March 20, 2020 | College Communications

Dear North Central College Community,

Effective at 5p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, March 21 and through April 7, the State of Illinois has implemented a statewide “Stay-at-Home” order as an additional measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The actions we have taken at the College during the last two weeks put us in a position of readiness for this order, which we anticipated in our planning. This order will allow essential operations at the College to continue, and I’ve provided some additional details below, including guidelines for essential personnel and for faculty who had hoped to continue coming to campus.

Students Living on Campus
I want to reassure the limited number of students who are currently living on our campus that they will be able to remain on our campus during the Stay-at-Home order, and I urge them to practice good hygiene and social distancing while following the Governor’s Stay-at-Home order. Chartwells will continue providing dining services on the limited schedule already communicated.

Essential Personnel
While the College has transitioned to a remote work model for most employees, each vice president has identified essential personnel who need to report to campus to perform essential functions to maintain continuity of operations in support of our students and the College. Employees coming to campus for work are expected to maintain proper hygiene and social distancing practices.

Some of the areas on campus that will continue to operate by providing essential functions include, residence life, dining services, campus safety, information technology services, operations, and buildings and grounds. Please work with your respective supervisors accordingly.

Classes
Coursework will continue as scheduled in the remote learning model previously communicated. Please continue to be patient, flexible and compassionate as we all adapt to the changing circumstances.

Faculty
All faculty are now expected to work from home, beginning tomorrow in consonance with the Governor’s Stay-at-Home order. Faculty should contact their respective Dean regarding any functions that they consider essential and, therefore, requires that they spend time on campus.

Thank You
The steps we’ve taken at the College over the last two weeks have positioned us well for this moment, and I am grateful to everyone in the campus community for your diligent efforts in so many ways. I am particularly thankful to the members of our campus community who will continue completing essential functions and services by coming to campus. Your commitment, professionalism, and care during a time of need is inspiring and appreciated. Your collective efforts are ensuring that the College continues to function, that our faculty can continue to teach, and that our students can continue their academic progress knowing that their safety and well-being is in good hands.

Please continue to visit the College’s COVID-19 Updates website (info.northcentralcollege.edu) for additional information, resources, and a continually evolving list of FAQs.

This remains a time for all of us to come together, to support each other, and to do the best we possibly can during unprecedented circumstances. Best wishes as we work toward completion of the spring semester.

Troy D. Hammond
President