Dear Students,
I want to take this opportunity to begin to welcome you back after a much-deserved break. With the heightened prevalence of the Omicron variant, we’re beginning the spring semester during a challenging time. I want to assure you that your health and safety are our top priority—and to make sure you get off to a strong start this semester.
Classes As you know, the university made the decision to begin the first week of classes (Jan. 18 – 21) online. That decision was based on data (as of Jan. 7) that indicated the COVID-19 positivity rate would likely significantly increase with the return of all students and faculty at one time. By starting the first week remotely, faculty and students have the opportunity to make a gradual return and transition into the new semester on campus or from home.
Moving forward this semester, if the on-campus surveillance testing positivity rate reaches 8% or higher, your individual faculty members will choose to hold courses in person or online. All faculty are asked to communicate to you during the first week how they plan to proceed with classes in subsequent weeks should the on-campus surveillance testing positivity rate reach or exceed the 8% mark.
Check email, make connections, use your NIU resources It’s extremely important for you to check your email daily. We can’t stress this enough. Your student email is where you’ll receive all official university messages. If you’ve not yet set up your phone to receive your student email, now is a good time to do so.
It’s very important that you attend class (both online and in person) and make connections with faculty, friends and NIU staff members. Meet your peers, talk to your professors, make friends—it’s the fun part of the college experience but also key to your success.
We also urge you to closely review our new Starting the Semester Remotely guide, created by our Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning (CITL) to help you make a quick and smooth shift to remote learning. It includes tips on preparing yourself for this semester, being proactive about your learning and tapping into university support systems, such as finding technical assistance.
While classes are starting virtually for the first week, campus offices are open and accessible during normal business hours. Throughout the semester, you’ll want to keep in mind resources that can help you succeed, including:
Vaccinations, boosters and testing As communicated yesterday, the university has updated its procedures and protocols for vaccinations, exposures and positive cases. If you test positive for COVID-19 or are feeling unwell, please complete the COVID-19 Screening Checklist.
Any student or employee who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who has been exposed to COVID-19 can test on campus at the Student Health Center using the free SHIELD Illinois saliva-based PCR test, but you must first schedule the test before you take the test. Schedule an appointment online by choosing the “NIU ‘Sick Only’ Student Health Center” location in the SHIELD testing portal. Please do not go to the SHIELD testing site in the Holmes Student Center if you are symptomatic.
We also continue to encourage all community members to get a booster, if eligible: five months or more since your last dose of Moderna or Pfizer, or two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. Visit vaccines.gov to find a free booster clinic near you. NIU will also host a vaccine booster clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for students and employees. Appointments are required.
Finally, we understand the challenges you’re facing. The pandemic has thrown us more curveballs than we can count, and college students nationwide have had to adjust. But we expect the current COVID-19 surge to pass and that we can resume a more normal campus experience as the semester progresses. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience, flexibility and contributions to the health and safety of our entire Huskie community.
We’ll do everything we can to make sure your semester is a success!
Sincerely, Charles J. Fey, Ed.D. This message has been approved for distribution by the appropriate NIU party and is distributed by the Division of Enrollment Management, Marketing and Communications. NIU Mass Email Policy. Northern Illinois University's vision is to be an engine for innovation to advance social mobility; promote personal, professional and intellectual growth; and transform the world through research, artistry, teaching and outreach. |