By Alexa Low

President Brian McGee, Ph.D., and Christine Tracy, Ed.D., are sending out daily updates to the Quincy University community regarding the corona virus pandemic.

Each email gives students an insight into how QU will continue to run despite the changes happening around the world.

Here’s a timeline of important updates that the students have received:

April 20, 2020

• Hawk Wild will be held virtually this year and will begin on Thursday April 23rd. Students can check their email for more information.

April 9, 2020

• QU is waiving graduate admission tests (GRE/GMAT/MAT) for prospective students. The university will also be waiving the $200 enrollment fee for accepted students.

April 6, 2020

• Dr. Tracy asked all students living in the dorms to not leave campus without a mask, following the CDC’s recommendation that all individuals who have to go anywhere need to wear a mask.
• Four more cases were confirmed making a total of 11 COVID-19 cases in the Quincy region.

April 5, 2020

• Four new cases were confirmed in the Quincy region.

April 3, 2020

• A third COVID-19 case has been reported in the Quincy region.

March 31, 2020

• Illinois is now operating at a stay-at-home order until the end of the day on Thursday, April 30th.

March 30, 2020

• Registration for QU summer and fall classes opened today.
• Two COVID-19 cases have been confirmed so far in the Quincy region.
• QU Bookstore is offering free shipping return labels and is also extending the non-return period without penalty to assist increased returns by mail.

March 27, 2020

• Families who are experiencing financial difficulties with their student account balances are encouraged to reach out to Kristi Shelton as soon as possible. Kristi will work with you to explore resources that may be available to you and work out a payment plan that will work for you and your family. She can be reached by email at sheltkr@quincy.edu or you can call during regular business hours at 217-228-5432 ext. 3724.
• QU’s Health and Well-Being Clinic will offer counseling services via telehealth for any student or employee who needs them, regardless of where they are living.

March 25, 2020

• All classes at QU will continue in their online format for the remainder of the spring term.
• Students who do not wish to return to campus and want to retrieve their belongings are welcome to do so as early as April 8. The removal of belongings are by appointment only. If a students is out of the country or is unable to checkout, storage of belongings on campus or some other arrangement will be possible.
• Registration for Fall 2020 will go forward as planned.
• Commencement for Spring 2020 will be postponed to a later date.

March 23, 2020

• Any undergraduate student may select one course as Pass/Fail by the last day of classes. Approval from the student’s academic advisor is required. The form can be found on the QU portal under Student Forms. The form can be filled out through the withdrawal date of May 1, 2020.
• The last day to withdraw from spring classes is now Friday, May 1.
• QU seniors were emailed back up dates for the May commencement ceremony if QU is not able to hold it at the original date.

March 22, 2020

• Students on campus are reminded that there is a 24-hour security presence, seven days a week, and on-call maintenance.

March 21, 2020

• All classes will resume online Monday, March 23 as previously scheduled.
• The QU community should expect an announcement on March 25th about how long the teaching schedule will last.
• Mail service will continue.

March 20, 2020

• QU has announced that effective Saturday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m. all campus buildings will be closed to the public until further notice in light of the recent announcement from the State of Illinois to shelter in place.
• All prospective student campus visits will be postponed.
• They are scheduled to reopen to the public on April 8.
• Residence halls will remain open and employees will be able to assist students through email, phone, and video conferencing.

March 19, 2020

• The QU bookstore has offered free online shipping for new orders, access to eBooks at no additional charge, and free shipping on rental returns along with deadline extensions for physical textbooks.
• Campus hours change for the Student Success Center, Brenner Library, Health & Fitness Center, Francis Hall, North Campus, and Student Union.
• The first confirmed COVID-19 case in Adams County.
• QU intends for the campus to remain open throughout the semester.

March 17, 2020

• Several Quincy-area public facilities or businesses have announced restricted hours.
• Staff spoke with every student residing on campus.
• Students who have traveled more than 50 miles away from Quincy, Illinois must complete a simple health screening at the time they return to campus.

March 16, 2020

• Christine Tracy emailed students important information regarding the housing selection process. The email explains everything students will need to know to secure their space for next year.
• Payroll informs students their office will be unable to run hard checks and advises students to consider direct deposit.
• Nancy Geissler, registrar, sent out a revised academic calendar along with new registration dates.
• Andrea Gruger, director of housing, asks that students on campus compete a brief check-list and those who have not returned will need to check in with Tracy when they arrive on campus. All residential card access is disable and will be added back to individuals on campus.

March 15, 2020

• Students are now receiving daily updates regarding the COVID-19 response at Quincy University.
• The State of Illinois has closed restaurants and bars to dine-in service.
• The cafeteria will remain open and students are not to be concerned about food availability on campus.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had discouraged gatherings of more than 50 people.

March 13, 2020

• QU announced that spring break will be extended for one week through Sunday, March 22. On March 23, classes will resume exclusively online until at least April 3.
• Residence halls will remain open for students who wish to live on campus however students are also encouraged to not travel and stay where they are. Tracy sent a form out to students asking when and if they will return to campus.
• The Great Lakes Valley Conference has suspended all athletic activity including competitions and practices. All spring GLVC championships have been canceled.
• The Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association has also canceled all games and tournaments for the remainder of the semester.
• QU offices will remain open during their normal hours.
• All international business travel is strongly discouraged and domestic business travel through July 31, 2020 will require the approval of the Vice President or President.

March 12, 2020

• Students are informed they will receive another comprehensive update on Friday afternoon (March 13th) regarding changes made to the current semester plan.

March 11, 2020

• The Quincy coronavirus website was created to keep students informed. Students are asked to prepare in the event that their normal routine is adjusted. A list of what to do if you do feel ill was included in the email.
• NCAA announced the public would not be able to attend QU home athletic competitions.

March 9, 2020

• McGee sent out his first COVID-19 update asking students to contact Tracy if they have traveled outside the United States or have come in contact with someone possibly infected with COVID-19.