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SIU Student Recreation Center
In response to COVID-19 the Student Recreation Center will be CLOSED until further notice.

Announcements:  Closures due to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the SIU Student Recreation Center (RSS) operations will close until further notice. Regular operations and programming will resume at a time yet to be determined. This decision is to further the goal of social distancing and measures to keep our campus community and our Southern Illinois community safe.

    • New Memberships and Guest Passes are currently not available for purchase until further notice.
    • All classes and events postponed until further notice. 
    • The Climbing and Boulder Wall will be closed until further notice.
    • Birthday Party Reservations are currently not being accepted at this time
    • Basecamp Rental Center will be closed until further notice.
    • Personal Belongings at the REC:
      • If patrons need to collect any personal belongings we will allow retrieval of their belongings Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. North Entrance of the SIU Rec. After these dates we will not be able to accommodate any request until we reopen.

Please refer to our FAQ or direct questions to reccntr@siu.edu. Please check the SIU campus announcements related to COVID-19 regularly.


What we are doing to keep the facility safe:

Custodial Staff are performing the following activities to help reduce possible exposure to flu, COVID-19, and other viruses on campus:

  • Wearing disposable gloves while engaged in cleaning services.
  • Disinfecting high-touch surfaces (e.g., tables, doorknobs, light switches, handrails, desks).
  • Transitioning from routine cleaning to disinfecting activities multiple times daily.
  • The cleaning of any visibly dirty surfaces will remain emphasized as part of the continued response to this emerging public health concern, followed by disinfection as a best practice measure for the prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses.
  • Hand sanitizer dispensing units are located throughout the Rec Center.

Everyone can help take precautionary measures by following the everyday preventive actions for limiting the transmission of viral diseases recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid physical greetings.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

COVID-19 Rec Center FAQs

  • When will you re-open?
    • The Rec Center will be closed beginning at 7 pm on Monday, March 16, 2020. It is to be determined when we will re-open. Please check this page for the most up-to-date information.
  • What does the closure include?
    • All open/drop-in recreation, programs, classes, events, and personal training sessions held within the Student Recreation Center and Becker Pavilion.
  • How does this affect my membership?
    • All one-month unlimited passes, semester memberships, and annual memberships will be extended by the number of days the Rec Center is closed.
    • Individuals with Payroll Deduction will receive credit on their account that is equal to the number of days the Rec Center is closed. You will need to claim this credit at Member Services when the Rec Center re-opens.
    • Individuals with EFT memberships will not be charged the monthly deduction from their bank accounts until the Rec Center re-opens.
  • Can I still renew my membership?
    • Yes, you can renew your membership at online.rec.siu.edu.
  • How does this affect my locker rental/towel membership?
    • All locker rentals and towel memberships will be extended by the number of days the Rec Center is closed.
  • I am a student. Can I get a refund for my membership?
    • No, the Rec Center does not have the capability to refund the portion of the general student fee that goes towards your Rec membership.
  • I have further questions. Who do I contact?