The well-being of University of Northwestern students, faculty, and staff is of utmost importance.
We are closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to respond in the best interest of our community.
With Covid guidelines being updated frequently, questions are sure to arise. We have worked to answer your most frequently asked questions.
What will happen if a student becomes ill?
If a student becomes ill, they should stay in their dorm room or at home and not come to class. Students should continue to attend virtual and hybrid classes from home and contact their instructors for guidance on how to continue their course participation for face-to-face classes. Classrooms will be equipped with lecture capture technology this fall. In most cases, this will allow students to connect remotely to their classes when needed.
Students should stay in contact with their instructor to ensure activities and assignments can be completed. If a student’s symptoms may be related to COVID-19, they should contact Health Services for guidance on next steps.
What will happen if an instructor becomes ill?
If an instructor becomes ill, they will have the ability to continue instruction remotely. Each instructor at Northwestern has been working on plans to allow coursework to continue in the event that longer-term virtual instruction is needed. Each instructor will communicate specific plans to students.
How is Northwestern planning to address social distancing in classrooms?
To increase classroom flexibility while prioritizing the safety and health of students and faculty, UNW has set up classroom spaces to accommodate 6-feet distancing as best as possible while maximizing seating capacity for the spring. However, maintaining at least 6’ distancing may not always possible due to the size of classes and the amount of meeting space available on campus.
These measures, along with the requirement to have face coverings in all classrooms and some classes taking place in larger meeting spaces not traditionally used for instruction, will allow UNW to fulfill our educational mission and our commitment to offering in-person instruction while helping to mitigate classroom risk.
What will taking a hybrid course be like?
Offering hybrid courses is a new experience at Northwestern and is being offered at many schools in response to COVID-19. While it may look different from course to course, in general, the class is divided into assigned, rotating groups of students that alternate between attending the class in-person and virtually. For example, a class scheduled on T/Th could require half the students to attend in-person on Tuesdays, while the other half attends virtually; on Thursdays, the groups would switch. Likewise, a class scheduled on M/W/F might have one-third of the students attend in-person each day, while the other students attend remotely.
The specific arrangement will be determined by the instructor and communicated to students prior to the beginning of class. Class formats can be seen by the room number on student class schedules through theROCK.
How will courses that are hands-on, such as a science lab, be handled?
For students taking courses that require hands-on activity, eye protection, such as goggles or clear face shields, will be used in addition to face coverings. Certain classes may include the use of additional PPE items, such as gloves.
Can students take all of their classes virtually?
The majority of classes offered this fall will be offered in-person or in a hybrid format. Not all courses will be available in a virtual format. If a student has a need to request consideration for taking courses virtually, they should contact the Academic Achievement office (academicachievement@unwsp.edu) with details and rationale for that request.
Have the class times changed?
There has been no change to the spring class schedule, including passing times between classes.
What about students eating in classrooms?
Eating will not be allowed in classrooms. Students will be encouraged to eat before or after class times. If needed, a student can briefly step out of a classroom to eat.
Will students be allowed to drink in classrooms?
Yes, students will be allowed to drink out of water bottles and other closed containers while in class.
How will students help keep classrooms clean?
As a community, we will all be doing our part to keep our campus safe and clean. Each classroom will contain a spray bottle and disposable towels that students can use to clean the seating area upon entering the classroom and can also be used to sanitize hands.
Will instructors still have office hours?
Yes, instructors will still provide office hours to students. In many cases, these times will be offered virtually. Students should consult the course syllabus or Moodle site for details on when and how each instructor will be offering office hours.
Will students still be able to participate in travel abroad experiences?
Many travel experiences have been impacted because of COVID-19. All non-essential travel at Northwestern has been restricted for the spring. Students should confer with their advisor to see if their specific program and study abroad experience has been impacted.
Some programs rely on external academic partnerships. How will students be able to complete their program requirements if the academic partnership is disrupted?
Students completing academic requirements through external partnerships (e.g., clinical placements for Nursing, cooperating school placements for Education, partner school sites for PSEO, or internship placements) and faculty supervising in the partnership sites are required to follow the health and safety protocols defined by the partnering agency.
All academic departments with programs that engage external partnerships will prepare alternative plans in case students are unable to attend the partnership experience. For questions about specific partnerships, please contact the appropriate academic department.
Is Northwestern allowing on-campus visits and events for prospective students?
Yes! We are open for visitors, while adhering to COVID-19 protocols. See what visit options are available to you.
Do you offer a virtual visit option?
We do. Our admission counselors, faculty, and staff would be happy to meet with you over the phone or via Zoom. For high school students, please fill out this virtual visit request.
What is the COVID-19 procedure when I check in at Admissions?
All Admissions’ guests are required to fill out a health survey upon arrival. Masks are required during your visit, even when you are outside on your campus tour (due to close proximity). There will be a max of one family per tour guide.
Are there any visit activities not being offered due to COVID-19?
We are unable to offer the option to visit classes or chapel due to space capacity. Overnights in campus dorm rooms are currently prohibited.
I cannot take a standardized test due to restrictions in my area. Will I be penalized on my application?
No, we are looking at each file individually and can waive the testing requirement if your test was cancelled due to COVID-19.
What precautions has UNW taken to make dining safe?
UNW and Bon Appétit have taken significant steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 while dining.
With limited capacities in the dining areas, will I be able to find room to sit and eat?
With dining traffic spread out over a longer time period and multiple locations, our dining areas have had plenty of capacity for students to find a seat and eat.
What is the proper mask/face covering protocol while dining?
Masks/face coverings should remain on while in the dining areas except when you are seated and ready to eat. Masks/face coverings can be removed while eating and drinking, but should be replaced right away once you are finished. Masks should be worn during any conversation while dining.
If I have dietary restrictions, can Bon Appétit still accommodate those during this time?
Bon Appétit is still able to accommodate most medical dietary needs. They have an extensive made without gluten-containing ingredients program and the ability to work with other food allergies and restrictions. Dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, and other items required by many with dietary restrictions are readily available. Our chefs will be happy to help you find what you are looking for!
Have meal plan requirements been reduced during the pandemic?
Meal Plan requirements remain the same. With expanded hours, pre-ordering with contactless pick-up, plentiful to-go items and precautions in place, students should be able to make use of their required dining plan. Costs for operation have increased with implementation of necessary precautions, which makes it difficult to lower requirements.
Will attendance for chapel and/or SDC events still be required?
Yes, attendance will still be required and expected. However, attendance will not be measured for the spring 2021 semester. In order to avoid the inevitable congestion at the exits in Knight Hall, you will not need to scan out of a Knight Hall Chapel.
What does a typical week in chapel look like?
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Notes |
|
Chapel: KPH Acoustic Worship & Student Devotional or Testimony |
No Chapel |
Alternative Chapels: Various Locations |
Alternative Chapels: Various Locations |
Chapel: KPH Praise Chapel (Full Band) *livestreamed to participate virtually |
All Chapels are on a first come first seated basis until room capacity is reached. |
How will I know where I can sit for chapels in Knight Hall?
In order to seat safely, seating in KPH is structured to be every other row and at least three seats between each student or roommate group.
*Students can only sit next to a roommate while attending chapel.
What other Spiritual Development Credit events are available outside of chapel?
On any given week students will have an opportunity to participate in a hall or commuter Bible study, a night of worship or prayer, a UNW club or department event, or special service opportunities.
*A full list of events and details is updated weekly.
**Spiritual Formation is also launching a mentoring program this spring. If you would like to be connected to a UNW staff or faculty mentor, find out more and apply.
As a commuter, what expectations and precautions should I be aware of?
Along with all other members of the UNW community, commuter students should be prepared to daily self-screen/monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, which includes temperature checks, prior to engaging with the community. Signage is placed in prominent areas of campus to remind individuals of screening and self-monitoring protocols prior to entering buildings and classrooms.
What do I do if I’m not feeling well?
Do not come to campus if you are not feeling well, or if you have been in contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19. Contact Health Services at 651-631-5353 (or use the purple report button on the Student homepage of theROCK) to report your symptoms and make a plan. If Health Services is closed, connect with your own clinic or a 24-hour nurse hotline to seek a recommendation around a need to isolate or quarantine, then contact Health Services during normal hours of operation: Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Can I visit friends in their dorm rooms?
Yes. However, students are expected to limit the number of visitors in their room to 1. Visitors must be current members of the UNW community. It is required that when a visitor is present in a dorm room, all who are present wear a face covering.
Will I have access to computer labs and campus printers?
The computer labs and printers are open. Although social distancing measures are in place resulting in fewer computers available, there should still be enough to support normal usage levels.
Will the Commuter Lounge be open?
We want the Commuter Lounge (G124, in The Billy) to continue to be a resource for commuter students on campus. The room remains a central hub for connection to other commuters and our Commuter Life staff. COVID mitigation protocols are in place, including a room capacity limit (watch for posted information). The room will also continue to be a central location to access helpful resources and information about Commuter Life events and programming.
Where can I go between classes, to study, or to attend an online class while I’m on campus?
Common areas on campus, including tables in the dining center between meal service times, remain available to all students. Expect seating to be reconfigured—and in some cases, limited—to allow for social distance. In addition to the Commuter Lounge, the “Employee Lounge” in Nazareth Hall (N3235) has, for Spring 2021, been made available to commuter students who desire space to study or connect with other commuters. Additionally, quiet study rooms are available across campus. An updated list of these rooms is kept at the Commuter Lounge (G124).
What programs and events will be offered this spring for commuters?
Our Commuter Life staff has been working hard to develop programming that engages students while implementing safety procedures and protocols, which have been significantly shaped by CDC and MDH guidelines. Stay informed of opportunities by following us on social media @UNWCommuterLife or visit the Commuter Life area of theROCK: theROCK > Student Life > Commuter Life.
Who can I contact for more information?
Darrin Geier, Director of Commuter Life
Phone: 651-631-5195
Email: commuterlife@unwsp.edu.
Is Northwestern hosting events this year?
Yes, Northwestern is hosting events as we are able, planning carefully to mitigate risk to our community. We have hosted and plan to host theatre performances, music concerts, admissions events, recitals, and student activities through the current school year. You can find information about UNW events at unwsp.edu/events and at unwtickets.com.
What precautions is Northwestern taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at events?
Events are planned, coordinated, and shaped by Minnesota Department of Health guidelines, Governor Walz’s Executive Orders, and guidelines from the UNW Pandemic Team. Event precautions include, but are not limited to: health screenings, the use of face coverings, cleaning procedures, social distancing guidelines, and reduced capacities to provide an environment that mitigates the spread of COVID-19. Air purifiers, ionizers, and UVC technology are also used in appropriate spaces to help reduce contaminates in the air.
What do I need to know if I attend an event at Northwestern?
Guests are expected to wear a mask/face covering and should be prepared to be health screened for any COVID-like symptoms or exposure to someone who has been exposed to or diagnosed with COVID. Guests will be expected to social distance from other groups not within their family group, and will be asked not to mingle indoors before or after an event. If mingling outdoors, masks and social distancing are still required.
If there are changes to an event, how will I find out?
The sponsoring department for the particular event and/or the UNW Ticket Office will contact registrants/attendees regarding any changes. Information may also be posted on the unwsp.edu/events or unwtickets.com website.
When do I need to contact Health Services?
How do I contact Health Services with COVID questions or concerns?
Is Health Services available for anything other than COVID related concerns?
Can I get tested for COVID-19 in Health Services?
What are things that we can look forward to through Residence Life?
Community continues to be at the center of how we strive to care for and support our students. While
COVID-19 will certainly impact the experience on campus this year, we are continuing to strive to create a positive experience on campus this year through small groups, floor programming, and section events that are in line with CDC and MDH guidelines.
Will UNW be providing events and activities as they had in the past?
Yes, UNW will be providing multiple activities a week through our student run clubs and organizations. The student leaders have been instructed in how to plan COVID conscious events in order to provide engagement for our students in a fun, yet safe way. The student life calendar on theRock is the best place to look for upcoming events.
Will clubs still be running this spring?
Yes, our clubs program will continue to run as it has in the past. Current clubs will be supported to host events using COVID mitigation efforts and new clubs are encouraged to apply. We only ask clubs to meet virtually when possible (such as club meetings or possible virtual hangouts), but club events may be held in person as long as distancing and face coverings are used.
What should I do if I need a special housing accommodation due to health concerns around COVID-19?
If you have a medically documented need to have a living accommodation different than our normal housing process, please contact Academic Achievement to request an accommodation.
Do I need to wear a mask in the residence halls?
In all public areas of the residence halls, facial coverings are required and are expected to be worn properly (fitted properly to your face; below your chin and above your nose). This includes the Student Center, lounges, and hallways.
Do I need to wear a mask in my room?
Students are not expected to wear a mask in their own room while no guests are present. However, if a guest is present, everyone in the room is expected to wear a facial covering.
Will I be allowed to have guests in the residence halls?
In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to the UNW community, guests from outside of the UNW community are not allowed inside our residence halls, including the Student Center and Akenson Lobby areas. Current students, faculty, and staff are the only individuals who will be allowed to visit our residence halls. Residence hall units are allowed to have only one guest (defined as another UNW community member) present in their room at a time beyond their assigned occupants. When a guest is present in the room, everyone in the room must wear a facial covering and maintain six-feet social distancing.
Are visitation hours impacted due to COVID-19?
Visitation hours continue to be as regularly scheduled. However, please refer to the updated guest policy regarding guests on campus and in your room.
What if a staff member needs to enter my room?
There are a number of reasons why a staff member may need to enter your room (facilities concerns, safety/security responses, etc.). In these cases, when possible, staff will do their best to work with you on a time that works well to visit your room. Staff will wear a mask whenever they have a need to enter your room.
What additional measures are being taken to sanitize the surfaces in common areas like lobbies?
All public areas are being sanitized regularly by our facilities team. When using any space that will be shared by other students, such as the tables in the Student Center, students are encouraged to wipe them down using disinfectant spray/wipes before and after use.
If Health Services determines that I need to quarantine or isolate, can I stay on campus?
Residents who live within 250 miles will be expected to isolate or quarantine at their home. Residents who live beyond 250 miles will be encouraged to isolate or quarantine off campus. A limited number of rooms are available on campus for students who do not have any options to quarantine or isolate off campus. Services such a meals (through the student’s meal plan), health check-ins, and trash removal will be coordinated for those that need to stay on campus.
*Students and parents: please discuss a plan and be prepared to have a space where you can isolate or quarantine off campus if the need arises.
When was a decision made regarding travel for spring semester 2021?
The Senior Leadership Team made a decision to allow essential travel for spring semester on November 11, 2020.
When will a decision be made regarding travel for summer semester 2021?
A decision regarding travel for summer semester will be made by March 15, 2021.
What guidelines are taken into account when considering and approving UNW travel?
All essential international travel will be managed within the guidelines set forth by the US Department of State and the CDC. All essential domestic travel will be managed within the guidelines set forth by the MDH.
What is essential travel?
Essential travel for faculty is defined as travel that is required to preserve the safety of a research subject or the results of a research activity that cannot be postponed; or to lead group travel essential to meeting program requirements for credit-bearing courses/experiences leading to degree completion where location cannot be reconsidered or travel postponed.
Essential travel for staff is defined as travel that is required to lead group travel essential to meeting student’s program (credit-bearing) requirements for degree completion, lead group travel to coach UNW participants in NCAA Conference/Regional/National events, or travel to prevent financial harm to the institution (e.g. donor visits unable to be conducted virtually).
Essential travel for students is defined as travel that is required to earn academic credit that is necessary to meet semester program requirements for degree completion where location cannot be reconsidered or travel postponed (faculty-led group programs), participate in registered third-party study abroad programs to meet credit-bearing program requirements leading to degree completion, participate in NCAA Conference/Regional/National events as a competitor, or participate in approved domestic and international internships that are credit-bearing and lead to degree completion (and which cannot be postponed).
What is non-essential travel?
Non-essential travel includes but is not limited to out of state or international professional development or educational conferences, travel for enrichment of academic programs that are not credit-bearing and not required for degree completion, and out of state or international opportunities that are not credit-bearing and which could be attended virtually.
If a trip meets the requirements of essential travel, will it be approved?
Meeting the requirements of essential travel may not lead to final trip approval. Those who plan to engage in essential travel should follow UNW protocols for trip application, review, and approval. Final approval is granted by the Senior Leadership Team.
What is the process for trip application, review, and approval?
The process for trip application, review, and approval includes thirteen steps, among them is verification of essential travel by the dean or supervisor, review of trip and location information followed by a travel recommendation by the Travel Review Committee, presentation of the trip to the Senior Leadership Team by the Vice President overseeing proposed travel in their area, and approval by the Senior Leadership Team.
What is the makeup of the Travel Review Committee?
The Travel Review Committee consists of the Associate Vice President of Risk Management, the Director of COVID Operations, the Director of Global Initiatives, and the Director of Global Programs. The Travel Review Committee reports to the Vice President of Finance and Operations.
What are the responsibilities of the Travel Review Committee?
The Travel Review Committee reviews trip details that have been included in the UNW Travel App for proposed trips. The Committee also reviews information on the US Department of State and CDC websites (including, but not limited to location, risk, and safety protocols and mitigation efforts required) and forwards a recommendation to the Vice President overseeing proposed travel in their area.
Who makes the final decision to approve travel?
The Senior Leadership Team makes the final decision to approve travel.
University of Northwestern will continue to work with appropriate officials and agencies to update the community, take further precautions, and monitor COVID-19 developments as they relate to our community. Please refer to these sites for further information: