The worst is yet to come: ISU pushes forward

Photo courtesy to ISU’s Facebook page 

NORMAL, Ill.- Amid Governor Pritzker’s “Stay at Home” order and COVID-19 claiming more victims and taking more lives, Illinois State University President Larry Dietz sent a mass email today, March 27 to update students on how ISU is pushing forward.

The Coronavirus rages on with 10 cases of COVID-19 confirmed in McLean County.

This case was announced shortly after the ninth case, which was announced this morning, March 27.

“While the Coronavirus pandemic rages on, we are a nation that pushes forward even in the face of this monumental crisis,” said Dietz.  “Health officials worldwide believe the worst is yet to come. It is far from over.”

Today, ISU has wrapped up the first week of its “new normal” under alternative instructional methods.

Teachers and students are back to school in virtual classrooms.

“For many, Zoom now refers to a remote conferencing service instead of the speed of travel,” said Dietz.

ISU’s emergency team has been meeting daily, for several straight weeks, including weekends. This 21-member team includes Dietz and has included all members of the Cabinet.

ISU has also formed 18 separate working groups, involving some 40 people, who covered every aspect of University operation, they also met daily.

“Hundreds of people have offered extra time to make sure that our students and their families receive the individualized attention they deserve, and that the most critical functions of the University are maintained,” said Dietz.

Along with working groups and emergency teams, is the new Illinois State’s COVID-19 Redbird Response Fund, created to provide assistance to students who are facing emergency financial hardships due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Students can find out more about the fund by contacting the University’s Financial Aid Office.

“Your generosity will provide immediate assistance to help students stay on track with their Illinois State experience,” said Dietz.

 If you would like to make a gift to this fund, visit https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/coronavirus/.