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CARBONDALE (WSIL) -- The Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) Faculty Association, along with the Graduate Assistants Union, have called for the university to commit to remote learning and teaching for the fall semester.  

This movement comes after a spike in COVID-19 cases in Jackson County and across southern Illinois. 

While SIU has made efforts for online-only learning and social distancing in classrooms, the Faculty Association wants larger efforts made to focus on the safety of faculty and students.

"Students come to campuses to interact. And social distancing is our best tool against COVID. That doesn't equate. That doesn't balance. And that's one reason that we think there's a limited upside to bring students back to campus," SIUC Faculty Association President Dave Johnson said.  

In response to the notice, the University's Communications Officer says SIU had surveyed both faculty and students before making a decision for fall classes. 

The current plan is designed to benefit both parties while also keeping them safe. 

"So we are both listening to what people are telling us and also making sure we're following all of the health guidelines we can to ensure safety," SIU University Communications Officer Rae Goldsmith said. 

The first day of classes is August 17th.