Spring break canceled at ISU amid COVID-19 pandemic

The spring semester will start as scheduled on Jan. 11, but four days will be switched to personal well-being days, March 9-10, and reading days, April 29-30. (Photo courtesy: Illinois State University)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

NORMAL – Illinois State University’s president announced Thursday there will be no spring break in the spring 2021 semester.

The decision to cancel the break comes from a public health concern amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is much concern regarding the safety of travel during the Spring Break period and the strong possibility that it will result in a significant increase in COVID-19 cases on campus and in the community,” said President Larry Dietz in a letter to students and faculty.

The spring semester will start as scheduled on Jan. 11, but four days will be switched to personal well-being days, March 9-10, and reading days, April 29-30.

Residence halls and dining centers will remain open, as will the Student Fitness Center, the Bone Student Center, Student Health Services, academic support units, and other offices that provide university services to students, faculty, and staff, and facilitate university operations.

“The past several months have been some of the most challenging that any of us have experienced. The coming months will undoubtedly also bring challenges. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we have worked together as a Redbird family to adapt to and cope with the disruption and uncertainties created by the global pandemic. Thank you for your diligence in remaining vigilant in the fight against COVID-19 and for continuing to follow all public health and safety guidance..” said ISU President Larry Dietz.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…