On July 27, 2020, President Troy D. VanAken sent the following message to the campus community:
I hope you are having a safe and healthy summer.
As we prepare for the fall during these unprecedented times, our aim has been to develop a campus environment for in-person learning that protects the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff, as well as the greater community to which Elmhurst University belongs.
The extent to which we ultimately will be able to bring students to campus will depend on a number of factors, including COVID-19 trend lines, the latest information and guidance from government and public health officials, and recommendations from our University working groups. We are continually monitoring this rapidly evolving situation, and are prepared to pivot to alternate plans as needed.
As we keep you informed throughout this process, I’d like to share some updates.
- Course Schedules: This week, we are making updates in BlueNet to reflect course delivery information. Courses will be delivered using hybrid, online, and in-person formats depending on the content and faculty preference. Students will soon be able to see their course schedules, but will not be able to make changes until the updates are complete. Look for a message from the Office of Academic Affairs in the next day or two with more details.
- Fall Athletics: Recognizing the continuing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, member institutions in the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW), including Elmhurst University, have voted to postpone fall athletic competitions and championships until the spring of 2021 for cross country, football, soccer and volleyball. Student-athletes will receive skill development and conditioning opportunities on campus, if health and safety guidelines allow, as well as leadership and professional development programming. You can read more about the decision on the Athletics website.
- Town Halls: I’d like to invite you to attend one of our virtual Student and Parent Town Halls, where we’ll discuss our plans and answer your questions.
Student and Parent Town Halls
- Monday, Aug. 3, 6:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 4, 10:00 a.m.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2:00 p.m.
Details will follow on how to attend the meeting virtually.
Some of your questions may be answered in Bluejays Unite! A Return to Campus, which outlines our fall reopening plans.
I understand the frustration and disappointment many of you must be feeling as these uncertain times continue. So I deeply appreciate your understanding as we work together to bring about a safe, strong start to the Fall Term.
— President Troy D. VanAken