Preventative Measures Being Taken by SAIC

Current Preventative Measures

SAIC is following guidelines from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) on our screening and response protocols. We have taken the following actions: 

  • We extended Spring Break to prepare for remote teaching. Spring Break took place from March 16–April 3, 2020, meaning no in-person, on-campus classes were held during this time. Classes resumed on April 6, and Critique Week took place April 20-24.
  • We closed residence halls and campus buildings to all but essential staff and students who appealed to remain in their residence hall. This includes all shops, faculty and non-essential staff offices, and computer labs.
  • Summer Continuing Studies classes have been moved online, rescheduled to take place later in the summer, or canceled.
  • Summer classes are taking place online.
  • SAIC has suspended all on-campus events, exhibitions, and programming until further notice.
  • We’ve increased our campus housekeeping efforts, particularly for high-usage rooms, high-traffic spaces, and frequently touched objects. 
  • All non-essential travel sponsored by SAIC has been suspended for all faculty, staff, and students. 

Though the safety of our community is paramount, we have also taken the following steps to ensure the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff:

  • Teaching assistants and student workers will be paid through the end of the semester, whether they are able to work on campus or not. If students work during the new, extended Spring Break, they will be paid time and a half. 
  • Even if they are unable to come to work, SAIC is committed to ensuring our contracted services staff (i.e., engineering, foodservice, housekeeping, and security) are paid through the spring 2020 semester.
  • Though the Wellness Center had to close their physical location, they will still offer counseling services, health services, and Disability and Learning Resource Center services remotely.
  • Students were offered living arrangements in our residence halls if they were unable to return to permanent residences or had no alternative housing.
  • Students who leave the residence halls will only be charged for living in the residence halls through March 22. This includes students who have left the residence halls but still have items remaining in the halls. Residence Life will be waiving the contract breakage fee, and any unused meal plan funds will roll over to the following semester.
  • Our Computer Resources and Information Technologies (CRIT) staff are offering faculty laptops, virtual training, and a litany of resources to support their transition to online learning.