Northeastern Illinois University is full of very important people. That’s why the University has created a Vaccine Incentive Program (VIP). Read about the program, Sangmin Bae earning the Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award, the latest COVID-19 update and mark your calendars with upcoming events featured in this week’s Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
Northeastern Illinois University announces Vaccine Incentive Program
Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson announced on Aug. 31 that the University has created a Vaccine Incentive Program (VIP) for employees and students. “As a way to reward our University community for helping us safely return to on-campus learning, today I am officially announcing Northeastern's Vaccine Incentive Program ,” Gibson said. “If you are not able to get a vaccine because of religious or health reasons, you will still be able to participate in the incentive program, pending an exemption review and weekly COVID-19 testing.” Northeastern is requiring all students, faculty and staff who are taking courses or working on campus or living in The Nest to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021-22 academic year. Those who were unable to be vaccinated or who did not provide proof of vaccination prior to Aug. 23 are required to participate in weekly on-campus saliva-based COVID-19 testing. All Northeastern students and employees who have completed their attestation forms will be automatically entered into a drawing for tuition scholarships and gift cards. COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Students and COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Employees can be found on the University website.
Sangmin Bae earns Northeastern research professor award
Professor of Political Science Sangmin Bae has been honored with Northeastern Illinois University’s 2021 Bernard J. Brommel Distinguished Research Professor award. The late Bernard J. Brommel, Professor Emeritus, established the award to be given annually to the tenured or tenure-track member of the Northeastern faculty who best demonstrates excellence in research and scholarship. Bae is the 24th recipient of this award, which was presented at the 2021 Faculty Institute on Aug. 18. “Dr. Brommel left a significant legacy at NEIU as a great teacher, mentor, scholar, and philanthropist,” Bae said. “I am extremely honored to earn this recognition named after Dr. Brommel. I hope my research exemplifies his commitment to excellence and his spirit of humanity.”
And there’s more!
- All Northeastern Illinois University locations will be closed Monday, Sept. 6 in observance of Labor Day.
- Professor of Political Science and Jewish Studies Ellen Cannon has been appointed to Chair the Midwest group of the Academic Engagement Network (AEN). AEN is the largest faculty group combating antisemitism and anti-Zionism in higher education on 250 university campuses.
- The Student Government Association is holding special elections to fill open positions: one student trustee, seven senators, and seven Council of Clubs representatives. Voting will take place Sept. 4-10.
To do
Fun Fair at CCICS
Northeastern Illinois University’s Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (CCICS) is pleased to invite you to the third annual Fun Fair at CCICS, noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at CCICS, 700 E. Oakwood Blvd. Mix and mingle with NEIU students, alumni, current faculty and staff. Enjoy music by DJ K from Big Time Entertainment, live painting and art exhibition by Erick “ROHO” Garcia, henna body art and games. Come and share good times with us, eat some great global food and more! Bus service will be available departing from the Main Campus at 11:30 a.m. and one departing from CCICS at 2:30 p.m. To reserve a seat for bus service, please RSVP with your full name and NEIU ID number to Alex Gonzalez at a-gonzalez55@neiu.edu.
Coming next week
- Northeastern Programming Board Night at Wrigley Field, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 7
- Blood Drive hosted by Future Health Professionals Club, 11 a.m., Sept. 7
- Black Caucus Presents Welcome Black at Main Campus, 1p.m., Sept. 8
- Black Caucus Presents Welcome Back at CCICS, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 8
In the media
- Professor of Urban Community Studies Lance Williams was interviewed by WBEZ regarding Chicago’s high murder rate.
COVID-19 update
During the week of Aug. 25, 2021, eight students reported a positive COVID-19 test. Three were on campus. Since March 2020, a total of 61 employees and 268 students have self-reported to the University that they tested positive for COVID-19. Employees and students who feel sick should stay home. If you test positive for COVID-19, students should immediately notify Student Health Services, and employees should notify their supervisors and the Office of Human Resources. Additionally, faculty and staff are required to report positive and presumptive student COVID-19 cases and exposures to Student Health Services. When someone who has been on campus tests positive, Northeastern works with the Chicago Department of Public Health to determine the appropriate response, which differs greatly depending on the situation. We continue to follow Chicago Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines as we ensure proper protocols and preventative measures are in place for the health and safety of our students and employees.
In order to accommodate more of our students and employees, on-campus COVID-19 testing through SHIELD will offer expanded hours. Beginning Monday, Aug. 30, new hours of operations will be 9 a.m-noon Mondays and Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Tuesdays and 1 p.m-5 p.m. Thursdays. Please view the guidance for coronavirus testing page for information and appointments.
Stay up-to-date on everything regarding COVID-19 updates by visiting the Return to Campus website.
Follow Northeastern on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter! Do you have a story tip? Let the Office of Public Relations know at public-relations@neiu.edu.
