March 20, 2020

Dear NIU students,

Many of us are saddened by the cancelation of face-to-face instruction, event cancelations and postponement of the spring commencement ceremonies. While these circumstances were unforeseen, it weighs heavy on my heart that the spring semester I envisioned for our campus came to an abrupt end. However, the safety and well being of my peers is what I value and care about the most.

While we are unable to operate on campus, I assure you the Student Government Association is within your reach and still advocating for you. Whether we are working in our offices or from home, we are still here for you, and encourage that you reach out to us with any concerns or questions you have.

Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been affected, displaced or inconvenienced due to the spread of COVID-19. To protect our NIU community, I challenge you all to practice healthy habits such as keeping your hands washed/sanitized, practicing social distancing measures, and providing a healthy and safe environment for you and/or your families at home. For additional information regarding COVID-19 you can visit the websites of the following organizations: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Illinois Department of Public Health, or the World Health Organization.

The Student Government Association intends to issue a press release soon to address issues amongst the student body. I encourage you all to please contact me or another member of SGA so that we can continue to communicate your concerns to the administration and keep ourselves connected during this difficult time.

Aside from university concerns, we intend to address questions concerning the SGA. A variety of discussions are taking place concerning Senate meetings, elections and funding for your organizations for the 2020-2021 school year. Please understand these things take time, and we want to ensure that we develop a plan that works best for us all.

I am available via email Monday-Friday from 8:00a.m.-4:30p.m. If you would like to set up a conference call, please request to do so via email. I can be reached at nbolden1@niu.edu.

Forward Together,

Naomi Bolden
Proud Huskie and SGA President