POSTED MARCH 20, 2020 - INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED

Campus community,

Thank you for your continued patience during this unprecedented time. Throughout my nearly 35 years in higher education I have never experienced such a far-reaching and all-encompassing situation like COVID-19. I am grateful for the leadership I have witnessed during this situation; leadership on campus, in our community, across the state and throughout the world.

I am also grateful for your understanding as this situation continues to change. The truth is that COVID-19 has forced us out of our routines and altered our sense of safety. While this situation will not last forever, we do not know when it will end. This uncertainty, rightfully so, is causing worry and concern.

I know you have a lot of questions, and every day, we are working hard to get you as much information as possible. But unfortunately, right now, we do not yet have answers to everything. We continue to receive guidance from local, state and federal officials. I promise to continue sharing information as we receive it. I encourage you to visit northern.edu/coronavirus for the latest campus information. We will also share information on social media and potentially through our emergency alert system.

In light of this uncertainty, I’m going to suggest we all do something unorthodox: let’s use this time to connect with one another and enhance our overall wellbeing. This may seem like a strange request, as we cancel events, close campus to the public and move to online learning through April 3. But now is an opportunity for a reprieve from our usual routines – even though a return to normalcy is what we crave.

So, here are some suggestions during this time:

• Pick up a phone and call loved ones and friends.
• Take a walk! Enjoy the outside air and perhaps even a little sun.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Workout at home.
• Cook a homemade meal.
• Play a game, put together a puzzle, start a journal or read a book.

While I hope these ideas can provide a break during these certain times, rest assured that we are continuing to take this situation seriously. Everyone on campus is working hard to provide access to online materials and coursework. If you have any concerns or issues, please contact access@northern.edu.

We are going to get through this and our lives will return to normal. In the meantime, I urge you to take advantage of the situation and use this disruption to create new habits – ones that will benefit you and your family, friends and loved ones.

Please continue following CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 and visit northern.edu/coronavirus for updates.

Stay well and go Wolves!

President Downs