Hello, Huskie families!
Welcome to a new year and the semester's first installment of NIU's Family Connections newsletter.
In anticipation of the semester's official kickoff on Tuesday, Jan. 18, I am writing to share critical new information as we begin the spring 2022 semester in the midst of a new wave of COVID-19 cases.
NIU is taking a multilayered approach to prioritize the safety of students and slow the spread of the Omicron variant so we can return to a more complete on-campus presence as soon as possible.
Below are three need-to-know items we've recently emailed to your student. Please share these reminders with them as we head into the holiday weekend leading up to the start of classes at NIU.
1. Classes will be online the first week of the semester, and your professors will update you.
NIU will begin the first week of classes (Jan. 18 to 21) online so that faculty and students have the opportunity to make a gradual return and transition into the new semester on campus or from home. This will also help in preventing a potential increase in COVID-19 positivity rates.
Beyond the first week, individual faculty members will have the option to choose whether to hold classes online or in person if the on-campus surveillance testing positivity rate reaches 8%.
It's important for your Huskie to log on for class and be attentive next week, as professors will share plans with students on how their classes will proceed in person or online, based on positivity rates.
Your student can be ready to hit the ground running next week by reviewing our new guide to starting the semester remotely, created to help Huskies make a seamless transition this term.
2. Huskies do their part to Protect the Pack by testing for and vaccinating against COVID-19.
All students and employees coming to campus will be part of NIU's surveillance-testing program this semester. Vaccinated individuals will schedule tests every five weeks, while those with an approved exemption will test each week. Students should check their email for instructions on scheduling tests.
If your student is vaccinated and eligible for a booster, they should schedule one as soon as possible! Those five months or more out from their last dose of Moderna/Pfizer, or two months or more from receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, can visit vaccines.gov to find a free local booster clinic. NIU will also host a booster clinic on campus Jan. 19 for students who make an appointment.
NIU has updated its COVID-19 guidance in consultation with the DeKalb County Health Department. If your Huskie tests positive or is feeling unwell, they should complete the screening checklist, and can receive instructions for testing by signing up for an NIU "Sick Only" Student Health Center appointment.
You can stay up to date on all information related to COVID-19 on our Protecting the Pack website.
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3. Students should check their email, make connections and use campus resources at NIU
Your Huskie's professors, advisor, team in Student Affairs and all of us at NIU are committed to their success. To that end, we cannot stress enough how important it is for them to check their NIU email every day. The university must communicate often with students, especially in our shifting landscape.
This week, I shared important campus resources with your Huskie in my first student message of 2022. NIU offices will remain open and accessible to students during business hours throughout the semester.
A couple of support options they — and you — can use right away include the Huskie Academic Support Center and the Center for Student Assistance. From the beginning of classes, students can get a boost in their studies with personalized coaching from the HASC, along with tutoring and writing help.
We know there's been a lot of information to take in right before the start of a new semester, and we're here to help! Call the friendly staff at the CSA with questions or concerns anytime at 815-753-8300.
If you are new to the Huskie family, welcome! You can expect to hear from me and NIU's Division of Student Affairs about twice a month. On alternating weeks, your student will receive a Huskie Connections newsletter.
Each of our Huskies has a hopeful year ahead. We'll do all we can to support them and their families.
Go Huskies!
Charles J. Fey, Ed.D.
Interim Vice President
Division of Student Affairs
Northern Illinois University |
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