Latest Developments
Newest updates
Remote Instruction for Entire Spring Quarter
April 6, 2020 — We will maintain the current, remote format for the entirety of Spring Quarter. We have not yet reached a decision about whether or not Evanston graduation events will take place in mid-June as scheduled. Read more >>
Spring Quarter Grading and Policy
March 31, 2020 — University institutes Pass/No Pass grading for undergraduates this Spring Quarter, and also as an option for graduate student programs.
Stay-At-Home Order Extended
March 31, 2020 — Northwestern is extending through April 30 its guidance that only individuals who are essential to the University’s ongoing operations can remain physically on site. Remote classes will be extended until at least May 4. Read more >>
Benefits and Compensation for Food Service Workers
March 26, 2020 — All hourly food service workers continue to receive benefits and compensation equal to their current full-time status for the entire Spring Quarter. Read more >>
Undergraduate Room and Board Refunds
March 26, 2020 — Students who remain in campus housing but who move out some time during Spring Quarter will receive a pro-rated credit of housing and dining costs. Similarly, if the University returns to in-person instruction during the Spring Quarter, students who choose to return to campus housing will be billed on a pro-rated basis determined by the date they return. There will be no reductions to undergraduate financial aid. Read more >>
Illinois Stay-at-Home Order Issued
March 20, 2020 — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a “stay-at-home” order for the entire state. Because the University has already taken many of the measures outlined in the order, the additional impact to Northwestern should be minimal. Read more >>
Previous updates
President Schapiro to Students: Playing Our Best Role in a Global Saga
March 20, 2020 — Stories of kindness and compassion confirm we will get through this and be a stronger and more caring Northwestern community as a result. Read more >>
President Schapiro to Faculty and Staff: Playing Our Best Role in a Global Saga
March 20, 2020 — This year, spring break represents a crucial stage in our efforts to help curb the coronavirus pandemic, while continuing our work as best we can. Read more >>
Essential Faculty, Staff and Students Only on Site
March 19, 2020 — As of 5 p.m. Friday, March 20, and for the two-week period through Friday, April 3, 2020, only individuals who are considered essential to Northwestern’s ongoing operations can remain physically on site. Read more >>
Remote Development for Faculty and Staff
March 18, 2020 — The Office of Human Resources is pleased to introduce a new remote development solution to our community: Learn From Where You Are. Read more >>
Northwestern Libraries Closed
March 18, 2020 — We will close the University’s Evanston and Chicago campus library buildings, starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18. The Galter Health Sciences Library will be open, with reduced hours and access only to the Feinberg community. Read more >>
Winter Finals for Graduate Students
March 17, 2020 — Faculty will make arrangements for graduate students to complete remote assignments or assign grades based on work already completed. Read more >>
Message to Students: Well-being
March 16, 2020 — As we all prepare to navigate the days ahead, we want to take a moment to make sure that, in this extraordinarily demanding and stressful time, you are taking care of yourself, specifically as it relates to your emotional well-being. Read more >>>
Update to Winter Finals Policy
March 15, 2020 — Given the limited travel options, the confirmed appearance of COVID-19 on campus and other stressors at this time, we are now asking all instructors to make undergraduate final examinations and assessments optional. Read more >>
Remote Work and Travel Update for Faculty and Staff
March 15, 2020 — Northwestern Human Resources has updated Northwestern employees with new information about remote work, flexible work arrangements, guidance on the “essential employee” designation and more. Read more >>
Second confirmed case of COVID-19 at Northwestern University
March 14, 2020 — A staff member in the Office of the Registrar on the Evanston campus has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Read more >>
University response to confirmed case in Global Hub
March 14, 2020 — Northwestern University is in the process of contacting those in contact with the employee with coronavirus and will soon begin specialized cleaning of the Global Hub. Read more >>
First confirmed case of COVID-19 at Northwestern University
March 13, 2020 — An employee in the Kellogg School of Management’s Global Hub on the Evanston campus has tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). The staff member is self-isolating off campus. Read more >>
Update on group gatherings and recreational facilities
March 13, 2020 — Northwestern is halting all group gatherings of 50 people or more that occur in small spaces that do not allow for appropriate social distancing. We also will be suspending access to our recreational facilities starting this evening. Read more >>
COVID-19 guidance for researchers
March 13, 2020 — The Office for Research provides guidance on how the outbreak may impact our research enterprise. Read more >>
Message to students: Resources for the transition to remote learning
March 12, 2020 — In light of the change to Spring Break and remote coursework for the start of spring term, Student Affairs answers questions related to campus housing, travel, logistics and other student needs. Read more >>
Urgent action required for Northwestern graduate students abroad
March 12, 2020 — Northwestern graduate students abroad must disclose their location and Northwestern-sponsored international travel through an independent traveler disclosure form immediately if currently abroad. Read more >>
Statement from the Big Ten Conference
March 12, 2020 —The Big Ten Conference will be canceling all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the academic year, including spring sports that compete beyond the academic year, and participation in all NCAA tournaments and competitions. Read more >>
Spring Break extended and Spring Quarter classes will be remote
March 11, 2020 — Northwestern University is taking significant steps to help thwart the spread on our campuses and protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. Spring break is extended to April 6 for schools on the quarter system. When classes resume, they will be conducted remotely for at least four weeks. Read more >>
Update on NCAA events
March 11, 2020 — The NCAA has decided to conduct upcoming championship events, including the Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with only essential staff and limited family attendance.
Update on self-isolation
March 11, 2020 — Some members of our community are self-isolating out of an abundance of caution, per the recommended University policy. Read more >>
Coronavirus self-isolation policy announced
March 6, 2020 — Northwestern expects that all students, faculty and staff returning or coming for the first time from any country under a CDC Warning Level 3 (currently China, Italy, Iran and South Korea)—or, who have been exposed to the Coronavirus—will self-isolate for 14 days prior to coming to campus. Read more >>
Dance Marathon update (3/4/20)
March 4, 2020 — University leadership decided not to hold Dance Marathon on March 5 and 6, 2020. Given the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, we felt it was important to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of our students, Evanston community members and the University as a whole. Read more >>
Northwestern-sponsored spring break trips are cancelled
March 4, 2020 — Northwestern is canceling all University-sponsored Spring Break trips to international destinations involving undergraduate and graduate/professional school students due to a number of factors associated with the spread of COVID-19 here and abroad. Read more >>
University-related travel to China, Iran, Italy and South Korea is prohibited
March 4, 2020 — Northwestern restricts undergraduate travel to countries deemed high-risk by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has issued Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notices for those four countries and recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to those areas. Read more >>
Nonessential travel is discouraged
March 4, 2020 — For faculty and staff, at this time we would prefer employees defer any nonessential international travel; please seek approval from your vice president, dean or immediate supervisor if global travel is deemed essential. Northwestern employees are reminded to register with GeoBlue to obtain international medical insurance coverage at no cost.