Harper College Advisory

Over the next several months, we plan to increase campus access, in-person appointments, and on-campus classes through a phased approach. Currently, students may come to campus only for an express purpose, such as on-campus lab, reservation, or curbside pickup.

Spring 2021:

A limited number of labs requiring on-campus instruction for degree and certificate completion are being taught face-to-face during the second eight weeks of the semester (March 15 to May 21). Most of these labs are in the Career and Technical Programs and Health Careers divisions. View an updated class schedule. All other classes are being taught remotely.

Summer 2021:

  • On-campus classes will largely be labs (see schedule).
  • Other opportunities for on-campus events continue to be explored.
  • Some on-campus services will resume May 24 via appointment (all services continue remotely). More information will be available soon.

Fall 2021:

  • On-campus classes will include lab classes and some lecture courses (see schedule).
  • More Online LIVE, Blended and 8-week courses will be offered.

Here's what to expect on campus

  • Remember, campus is essentially closed with few exceptions. Offices and departments continue providing services remotely. You may only come to campus for an express purpose, such as on-campus lab, reservation, or curbside pickup.
  • Face masks are required at all times while in buildings, as well as outdoors where social distancing cannot be maintained. Masks with valves and gaiters are not permitted. In accordance with CDC guidelines, everyone on campus must continue to wear masks and physically distance, regardless of vaccination status.
  • IDs are required. Students who need a Harper ID may request one online.
  • You must enter campus facilities through a designated screening station in Avanté (Building X entrance) or Building H. You will have your temperature checked by a screener and answer brief health-related questions. See hours.

What if I have or have been exposed to COVID-19?

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been around someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing symptoms, do NOT come to campus. Submit this form for students and employees. The information you provide will help us protect the health and safety of the college community. We will reach out to provide support and resources.

For details on Harper College's response to a confirmed or potential COVID-19 case, see these procedures for students and employees and guidelines on when someone may return to campus following a related absence.

Computer Lab Reservation: Students may reserve time in the MegaLab (Avanté, Room Y203).

Athletics Update: Harper has kicked off its spring 2021 sports season. Read more.

Lap Swim Reservation: In partnership with Palatine Park District, the Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) has opened for lap swim by reservation for indoor pool pass holders and active Health and Recreation Center members (including credit students).

Dear Harper College Community,

In light of recent state guidance and our ongoing commitment to supporting community partnerships, we will begin a gradual reopening of the indoor pool beginning February 8. I am hopeful this will be among the first of many steps we’re able to take in upcoming months to work toward our eventual return to campus.

Foglia Foundation Health and Recreation Center (Building M) Limited Reopening:

Northwest Community Healthcare reopened its Outpatient Care Center in November without issue. With the Illinois Department of Public Health and other state agencies issuing updated guidance on January 22 that categorized swimming as “lower risk,” we have been working with Palatine Park District to reopen the indoor pool.

The plan prioritizes the health and safety of visitors and staff and pays careful consideration to indoor traffic flow, staff training, signage, screening stations/temperature checks, and scheduling to ensure physical distancing and safety procedures are practiced in and out of the pool. Cleaning will take place in between groups of swimmers.

Incrementally reopening the pool and parts of Building M – a contained building not connected to the rest of campus – will afford us the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of our procedures and make necessary adjustments. Two weeks after the park district swim team returns to the pool, and barring any issues, we will begin allowing lap swim for Health and Recreation Center members and pool pass holders.

In early March, we plan to welcome back Harper coaches and student athletes to begin training for the spring sports season. Athletics will have access to the gymnasium and fitness center for indoor practice and conditioning if weather is bad; we hope to open these to membership later this spring with limited capacity scheduling.

Campus Limited Reopening, March 15:

We remain on track to reopen the main campus to select lab classes on March 15. We will continue to monitor this ever-evolving situation and are developing plans for reopening other facilities such as computer labs.

Throughout this pandemic, we’ve made every effort to provide a sense of stability and minimize disruption, recognizing that we may need to adapt our plans as we learn more. Thank you for your patience and for understanding that we will always act in the best interest of our community’s health and safety.

Forward together,

Dr. Avis Proctor
President, Harper College

Harper Resources

Prevention and Health Resources

Please see the CDC for information on COVID-19, symptoms, everyday preventative actions you can take, treatment and other resources.

Travel Information (effective May 5, 2021): Harper College is permitting domestic travel for college purposes including college-sponsored student travel such as field trips and athletics. All college-funded international travel remains prohibited.

As you travel, we encourage you to follow public health guidelines:

  • Continue to follow all COVID safety guidelines. The CDC recommends fully vaccinated travelers continue to wear masks, maintain social distancing and wash hands frequently while traveling.
  • The CDC recommends additional precautions, including pre- and post-travel testing, for unvaccinated travelers.  Although the college will not be collecting COVID test results, it is recommended that you follow all CDC travel guidelines.
  • According to Cook County Department of Public Health travel guidance, unvaccinated people traveling to a state with significant community-wide spread are directed to obtain a negative COVID test no more than 72 hours prior to arriving or to quarantine for 10 days after returning.

If you are not vaccinated, please consider the importance of any travel you are planning. Although the college has lifted its travel restrictions, you should consider deferring any non-essential travel per CDC recommendations.

For previous communications, please see the COVID-19 Advisory Archive.

Questions or concerns?

If you have concerns about your health or symptoms you’re experiencing, please contact your healthcare provider.

Have questions about COVID-19? Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline.

If you have questions or concerns specific to health and safety at Harper College, please submit them.