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Let's Finish Strong

I hope you have all had a chance to view Dr. Cureton's message and encouragement about coming together to have a strong finish to our semester. Although we've seen our internal numbers ticking up in the past few weeks our campus has been able to remain at Green because of the confidence the Senior Leadership Team has in our students and employees to maintain our protocols into these final weeks. 

Supporting Students During Finals

As we near finals, we want to clearly communicate how you will know if a student is not able to take a final exam due to COVID or other sickness.

  • If a student is in isolation or quarantine and cannot come to an in-person exam, you will receive an email from the Registrar’s office stating an approved exam reschedule date.
  • If the student is in isolation or quarantine, is feeling fine, and the exam can be taken virtually; the student will be expected to take the exam.
  • If a student is sick (in isolation, quarantine, or otherwise) and unable to take a virtual or in person exam, you will again be notified by the Registrar’s office of an approved exam reschedule date.
  • If a student notifies you on the day of the exam that they are not feeling well, please direct them to Academic Achievement (academicachievement@unwsp.edu) who will work with Health Services to determine if adjustments need to be made. If needed, you will be notified by the Registrar’s office of an approved exam reschedule date.

Please also remember the information shared in last week's communication regarding Anticipating Student Needs and that the Online Learning Office is available to help. 

Planning for Fall

Now that we are nearing the end of the spring semester I know that many of us are beginning to look ahead and are asking questions related to the fall semester. Topics such as vaccines, protocols, and accommodations have been raised in various meetings. While details still need to be worked through, I wanted to provided an update based on the information we have at this time. 

Vaccines

Under the oversight of the Resurgence Analysis Team, a cross-functional group of staff and faculty members has been formed to provide information to the Senior Leadership Team on what position our institution should take on requiring members of the community to have COVID vaccine for the fall. At this time, there is no requirement for employees or students to receive the vaccine. Because we desire to make wise choices and understand the implications of any decision we make for our community, I am thankful that this group is taking time to explore this important topic and options for Northwestern. My hope is to have a decision announced before the end of the spring semester. 

Expectations for Protocols

Throughout the entire pandemic, we have used guidance from the CDC and MDH to inform our decisions related to mitigation strategies and protocols. Although things may change, at this point we will continue to require masks in our classrooms, in line with the state mandate. If the state mandate changes, we will review available guidance and make a decision on how to proceed forward. 

In addition, we are planning on moving our classroom distancing to 3 feet instead of 6 feet as this has been endorsed by MDH for the fall. Distancing for classes over the summer will remain at 6 feet.

Faculty Accommodations

Any faculty seeking an accommodation for the Fall 2021 semester should reference Faculty Accommodation and Flexible Teaching Arrangements form. If you have questions about your arrangement for the fall, please work with your Department Chair/Assistant Dean. You are also welcome to reach out to Kelly Franck, our Academic Affairs HR Business Partner, to discuss any questions you have.

Commencement Viewing Opportunity

We are excited to celebrate our spring graduates in just a few short weeks! Although faculty will not be able to attend ceremonies in the Knight Performance Hall, you are invited to join other colleagues in the Nazareth Great Room (NGR) where light refreshments will be available. Capacity in the NGR is limited is you will need to please RSVP by Monday, May 3 indicating which ceremony/ceremonies you plan to attend in the NGR. You can view the email sent by Andy Simpson with more information about commencement ceremonies including live streaming options. 

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