Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson issued a statement on Aug. 9 announcing that all Northeastern employees and students who will be on campus in the fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021-2022 academic year or undergo weekly testing. The deadline for students-at-large and undergraduate applications has been extended to Aug. 20 and NEIU For You is still taking applicants. Plus, learn about self-care practices that can be done in 10 minutes or less! Read about all this and more in this week’s Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
Northeastern to require COVID-19 vaccination for Fall 2021
On Aug. 9, Northeastern Illinois University President Gloria J. Gibson issued a statement announcing that all Northeastern employees and students who will be on campus in the fall are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Those who are unable to get vaccinated will be required to participate in weekly COVID-19 testing on campus. The University will also continue to require face masks to be worn indoors and in outdoor spaces if social distancing cannot be maintained. Masks are not required to be worn when alone in a private office, personal residence hall room or when dining in a designated eating area. “I encourage everyone in the NEIU community to get vaccinated, if they are able,” Gibson said. “If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, you are strongly encouraged to speak to your primary care provider.” Guidelines for submitting proof of vaccination are now available for students and employees.
Return to Campus
Northeastern Illinois University is preparing to have all students, faculty and staff return to campus for the Fall 2021 term, with the majority of classes being held in person! The University will continue to follow guidelines that meet or exceed the standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the City of Chicago. Northeastern has also adopted an Interim COVID-19 Return to Campus Policy. Everyone who is coming to campus this fall is encouraged to read the weekly COVID-19 Task Force update for information on how Facilities Management is sanitizing facilities, face covering requirements and COVID-19 vaccination and testing options. Anyone with questions about the interim return to campus policy is encouraged to reach out to the COVID-19 Task Force at coronavirus@neiu.edu.
NEIU For You
If you haven’t applied to NEIU yet, there’s still time to do so and take advantage of NEIU For You, a one-time scholarship that covers tuition and mandatory fees for a full year for incoming first-year, full-time undergraduates! NEIU For You also covers the cost of three credit hours for new undergraduate transfer students who register for six credit hours or more for Fall 2021. All prospective students who apply to Northeastern and are admitted as first-year students or undergraduate transfer students will automatically qualify for this initiative so long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
And there’s more!
- The application deadline for Fall 2021 for undergraduates and students-at-large has been extended to Aug. 20.
- Registration for Fall 2021 is currently open for all admitted students.
- Move-in day for The Nest is Thursday, Aug. 19 for domestic students.
- Fall classes begin Aug. 23.
To do
Eagle to Learn Week
Eagle to Learn Week will be held Aug. 17-20! Over the course of four days, first-year and new transfer students can participate in activities and workshops designed to help them make a successful academic and social transition to Northeastern Illinois University. Learn about student organizations and campus resources, meet other students, and participate in workshops on academic and career planning, personal finances and personal wellness. Sign up for one or more events during the week. Most programs will be in person. A face mask is required when attending in person events.
Transfer Information Session
If you or someone you know is interested in transferring to Northeastern, this session is a great opportunity to have questions answered by our experienced Transfer Advisors! Join this virtual session on Monday, Aug. 16 from noon-1p.m. to learn about transfer requirements, the transfer process, tuition, fees, scholarships and financial aid. Sign up online. Questions can be directed to Associate Director of Transfer Enrollment Patricia Rodriguez at (773) 442-4139 or p-rodriguez@neiu.edu.
Student support spotlight
Self-Care: In 10 minutes or less
As the fall semester begins and people return to more regular daily activities, life can get busy and time for self-care can be harder to come by. However, self-care is important, and just five minutes of self-care can completely change your day and help you live a more healthy lifestyle. Student Counseling Services (SCS) invites you to check out these lists of self-care practices that can be completed in ten minutes or less:
- “20 Self-Care Activities You Can Do in 10 Minutes or Less”
- “9 Acts of Self-Care that take Five Minutes or Less”
SCS has also provided some tips for helping individuals manage anxiety and worry they may be feeling, and listed some important resources. Students are welcome to contact SCS to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s SCS, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may also reach a counselor for more urgent consultation by calling the main number and pressing “2” during the outgoing message.
More resources for students can be found on the Keep Learning website and the COVID-19 Student FAQ page. General information about Northeastern’s response to the pandemic and the latest University updates regarding COVID-19 can be found on the NEIU Return to Campus website.
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