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For Faculty

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Fall Instruction

Northwestern remains committed to the highest standards of instruction in what will be a new and different teaching and learning environment, which may continue to change and evolve as the academic year progresses. A significant portion of fall and winter instruction will be conducted remotely, using online tools, such as Canvas and Zoom, in their course design and implementation. Those who return to the classroom for face-to-face and hybrid courses will need to make adjustments to both behaviors and physical spaces to stay safe.

Community Expectations

It is critical that we each take responsibility for maintaining the health of our community.

Classroom Guidelines

For those returning to on-campus instruction, there will be new expectations. These include:

  • Positive behaviors to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including daily symptom monitoring, cleaning protocols and new guidelines for use of classroom spaces and materials. 
  • New behavior requirements for before, during and after you enter an instructional space.

Meeting and Events

In-person gatherings (on or off campus) of up to 10 people can occur, when they are for Northwestern students, faculty, and staff and align with the University’s Return to Campus Policy. Event requirements include mask-wearing and appropriate social distancing.

Departmental or team meetings should still be held virtually wherever possible.

Campus Safety Measures

keeping physical distance

Social and Physical Distancing

See guidelines for:

  • services, such as transportation and building access, and
  • common and functional spaces, including classrooms, office spaces and laboratories.
wearing masks

Face Covering Guidelines

Community members must wear masks in all public and shared environments on campus, including densely populated offices and classrooms, common areas, restrooms, elevators, or University-provided group/mass transit. Read requirements.

isolating at home

Positive Case Procedures

The individual will be required to self-isolate in accordance with Northwestern and CDC requirements. Upon notice of a positive case, the University will follow its contact tracing process, follow the cleaning guidelines provided by the CDC. Review these procedures.

Resources