UIF/UI Advancement Team Operations - COVID-19 Weekly Update 05.08.20

Dear Colleagues:

Over the past week, I have had a number of discussions with staff and Board members about when we think things will return to a relatively normal or new normal. While we are unable to say for certain, I do believe each day that passes gets us closer. From my perspective, reopening our operation will depend on when we can confidently and appropriately protect the health and well-being of our staff. 

This week Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a five-stage plan regional plan for the reopening of Illinois. Restore Illinois is guided by public health metrics and designed to provide a framework for a phased reopening of business, education, and recreation activities. Most of our state is currently in Stage 2, which is flattening the curve, but signs indicate some regions of the state could move to Phase 3 – Recovery in the next few weeks. The timing of moving forward through Stage 4 – Revitalization and the final Phase 5 – Illinois Restored will depend on data provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

As I mentioned last week, planning is underway at the Foundation, the University of Illinois System, and at our three universities for returning to on-site work and for reopening our universities. Plans will be individualized as necessary for each institution, but the overarching priority is the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.  For more information from the UI System and individual universities, visit the UIF Online COVID-19 resources page. This page includes a compilation of the mass emails from university leaders.

Thank you all again for your resolve, dedication, and incredibly positive attitude. It’s amazing what we can accomplish, even in the most difficult of times when we work together. Enjoy the weekend and take care of yourself and those around you.  For those of you who are mothers, I wish you a very Happy Mother’s Day.

All the best,

Jim