Law School Coronavirus/COVID-19 Updates
UIC John Marshall Law School, in concert with the University of Illinois at Chicago, continues to monitor the outbreak of the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease. The Law School is taking the necessary precautions to provide a safe environment while continuing our daily education and research activities.
While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the UIC John Marshall Law School nor on UIC’s campus, including at UI Health, University, and Law School officials are closely monitoring the situation and will provide timely updates if the risk to the campus community changes.
For official UIC announcements, updates, related policies and guidance, and general information about COVID-19, visit the link below.
UIC John Marshall students, faculty, and staff should also read all notices and information provided in the sections below and check this page often, as the page will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
Go to the UIC COVID-19 Website
General Law School Community Information (Updated April 7)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UIC John Marshall Law School is operating virtually. Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 classes are all being run online, and services are being provided virtually. No events will be held on the Law School campus until further notice.
All non-emergency employees are working remotely until further notice. The Law School has designated emergency staff who will continue critical onsite campus functions. Information posted below addresses how students, prospective students, clinic clients, alumni, faculty, and staff can continue to access services remotely.
If need to come to campus, please read the appropriate procedures for accessing campus below under Student or Employee Information.
Announcements
- April 7 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- April 6 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- April 5 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- April 1 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 31 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 30 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 27 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 26 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 25 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 24 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 24 – Student Announcement from Information Technology Services
- March 23 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 20 – Executive Order in Response to COVID-19 from Governor Pritzker
- March 20 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 19 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 18 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 18 – Canadian Student Announcement from Office of Admissions
- March 17 – US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Announcement (Chicago Daily Law Bulletin)
- March 17 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 17 – Staff Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 16 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 15 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 14 – All-Campus Announcement from Dean Dickerson
- March 14 – Cook County Courts Closure Announcement from Hon. Timothy Evans
- March 10 – Student Announcement from Dean Dickerson
Additional Information
Campus Newsletter
General Information
- Official Recommendation to Avoid Ibuprofen for COVID-19 Symptoms (World Health Organization)
Policies & Guidelines
Resources
General Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I do if I have been around a person who has since been diagnosed with COVID-19? (March 20)
If you are asymptomatic:
- Monitor for symptoms.
- You do not need to self-isolate from your current setting.
If you are having symptoms of cough, fevers, or respiratory illness:
- You should self-isolate from others, including those in your home, for 14 days.
- Monitor for symptoms.
- If you have symptoms of respiratory illness with fevers, cough, or shortness of breath, remove yourself from work and contact your primary care provider or the Student Health Services at University Village at (312) 996-2901.
Can I get tested to see if I have COVID-19? (March 20)
Currently only individuals with symptoms are being tested.
- If you have symptoms of respiratory illness with fevers, cough or shortness of breath, remove yourself from others and contact your primary care provider or the Student Health Services at University Village at (312) 996-2901.
- If you do not have acute emergent care needs do not go to the Emergency Department, Urgent Care, or walk into clinic. Call first for guidance.
Someone I have been around was exposed to a person with confirmed COVID-19 do I need to be isolated? (March 20)
If you were not directly exposed to an individual with confirmed COVID-19 you do not need isolate or be removed from others.
However, if you become ill for any reason remove yourself from others and contact your provider or Student Health Services at University Village at (312) 996-2901 for guidance.
I was notified that I was exposed to someone being TESTED for COVID-19. What do I need to know? (March 20)
Testing typically takes 1-7 days to return.
You should monitor for symptoms and practice diligent social distancing at work and home.
If you develop symptoms, call your provider and inform them that you have been exposed to someone being tested for COVID-19.
I heard that someone at UIHealth was confirmed to have COVID-19. Was I exposed, and do I need testing? (March 20)
UI Health works to identify all contacts of a confirmed case of COVID-19 and notify these individuals and provide guidance.
If you were not exposed, you do not need testing for COVID-19.
However, regardless of any exposure, if you have symptoms of respiratory illness, fevers, or cough you should remove yourself from others, and contact your provider for guidance or Student Health Services at University Village at (312) 996-2901 for guidance.
Someone I work with was told to stay home in isolation. Should I worry about them having COVID-19? (March 20)
If someone was removed from campus because they have confirmed COVID-19, we will contact those exposed individuals.
There are individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 or have traveled from areas of increased COVID-19 transmission, and they may be removed from settings and told to monitor symptoms to prevent any transmission.
Others around them do not need to alter activity.
I have had respiratory symptoms, and my provider told me that I cannot be tested because the priority is currently for severely ill individuals. My provider told me to isolate myself at home and within my home from others. When can I return from this isolation? (March 20)
Your provider should provide some guidance
Based on CDC current guidance, this will likely be:
- Resolution or improvement in respiratory symptoms
- 7 days or more after the onset of the illness onset, or 3 days or more after resolution of fever, whichever is longer.
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Commencement
At the present, May Commencement has been indefinitely postponed. UIC is currently exploring two options: College ceremonies in August or college ceremonies in December. We understand that the planning group is waiting to gauge the situation before starting to evaluate whether planning an August event is feasible. But rest assured, you will have your day! We are also brainstorming ways we can honor our graduates closer to the original date (remotely).
For more information, be sure to read Chancellor Amiridis’s message about commencement.
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Transportation
Yes, you may still come to the Law School for limited purposes, unless you are ill or have been exposed or believe you have been exposed to COVID-19.
If you are a student or non-emergency personnel, please review the Non-Emergency Personnel & Student Access Procedures During COVID-19 Campus Closure before coming to campus.
If you are designated emergency personnel, please review the Procedures for Emergency Personnel During COVID-19 (updated March 20, 2020).
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Illness on Campus
When we receive a report that someone is showing signs of illness (e.g., excessive coughing), we reach out to the person or, in the case of an employee, sometimes the employee’s supervisor, to understand whether the person is ill, whether the person has seen a doctor and has a diagnosis, and if not, what the symptoms are, whether the person has traveled recently, etc. If the person does not have a diagnosis, we seek guidance from a doctor at UI Health who specializes in infectious diseases. If the student or employee who is seemingly ill is not available to speak with us quickly, we communicate the information we have to UI Health and make a preliminary decision about how to proceed. In some cases, we have restricted campus access so that we can further evaluate the situation. If the person has a diagnosis, we discuss whether the person can and should stay on campus (e.g., they are coughing because they have allergies – they can stay) or whether they should remain off campus for some period. We continue to ask people who are ill to stay home out of respect for the greater community, and to take care of themselves.
Law Student Resource Collections
Additional Law Student Resources & Information
Additional Resources & Information
Student Town Hall Presentations
- Instructions for Live Student Town Halls
- March 31 Student Town Hall
Password: TunNseu6 - March 25 Student Town Hall
Password: tKr2tm4h
Law School Access & Personal Identification
Information
Law School Policy Changes
- Externships Policy Related to COVID-19 (Updated 3/15/20)
- Guidelines to Preserve Intellectual Property Rights and Privacy in Online Courses & Events (Updated 4/7/20)
- Laptop Budget Increase Form (Updated 3/12/20)
- Military Activation in the Final Semester of Study (Updated 4/6/20)
Grading & Final Exam Information
- Grades and Academic Standards for Spring 2020 (Updated 3/23/20)
- Spring 2020 Exam Process & Administration (Updated 3/26/20)
- Accessing and Submitting Your Final Exams in Moodle (Updated 3/26/20)
Bar Exam Information & Updates
- New York: July Bar Exam Postponed Until Fall 2020
- New Jersey: July Bar Exam Postponed Until Fall 2020
Student Frequently Asked Questions
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Online Credits
Unless you are taking classes designated with “OL-“(classes that have been administered online since the beginning of the semester), the credits you earn in Spring 2020 do not counts toward the 30-credit limit for online classes.
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Exit Counseling
The Office of Financial Aid Our will be hosting loan counseling and financial literacy workshops through WebEx in April. Students will receive more information on how to register for sessions on Friday, April 3.
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Due to the campus shutdown I have moved out of the Chicagoland area. Does CampusCare cover walk-in clinics such as MinuteClinic or other common providers, or personal care providers outside of UIC health facilities? (March 24)
CampusCare members should reach out to their primary care physician for direction on seeking care. Family Medicine and CampusCare’s interim Medical Director, Dr. Potter, are prepared to direct care as needed and as appropriate. CampusCare will cover all care that is authorized by the Medical Director, whether it is in network or out of network, as it relates to COVID-19 related services. In addition, the Department of Family Medicine at UI Health has telehealth capability and may have the ability to address student needs without the need to refer to another provider.
I graduate in May. Will the University be extending the coverage period of CampusCare? (March 20)
CampusCare already allows students to keep coverage for the summer term, even if they aren’t enrolled in classes, as long as they were covered by CampusCare in the spring. This means that, if you choose, you can already be covered through August 15. Please visit https://campuscare.uic.edu/dates-fees/ and follow the red link for summer continuation instructions.
Unfortunately, CampusCare coverage cannot be extended for graduating students beyond August 15. As a student health plan, CampusCare is allowed to provide a short-term extension after graduation, as it is still technically a part of the current academic year, and the University follows guidelines to allow students to opt in when not taking summer courses. However, CampusCare is not an insurance plan licensed with the Illinois Department of Insurance, and its coverage terms are limited to students only. CampusCare cannot extend coverage for non-students that run into new academic years.
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WebEx
You don’t need a WebEx account to join your professor’s class or office hours.
In general, this is how you’ll use WebEx:
- Your professor will start the class meeting in your professor’s WebEx “personal room” as the host. Note: your professor’s personal room address is always in the format of https://uichicago.webex.com/meet/NETID (The NetID is unique to each UIC faculty/staff/student). This URL will be posted on your professors’ Moodle course pages and may also be emailed to you.
- You will sign into your professor’s personal room using either the WebEx desktop client (used as “guest”) or directly from a web browser (easier).
- You will enter your name and email in the form that opens up and then join the meeting.
The Law School’s ITS Helpdesk has a brief WebEx, guide along with other student-facing resources on our knowledgebase at https://helpdesk.jmls.edu/Announcements/AnnouncementView/969f004b-989d-4832-a22a-39754bf5fe72 (sign in with the JMLS username and password).
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Graduation regalia must be pre-ordered by March 17. Will that date be extended? (March 20)
We do not have an answer about the extension. The March 17 deadline is a pre-order deadline. Following that deadline, ordinarily students would have an opportunity to purchase regalia in the UIC bookstore, but we’re waiting to hear if this will change in light of recent announcements. (We still do not have word on whether/when commencement will be held.)
With commencement postponed, will I receive a refund if I pre-ordered regalia? (March 20)
We have learned that all graduate regalia pre-orders have been cancelled. The typical refund time from Josten’s is 10 days, but in light of circumstances could take a bit longer.
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Clinic Requirements
We are planning two changes to the clinic requirements:- We are extending the time that students have to complete their hours. Students will have time until May 15 (one week after finals) to complete their hours.
- Clinic grades will be due one week after May 15 to accommodate the revised deadline.
All clinic directors are committed to working with students to make sure they can represent their clients effectively and complete their hours. The directors will work with any student who may become ill during this time. Students who have concerns with fulfilling the requirements of clinic should reach out to their supervisors and clinic’s director.We are not planning on reducing the number of hours for clinic hours. The clinic hours are tied to the ABA requirements. The ABA Managing Directors Guidance Memo dated February 2020 provides that law schools should seldom alter the basic framework of the JD program because of an emergency or disaster. The amount of work required for credit under Standard 310 is considered a basic framework of the JD program.ABA Standard 310 requires “1 hour of classroom time or direct faculty instruction and two hours of out-of-class student work per week for fifteen weeks, or the equivalent amount of work over a different amount of time.” The Standard requires an “equivalent amount of work” for clinics. The ABA Managing Directors Guidance Memo on Standard 310 (May 2016) provides 42.5 hours per credit of time spent in class. This calculation is based on a class with an exam or paper. Our requirement of 52 hours per credit of fieldwork balances the time required for client work and preparation for seminar outside of class.We anticipate that at this time of crisis the legal needs of our clients and the community they serve will increase. Our clinics are committed to continue to represent our clients and prospective clients. -
Will finals be administered online? (Updated March 15)
Yes, all final exams will be conducted online. All midterms and other assessments will also be conducted online for the rest of the spring semester.
Can you please explain more about how final examinations will be administered? (March 16)
We will provide updates soon, but as noted above, we must dedicate the next couple of days to closing the physical facilities and moving employees to telecommute status. Generally, final exams will be administered on the day and time originally scheduled. Please stay tuned for more specific and definitive information.
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Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes
Potentially. Professors have discretion about how to deliver their classes, and they may use a mix of methods.
Some professors will be offering at least some of their remaining classes in a synchronous format, which means that class will be held remotely, but “live” during your regularly scheduled class time. For those classes, to be counted “present,” you must participate in the “live” class session; simply viewing the recording later will not work. If you fall ill, please contact Vice Dean Spanbauer, who can work with you individually on issues such as class absences.
Some professors may use an asynchronous format that will allow students to complete assignments over a period of days at the time most convenient to the student. For those classes, completing the assignments by the deadline will determine whether you are “present” for a class.
Because of the March 14 change extending Spring Break, your professor may been revising the plan for the semester.
Before you assume you will not need to be available during your regularly scheduled class sessions, please check with your professors directly.
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Online Guidance
Definitely. We are working on this right now.
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March 16-29
If you have an examination review or other meeting scheduled with your professor between March 16 and 29, please touch base with the professor. If it’s convenient for you to keep the appointment, please do. It’s also fine for you to reschedule until after Spring Break. All meetings must be virtual.
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Student Meetings
No. All classes must be delivered in an online format.
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Pass/Fail
This is a rumor. But our Academic Affairs Committee is reviewing several academic policies through the lens of the current emergency situation. We will update the campus if any policies are revised or suspended.
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Barrister's Ball
Given the new city and state restrictions on events, Barrister’s Ball has been canceled. Mr. Glenn is working on a communication about the cancellation and about refunds.
For other event cancellations, please be sure to check the Updated Campus Events Schedule Status document in the general section above.
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Federal Work Study
Yes, up to your awarded amount through the end of your appointment (May 15, 2020). If you are able to telecommute (with appropriate supervision), please do. We will be sending a separate communication to FWS students shortly.
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Graduate Hourly Student
Yes, if you have continuing duties and can work remotely with appropriate supervision. We will have more details in the next day or so.
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Professor Discretion
A professor cannot set a deadline for a required assignment between March 17 and 29. However, if a professor offers students the opportunity to turn in drafts for review or allows students to submit optional assignments, the professor can set deadlines for those assignments during this period.
On a related note, please note that LSIII briefs are due on March 30. If you are in that class, please see the March 14 email from Professor Hodge.
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Consortium
Yes. Professors will be using Moodle, Panapto, and WebEx to conduct classes. Chicago consortium students at UIC John Marshall all have access to Moodle; as a result, they will have access to Panapto and WebEx. We encourage these students to check their UIC John Marshall email to read the various updates. We are also reaching out to Associate Deans Sowle and Ortleib to ensure they are aware of how UIC John Marshall will be proceeding for the rest of the semester. If you have any trouble accessing materials, please contact UIC John Marshall’s IT Helpdesk. Other concerns can be addressed to UIC John Marshall Vice Dean Julie Spanbauer.
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Cleaning Library
The Law School is working to increase the hours of the cleaning staff. In the interim, we have put bottles of disinfectant virucide and cleaning cloths on tables on each library floor if you want to self-clean (like in a gym).
Law School Faculty & Staff Information
General Resources
Building Access Information
- No State-Required Documentation for Travel to Campus
- Procedures During COVID-19 – Emergency Personnel (Updated 3/17/20)
- Mail Procedures During COVID-19 – Emergency Personnel & Senior Staff (Updated 3/26/20)
- Procedures to Access Campus During COVID-19 – Non-Emergency Personnel (Updated 3/17/20)
Mental Health Information & Support
- Coronavirus Impact on Mental Health (Lexology)
- Employee Assistance Services (Updated 3/18/20)
- Stress & Anxiety Tips for Employees (Updated 3/18/20)
- Stress & Anxiety Support Tips for Managers (Updated 3/18/20)
- Tips for Minimizing Cohabitation Stress During Self-Isolation
Technology Resources
- Comcast Internet Essentials Free 60-Day Offer (Updated 3/13/20)
- Email, Online Course Delivery, and Video Conferencing Information
Information about Email, Box.com, Moodle, Panopto, WebEx, VPN Connection, and Remote Desktop. Note: If, after logging in, you are routed to the Help Desk home screen, click on the COVID-19 Online ITS Resources in the upper right-hand corner of your screen.
Faculty Information
Faculty & Staff Frequently Asked Questions
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Telecommute
Please read the Friday, March 13, email to all staff from Dean Dickerson, which fully explains opportunities for telecommuting and the related expectations for maintaining job duties.
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Payroll
Yes. Both functions will operate. Employees should not be concerned about being paid on time.
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Professor Discretion
A professor cannot set a deadline for a required assignment between March 17 and 29. However, if a professor offers students the opportunity to turn in drafts for review or allows students to submit optional assignments, the professor can set deadlines for those assignments during this period.
On a related note, please note that LSIII briefs are due on March 30. If you are in that class, please see the March 14 email from Professor Hodge.