From: WIU Office of Risk Management Subject: WIU COVID-19 Summer Updates Please find the latest updates and information regarding COVID-19 protocols at Western Illinois University. Face Coverings Effective Wednesday, May 18, 2022, face coverings are now optional on WIU’s campuses* (see exceptions below). All members of the University community are still expected to keep a face covering available, and are expected to comply with a request to wear a face covering. COVID-19 related building signage will be removed. Updated signage will be posted prior to the beginning of the Fall 2022 semester. *... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Quad Cities region students interested in preparing for four-year programs in science, technology, engineering or mathematics-related (STEM) fields have a new opportunity to take university courses while they are still enrolled in high school. Students can get a jump start on university STEM-related courses and prepare for university-based academic programs in science, engineering, mathematics and more. Students have the opportunity to engage in coursework on campus and online, meet faculty and students, and take advantage of tuition discount and the 4-year guarantee if they... Read More

The Western Illinois Chapter of Delta Upsilon Fraternity recently presented a check to the Humane Society of McDonough County. The $850 donation is for the New Shelter Building Campaign. The funds were raised by the chapter during its spring semester philanthropy fundraising. The donation is an outgrowth of several members of the chapter this past school year becoming involved with the McDonough County Animal Shelter as part of the chapter’s community service. Members had been helping clean the shelter building, working with the animal cages and helping walk dogs. Matthew Powell, a senior... Read More

Western Illinois University Management and Marketing Office Manager Monique Campbell has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for May 2022. Campbell began working at WIU in September 2021. According to her nominators, after Campbell was hired, she “adapted quickly to the job duties” and exemplifies WIU’s core value of personal growth. “She contributes to the positive image of the University in all interactions with internal and external constituents,” said her nominators. She is outstanding to work with, enthusiastic, positive,... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University alumna and Iowa Teacher of the Year Sara Russell recalls the many opportunities to not only learn new concepts and ideas through her courses at WIU, but the interactions with peers she shared from all walks of life. Russell’s time at WIU had a profound impact on both her career and her approach to education. “While I have always considered myself a life-long learner, my classes at WIU-QC have sparked an ever greater love of learning, and love for the power of education. Because of my time at WIU-QC, I became a better thinker, writer... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – After a two-year pause, the Western Illinois University Department of Psychology has re-established the tradition of an in-person, end-of-year awards ceremony to recognize exceptional students. The ceremony was held May 2, and each of the following students and recent graduates were recognized for their academic, scholarly and community service accomplishments: Psychology Department Scholar – Spring 2022 graduate Emma Holtz, of Wonder Lake, IL: The Psychology Department Scholar Award recognizes graduating seniors who have excelled and earned academic distinction throughout... Read More

This year’s Camp Rocky program, an annual event run by Western Illinois University students, was held April 30 at WIU’s Horn Field Campus. The program was organized and led by students from WIU’s Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration’s Camp Leadership course. According to RPTA Assistant Professor Megan Owens, the Camp Rocky students “ran a splendid outdoor day camp with local children in grades 1-4.” “The weather cooperated, and all activities were able to be held outdoors, including the all-time favorite climbing wall,” said... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s Undergraduate Admissions and University Marketing efforts have earned top honors from the Collegiate Advertising Awards (CAA), bringing home the gold in two categories: Advertising Speciality and Poster/Display Series. Western was awarded the Gold Awards, which is a score of 95-99 out of 100 and equates to the top five percent in the nation, in Advertising and Speciality for the WIU admitted student care package and in Poster/Display Series WIU photo backdrops. Submissions were reviewed by a national panel of industry experts. Judging criteria... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The newly-established Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF) at Western Illinois University, which was formed by a charge from WIU President Guiyou Huang, began meeting in February 2022 to begin its work to identify anti-racism initiatives, with the goal to eradicate racism at WIU, and start building a diversity plan for the University. The WIU ARTF is led by co-chairs, Lorette Oden, interim dean of the Centennial Honors College and health sciences and social work chair, and Sterling Saddler, assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion. The full membership can be found at... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s undergraduate degree in cybersecurity has received a Program of Study Validation from the National Security Agency’s (NSA) National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The validation, which signifies that WIU’s program meets the demands of contributing to the protection of the National Information Infrastructure, runs through the 2027 academic year. “By having the NSA’s Program of Study Validation, we are on track to becoming one of the NSA National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C),”... Read More