Update on vaccination requirements
August 26, 2021 4:00 PM

Dear students, faculty and staff:

I am grateful to Governor J.B. Pritzker and fully endorse his decision today to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all students, faculty and staff at Illinois colleges and universities, as well as to initiate a statewide mask mandate in public buildings for everyone aged 2 and older regardless of vaccination status. Over the summer, the University of Illinois System announced those same requirements for our students, faculty and staff for the new semester that began Monday.

The governor’s requirements and ours are in alignment and represent the best approach to curb rising COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates across the state. They are consistent with our own scientific modeling of the risks associated with the spread of the virus and its variants, as well as the Illinois Department of Public Health’s guidance and goals.

We expect everyone on our campuses to follow these important, life-saving requirements. Those who are not yet vaccinated must comply with the governor’s executive order. Masks are already required indoors on our campuses, but will now also be required in all public buildings beginning Monday.

Throughout the pandemic, our students, faculty and staff have made the U of I System the gold standard for safety and a model for the nation. We have pulled together magnificently over the past 18 months and I have every expectation that you will lead the way again, building on our great momentum.

My deepest thanks to all of you for your cooperation and compassion, and I wish you the very best as we fulfill our missions and continue our remarkable efforts to help move beyond the pandemic.

Sincerely,

Tim