Monitoring Changes to COVID-19 Requirements

We are excited to see progress toward the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Throughout the pandemic, we have thoughtfully implemented changes in protocols, following guidance from the Governor's Executive Orders and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). We will, likewise, thoughtfully revise mitigation protocols in the coming days as we receive clarity and further higher education guidance. While we await implications of the Governor’s Executive Order 21-23,  we will plan to continue with the current protocols of face coverings and distancing in classrooms as the summer semester begins next week.  

We know that guidance is rapidly changing, however, and we will continue to monitor developments that can be applied to our campus policies in the days ahead. We anticipate sending an update in the near future as more details become available. Decisions about masking and distancing in residence halls, dining spaces, and other indoor locations are also under review at this time. Until otherwise communicated, we will continue to follow existing protocols for these areas. As always, thank you for your understanding, flexibility, and support.

Summer Professional Development and Incentive Opportunities

Throughout the summer, Academic Technology and the Online Learning Office will be hosting a series of webinars on Moodle, Zoom, and other tools used at Northwestern. The Improving Your Online Course (IYOC) workshop will be offered in June, and the Best Practices in Online Teaching (BPOT) course will be offered in July.

We are excited to provide incentives for participation in these opportunities. These incentives are once again intended to help support your effectiveness in leveraging digital teaching and learning opportunities, including items such as a webcam, monitor, and wireless speaker.

You can find a full list of incentives, learn more about training options, and complete your registration at https://confluence.unwsp.edu/x/qQbpBg. Thanks in advance for incorporating some of these professional development opportunities into your summer! 

Final Grade Submission Deadlines

Just a friendly reminder about the following deadlines for final grade submissions:

• Grades for DE courses and PSOC students in TRAD courses are due on Wednesday, May 19.
• Quad 4 and Full Semester TRAD courses are due on Monday, May 24.

You can find more information about final grade deadlines on Confluence (be sure to click on Spring 2021 Grading Deadlines). 

Listening to Understand

Thank you to all who participated in the recent Listening to Understand sessions, including the fourth session held earlier this week. Please use this anonymous Qualtrics link to send feedback regarding the sessions. Ongoing work related to the Strategic Diversity and Inclusion Framework will allow for more dialogue in future months on these important issues. Please continue to pray with me that God's grace will abound!