HARRISBURG (WSIL) -- Southeastern Illinois College (SIC) will begin a gradual reopening starting next week.
The college announced Tuesday that staff in "key functional work areas" will begin returning to campus June 8, to begin planning for the fall semester and the return of students to campus.
In April, it was converting its summer session to remote learning. Because of the move, some hands-on courses had to be canceled.
SIC says staff that return to campus in June will be working in "a recommended two-day rotation within each department" and must follow guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks.
Some classrooms are being expanded, and hand-washing and sanitizing stations are being placed around campus.
Beginning June 29, students will be allowed on the SIC campus by appointment only. Students will be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
The fall semester begins August 17. SIC says on-campus classes will resume but be modified according to its "Return to Campus Plan."
After the Thanksgiving holiday, scheduled for November 25-27, SIC plans to revert to all-remote and online learning.
“Since Thanksgiving is a time for many to travel and then return home, risk for germ spread increases. Plus, the cold and flu season increases in late fall and early winter. We want students, faculty, and staff to avoid such risks. It only seems prudent to operate this way if we can,� said President Dr. Jonah Rice. “SIC has been working closely with the ICCB and the IDPH to determine appropriate measures to open in a way that safely serves our communities.�
SIC is still working to finalize plans for reopening the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study in the fall.
Plans are also underway for a virtual graduation ceremony.
Updates will be posted on the college's website - .
