From the Office of the President:
In keeping with our commitment to the health and safety of the campus community and the successful educational progress of our students, we continue to respond alertly to our changing environment and to follow the guidance of public health officials.
Over the last two days, both the Illinois Department of Public Health and the City of Chicago have asked everyone to stay at home except for essential activities, including businesses and schools.
At North Park University, therefore, we are adapting our wellness protocols as follows, effective on Monday, November 16, 2020, and continuing for the remainder of the Fall 2020 semester:
- All classes will move to online instruction. However, critical labs, clinicals, student teaching assignments and internships may continue to ensure academic progress.
- All staff who can work from home and who have their supervisor’s permission will move to a remote working environment. However, a number of essential departments will maintain a presence on campus to support students, including, Residence Life, Physical Plant, Security, Student Administrative Services, Aramark, Library, Helwig, Postal Center and Health Services. Staff should expect to return to campus on January 11, 2021.
- Varsity athletics and club sports will end organized team activity on Friday, November 13.
- Most student activities will move to a virtual format.
- Helwig Recreation Center will remain open, but with these further restrictions:
- Only individual workouts are permitted.
- Physical distancing and proper mask wearing are a must – failure to observe these protocols may lead to the student conduct process.
- The weight room capacity is being reduced from 20 to a maximum of 10 people at a time.
- Virtual group classes will continue.
- Only individual workouts are permitted.
- Brandel Library will remain open.
- Residence halls will remain open as planned but students may move out sooner if they wish.
- Officially check out of your residence with Residence Life & Housing. Please contact your RA or RD to schedule this time.
- Make sure your student account is caught up for the semester and register for Spring Classes before you depart.
- Be sure to take with you your books, laptop, chargers, car keys, medications, passport, valuables and other things you’ll need on break. Once you leave campus for the break you will not be able to return until your designated move-in date for the spring semester.
- We will have a staggered return schedule similar to the Fall opening. You will be notified of your assigned return date to campus housing through your NPU email account at a later date.
- Officially check out of your residence with Residence Life & Housing. Please contact your RA or RD to schedule this time.
Thank you for your cooperation. We are all in this together. Let’s finish the semester Viking Strong!