Dear students, faculty and staff,
DePaul administrators are closely attuned to information emerging about the omicron variant, its potential impact and the potential surge in COVID-19 cases as we travel and gather to celebrate the holidays. The Community Health Team and university leaders are making decisions based on the best scientific information and data available. Because we start right after the New Year, before other institutions around the country do, and in the spirit of caring for others and Take Care DePaul,
the first two weeks of winter quarter courses, Monday, Jan. 3 to Saturday, Jan. 15, will be held online. In certain cases, exceptions may be made for classes that cannot be offered online. These will be handled on a case-by-case basis with approval from Academic Affairs.
In-person classes will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022, following the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The decision was made at this time to allow faculty adequate time to prepare.
DePaul is fully committed to in-person learning. This measure—combined with our adherence to local, state and federal COVID-19 guidance—will help us cautiously start winter quarter so we can sustain a robust college experience the remainder of the academic year. Safety and health remain our priorities.
All residence halls will reopen as planned on Sunday, Jan. 2. Students who live on-campus may be expected to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test after returning from winter break. Housing will communicate with residence hall students early next week with more details and instructions. Everyone else is highly encouraged to consider testing before returning to campus, particularly if you are traveling.
At this time, we are planning for other university services and operations to continue to function with limited/reduced in-person staffing, coupled with virtual service offerings. Further details for staffing expectations will be provided by unit managers in the upcoming weeks. Starting Jan. 3, campus buildings will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and will require an ID card swipe for entry. Please contact Public Safety if you or your department needs to arrange for building access outside of those hours. DePaul will continue to follow directives of the Chicago Department of Public Health and other health professionals and will make any other adjustments to our plans, as needed.
While we learn more about the omicron variant, please keep practicing these important guidelines:
- Wear a face mask indoors.
- Stay home if you are sick and do not attend in-person class.
- Get tested five to seven days after you have been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19 or immediately if you are experiencing symptoms. Testing will remain available on-campus through Dec. 16 and will resume Monday, Jan. 3.
- Get your COVID booster now. CDC has recently updated guidance and recommends everyone 18 years and older should get a booster shot. For more information on specific criteria and where to find a booster, please visit the CDC's website. At this time, DePaul is not requiring faculty, staff and students to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster, however anyone due to receive one is highly encouraged to do so.
- Get your flu shot. For more information on how to find a flu shot in Chicago, please visit the Chicago Department of Public Health's website.
- Review the CDC's recommendations for safer ways to celebrate the holidays.
As we continue to monitor the situation, please regularly visit
DePaul's COVID-19 Updates and Guidance for the latest information.
Happy holidays and Take Care DePaul,
A. Gabriel Esteban, Ph.D.President
Salma Ghanem, Ph.D.Provost