Current State and Planned Changes 

We are thankful that our campus COVID numbers have remained low since the middle of the semester. With a significantly reduced number of cases across the state, in the counties surrounding Northwestern, and on campus, we are optimistic about creating a "new normal" together for the summer season and beyond, Lord willing. With this in mind, the RAT and ACT recently discussed a timeline and approach for sunsetting our COVID monitoring, mitigation strategies, published data, signage, and other communications. 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

UNW Website and theROCK 

• Any areas or web pages that focus specifically on 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., housing may have policies related to COVID, the purple button may be retained by Health Services but moved to their location on theROCK, etc.).

 Reporting and Reports  

• Employee Reporting
  • HR will publish a Daily Journal announcement about discontinuing employee reporting via the purple button on theROCK.
  • Staff and faculty will no longer report 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 employee outbreaks on campus and surrounding community transmission levels to determine if centralized reporting is required.
• Student Reporting
  • The purple button can continue through Health Services over the summer.
  • Health Services will continue to track internally but will not publish cases.
• Constituent Reports
  • Public and internal dashboards will be hidden.

 Campus Signage 

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

 Sanitation Baskets/Hand Sanitizer Stations 

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

 Testing 

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

Week of 6/27/22

Remove Remaining Classroom Signage 

• Remaining classroom signage will be removed.
• Signage will remain at medical locations, such as Health Services, as required.

 Remove Remaining Barriers  

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

 Faculty Option to Require Face-Coverings in Classrooms 

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