Skip to Content

Higher Education Phase 5 Guidance

New March 18, 2022: Updated Higher Education Phase 5 Guidance


Illinois has updated guidance for higher education institutions as of March 18, 2022. On February 28, 2022, Governor Pritzker issued Executive Order 2022-06, which rescinded Section 1 of Executive Order 2021- 22 relating to face coverings. IBHE and ICCB are updating this guidance consistent with CDC and IDPH recommendations and the requirements under the Governor’s Executive Orders 2021-22 and 2022-06. Please read the guidance, linked below, which highlights the updates.

While Illinois is in Phase 5, this updated guidance replaces all previous guidance issued by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and the Illinois Community College Board under the Restore Illinois plan.




Higher Education in Illinois:
Safely Launching Academic Year 2020


Higher education is central to society and provides life-changing benefits for students as well as advantages for employers and the economy. Because of that, we encourage students to stay the course. The current pandemic has affected how higher education works, but not the mission. We know that everyone—from students, families, institution administrators, staff, and instructors—is interested in the new “how.” They want to know what colleges, universities, and business schools will look like in the fall. And they want to know it’s safe.

This is why IBHE has issued guidelines to help institutions open safely and to the greatest benefit to students. With higher education leaders from across the state, this document represents the set of principles and guidance for Illinois higher ed institutions as they face the unprecedented challenges of reopening this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Higher Education in Illinois: Safely Launch Academic Year 2020 -- Updated July 28, 2020


Frequently Asked Questions:


To view the IBHE webinar on the opening guidance, and an accompanying PowerPoint, click one of the following:


If you are interested in guidance from other Illinois agencies and the Governor’s Office, please go to the following:

Illinois Community College Board
Illinois State Board of Education
Governor JB Pritzker’s Office
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

*********************** -->