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Recent Updates
Dec 22: Witer/Spring Athletic Competition Update
Dec 21: Community Pledge
Nov 20: Grading Policy Modifications for Fall Term Session 2
Nov 7: Transition to Virtual Learning
Oct 19: Winter Term Schedule
Oct 8: Message from President Solibakke
Oct 1: Campus COVID-19 Update
Sep 21: Random Testing
Sep 16: Public Health Alert Follow-up
Sep 8: Campus Health Update
Aug 25: Additional 2020 Fall Athletics Update
Aug 19: Reasonable Accommodation Needs
Aug 18: Campus Health Update
Aug 12: Campus Reopening Plan & FAQ
Aug 7: Returning Student Townhall
July 24: Athletic Programming Update
July 24: Fall Online Curriculum
July 24: Face Coverings, Isolation & Quarantine
July 9: Fall Planning Groups
July 8: Review Fall Classes Registration
July 1: Housing Updates Fall 2020
July 1: Change to Term Start & Schedule
Posted: December 22, 2020
Witer/Spring Athletic Competition Update
Dear Campus Community,
The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Council of Presidents and Chancellors supported a recommendation from the UMAC Council of Athletics Directors to continue pursuing conference competition in baseball, men’s and women’s basketball, and softball beginning UMAC competition no earlier than January 30, 2021.
In addition to these winter and spring sport decisions, the UMAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors affirmed a commitment conducting competition in the spring for the fall sports of men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball, according to schedules previously approved and released. Cross country competition conducted at the institutional level in spring 2021 remains at the discretion of each institution, with no UMAC conference championship this spring.
Additional information related to the conference’s decisions can be found in the UMAC press release.
Northland College is dedicated to adhering to the UMAC and NCAA recommendations and guidelines. We will also continue to monitor updates from local and national health organizations to maintain a safe and healthy campus environment.
Best,
Karl I. Solibakke
President
Posted: December 21, 2020
Community Pledge
Members of the Northland Community,
In January, we plan to resume—in a modified fashion—the academic, athletic, and social activities that define and sustain our college.
However, in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know from our own experience, and from the experiences of communities around the world, that we will only be able to resume and continue these activities if each and every member of our community acts responsibly.
Therefore, as a condition of returning to campus in January, the College is requiring all members of our community to affirm their commitment to a healthy campus by signing a pledge. Please click on the link to read the pledge and respond by completing the acknowledgement form by Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Thank you for supporting our community. If you have any questions please email covid@northland.edu.
Best,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: November 20, 2020
Grading Policy Modifications for Fall Term Session 2
Dear Students,
In light of the disruptions caused by recent quarantines and the transition of courses to online or hybrid models, the College is modifying the following academic policies:
Grading Policy Modifications for Fall Term 2020 Session 2:
- Course Withdrawals: The deadline to withdraw from a second session course is extended to November 23 at 4 p.m., and no late withdrawal fee will be assessed. You can complete the withdrawal form.
- Change Letter Grading to S/U: The requirements for choosing the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading option have temporarily changed:
- The deadline for declaring S/U option is extended to December 8 at 4 p.m., after final grades are posted
- A student may request any or all of their courses be graded S/U.
- Required courses and general education courses may be graded S/U.
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 to choose the S/U option is waived.
- The satisfactory/unsatisfactory (SU) form can be found here.
IMPORTANT: If you choose the S/U option, you must earn a C- or higher to receive an S. This will not be computed into your GPA. If you earn a D or an F, you will be awarded a U. This will not count for credit or negatively affect your GPA. Students earning an A, B, or D may be better off with a letter grade. You may wait until final grades are posted before making this decision.
If you are struggling in your classes, please reach out to your professors and your academic advisor to discuss how these policy modifications might help you this session. If you have any further questions, please contact Dean Wendy Gorman or the Office of the Registrar. Thank you and stay safe,
The Office of Academic Affairs
Posted: November 7, 2020
Transition to Virtual Learning
Dear Community,
Over the past few days, we have had an increase in positive COVID-19 cases on campus, and contact tracing related to these positive cases has led to quarantine numbers that exceed our capacity. In light of this change in our circumstances, and the concurrent spike in regional COVID-19 cases, campus and academic leadership have decided that we must transition to an online or hybrid delivery of our curriculum for the remainder of fall semester.
Students will have the option of staying in Ashland or returning home. Should students decide to return home during this time, we ask that they not return to campus for the rest of the semester, for the health and safety of those who do stay. Residential life will be sending a message to on-campus students with move-out information and details on retuning to campus, if you have already left.
Instruction will resume online on Monday and instructors will be flexible in adapting to the online or hybrid delivery format over the next few days as students settle in. On Monday and Tuesday, course content will be delivered asynchronously (meaning students can access course material on their own schedule). After Wednesday, instructors may teach either totally online or hybrid, depending on their preferences and the number of students who are able to come to class. It is expected that students keep up with assignments over the transition, and communicate with instructors if there are questions or concerns.
Our community health and safety are our top priorities and we need to remain vigilant in following all campus policies and protocols, including the use of face coverings, practicing physical distancing, appropriate hygiene and sanitation, and limiting all travel and gatherings.
Since launching the COVID Campus Plan, we have emphasized that, faced with the requirement to revise our in-person instructional delivery, we would not hesitate to do so; accordingly, faculty have had plans in place to make the rapid shift in delivery mode.
We have not taken this decision lightly. This decision was made in consultation with local health officials, as well as faculty and College leadership, pursuant to a wave of testing in the past forty-eight hours to assess the current risk level.
We understand the concern and frustrations these changes will raise with many students and parents. As much as we believe we have worked diligently to help create a healthy and safe campus living and learning environment, we believe the current data presents an untenable situation. As we have always said, the health and safety of our campus community are paramount, and we will continue to modify and adapt our plan when necessary.
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: October 19, 2020
Winter Term Schedule
Dear Students, Staff, and Faculty,
Academic Council has been meeting weekly this fall to discuss changes to the current winter term structure and calendar. The council sought input from faculty, staff, and students, and voted to divide the 15-week winter term into two 7.5-week sessions, similar to what was done for fall term. While most courses will be taught in these short sessions, some courses will span the full 15 weeks. Similar to fall term, course pedagogy will range from totally online to fully in-person.
Registration for courses for winter term has been pushed back a week, and will begin on November 16 to allow time for faculty and the registrar to make needed adjustments to the winter course schedule.
The academic calendar for winter term has also been adjusted to promote health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Classes will begin on January 20 and end for session 1 classes on March 5, and session 2 classes will begin March 8 and end on April 23. Please note that there is no week-long mid-session break during the winter term. May term will begin on May 3 and end May 28, as previously scheduled.
I wish you well as we enter the second session of fall term, and I encourage everyone to continue to adhere to safety protocols to keep the campus community as safe as possible.
Sincerely,
Wendy Gorman
Dean of Academic Affairs
Posted: October 8, 2020
Message from President Solibakke
Dear Northland Community,
After seven months, the consequences of a global health crisis have finally been felt in our corner of the world, given that Ashland and Bayfield counties are each reporting confirmed cases in excess of one hundred and Wisconsin has escalated to nearly 2000 cases daily. Due to the proliferation of the virus in the region, a new health directive from the Ashland County Health Department was issued. These efforts are a direct response to the upsurge of the virus and are designed to inhibit further spread.
In spite of the risks that surround us, we are fortunate not to have any active cases on campus. By the same token, we are sustaining our conservative approach, making ample use of quarantine beds to ensure that off-campus exposures do not develop into wide-spread infections and undermine the safety of our campus community. Fourteen quarantine beds are currently in use, two of which are scheduled to be vacated at the end of week. As I write, none of our quarantine patients has evidenced symptoms of the virus.
I am asking you to remain vigilant and exercise extreme care on and off campus. We are supplying regular health authority updates, which pinpoint potential exposure and identify local venues experiencing heightened risks of infection. In order to assess the ongoing safety of our constituents, we will continue to administer on campus antigen testing.
To date, Northland health services has provided 1352 tests with three instances of positive results for a positivity rate of 0.22%. We are currently testing fifteen to thirty-five individuals per week on campus based on chief medical officer direction in accordance with WHO, CDC, and local health authority protocols. It is also important to note that our constituents are free to seek testing services at external providers, and so far, these tests have resulted in two positive cases. With respect to these two cases, convalescence occurred off campus and, fortunately, the constituents have already been released to return to campus.
Finally, extensive plans are being drawn up to reopen the College for the winter term following the holiday break. In keeping with the phased circumstances surrounding our successful fall opening, we will be implementing a rolling reentry scenario. Information about potential schedule adjustments and registration for January is forthcoming.
I am happy to share that we have been recognized by peer institutions, college stakeholders, families, and friends for our stability in this tenuous environment. Cognizant that our lives have been impacted by the pandemic, in ways that are often overwhelming or deeply troublesome, I believe that restrictions have proven beneficial for our continuing well-being.
Please keep Northland vibrant as you complete session one and pivot into session two.
Kudos to all and warm best,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: October 1, 2020
Campus COVID-19 Update
Dear Community,
Over the last few weeks, the public health alerts sent to campus have resulted in several individuals reporting they had frequented the establishments cited in the public health alerts. For each of these individuals, a risk assessment was conducted, and as appropriate, some individuals were placed into quarantine as a safety precaution.
Today, we have 26 individuals quarantined in both on- and off-campus locations. Of these individuals, two have tested positive and both are convalescing off campus in their homes. The rest are following college quarantine protocols to ensure that the potential spread of the virus is inhibited.
Northland is working along-side Ashland County Health Services with ongoing contact tracing. As we move to more phases of discovery of the virus impacting those close to us, it is important, now more than ever, to treat each other with kindness and compassion, ensuring that we are complying with COVID-safe protocols and staying home whenever possible.
The health and safety of our campus continues to be our primary concern. If you begin experiencing symptoms (i.e., fever, difficulty breathing, loss of taste or smell, etc.), contact the Office of Health Services (students) or Human Resources (employees) and your medical professional immediately.
Regards,
Sherri Karl Venero
Executive Director of Human Resources & Institutional Risk Management
Posted: September 21, 2020
Random Testing
Dear Community:
This week we are implementing randomized antigen testing to remain in place for the remainder of the semester. This testing is not optional.
Every week a new group of students will be selected through a randomized process based on ID numbers to receive an antigen test. Notice will be sent Monday afternoons for testing to commence on Tuesdays.
Students selected will receive an email from Dean Harvey Monday afternoon with instructions to be tested during a given time the following day.
As a reminder, testing is at no cost to students and it will be the same antigen test conducted upon arrival.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Sherri Karl Venero
Executive Director of Human Resources & Institutional Risk Management
Posted: September 16, 2020
Public Health Alert Follow-up
Dear students,
On Thursday, September 10, 2020, I sent a message out regarding local public health alerts. We appreciate those who promptly contacted health services with questions or concerns.
Northland College is abiding by current best practice recommendations from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as our local public health department, after someone has a potential exposure. Depending on the degree of exposure, a quarantine period may be required. Due to the transmission ability of this virus, any testing, antigen or PCR, does not negate the necessity for a full 14-day quarantine.
If you feel you have had an exposure, contact Health Services to discuss your situation and develop a plan. If the requirement is quarantine, there are spaces available on campus to do so for residential students.
More information will be coming out regarding quarantine expectations, supports, and significances. As always, stay tuned to your campus email and this webpage for important information.
Thank you,
Melissa Harvey
Dean of Students
Posted: September 8, 2020
Campus Health Update
Dear Campus Community,
We hope that your first week with classes went well!
Northland has now completed close to 1,300 COVID-19 antigen tests for our students and employees. Three individuals within our campus community tested positive, but were able to recuperate at home. They were cleared by Office of Health Services before returning to campus.
Wisconsin is experiencing positive test results of 9.8% on a rolling seven-day average. Ashland County’s rate of infection is 1.0% and Northland College’s experience is 0.0% for the same time frame.
To continue to maintain safety in our campus community we must adhere to safe practices. This includes completing daily self-checks to ensure you are only going to class or work when you are well, wearing face coverings, and maintaining social distance. Refer to our campus reopening plan for additional information on COVID-safe campus policies.
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing covid@northland.edu. Thank you for your participation in keeping our campus safe.
Sincerely,
Melissa Harvey
Dean of Students
Posted: August 25, 2020
Additional 2020 Fall Athletics Update
Dear Campus Community,
On Tuesday, August 24, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Council of Presidents/Chancellors supported a recommendation from the UMAC Council of Athletics Directors to make additional modifications to the fall 2020 schedule. Cross country and golf have now been postponed to spring, similar to volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer, which was previously announced on July 30.
UMAC leadership will pursue opportunities to provide conference events in the spring of 2021 for all fall sports. The spring schedule could include a conference post-season tournament/championship and other conference activities.
I recognize this is a difficult start for our student athletes in an unprecedented year on campus. They have our continued support and commitment to provide competitions when conditions permit.
Decisions regarding winter sports including season structures and starting dates will be announced at a later date. Any further decisions for 2020-21 made by conference governance groups will continue to be driven by available guidance from local and state health officials and the NCAA SSI and are continually subject to change.
Read the full August 24 UMAC statement.
Warm best,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: August 19, 2020
Reasonable Accommodation Needs
Dear Students,
There have been several requests in recent weeks regarding modifications to our fall academic setting.
As per the message from Dean of Academic Affairs Wendy Gorman on July 24, 2020, “Northland is not offering a comprehensive, online curriculum. Students are expected to attend classes in person. However, all courses will be taught with online components, so students can maintain their class requirements remotely should they be unable to attend classes in person for a limited period of time.”
We understand that our students may have individual needs that make in-person classes difficult at this time. Students needing reasonable disability accommodations in and outside of the academic setting, can access detailed information on the accommodations webpage.
Please know that it could take one to five weeks to get started with the Office of Accommodations. This is based on a number of potential factors, including but not limited to: the nature of a student’s accommodation requests, the availability of appropriate supporting documentation, and scheduling appointments during peak periods of a semester.
Contact the Office of Accommodations with additional questions about the process.
Thank you,
Melissa Harvey
Dean of Students
Posted: August 18, 2020
Campus Health Update
Dear Returning Students,
Testing is underway and we have now conducted 210 antigen tests for coronavirus for students and Northland employees. Our testing process was designed to keep our students and campus community as safe as possible.
When you arrive on campus you are immediately notified to stay in your vehicle pending test results. Health services comes out to your vehicle in full personal protective wear, takes a swabbed sample, and then returns with the results.
- On arrival to campus (day 1) should you test positive, you will be provided instructions for next steps, including seeking a definitive PCR (molecular) test from Memorial Medical Center or your local hospital, following up with your primary care provider, and returning home (if possible) for isolation. You will be allowed to return to campus or on-campus housing once you meet the department of health standards for recovery.
- On your retest date (day 7 or 8) should you test positive, you will be instructed to go immediately to Memorial Medical Center for definitive PCR (molecular) testing. You will be relocated to an on-campus isolation space and contact tracing will begin promptly to assess other possible risk exposures. You will be allowed to return to campus or on-campus housing once you meet the department of health standards for recovery.
After a positive result, health services personnel go through a complete change of personal protective wear and the testing facility is sanitized before resuming testing. The reporting of the test results activates contact tracing activities both on and off campus. As required, positive test results are shared with the local county health department for contact tracing. All student test results are maintained as part of your secure health record with health services. Confidentiality for all students will be maintained.
Wisconsin is experiencing positive test results of 7.7% as a rolling seven-day average. Northland College’s experience for the same time frame is 0.48% as only one individual has tested positive so far. Periodic updates will be provided going forward.
Please let us know if you have any questions by emailing covid@northland.edu. Thank you for your participation in keeping our campus safe.
Sincerely,
Melissa Harvey
Dean of Students
Posted: August 12, 2020
Campus Reopening Plan & FAQ
Dear Students,
As we prepare to welcome you back to campus over the next few weeks and the College is transformed into a vibrant learning community, please know that Northland is deeply committed to keeping the campus safe and healthy.
As you likely already know, the College issued a Campus Reopening Plan to collate protocols for a COVID-safe community and—hopefully—curb the proliferation of illness among us. The plan entails information about academic modifications; how to maintain healthy environments and operations; specifics pertaining to testing protocols, isolation, and quarantine; and recommendations for faculty, staff, and student behavior—here, above all, the application of face coverings and the need to comply to social distancing rules at all times. In tandem, I am asking you to review our Frequently Asked Questions, which have been designed to address a host of concerns that you might harbor.
We will continue to monitor and evaluate the plan throughout the academic year with the expectation that adjustments take place as information is updated and public health directives are issued.
While much has gone into our efforts to protect the Northland community, I recognize that I cannot and should not guarantee an environment free of COVID-19; that is not realistic. Hence, each of us is charged to reduce impending risk and show strong support for the security of our campus by adhering to the advice, guidelines, and best practices of dedicated health experts.
I cannot wait for the moment that we can convene without trepidation. Until then, we must remain resilient, as we have for over a century.
Please be well and warm wishes,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: August 7, 2020
Returning Student Townhall
Dear Students,
Thank you to everyone who attended Tuesday’s returning student townhalls. It was great to see so many of you, and your questions were appreciated. For those of you not able to attend, you can watch the 2 p.m. townhall online.
I encourage you to continue monitoring this page or the Campus Reopening page for information and details. Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to classes starting.
Please email covid@northland.edu for any outstanding questions or concerns.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Melissa Harvey
Dean of Students
Posted: July 30, 2020
Athletic Programming Update
Dear Campus Community,
On Tuesday evening, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted to modify the schedule for fall volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer.
Per the directive of the governance group, UMAC leadership will postpone fall competitions and pursue opportunities to provide conference events in the spring of 2021 for these fall sports. The spring schedule could include a conference post-season tournament/championship and other conference activities.
Like Northland, UMAC institutions remain focused on providing meaningful experiences for all student athletes in the fall of 2020, which will include multiple opportunities for practice, small-group training, skill development, strength and conditioning, and leadership programming. Moreover, UMAC schools have been given authority to arrange for non-conference games, if safety and health protocols are maintained and travel follows risk management provisions.
As low contact sports, men’s and women’s golf and cross country will continue to compete this fall, and conference championships will be conducted as scheduled. Cross country matches will be aligned with social distancing requirements and other health precautions recommended by regional health authorities.
While I recognize this was a difficult decision that impacts a large group of fall athletes and coaches, we know that the health and safety of our students is a priority. I want to take this opportunity to express thanks to our student athletes and families for their understanding, as well as the shared commitment to meeting the challenges of COVID-19 with the same determined spirit they bring to their respective teams.
It is our hope and intention that if conditions permit, winter and spring sports will continue as planned and fall and spring competitions will be pursued in tandem. Together with the presidents and athletic directors of the UMAC schools, I will be evaluating the options in the months ahead.
Click on the links to get the full UMAC statement and UMAC frequently asked questions.
Warm best,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
Posted: July 24, 2020
Fall Online Curriculum
Dear Students,
One of the things that makes Northland special is our approach to experiential learning and the connections you make in the classroom, with your professors, and outside in the field. We are working hard to provide this important educational experience to you this fall.
At this time, Northland is not offering a comprehensive, online curriculum. While some faculty will offer fully online classes, most faculty are preparing for an in-person delivery with our Northland approach at its core. Students are expected to attend classes in person. However, all courses will be taught with online components, so that students can maintain their class requirements remotely, should they be unable to attend classes in person for a limited period of time.
We acknowledge that some of you may feel anxious about coming back on campus and attending classes during this pandemic. Northland is taking substantial steps to keep you as safe as possible. This includes adjusting the course schedule, reducing classroom capacity, requiring face coverings, increasing campus sanitation, and more.
We are excited to have you back on campus and in the classroom. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Wendy Gorman
Dean of Academic Affairs
Posted: July 24, 2020
Face Coverings, Isolation & Quarantine*
Dear Campus Community,
As the school year approaches, we continue to define specific guidelines and protocols that will support the reopening of our campus in August. The guidelines and protocols described below are designed to curtail the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure a healthy living and learning environment on campus.
At the forefront are face covering guidelines and protocols for testing, isolation, and quarantine.
Face Coverings
In order to minimize health risks, face coverings or masks will be required of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors in campus buildings, in campus vehicles when traveling with other passengers, or in outside venues in which social distancing is not feasible. Evidence shows that COVID-19 can be spread, even when the carrier does not feel ill or show symptoms of illness. Face coverings limit the spread of the COVID-19 in these instances and help to protect those around us.
We wish to emphasize that face coverings will not serve as a substitute for social distancing at Northland. Whenever possible, all of us will adhere to social distancing (six feet apart at minimum) when engaging with campus constituents in campus spaces, other than in the spaces listed above.
Protocols for face coverings during sanctioned athletic activities are currently under review and subject to approval by NCAA and conference authorities. We will provide updates as soon as these are available.
The College will provide face coverings for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors; however, individuals are also welcome to use their own face coverings, as long as they meet CDC guidelines.
Exceptions to face covering requirements may occur while eating in designated cafeteria locations, and for our student residents, when you are alone with your roommate in your residence hall room. Likewise, employees will not be required to wear face coverings when working alone in their offices.
If you have questions, concerns, or believe you warrant a waiver from Northland’s face covering policy, please consult with the Office of Accommodations (students) or the Office of Human Resources (employees).
Testing and Contact Tracing
All students, faculty, and staff will be required to undergo COVID-19 testing at the beginning of the fall term. Northland College health services will conduct nasal swab testing during move-in, upon arrival on campus, or as scheduled. Samples will be tested on-site and test results provided within thirty minutes. Test results will only be used to determine current infection status, not past exposure.
Family and friends traveling to campus with new or returning students will not be tested. To minimize risk of exposure to the campus community, students are encouraged to limit the number of individuals who help them move into the residence halls.
All test results will be reported to the State of Wisconsin Department of Health. For positive results, Ashland County Public Health, working collaboratively with Northland College health services, will conduct contract tracing protocols
Isolation and Quarantine
Isolation spaces have been reserved for on-campus residents who test positive for COVID-19. Residential students will receive isolation instructions from the Office of Health Services and be required to continue in isolation, until two consecutive negative results have been reported within a 24-hour period.
Quarantine spaces are reserved for on-campus residents who have been exposed to anyone who has contracted COVID-19. As with isolation, you will receive quarantine instructions from the Office of Health Services and compliance will be required.
Although Northland courses are designed for in-person delivery, they will be taught with online components, so that students in isolation or quarantine can complete their class requirements remotely. Participation in virtual course activities and completion of assignments is expected when students are well enough to do so.
Northland will provide meal delivery and other services as needed to on-campus residents during isolation and quarantine.
Off-campus residents are expected to isolate or quarantine at home.
Personal Responsibility & Behavior
We are asking that all students, faculty, and staff conduct self-checks on a daily basis, practice good hygiene, maintain social distancing, and comply with institutional face covering requirements.
Faculty, staff, and students are strongly encouraged to show heightened attention to the health needs of the Northland community and the City of Ashland by following the guidelines and best practices of health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and other national and local health organizations. Although it will not be possible to mitigate every risk, each of us can contribute meaningfully to reducing risk.
Adhering to personal hygiene practices and frequent sanitation will be the responsibility of every member of our campus community. Please do your part in keeping us safe and vibrant!
Please watch for future communications. For questions, email covid@northland.edu.
Warm best,
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
*This communication was amended August 3, 2020, to reflect current testing protocols.
Posted: July 9, 2020
Fall Planning Groups
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
In early June, I formed four new planning groups to support Northland College leadership in the College’s systematic and comprehensive planning process for a COVID-safe campus. The groups listed below are expected to designate best practices and policies for developing and maintaining a healthy environment and delivering an effective educational experience.
Fall Planning Work Group
Charged to propose recommendations for adapting orientation formats, residential living, food service, student services, academic registration and curriculum delivery, and athletic programming. See email for membership list.
Risk Management Fall Work Group
Charged to develop effective protocols, adjustments to facility infrastructure, and health and safety policies for reopening in fall 2020. See email for membership list.
Faculty IT Work Group
Charged to determine instructional technology needs for faculty, work with the IT department to provide the technology, and offer resources and training so that faculty can effectively use technology in developing student learning options. See email for membership list.
Faculty Risk Management Work Group
Charged with planning for classroom, field, and transportation safety; developing protocols for faculty and student interaction including quarantine or isolation instruction; and attendance policies. See email for membership list.
These four work groups serve as recommending agencies to Administrative Council, as the following preparations for the fall semester are undergoing final review:
- Face covering policy and social distancing expectations
- Testing procedures and quarantine protocols
- Sanitation of spaces on campus
- Instructional delivery and classroom configurations
- Athletic programming and competitions
- On-campus dining and shared living specifications
- Adjustments to orientation programming and new/returning student arrival
- Social and civic responsibility to the community
- Campus wellness and well-being
- Travel and visitor limitations
- Restrictions on campus gatherings and events
The protocols will be communicated to campus constituents as they are finalized and entered into a comprehensive reopening plan that will be accessible through northland.edu and updated as requirements change.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at covid@northland.edu.
Warm best,
President Karl Ivan Solibakke
Posted: July 8, 2020
Review Fall Classes Registration
Dear Students,
This communication is a follow-up to President Solibakke’s announcement regarding our fall 2020 reopening plans during the pandemic.
We have divided our 15-week term into two sessions (session 1 and session 2) in which students will typically take two courses per session, one in the morning “AM”, and one in the afternoon “PM”. A select number of courses will be delivered over the full term. Your fall schedule has been updated to accommodate these changes and can be viewed online.
As you view your schedule please note the following:
- Courses are currently scheduled daily in AM or PM blocks, but specific days and times have not been finalized. Generally, courses will be meeting 5.5 hours/week for a 3-credit course and 7.5 hours/week for a 4-credit course, within the designated time period. A notification will go out when specific times have been determined.
- Pay special attention to the dates on your schedule to determine which session the course is scheduled. Session 1 will meet August 31 through October 13, and session 2 will run October 15 through December 2.
- There have been a small number of course cancelations or course capacity adjustments, for which a class may have been dropped from your schedule. Please contact your advisor if you need assistance in choosing a new class. If there was a course conflict, an advisor will be contacting you with scheduling suggestions.
If you wish to make changes to your schedule, you will have the opportunity to do so online according to the following schedule:
- Seniors (90+ earned credits): Monday, July 13th at 8 a.m. until August 30th at midnight*
- Juniors (58-89 earned credits): Tuesday, July 14th at 8 a.m.
- Sophomores (27-57 earned credits): Wednesday, July 15th at 8 a.m.
- Freshmen (0-26 earned credits): Thursday, July 16th at 8 a.m.
- Incoming and re-enrolled students: Friday, July 17th at 8 a.m.
*Last day to add classes online is August 30th at midnight
Use the course search to view the new schedule, determine if there are seats available, and add or drop courses. Note that the “Term” drop-down within the course search can be adjusted for session 1, session 2, and full-term course offerings. For financial aid eligibility, you must be registered in at least 12 credits for the term, AND you must be registered in at least one course in session 1 and one course in session 2, or a full-term course. Contact the financial aid office if you are planning on taking less than 12 credits to speak with a staff member about financial aid implications.
Please contact the registrar’s office or your advisor with questions or concerns about these updates.
Registrar’s Office
Posted: July 1, 2020
Housing Updates Fall 2020
Hello On-Campus Residents,
The message below is housing related updates for the fall semester. More specific information about move-in will be shared later in July. Please let me know any questions- I will respond as quickly as I can, but I still ask for some patience in the process of sorting this all out!
Housing and Meal Plan Agreement
- Agreements are now active
- Residential life will confirm your room placement once your housing and meal plan agreement has been signed. Priority date for agreements will be Sunday, July 12. Your roommate and placement will be sent to your Northland email, and will be your official housing placement for next year.
- Anyone required to live on-campus who does not sign housing and meal plan agreement by Sunday, July 26 at 11:59 p.m. will have the 2020-21 traditional double rate of $4,470 and Meal Plan 3 of $5,218 added to their fall bill. This will remain on your account until you sign up for housing.
Fall Room Placement
- ELLC, Fenenga and McMillan Halls will operate with traditional double rooms.
- Memorial and Mead Hall will hold double occupancy with all traditional rooms and singles will be used for accommodations.
- Students will now all be placed with a roommate. If you did not request a roommate, but have someone in mind, please let me know right away.
- I will absolutely sell single rooms for the fall semester as space provides; we should know more by August 1.
- Townhouses, ELLC suites and apartments will be held for any potential self-isolation or quarantine.
- Residential Life will confirm your room placement once your housing and meal plan agreement have been signed, priority date of July 12.
Move-in/out Dates
- Monday, August 24 will start move-in for returning students
- We will have a sign-up for move-in times.
- You will not be permitted to return before your approved time.
- We will be able to allow early arrivals.
- More information will come on all things move-in in a few weeks!
- Wednesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. will be when the residence halls close for fall and transition into break housing. We will communicate more once we get closer to that point in the semester, but encourage and anticipate majority of students departing at Thanksgiving Break.
We are all in this together
- We still want our on-campus living environment to be engaging and fun. The role you play as a returning student in role modeling safe and healthy behavior for our incoming students is even more necessary now! There will still be activities offered in new creative ways.
- Hand sanitizing stations and wipes will be provided around campus, but we encourage bringing your own cleaning and sanitizing products.
- Common spaces will have furniture adjusted to accommodate 6-foot social distancing guidelines and face coverings will be utilized in common spaces.
- Community kitchens will no longer have supplies left out for anyone to use and personal items will need to be stored in alternative locations than the countertops. Please bring personal kitchen items you need with you; we will offer a first come, first serve item check-out process each semester.
Please continue to review this page for updates.
Thanks much,
Tiffany Koeshall
Director of Residential Life
Posted: July 1, 2020
Change to Term Start & Schedule
Dear Students,
In light of the COVID-19 crisis, I am writing to share some important news about the upcoming fall term. The following modifications are designed to maintain a healthy environment and an uncompromised educational experience for you.
Fall Term Start & End Date
Fall term will commence on August 31 and end on December 2. Instruction will take place on Labor Day as well as on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. In-person courses will end on November 24 and any remaining academic requirements such as assignments, tests, papers, etc. can be completed remotely. A full academic calendar is here.
Per the NCAA Board of Governors, fall athletic practices are allowed to begin August 10. Northland will be launching a phased-in approach, sport by sport, to welcome fall athletes back to campus. Move-in dates will be coordinated and communicated through residential life, athletics, and admissions.
Course Schedule & Registration
In order to optimize the flexibility of instruction and enhance your learning experience during this pandemic, we divided the fall term into two academic sessions. The sessions will run August 31 to October 13 and October 15 to December 2. Students will generally be enrolled in two courses during the first session and two during the second session.
If you have already registered for the fall term, we will make every attempt to transfer your current courses into this new schedule. Academic advisors will step in and attempt to resolve any conflicts or consider alternative courses, so please regularly check your Northland email for communications from them. You will receive your new course schedule and have the opportunity to review and make adjustments online, at a designated time, before the start of the term.
Orientation & Move-in Dates
Student move-in dates will be organized in a phased structure at pre-determined times. New incoming students will be scheduled August 22 and 23. Returning students will be scheduled August 24–26. Residential life will coordinate and communicate the details. Orientation for incoming students will receive specific information in a separate communication from admissions.
More Information to Come
We will continue to share information about the fall through email and on this Fall 2020 Reopening webpage, including policies on face coverings, social distancing, social gatherings, as well as information on adherence to federal, state, and local health agency guidelines.
Please be well. I look forward to having you on campus soon.
Karl Ivan Solibakke
President
