Students walk by the Chappy statue

Coronavirus Information

This webpage is used to provide the College of DuPage community with up-to-date information and resources regarding the College’s response to the global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Please continue to check back for updates.

26. Message from the President of College of DuPage, June 30, 2020

College of DuPage Community,

Due to the extraordinary skill and dedication of our faculty and staff, online summer instruction has been highly successful with a slight increase in enrollment. Also, a small contingent of spring 2020 students have returned to campus to complete laboratory and other work that could not be accomplished online during the regular semester. Thanks to all who have made this progress possible.

It is now time to discuss the general arrangements for the fall 2020 semester:

Modes of Instruction

Instruction will be delivered online and through the hybrid modality. Hybrid course offerings will be generally limited to those whose learning objectives cannot be achieved entirely online. The aim of this strategy is to minimize the density of individuals on campus. This will make the environment safer for those who must come onto campus to work (i.e., Facilities Department staff and other “essential workers” designated by executive orders of the Illinois Governor).

Working from Home

Those individuals who have not been notified by their supervisor that they are “essential workers” will continue to work from home as the fall 2020 semester starts and continue to do so until environmental conditions indicate that it is reasonably safe to do otherwise. This will include most faculty (unless on campus to deliver authorized in-person instruction associated with a hybrid course), classified staff, managers, student workers, and administrators.

Restricted Entry onto Campus

As has been the practice over the past few months, non-essential faculty, staff, and administrators should only come onto campus for short periods of time as necessary to pick up reference materials or supplies. Permission of the immediate supervisor and supervising Cabinet officer is required for the admission of non-essential personnel onto campus. Non-essential personnel who need to come onto campus should contact their immediate supervisor. Before being admitted, non-essential personnel will be screened for symptoms associated with the coronavirus.

The following college staff members are well deserving of shoutouts for their exceptional work on behalf of our students.

Learning Commons

The staff of the Learning Commons have endeavored tirelessly to provide outstanding tutoring, math and writing assistance, as well as testing support to our students under the most unusual of circumstances. The Learning Commons is led by Manager Diane Szakonyi.

Facilities Department

The carpenters, custodians, groundskeepers, maintenance mechanics, operating engineers and other members of the Facilities Department staff have worked diligently to bring the campus back to prime operating condition and make it safe for the students who must be there to do their academic work. Director of Facilities Bruce Schmiedl heads the department.

Go Chaparrals!

All College coronavirus response updates will continue to be posted on this webpage. Additional information/guidance for employees can be found on the employee portal at inside.cod.edu.

Brian W. Caputo, Ph.D., C.P.A.

President
College of DuPage

View previous updates

Campus Closures

  • Until further notice, College of DuPage facilities on the main campus and at the regional centers will be formally closed to the public.
  • Only those faculty and staff who are explicitly approved by both their immediate supervisor and appropriate Cabinet officer will be permitted to enter the College's facilities.
  • College faculty and staff should continue to work from home to the maximum extent possible.

Alternative Instruction

Campus Events

All events (internal, hosted and rental at the main campus, COD regional centers, and the MAC) are cancelled until further notice.

The virtual commencement ceremony will be held Thursday, June 11, at 7 p.m. Please note that 2020 graduating students may participate in the virtual commencement, and, if interested, may also participate in the spring 2021 graduation. For more information, go to cod.edu/commencement.

If You Experience COVID-19 Symptoms

  • If you or a person you know has traveled in the previous 14 days to an area that has seen any occurrence of the coronavirus and are experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away.
  • Notify the Dean of Students office of your symptoms at (630) 942-2485 or deanofstudents@cod.edu and include your name and student ID number.

Help Stop COVID-19

The best way to prevent coronavirus is to reduce your exposure. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends taking the following steps to protect yourself:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid close contact with people and people who are sick.
  • Cover cough and sneezes and immediately wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.