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.

Campus Update - Jan. 6, 2022

Message from the President of College of DuPage

Dear College of DuPage Community:

In response to the current COVID-19 surge, please note that we will temporarily move in-person and hybrid classes to online-only delivery beginning Monday, Jan. 24.

The spring 2022 semester will begin remotely with a very limited number of labs from select programs meeting in-person during this time. Students should consult with Blackboard and MyAccess for updated information on their specific courses.

In-person instruction for College of DuPage courses is expected to resume Monday, Feb. 7.

Please note the following important additional information:

  • No classes are being canceled. Classes will continue online, with a very limited number of labs from select programs meeting in-person.
  • The semester will begin as scheduled on Monday, Jan. 24.
  • All faculty and staff should continue to report to work as outlined by their supervisors. The College will provide updates accordingly should environmental conditions warrant changes.
  • College of DuPage campuses and offices will remain open for business, with services offered in-person and/or virtually. 
  • All in-person campus-wide events are suspended through Monday, Feb. 7. College Administration will reassess in early February.
  • Our top priority continues to be the safety and health of our students, faculty and staff. Masks are required for everyone on campus—regardless of one’s vaccination status.
  • Vaccination verification and testing guidelines remain in place. Employees and students must submit proof of vaccination or submit to weekly testing to gain access to campus. Visit cod.edu/coronavirus for full details.

While we hope the anticipated spike diminishes quickly, College leaders will continue to follow local, state and federal guidelines. With your continued cooperation and support, it is our hope that we will return to in-person instruction on Feb. 7.

Please visit cod.edu/coronavirus and monitor your inboxes for additional updates as they become available.

Thank you for your flexibility, patience and partnership in helping to keep COD safe.

Brian W. Caputo, Ph.D., C.P.A.
President
College of DuPage

Previous Updates

  • Due to the highly contagious variants of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their masking guidelines, recommending that fully vaccinated people wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission. Our mask protocol has been updated for unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated individuals and for fully-vaccinated individuals. 
  • The College of DuPage Library is open to employees, students, and the public. For hours of operation, visit the Library's website.
  • All doors are now unlocked from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. on days the College is open.
  • Those who enter a facility are expected to follow safety guidelines.

ICCB/College of DuPage COVID-19 Case Reporting

College of DuPage is keeping track of confirmed cases of students and employees:

Alternative Instruction

  • In-person classes will be held on campus. In addition, Virtual Class Meeting (VCM), online and hybrid courses are being offered.

Also called synchronous online learning, courses meet completely online in real time at specified days and times using video chat software. All assignments are submitted online. This format is designed to allow students regular face-to-face contact in a virtual format.

Also called asynchronous online learning, courses are taught completely online following instructor timelines and learning outcomes. Students interact mostly through discussion boards and written messages and all assignments are submitted online. 

Courses meet mainly online with additional meetings occurring in person as necessary to accomplish learning objectives. Students will meet on campus for labs, studios or clinical work. Face-to-face meeting days and times for each section will vary depending on the course and learning needs.

To ensure success, students should do their best to have access to computer hardware and software, including a webcam and Wi-Fi service. Our list of Student Resources can help you continue success during this time.

The College reserves the right to convert initially designated hybrid courses to Virtual Class Meeting (VCM) or Online (NET) delivery if environmental conditions warrant it. 

Remote Learning Options

Modal Image Opens to lightbox video - Cartoon of students at computer and in a lab

COD has several plans in place to help students learn in a safe environment and continue their goals.

What To Expect on Campus

  • Individuals who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are required to wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose while inside campus buildings and when outside on College property. Individuals who are fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are required to wear a face mask covering their mouth and nose while inside campus buildings. COD's mask protocol outlines exceptions to the protocol, which include actively eating and drinking.
  • All screening will be eliminated at the main campus and centers and employees no longer need supervisor approval to enter the College.
  • Maintain social distancing. Stand six feet apart when meeting, talking or standing in line. 

While regular classroom cleaning will be followed and hand sanitizer will be available, students are encouraged to bring their own wipes for cleaning their space and their own hand sanitizer.

 

Additional Information

The following documents are used to screen and self-report COVID-19 symptoms to help prevent the spread of the virus on campus:

If you or a person you know is experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care right away. Report your symptoms by filling out the Student Concern Form.

For additional questions, contact the Dean of Students Office at (630) 942-2485 or email deanofstudents@cod.edu. Include your name and student ID number in your message.

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:

  • Masks are required for unvaccinated or not fully-vaccinated individuals and for fully-vaccinated individuals.
  • Stay 6-feet away from others.
  • Get vaccinated.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces like like in restaurants, bars, fitness centers, or movie theaters.
  • 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.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • Monitor your health daily for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.

Contact Information

For Student Affairs Related Questions

Campus Central
(630) 942-3000
campuscentral@cod.edu

For Campus Health and Safety or COVID-related Specific Questions

Phil Gieschen
Coordinator of Risk Management
(630) 942-2993
giesche@cod.edu