Fall 2020 Reopening: Opening Week

Posted: August 16, 2020


Hello students,

Whether it be in-person or from a distance, welcome to Northwest College for the fall semester!

Since classes begin tomorrow, Aug. 19, I want to provide you an overview of important things to remember as you move forward this semester. If you’d like more detail on a particular topic that isn’t covered in this email, please refer to your student email or nwc.edu/emergency-preparedness/covid-19/fall/ for previous information that has been communicated. So far, topics covered include residence life, academics, dining, student/college services, CARES Act Grants, and student health/reporting.

Today’s topic: Opening Week

As you have probably already observed, day-to-day life on campus looks a little different than it has in the past. Today, I will be discussing how to use Zoom (in the event that some of your classes are delivered this way), which building entrances on campus are open, where to find COVID-19 information on the Portal, how to wear a mandatory face covering properly, and how to keep yourself and others safe this semester.

What this means for you:

Never used Zoom before? No problem—you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and group messaging into one easy-to-use platform. To learn how to use it for your classes, see this step-by-step guide from NWC Instructional Technology. You can also watch the how-to video, if you prefer. If you’d like more tips for making sure your classes run smoothly via Zoom, check out this announcement.

If you’re currently on campus, you may have already noticed that not all building entrances are unlocked. To view all entrances that are currently open, see the campus map, and look for the gold stars, which indicate access. All open entrances on campus have hand sanitizing stations that we ask you to use upon entering buildings.

You can find all important COVID-19 resources on your MyNWC Portal account. Look for the light blue COVID-19 info box, and you’ll find NWC COVID-19 updates/protocols, the Student Heath Screening (which you are required to complete every day if you will physically be on campus for any reason), and COVID Connection information; this information will be critical should you contract or be exposed to someone with COVID-19.

In order to best protect yourself and others, it’s important that you wear your mandatory face covering correctly. Be sure your mask fits securely over both your mouth and nose. See the graphic below for an example. For more information about face coverings and everyday health habits, visit the CDC’s website.

It’s our priority to protect our campus community this semester. That’s why we need everyone to mask up, back up, wash up, and check up regularly.

These daily habits will be imperative to keeping yourself, as well as your peers and NWC faculty and staff, safe and healthy.

Who to contact with questions:

NWC Pandemic Response Team for COVID-19

COVID-19@nwc.edu 

The start of a new semester can be stressful for anyone, especially if this is your first time taking college classes. This is a learning process for everyone on campus, so remember to be patient with yourselves and others. As always, don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out for help if you need it.

Have a great first day of classes tomorrow!

Stefani Hicswa, Ph.D.