College Campus Restrictions

March 23, 2020

John Williams
Interim College President

We are facing an extraordinary situation with the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted the governor of Illinois to declare a “Stay-at-Home” order through April 7. During this time, we are asking everyone to understand the parameters regarding our restricted campus status. Please read this letter carefully so that you are aware of these restrictions and the steps being taken to continue to reduce the number of essential staff on campus. 

As stated on Friday, only essential personnel are allowed on campus. Last week, and throughout the weekend, Human Resources, Campus Security, and Workplace Safety have been receiving and reviewing forms from department heads (e.g., program chairs, division heads, directors, etc.) that identify the specific personnel who are providing essential services and whether these essential services can be performed remotely or must be on-site. These forms determine who is and is not permitted on campus. Due to the quick turnaround that was required, we are finding that more clarity and oversight is needed in assessing the essential services that are necessary for the continuation of operations. Additionally, clarity is needed as to how restrictions are placed on those who fall under this category.

In this extraordinary situation, Principia College has suspended normal operations and is now working in a restricted and limited capacity to perform services and functions that ensure the continuity of critical College operations. Residential Houses are merging, the Library has closed, athletics activities are suspended, Crafton and Hay Field House are closed, Dining Services are serving a very restricted group on campus, and the Dining Room is closed. We are not operating as usual, and we are asking anyone who is permitted on campus to understand, respect, and honor the significant restrictions that are now in place.

Starting tomorrow, March 24, all buildings except School of Nations and Howard Center will be locked. School of Nations classrooms and office spaces will be locked. All employees should have access to their workspaces through their ID cards or keys.

Faculty are prohibited from offering any in-person educational services. Performing in-person educational services is a violation of the governor’s order and could affect our ability to continue to function as an essential educational institution. Faculty who need to access Wi-Fi to teach online (due to the rural nature of where they live) have been identified as essential on-site personnel. They are only permitted to access their individual workspace (office and, if needed, their classroom), restrooms, and the corridors between the two. They are not allowed to enter any other building on campus other than their workspace. They are not allowed to engage in face-to-face interactions with students. This engagement would be a violation of the purpose of the order to stay-at-home.

Employees who are able to work remotely, due to their internet accessibility, should not come to campus. If supplies from offices are needed, faculty and staff working remotely should ask their department head (e.g. program chairs, division heads, directors, etc.) to coordinate a day and time with Campus Security when they may be allowed briefly on campus to collect items.

This week a committee has been established to begin reviewing more thoroughly the “essential services and personnel” forms to answer the difficult question, “Is this really essential?” and review requests for accessing campus. The committee will determine ways in which we can further reduce the number of people coming on campus every day. We need to reduce campus access both to meet the purposes of the governor’s order in reducing social contact and to avoid further burdening the reduced number of essential staff required to maintain the College at its current restricted and limited capacity. 

These restrictions are in place because we wish to be good, Christian neighbors and law-abiding citizens. In particular, we want to assure our commitment to the health and safety for all staff who continue to provide services and for our surrounding communities. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this extraordinary time.