Northeast moves all credit classes online
NORFOLK — Northeast Community College is moving all credit classes to an online format as the institution deals with the impact the COVID-19 virus continues to have on society. Online classes begin March 23. On-campus housing in Norfolk will be impacted as well.
Leah Barrett, president, said in order to mitigate the spread of the virus, it is imperative to change the operation of the college for the foreseeable future.
“By using protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and recommendations by the Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department, Northeast Community College will move all credit classes to an online format beginning Monday, March 23, and continue in this format through the end of the spring 2020 term,” she said. “We will continue to work with students and families, but the general public is discouraged from visiting our campuses.”
College housing and food service will be closed to all students on the Norfolk campus except those who are unable to return to a permanent residence during the remainder of the spring term. Students will have until March 27 to move out of their rooms. To follow social distancing recommendations, students must make an appointment with Residence Life staff to check out. Housing and meal plan refunds will be calculated based on the closing date of March 20.
“In addition,” Barrett said, “all activities and events that were scheduled at any Northeast location have been cancelled through the end of the semester, however, no decision has been made at this time on the May 16 commencement ceremony.”
Barrett credits College employees for working diligently over the past week to move a plan of action forward to ensure that students will still receive their educational training this spring.
Additional information may be found on the Northeast website at https://northeast.edu/Coronavirus/. The website contains updated announcements, frequently asked questions, resources, and links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, area public health departments, and others.
Barrett said the ever-evolving situation surrounding the Coronavirus has created much uncertainty. She understands how unsettling it is.
“Our hope is that through the work of our dedicated faculty and staff, the pursuit of our students’ academic goals will continue. I want to reassure them that we are here for them and will work them. We ask that everyone practices kindness, thoughtfulness and understanding as we work through this situation as a community. Brighter days are ahead - we will persevere!”