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COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 Information


Welcome to the Prairie State College COVID-19 page. Here you will find college resources, updates, guidelines, procedures, and forms associated with the college's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 Self Reporting Forms


PSC Employees:

Any PSC employee who has been on campus or an off-site college-related activity (clinicals, etc.) and has since tested positive for COVID-19 or any infectious disease MUST report it immediately. Please complete the form below. This form is confidential and will be sent directly to the Executive Director of Human Resources.

Employee COVID-19 Self-Reporting FormEmployee Return To Work Flowchart Protocol

PSC Students:

Any student who has been on campus or an off-site college-related activity (clinicals, etc.) and has since tested positive for COVID-19 or any infectious disease MUST report it immediately. Please complete the form below. This form is confidential and will be sent directly to the Dean of Student Development.

Student COVID-19 Self-Reporting Form Student Return to Instruction Flowchart Protocol

Student Updates


July 18, 2022

Prairie State College Students,

Governor Pritzker has rescinded the executive order requiring vaccination and weekly COVID -19 testing for higher education employees, contractors, vendors, and students as of July 12, 2022. The specific order can be found here.

Effective immediately at Prairie State College:

  • Mandatory testing for unvaccinated students is suspended.
  • Proof of vaccinations or weekly test results is no longer required.

Please be mindful that COVID -19 variants remain active. We encourage everyone to continue safe practices, such as social distancing and washing/sanitizing your hands. Masks are optional at Prairie State College.

Q: Will courses be offered online in the fall?

A: Prairie State College administration has announced that the college will offer in-person and online classes in spring 2022.

Q: How will online classes be delivered in the spring?

A: Courses for the fall semester are listed on WebAdvisor and marked to identify how the class will be delivered

IN: online courses with no meeting pattern
MP: online with a meeting pattern
HYB: Blended courses that require in-person and online expectations.
Face-to-Face: Days and times available on WebAdvisor
Q: How can I enroll in GED classes?

A: Complete an interest and/or registration form prairiestate.edu/adulted or contact Angioletta Maltbia at amaltbia@prairiestate.edu.

Q: How can I enroll in ESL classes?

A: Complete an interest and/or registration form prairiestate.edu/adulted or contact Yesenia Garcia at ygarcia2@prairiestate.edu.

Q: Can I register for classes in person?

A: Yes. In-person services are available. Those who want to meet with an advisor or speak with someone in enrollment services, financial aid, or the business office, are invited to schedule an appointment online at prairiestate.edu/start.

Q: How do I add or drop a class?

A: You can add or drop a class by completing the Add/Drop/Withdrawal online form.

Q: Can I still receive counseling to talk about my personal matters?

A: Yes, students may meet with the PSC counselor through Google Meet. Additional services and resources are available. To learn more about counseling services, please contact Personal Counselor, Shannon Word at sword@prairiestate.edu or at (708) 709-3511.

Q: I need assistance with a writing assignment. How can I get the help I need?

A: The Writing Center is available for online appointments. Students can make appointments at https://prairiestate.mywconline.com/, and from there they will be given instructions on how to access their online appointment.

Q: Are Career Services still available?

A: Yes. Career Services staff are available to meet in person or virtually to provide assistance with your career planning needs, including resume writing and review, job or internship search information, career and major planning, researching different types of jobs and occupations, interview practice and more. PSC students and alumni also can register to use Pioneers Get Hired, PSC’s online job and internship posting site and career resource center. Please email us at careerdevelopment@prairiestate.edu to schedule an appointment, or to ask additional questions about accessing our services. A Career Services staff member will reach out to you to schedule the best time and format that works for you.

Q: Can I still take a Placement Test?

A: Yes. Prairie State College is offering students the ability to complete placement assessments even though the college has moved to a virtual campus. Your first step is to work with an advisor to help determine which placement assessments you need, if any.

Q: How do I get books for my fall classes?

A: For students that need to purchase books, you may come to campus during business hours or place an order at prairie.bncollege.com, and your books will be shipped to your home. You also can pick them up from the on-campus location. For Barnes & Noble-PSC Bookstore hours, visit the General Information page.

Q: How do I know if I have to take a placement exam?

A: There are multiple ways in which a student can meet their placement requirements. An academic advisor will help you determine the status of your placement. You can speak with an advisor by emailing advising@prairiestate.edu

Q: How do I return book rentals when they are due?

A: If you have rented textbooks, they can be returned free by mail or dropped off on campus. Visit the bookstore's page for easy step-by-step rental return instructions and to create a free shipping label.

Q: How do I know for sure if it is an actual employee calling from Prairie State College to discuss my account or other college business?

A: Any PSC employee who contacts you will provide you with their name and department. During times such as these, scammers may attempt to take advantage of people through phishing scams or the sales of phony products. Do not reveal personal or financial information in email, and do not respond to email solicitations for this information. Most departments have a general mailbox. If in doubt, send an email to stayinformed@prairiestate.edu.

Q: I forgot my student account information. How can I retrieve it?

A: Please contact the help desk at helpdesk@prairiestate.edu.

Q: Is tutoring available for virtual campus courses?

A: Yes! Email testing@prairiestate.edu to be matched with a tutor. Help is available for all credit courses. The tutors are prepared to work with you in many online formats, so you should be able to find one you’re most comfortable using. One on one tutoring also is available through the Adult Literacy Center located in the ATOC. Email Kisha Brown at kbrown1@prairiestate.edu.

Q: How do I remove a Business Office hold?

A: Students with a Business Office hold should send an email with their name and student ID number to businessoffice@prairiestate.edu for information on the hold and how to have it removed.

Q: How do I submit documents to financial aid?

A: Financial Aid documents can be scanned and sent directly to that office at financial-aid@prairiestate.edu. Documents also can be submitted by fax to (708) 709-3716.

Q: I need to speak with an advisor, how do I get in contact with them?

A: Please send an email to advising@prairiestate.edu, or make an appointment. Learn more at prairiestate.edu/start.

Q: How do I obtain a letter verifying my enrollment for the semester?

A: Enrollment verification letters can be prepared a week after your last class begins. If you need to verify your enrollment please send an email with the necessary information (i.e. name, date of birth, semester being verified) to enrollment@prairiestate.edu.

Q: Are there laptops available for students who have classes online?

A: Yes. Prairie State College will loan technology equipment to students in need of technology due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning. To be eligible for this loan, you must be enrolled for the current semester. Visit the Technology Lending Loaner Program page to sign up.

Q: Who is my academic advisor?

A: Prairie State College has assigned academic advising, based on number of credit hours earned, identity, program of study and special programs. Please see the flyer here with PSC advisors and the population they serve.

Q: How can I get involved and join a club or organization?

A: Contact Helen Manley at hmanley@prairiestate.edu

CARES Act


PSC Students. You may qualify for financial support through the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). Students with a completed 2021-22 FAFSA with demonstrated financial need will be given priority; however, the FAFSA is not required to be eligible for emergency funds. Guest students are not eligible. The funds will be disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To be eligible, students must meet the following qualifications:

  • Be enrolled at PSC for the summer 2022 semester for credit classes
  • Have incurred an education-related expense as a result of COVID-19.

Assistance may be provided for education-related needs such as technology, books/supplies, housing, and child care. You should apply if you have unexpected financial challenges that may keep you from completing the semester or degree/certificate.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) was allocated to Prairie State College as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP). It will be distributed to eligible students and ensure that learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students are required to be enrolled and actively attending classes for summer 2022.

The summer CARES application is now closed.

Q: What is the CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund provided by the federal government?

A: The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and sent money to schools to use for emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic.

Q: When will CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds be available?

A: Funds are available now. The application period opens July 21, 2022 and closes August 4, 2022 for summer 2022.

Q: Who is eligible for the CARES/Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds?

A: Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis. Students with a completed 2021-22 FAFSA on file will be given priority. Guest students are not eligible to apply including international and undocumented students. However, guest students are not eligible for funds.

Q: I am an international student. Am I eligible to receive CARES Act funds?

A: Yes, you are eligible if you are currently enrolled summer 2022 for credit classes.

Q: How will I be notified if I will receive funds?

A: Recipients will be notified through their PSC student email.

Q: When can I expect to receive the funds?

A: Updates regarding eligibility and disbursement will be communicated by email. Students who are eligible will begin receiving email updates beginning August 1, 2022.


Health and Wellness Resources


Community Resources

Counselors are connecting students to community resources via email or Google Hangouts to obtain various basic needs, supplies, and other assorted, individual needs. For assistance, please contact Personal Counselor, Shannon Word, NCC, LCPC at sword@prairiestate.edu or at 708-709-3511.

COVID-19 Resources

    At Home COVID-19 Tests:

    Get free at-home COVID-19 tests. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for PSC Employees

Our EAP provider, Perspectives, is available 24/7 to offer support to you and your household members. They are monitoring developments regarding COVID-19 in real time, answering FAQs and sharing relevant information on their website. Please email humanresources@prairiestate.edu, for more information. EAP services are confidential, no cost to you and available when you need them!

Coronavirus Job Resources: What to do if you're affected