Northeastern Illinois University has spent much of the summer preparing to safely reopen campus for a limited number of in-person classes. On Monday, the 2020-21 academic year will officially begin with most students and employees studying and working remotely. While Northeastern’s operations remain largely remote, the University continues to help students pursue academic excellence this semester and beyond. Read all about the Fall 2020 safety measures and resources for students, faculty and staff in this edition of Noteworthy at Northeastern.
Around the Commons
The plan for Fall 2020
This week, President Gloria J. Gibson shared a message outlining Northeastern’s plan for the Fall 2020 semester. With the start of the semester on Aug. 24, the requirement to check in with University Police before entering a building will be lifted. Students and employees should enter through designated doors and abide by the directions provided in new health and safety signage. The move to Phase 4 of Northeastern’s custom Return to Work Plan still comes with strict policies and procedures that mean most students, faculty and staff will remain off campus. Northeastern’s Fall 2020 Operating Plan details the official approach to teaching, learning, student life, health and safety, and more.
Welcome message from the president
President Gloria J. Gibson released a video last week to encourage students, faculty and staff to remain committed to success throughout the fall term, which will mostly take place through remote and online courses. “We often talk about grit and determination at Northeastern, and that’s what I have witnessed this summer among our students, faculty and staff,” Gibson said. “In spite of the many challenges we face, your commitment to Northeastern has kept my spirits high. We will need to maintain that commitment as we approach the beginning of an unusual academic year.” Students are encouraged to reach out to their academic advisors, if they have not already done so, to register for their classes.
Get your books
Despite the physical space being closed to the public, the NEIU bookstore remains open and committed to providing students with their required course materials for the Fall 2020 semester. The bookstore is accepting online orders for books and supplies, which can be placed online. The bookstore is currently shipping all online orders directly to students via UPS and is hosting limited-contact/curbside pickup for students who wish to pick up their items on campus. Pickup will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday until Friday, Sept. 4. Students who have Fall 2020 book vouchers may make online purchases through Wednesday, Sept. 2. In order to do this, students may select Financial Aid/Scholarship when choosing a payment method and enter their Student ID (without leading zeros) to charge purchases to a financial aid voucher. Financial aid funds are to be used only for books and approved supplies. Questions may be directed to the store at (773) 442-4990. Bookstore staff will be available 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
And there’s more!
- The fall semester begins Monday, Aug. 24. Open registration ends Aug. 28.
- Assistant Professor of English Ryan Poll published an article titled “Colonial Pandemics and Indigenous Futurism in Louise Erdrich and Gerald Vizenor” in the PopMatters Reading Pandemics series.
- Assistant Professor of Psychology Andrew Young co-authored an article titled “Children's Cognitive Reflection Predicts Conceptual Understanding in Science and Mathematics” in Psychological Science.
- Professor of Political Science Ellen Cannon attended the 2020 Institute For the Study of Global of Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) Oxford Summer Institute, which took place online, as a Scholar In Residence as well as in her new capacity on the Executive Committee of Academic Advisory Board of ISGAP. Additionally, recent alumna Anna Augustyn (B.A. '17 Political Science and Global Studies; M.A. '20 Political Science) attended the ISGAP-Oxford Summer Institute for Curriculum Development in Critical Antisemitism Studies as a Junior Scholar In Residence and Elie Wiesel-Martin Luther King Scholar.
Events This Week
TRIO Student Support Services
TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) will host virtual information sessions from noon-1 p.m. Aug. 28 via Google Meet. TRIO SSS programs are free academic and professional development programs for students who are income-eligible, first-generation, and/or who have disabilities. Members benefit from academic advising and support, TRIO scholarships, career planning, test preparation, and scholarship and financial aid guidance. Questions can be directed to triosss@neiu.edu.
View all of Northeastern’s future events at neiu.edu/events. Please email public-relations@neiu.edu to submit events for consideration in future editions of Noteworthy at Northeastern.
In the media
- Director of Undocumented Student Resources and Assistant Dean of Students Luvia Moreno was interviewed by WRLL: 1450 AM regarding the programs Northeastern has in place to support students in remote and online learning throughout the pandemic including mentorship, tutoring and helping students get internet access at home if they need it. Moreno also spoke about Northeastern’s support for undocumented students, encouraging them to not let their status determine whether or not they continue their education.
- Moreno was also interviewed by Telemundo along with Political Science major Gabriela Loredo, discussing steps the University is taking to have a successful fall semester.
- Literacy, Leadership, and Development Instructor LeViis Haney was featured in the Daily Herald for being named director of equity, diversity and inclusion at Stevenson High School.
- The Chicago Sun-Times featured muralist, graffiti artist and Northeastern alumnus Miguel Del Real (B.A. '12 Art), who draws on Native American art, Mexican art and calligraphy for his work.
- Professor Emeritus of Economics Ed Stuart was featured on the Life Edge podcast discussing the future of the U.S. Economy.
Student Support Spotlight
Study Spaces
For the Fall 2020 semester, the Student Union and Ronald Williams Library will offer students study spaces by reservation only. These spaces offer access to Wi-Fi, computers and copiers/scanner/printers. A color copier/scanner/printer will be available in the Ronald Williams Library only. Students may reserve a two-hour block for use of either the Student Union or Ronald Williams Library. Please note that there are limited spaces available in each building. The Ronald Williams Library continues to offer Grab & Go services for physical library items.
Student Counseling Services
Students are welcome to contact NEIU’s Student Counseling Services to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s Student Counseling Services, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu. The hours are 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.
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