Coronavirus/COVID-19 Updates

Information and our plan for a phased return to campus.

Planning a Phased Return

Preparing for new ways to learn, work and live on campus.

Phased Return

Re-occupying the campus will occur in multiple steps. At each step, new populations may be cleared to safely return to campus.

SEE ALL STEPS

Planning Process

Planning workgroups have been formed with representatives from across Northwestern. These groups will address specific aspects of re-occupying campus.

LEARN ABOUT THEIR PROGRESS

Core Responsibilities

To ensure that the necessary modifications can be made quickly and effectively, the following Core Responsibilities will guide schools and units in developing and executing plans tailored to their specific operational needs.

Social and Physical Distancing

In all shared spaces, the University will establish protocols and reminders to keep at least six feet of space between individuals.

See Distancing Guidelines

Face Coverings and Face Masks

All community members must wear masks in all public and shared environments on campus and when required social distancing cannot be achieved.

See Face Mask Guidelines

Cleaning Protocols and Personal Hygiene

Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is a critical aspect of reopening our campus.

See Cleaning Guidelines

woman taking her temperature with a digital thermometer

Health Monitoring

Community members are required to report if they test positive for COVID-19, develop symptoms, or are self-isolating due to suspected or known exposure to it.

See Health Guidelines

please disinfectphotocopieraftereachusesignage

Communication

Units must develop a communication plan for providing essential information and training to community members and visitors who will occupy and visit their facilities.

See Communication Guidelines

Protecting the Vulnerable and Community

We expect our leaders, managers, supervisors, faculty members, and researchers to model flexibility and foster a community of wellness and awareness.

See Guidelines

Diagnosed with COVID-19 or self-isolating?

Report it to the University

All community members are required to report if they test positive for COVID-19, if they develop symptoms consistent therewith, or are self-isolating due to suspected or known exposure to COVID-19.

Staff and faculty can also report locations or examples of social distancing congestion to assist with identifying potential problem areas. The Office of Risk Management tracks these issues; please complete an online form to share this information with the University.

Latest Developments

Announcement

Phased Return to Campus Plan

May 22, 2020

Northwestern is planning a phased return to campus following an expiration of stay-at-home orders.

What's New

Student Spring Quarter Grading and Policy Update

June 4, 2020

We are extending the deadline for course withdrawal for all students until the end of the quarter: Saturday, June 13. We are reopening the window for graduate student grading format changes with a new deadline of Monday, June 8.

Best practices in case of “Zoombombing” added to the FAQs

May 15, 2020

To avoid disruptive intrusions and unintentional sharing of sensitive information, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to increase Zoom session security. See Teaching Remotely in the Academic FAQs to learn more.