The Northland fall semester will begin early, end early, and forego the Labor Day holiday as part of its new Covid-19 schedule. Other changes include shorter, more intensive courses, on-campus testing, and dining in multiple locations instead of one. In addition, all large gatherings have been canceled, including the annual welcoming party and the alumni Fall Festival weekend.
“Our goal, as always, is to provide a safe, inviting, and nurturing space for learning,” said President Karl I. Solibakke. “This year is just trickier than most.”
Fall term classes will start August 31 and end on December 2 and instruction will take place on Labor Day as well as on Monday and Tuesday of Thanksgiving week. In-person classes will end on November 24 and any remaining academic requirements such as assignments, tests, papers, etc. will be completed remotely.
Northland has divided the fall term into two academic sessions. The sessions will run from 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.
Athletics will move forward with a reduced schedule, per the NCAA Board of Governors. Athletes will begin returning to campus for practices starting August 10. Northland will be launching a phased-in approach, sport by sport, to welcome fall athletes back to campus.
Solibakke reported his leadership and risk management teams continue to work on COVID-safe policies regarding face coverings, social distancing, social gatherings, as well as information on adherence to federal, state, and local health agency guidelines.
