March 20, 2020
Dear DePaul community,
Earlier today, Governor JB Pritzker issued a “stay at home” order for the state of Illinois that will take effect at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, until April 7. The Governor ordered all non-essential businesses to stop operating.
As the global response to COVID-19 continues, DePaul is working to care for and support its entire community. We believe the measures we have taken so far have placed the university in a strong position to comply quickly with the Governor’s order while remaining open—albeit with our students, faculty and staff learning, teaching and working remotely. In the coming days, after DePaul administrators learn more details about the Governor’s order, we will communicate to faculty and staff about additional measures the university will be taking.
In the meantime, faculty and staff are encouraged to get what they need from their offices in order to work from home for the foreseeable future. DePaul buildings (with the exception of certain other non-academic buildings, such as the Sullivan Athletic Center and Ray Meyer Fitness Center, which will be closed) will be accessible from 8 a.m.—5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21; faculty and staff will be required to swipe their DePaul ID cards to enter buildings.
After that, with minor exceptions, all buildings on both campuses will be locked down. Visit the
COVID-19 Updates and Guidance website for the most up-to-date information. Faculty and staff will receive any necessary additional instructions from their departments.
Everyone at DePaul is highly encouraged to follow the Governor’s directive to stay at home unless you are visiting the grocery store, gas station or pharmacy for essential supplies, attending medical appointments or spending time outdoors—while following proper social distancing—to enjoy fresh air. It is our civic duty and part of our commitment as a Vincentian community to do what we can to care for those around us. Stay safe, stay healthy, and, as always, Take Care DePaul.
Sincerely,
A. Gabriel Esteban, President
Salma Ghanem, Interim Provost
Jeff Bethke, Executive Vice President