Current State and Planned Changes 

If you haven't checked recently, We are thankful that our campus COVID numbers have remained low since the middle of the semester. Seeing With a significantly reduced number of cases across the state, in the counties surrounding Northwestern, as well as our internal cases has been a blessing and has allowed us all to give attention back to other important matters at Northwestern. Looking forwardand on campus, we are optimistic about being able to create creating a "new normal" together as we appear to be moving out of COVIDlandfor the summer season and beyond, Lord willing. With this in mind, the RAT and ACT have recently propose discussed a timeline and approach for sunsetting our COVID monitoring, mitigation strategies, published data, signage, and other communications.  

the following timeline and recommendations as we see a significantly reduced number of cases remaining constant in the State of MN, counties surrounding UNW, and internal cases reported. As we move toward summer and close out our spring semester, 

The RAT will continue to monitor cases reported and transmission levels (high, substantial, medium, or low) in our state, surrounding counties, and internally. Mitigation protocol will be revisited should numbers increase in the future.  

Going forward, all community members and guests will be welcome to continue wearing face coverings should they choose.  

Appreciation for COVID Teams

RAT

Sarah Arthur
Sandi Baty
Deb Bender
Jerod Cornelius
John Day
*Marla Dennison
Carrie Francis
Ruth Fries
Jane Goedeke
Tim Grosz
John Hyttsten
Deanna Loehlein
Joel Johnson
Randy McGrew
Tim McKinney
Angle Moin
Kirk Moss
Anna Mukaria
Ben Paulson
Alison Putz
Brian Scherrer
Pete Sola

ACT

Sarah Arthur
Dan Crane
Carrie Francis
Ruth Fries
Todd Harmening
Nathan Lentfer
Joel Light
*Joel Johnson 
Susan Johnson
Kirk Moss
Andy Simpson
Janet Sommers
Ann Sorenson

P6

Nina Barnes
Jerod Cornelius
John Day
Marla Dennison
Pearl Ferrin
Matt Hill
Greg Johnson
Joel Johnson
Anna Mukaria
Tim Sawyer
*Janet Sommers
John Sommerville
Tim McKinney

*indicates the lead facilitator of the group

Planned Changes

The SLT reviewed and approved their recommendation as we look toward the summer and the close of our spring semester. Here is an overview of the changes: 

Week of 5/16/22

Update Website & theROCK 

UNW Website and theROCK 

• Any areas or web pages that focus specifically on COVID Move any COVID will be hidden.
• Any COVID-related policies or communication that remain will be moved to department specific areas that need to be maintained – (e.g., Purple Button , housing may have policies related to COVID, the purple button may be retained by health services, however Health Services but moved to their location on theROCK, housing may have policies related to COVID, etc.).

 Reporting and Reports  Reports  

• Employee Reporting -
  • HR will publish a
  journal
  • Daily Journal announcement about discontinuing employee reporting
  (
  • via the purple button
  ) – staff
  • on theROCK.
  • Staff and faculty will no longer report
  to health services,
  • COVID illness to Health Services but will communicate with their supervisor (as with any other illness).
  • Supervisor guidance on how to appropriately handle illnesses will be available.
  • HR will be informed of any
  student
  • employee outbreaks on campus and surrounding community transmission levels to determine if centralized reporting is required.
• Student reporting (Reporting
  • The purple button
  )
  • can continue through
  health services
  • Health Services over
  summer, health services will
  • the summer.
  • Health Services will continue to track internally but will not publish cases.
• Constituent Reports - Remove public
  • Public and internal
  dashboards 
  • dashboards will be hidden.

 Campus Signage 

Remove Signage 

• All COVID-related face - covering signs will be removed from outside doors/buildings .
• Signage will remain in place on medical locations Summer course classroom (such as Health Services).
• Classroom signage will remain in place for summer courses until 6/27/22, all others will be removed.

 Sanitation Baskets/Hand Sanitizer Stations Stations 

• Remove sanitation Sanitation baskets in classrooms and various office locations , will be removed (these baskets will be available by request from facilities if desired).
• Retain hand Hand sanitizer stations in general or commons areas will be retained.

 Testing 

• Testing of students and employees can will continue by appointment only at Health Service Services as available throughout the summer (please note the limited hours).

Week of 6/27/22

Remove Remaining Classroom Signage Signage 

• Remaining classroom signage will be removed after summer courses are complete .
• Signage will remain at medical locations, such as Health Services, as required.

 Remove remaining barriers  

Remaining Barriers  

• Remaining barriers/sneeze guards will be removed by Facilities and place placed in storage.

 Faculty Option to require faceRequire Face-coverings Coverings in classrooms Classrooms 

• Faculty will have the option through the end of the summer semester to require face coverings in their classroom classroom. 
• The option for faculty to require face-coverings coverings will cease in the for fall semester unless the MN/County transmission level warrants adjustment to this policy (substantial or high transmission)- to .
• This will be revisited during the summer and subsequent months if needed.

Special Notes  

• The RAT will continue to monitor cases reported and transmission levels (i.e., high, substantial, medium, or low) in our state, surrounding counties, and internally. Mitigation protocol will be revisited should numbers increase in the future.
• Going forward, all community members and guests will be welcome to continue wearing face coverings should they choose.  

Appreciation for COVID Teams

As you know, the work to bring Northwestern through COVIDland has required the prayer, effort, and collaboration of many individuals. The three key teams that have guided our institution's response for the past two years are the Resurgence Analysis Team, the Academic Continuity Team, and the P6 Team. I would like to acknowledge the individuals who have been recently involved. Please join me in thanking them for their commitment and dedication to serving Northwestern on these teams.

*indicates the lead facilitator of the group

Provost Coffee Hour

As we conclude the semester and you need a break from grading or other activities , please join me if your schedule allows for an informal Coffee Hour on Thursday, May 19, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Youderian Missional Center. We will discuss Academic Excellence, Strategic Initiatives, and any other topics you'd like to discuss. Coffee and treats will be provided. Be on the lookout for an invitation. Hope to see you there! 

Feedback

and Comments

I am always interested in hearing how things are going for you and anything else you might like to share. The anonymous feedback form remains open and available to you. Thanks for communicating with me!