.

IN CLOSING

I value your continued commitment to our University's community and its safety. This remains our unwavering goal and objective. Please exercise patience and grace as we navigate these uncharted territories moving forward. Thank you for your work and continued support of our collective efforts.