April 24, 2020 | College Communications

Dear North Central College Community,

The State of Illinois has extended to May 30 its statewide Stay-at-Home order, which was most recently scheduled to end April 30, as a continuing measure to slow the spread of the coronavirus. In addition to an extension of the existing order, the governor announced that beginning May 1, individuals will be required to wear a face covering or mask when in a public place where a six-foot social distance cannot be maintained. The State of Illinois also shared new data supporting its conclusion that the Stay-at-Home order is having its intended effect of flattening the curve. I’m proud of the College’s response to the coronavirus and heartened to know that—as global citizens—we have all played our part in slowing the spread of the virus, thus contributing to the greater good for our community.

I’ve provided some additional details below regarding the College’s operations in light of this extension.

Students Living on Campus
The limited number of students who are currently living on our campus have been provided with on-campus summer housing options and are urged to continue practicing the established hygiene and social distancing measures while the order remains in place.

Remote Work
Earlier this month, each of the College’s vice presidents established plans and expectations for a temporary remote work model. The remote work model remains in place until further notice. Employees should continue working with their supervisors accordingly. Thank you for your flexibility adapting to a new work model while supporting our students and the College.

Essential Personnel
Each vice president has identified essential personnel who need to report to campus to perform essential functions. Only these specifically designated faculty and staff will be permitted to access campus facilities, and they should only be on campus for the amount of time necessary to complete the essential function. Consistent with the State’s new requirement, all personnel who report to campus must wear a face covering or mask in a public place where a six-foot social distance can’t be maintained.

Some of the areas on campus that will continue to operate by performing essential functions include: residence life, dining services, campus safety, information technology services, operations, and buildings and grounds. Employees in these areas should continue to work with their respective supervisors accordingly.

College Travel
The restrictions regarding all non-essential College-related travel as summarized below remain in effect until further notice:

• All College-related international travel is prohibited;
• Members of the campus community returning from any CDC-designated Level 3 country are required to self-quarantine away from campus for 14 days due to an increased risk, and inform the College by emailing the Dyson Wellness Center at dysonwellness@noctrl.edu;
• All College-related non-essential domestic air travel is prohibited (examples include conferences and off-site training sessions or workshops);
• Faculty and staff should consult with their respective dean or supervisor regarding all potential College-related travel.

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

Thank You
I appreciate the diligent efforts of everyone in the campus community as we continue to do our part to keep flattening the curve, and I remain particularly grateful to the members of our campus community who will continue completing essential functions and services by coming to campus.

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.

I wish you all safety and health.

Troy D. Hammond
President
Professor of Physics