COVID Resurgence Level Update

Overview of Changes Effective March 3rd

Yesterday morning, an email was sent from the President's Office that communicated an upcoming change to our campus resurgence level and mitigation protocols. Of significant importance is removing the requirement for students to wear face coverings in classrooms and labs. While faculty who responded to the recent Face Covering Survey, completed after the February 15th faculty meeting, varied in their responses, a majority affirmed the move. This change to our mitigation level is made possible by the fact that we have been experiencing positive trends in case numbers both our on our campus and across the state. To help support you with this change for Quad 4, the Faculty Guidance page has been updated and now includes the following options available for your consideration:

Options for Faculty

• Wearing university provided N95 masks: These masks are available in the Academic Affairs and Human Resource offices for faculty and staff use (while supplies last). These can be used in the classroom, in your office, during meetings, or anywhere else on campus that you desire a face covering. 
• Requirement for students to wear face coverings in classrooms or labs: Faculty and academic departments may choose to make face coverings required in academic settings. Disposable masks are available in the Academic Affairs office to provide to students if you will be requiring face coverings in class (while supplies last).
• Seeking a larger classroom: If you would like to request a larger classroom, please contact Andy Simpson to check availability. 
• Change in modality: If you are considering changing the modality of your course from face-to-face to either hybrid or virtual, please consult with your Department Chair/Assistant Dean. If approved, communicate with the Registrar next and then with your students.

Communicating with Students

Please be intentional about informing your students about any requirements or changes in modality for your course. We want to ensure students are aware of your expectations and plans prior to the first day of class.

Seating Charts

Beginning Quad 4, faculty will no longer be required to create, submit, or update seating charts to Moodle. Health Services will continue to follow up with individuals as part of their contact tracing efforts as needed. Of course, you are still welcome to create seating charts if they are helpful for you. Thank you for your diligence over the previous months to provide these charts to Health Services.

Important Protocols and Practices Remain

While a number of upcoming changes will soon take place, several important protocols and practices will continue after spring break. Please note the following:

• If students are unwell, they should not come to class.
• Isolation and quarantine absences may still occur.
• Lecture capture should continue to be used based on established guidelines.
• Students should continue to spread out as much as feasible in classrooms.

If you have any questions about this information or these changes, please contact either your Department Chair/Assistant Dean, Cheryl Norman, or Joel Johnson.

Upcoming COVID-19 Testing

Free walk-in COVID-19 testing will be available for employees and family members in room G210 in the Billy on Monday, March 14th, and Friday, March 18th, from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Come and get tested for any reason: potential exposure, recent or upcoming travel, experiencing symptoms, or simply curious about your COVID-19 status!

Recent Home-goings

With sadness, I want to share with you the recent passing of beloved individuals connected to our community:

Dr. Hal Miller, UNW alum (1955), former UNW faculty member (1957-1965), Provost/VPAA (1998-2006), and 1997's Distinguished Alumni of the year, has gone to be with the Lord. Hal and his wife, Patsy, share a rich legacy with Northwestern. Hal's wisdom, experience, wit, and strong leadership richly blessed our Northwestern community. Information regarding a memorial service is unavailable at this time. 

Dr. Sally Harris's husband, Paul, an ordained Lutheran pastor for many years, is now in the presence of Jesus. Sally, a 2008 Fulbright recipient, is a retired UNW faculty member who taught faithfully in the Department of English & Literature from 1974–2016. Sally and Paul hosted students in their home for many years. A celebration of Paul's life will take place at Easter Lutheran Church by the Lake (4545 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, MN) on Sunday, May 1, at 2:00 p.m.

Inviting Your Feedback

If you have any feedback you'd like to share, you are invited to do so through this anonymous form (feel free to include your name if you'd like). We continue to appreciate hearing your thoughts!