We continue to work together during this challenging time to make informed decisions to protect our entire campus community and do our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. To echo what others have said; nothing is more important than the health and well-being of our NOC family. We are proud to see the Northern Family pulling together at this critical juncture to support and encourage one another through the uncertainty. Even though we have already taken extraordinary precautions and measures, we must do more as the situation continues to evolve. The most recent White House and CDC guidelines for social distancing have made it apparent we must now take additional steps to do our part to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 outbreak.
NOC Moving Fully Online for Remainder of Spring Semester
Yesterday, we announced NOC is closing all campus locations from March 14 through March 29, extending spring break for one extra week. Today, we made the difficult decision to continue alternative instructional delivery methods through the remainder of the spring semester with all NOC classes delivered online beginning March 30. We will continue to follow the NOC Academic Calendar with the last day of the spring semester, May 8. All final grades are due Monday, May 11. More details will be shared in the coming days. Working together with faculty and staff as well as our community partners, we are committed to ensuring our students can complete their academic goals at NOC.
On-Campus Housing
We are strongly encouraging a reduced occupancy in on-campus housing for the rest of the spring semester. This is a difficult decision, but necessary to protect the health of our entire campus community – students, faculty and staff. We understand some students must maintain a physical presence on campus and we are committed to assisting them in every way possible.
Spring Graduation Ceremonies
The ceremonies are postponed, and we are working to modify them. We are actively exploring ways we can honor our graduates and their achievements at an appropriate time by considering alternatives to our traditional spring graduation events.
College-related Events
All in-person meetings and events with greater than 10 attendees on all three campuses are suspended until at least May 11. Our decision is based on recommendations from the CDC and our state and national leaders. This does not preclude small internal meetings, where CDC guidelines for social distancing should be practiced.
Guidance for Employees
The extended spring break closure that started on March 14 ends March 29. Wherever compatible with continuing operations, all supervisors should institute temporary telecommuting plans for their full-time employees through the end of the spring semester. Any faculty, staff, and students who return to campus are urged to use caution and practice social distancing and proper hygiene. NOC administration is developing a temporary telecommuting policy with procedures and will share with employees next week.