February 28th, 2022

Dear Cardinal Community,

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey we sent last week to gather feedback on the College’s mask policy. A summary of the survey data is available here.

Based on feedback from the campus community, along with current public health data and Governor Pritzker’s decision to end the state-wide mask mandate, the following adjustments have been made to the College’s health and safety protocols, effective Tuesday, March 1:

• Masks will no longer be required to be worn in most non-instructional settings on campus.
• Masks will be required to be worn under the following circumstances:
  • In all academic instructional settings, including classrooms, labs and fine arts venues.
    • Note that individuals may remove their mask for the purpose of instructing or presenting provided that they are able to maintain a safe distance from others.
  • In healthcare spaces including the Dyson Wellness Center and athletic training rooms.
  • In the COVID-19 Testing Site (New Hall Multipurpose Room)
• Student-athletes are required to adhere to additional NCAA and CCIW guidance on mask wearing.
• Masks may be required at some on-campus events depending on the event and organizer requirements.
• The College’s COVID-19 testing requirements, vaccine expectation, and booster recommendation remain in place.

We want to emphasize that North Central College will continue to be a mask-friendly environment. Therefore, students, faculty and staff are welcome to wear a mask in any setting if they choose, and the wearing of a mask should not be considered an indication of an individual’s vaccination or health status. The IRT will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation on campus and in our region, and will make recommendations for adjusting campus protocols as necessary.

Each time the pandemic has entered a new phase, the North Central College community has risen to meet the challenges and expectations that have come along with it. This is another one of those times when it is important that we show understanding and compassion toward one another, and respect each other’s individual choices. Thank you for your continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of our campus community.

Best Regards,

Dr. Peter Barger
Associate Provost, Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Planning 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Institutional Response Team 

Michael Hudson 
Vice President for Operations 
Co-Chair, COVID-19 Institutional Response Team