As the University, in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Nodaway County Health Department and other public health agencies, actively monitors the COVID-19 pandemic, this webpage provides broad information and answers to frequently asked questions related to Northwest's operations and pandemic response.
Updates and information are provided as they become available. Additional information specific to an academic or service area at Northwest may be obtained by using contact information provided in University directories.
For other information specifically related to COVID-19 and its impacts on your health, visit the CDC's FAQ page.
Individuals who travel should take these everyday actions to prevent transmission of the virus:
For CDC information related to travel, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/after-travel-precautions.html.
All University-related and University-funded travel, international and domestic, is prohibited until further notice and should not be planned or scheduled. The policy applies to all students and student organizations, faculty and staff. Northwest encourages individuals and teams to explore creative options for alternative study, research, work and collaboration.
Exceptions will be granted for recruitment of students and donors, athletic team travel and fully funded grant-required expenditures. Additional exceptions will be granted on a case-by-case basis with the approval of the University president. All requests should be submitted to the respective NLT member for evaluation.
In regard to personal travel, Northwest urges its campus community to be mindful of the health risks. Employees who travel should self-monitor for symptoms and follow their medical provider’s instructions. Refer to the CDC guidelines related to travel by visiting https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
Employees who have questions or need guidance about their travel plans should contact the Office of Human Resources at 660.562.1127 or hrwebpg@nwmissouri.edu.
In collaboration with the Nodaway County Health Department, Northwest is monitoring five active cases involving University students or employees; 860 students or employees have tested positive since April 2, 2020.
According to the Nodaway County Health Department, there are 11 active cases of COVID-19 in the county, and 2,672 individuals have tested positive in the county since April 2, 2020.
2,638 of all individuals testing positive in Nodaway County are no longer in isolation.
168 individuals in Nodaway County have been hospitalized; none are currently hospitalized and 23 have died.
Review the budget and expenditure reports required per HEERF CARES Act Section 18004(a)(1) Institutional funds portion by clicking the links below.
This information is intended to provide needed communication for students and families while meeting federal reporting requirements for the receipt and use of these funds.
Northwest is committed to maintaining a level of financial assistance that allows the University to remain an affordable college choice.
The University is adjusting the grade-point average (GPA) requirement for renewal of the admission-based merit scholarships (https://www.nwmissouri.edu/finaid/renewal/) by 0.5 GPA points. For example, as a one-time adjustment for fall 2021, a scholarship that normally requires a 3.5 cumulative Northwest GPA will require a 3.0 cumulative Northwest GPA for renewal entering the 2021-22 academic year. The University has also committed to expanding eligibility for the American Dream Grant and has committed to allocating additional funds for need-based financial assistance.
Northwest identified all HEERF-eligible students in May 2020 and offered payments to all 3,855 eligible students on May 8, 2020. The University provided each student with the opportunity to self-certify eligibility, and students were instructed to opt out if they did not or would not meet the conditions of the payment. After accounting for opt outs, the University provided $2,354,700 to 3,850 students through this initial effort. Additional emergency grant payments are being provided on an as-needed, case-by-case basis to qualifying students who request assistance from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Assistance.
As of Dec. 31, 2020, additional emergency grant funding of $22,300 had been provided to 81 students. In some cases, a student could have been eligible for an initial emergency grant payment in May 2020 and also receive an additional emergency grant payment prior to Dec. 31, 2020.
As of April 1, 2021, a remaining HEERF I amount of $17,095 was combined with available HEERF II funds, based on Federal guidance received and awarded to students. Additional information related to the HEERF II distribution process will be provided once reporting guidance is received from the U.S. Department of Education.
This information is intended to provide needed communication for students and families while meeting federal reporting requirements for the receipt and use of these funds.
Northwest initially used estimated living expense costs calculated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and published by the College Board to determine a reasonable amount of additional living expenses a student would incur from the campus disruption due to COVID-19.
In our effort to prioritize students with the greatest need, we determined a higher payment amount for our Pell Grant-eligible students was appropriate. All HEERF-eligible students were offered an initial emergency grant payment of $450 or $875.
An additional total of $6,800 was paid to 10 students during the summer 2020 term, with award amounts ranging from $450 to $1,500.
During the fall 2020 term, quarantined or isolated federal work employees and institutional student employees were encouraged to request additional HEERF I emergency grant funds, if needed. This effort resulted in 71 students receiving emergency grant payments, totaling $15,500, with award amounts ranging from $100 to $450.
During January 2021, a remaining HEERF I amount of $17,095 was combined with available HEERF II funds, based on federal guidance, and awarded to students. Additional information related to the HEERF II distribution process will be provided once reporting guidance is received from the U.S. Department of Education.
In total, students have received $2,396,395 in HEERF I emergency grant payments.
This information is intended to provide needed communication for students and families while meeting federal reporting requirements for the receipt and use of these funds.
Northwest is providing Bearcat Logo face coverings to all employees and students. These face coverings are made of cloth and are washable for reuse.
Students who have not received a Northwest face covering may pick up one face covering at The Station between noon and 5 p.m. daily. Additionally, Northwest has placed disposable masks in buildings and campus vending machines for individuals who may not have a face covering upon entering.
Face coverings are required in all hallways, common spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms and all other areas, indoors and outdoors, when at least 6 feet of distance from others is difficult to maintain.
Face coverings are required in all hallways, common spaces, meeting rooms, classrooms and all other areas indoors. Face coverings are required outdoors when at least 6 feet of distance from others is difficult to maintain.
Individuals who do not have a face covering when entering a building should obtain one at designated stations located in all campus buildings or campus vending machines.
Exceptions to Northwest face covering requirement are as follows:
The appropriate use of face coverings is critical to minimize the spread of COVID-19 to others. Wearing a face covering not only protects you; it is us collectively protecting one another.
Students who do not comply with the policy may be reported in violation of Northwest’s Student Code of Conduct and be subject to disciplinary sanctions. Employees who are non-compliant may be reported and face sanctions in accordance with Northwest’s Disciplinary Action Policy.
Individuals may choose their own face covering, which should be, at a minimum, made of a thick or multi-layered cloth material.
Northwest’s face covering guidelines are aligned with those provided by the CDC. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html for additional guidance and research supporting the importance of face coverings.
Residents and guests are required to wear face coverings in all common space, including hallways, elevators, stairwells, lounges, restrooms and laundry rooms. All residence hall staff wear face coverings in common areas or an enclosed spaces with a student, such as an office.
Desk supplies remain available but must be cleaned by users after each use. Cleaning supplies are provided.
Furniture is spaced in lounges to allow for socially distanced seating.
Non-Northwest guests are not allowed to visit residence halls. Students should meet guests outside or in another space.
Elevators are limited to three people at a time, except during move-in days when one family unit is allowed at a time in the elevator.
Programming is provided with mitigation measures in place.
Students who have medical conditions that make them vulnerable and need special accommodations, such as a private room, may contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations.
Additional cleaning and hand sanitizers is provided in common areas.
Roommates and suitemates should establish their own mitigation rules for their room, suite or apartment.
The Nodaway County Health Center, in partnership with Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville, and Northwest, is administering the vaccine based on guidelines provided by the state of Missouri. Information about who is eligible to receive the vaccine is available at https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/priority/.
To register to receive the vaccine, visit the Nodaway County Health Center at https://www.nodawaypublichealth.org/.
Northwest is providing additional details regarding the vaccination process and eligibility to its employees and students as it becomes available.
For additional information about the vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions provided by Mosaic Life Care, visit https://www.mymlc.com/General/coronavirus-covid-19.
Student organization activities must be canceled or postponed if mitigation measures cannot be maintained. At a minimum, individuals attending campus events and activities must maintain 6 feet of social distance and wear a face covering. Common areas, such as the J.W. Jones Student Union, as well as hallways, common work spaces, meeting rooms and classrooms, require individuals to wear a face covering regardless of social distance.
Events or activities that do not meet Northwest mitigation measures or the city of Maryville's Seventh Emergency Order, effective through March 31, 2021 (see below), and cannot be modified due to time or resource limitations, must be canceled or postponed.
As such, the following requirements are in place regarding campus activities administered within the Office of Student Involvement:
Northwest reserves the right to change this policy at any time and restrict events that are deemed too high-risk to be carried out safely.
For additional information or assistance, contact Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kori Hoffmann at khoff20@nwmissouri.edu.
Student organization events are categorized as "educational/operational" or "social." Events or activities that do not meet Northwest mitigation measures or the city of Maryville's Seventh Emergency Order, effective through March 31, 2021 (see below), and cannot be modified due to time or resource limitations, must be canceled or postponed.
As such, the following requirements are in place in accordance with the Seventh Emergency Order and campus activities administered within the Office of Student Involvement:
Northwest reserves the right to change this policy at any time and restrict events that are deemed too high-risk to be carried out safely.
For additional information or assistance, contact Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kori Hoffmann at khoff20@nwmissouri.edu.
Student organizations may meet in person and are expected to implement and maintain Northwest mitigation measures, which include, at a minimum, maintaining 6 feet of social distance from others and wearing a face covering. Common areas, such as the J.W. Jones Student Union, as well as hallways, common work spaces, meeting rooms and classrooms, require students to wear a face covering regardless of social distance.
While Northwest advises student organizations to use Zoom or similar platforms for meetings, groups may choose to meet in-person if they can maintain appropriate social distancing and wear face coverings.
Organizations may host activities off-campus within Nodaway County with the following limitations:
Northwest reserves the right to change this policy at any time and restrict events that are deemed too high-risk to be carried out safely.
For additional information or assistance, contact Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kori Hoffmann at khoff20@nwmissouri.edu.
Employees should note that the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires employers to provide employees with paid sick leave (up to 80 hours) or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19, expired Dec. 31, 2020. If employees are away from work due to COVID-19, they should record accrued leave time on their timesheet.
MOSERS ready-to-retire sessions will be online until at least June 1, 2021.
Blue KC has announced it will extend member relief related to COVID-19 through June 30, 2021.
For a complete listing of updates to insurance plans and benefits, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/hr/bulletin/events/COVID19Insurance.htm.
Data tracking the number of people vaccinated in Missouri and by county is available at https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/data/.
Yes, health experts maintain it is important to continue adhering to mitigation measures even after receiving the vaccine, including the wearing of face coverings, social distancing and frequent hand washing. Mitigation measures, in combination with the COVID-19 vaccination, are the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19.
Additionally, individuals who receive the vaccine are still required to follow contact tracing and quarantine guidelines. Individuals identified as close contacts of a positive case for COVID-19 should quarantine for 14 days, beginning with the most recent date of exposure.
For additional information about the vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions provided by Mosaic Life Care, visit https://www.mymlc.com/General/coronavirus-covid-19.
Two different manufacturers are providing the vaccine – Pfizer and Moderna.
To ensure an adequate supply of the vaccine, individuals should receive their second vaccine from the same group – hospital, pharmacy or organization – that administered the first dose.
For additional information about the vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions provided by Mosaic Life Care, visit https://www.mymlc.com/General/coronavirus-covid-19.
Students living in residence halls during the fall 2020 semester are charged the semester price because the halls remained open for the duration of the semester, which ended Dec. 11.
The start and end dates of Northwest’s spring semester, as well as the length of time students will be residing on campus, have not changed, and therefore Northwest is not adjusting food or housing costs. Northwest also is adding nine meal plan days, at no cost, to students with Campus Dining meal plans.
To help prevent transmission of COVID-19 and to ease stress placed on our students and employees as a result of the ongoing pandemic, Northwest is altering its academic calendar during the spring 2021 semester.
Northwest’s spring semester begins Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021, and concludes Friday, May 7, 2021, both as previously scheduled.
To help reduce transmission of the virus, the spring break week is removed from the calendar. The campus will close Monday, March 8, and no classes will be offered that day, but classes will resume Tuesday, March 9.
The last day for on-ground, in-person classes will be Friday, April 23. Northwest is designating the week of April 26-30 as a preparation week, and final exams will be conducted online during the week of May 3-7. Northwest’s updated academic calendar is accessible at www.nwmissouri.edu/academics/calendar.htm.
This schedule does not apply to coursework offered at Northwest-Kansas City and Online Professional programs, which follow a different academic calendar than the Maryville campus.
As always, in alignment with Northwest’s incremental decision-making process in response to the pandemic, course delivery modes are subject to change as conditions change.
Attendance policies are determined by individual faculty. Students who self-report being symptomatic will be accommodated as an excused illness with course delivery.
Students and faculty should follow mitigation guidelines, which require the wearing of face coverings and maintaining social distance.
Academic units have prepared their areas to meet instructional outcomes. In some cases, a class may be split with students attending face-to-face in one session and virtually the next. Another class may follow a blended instruction model that is already a common practice at Northwest. In some cases, classes will remain exactly the same with the expectation of mitigation efforts.
Northwest will not add costs to students for mitigation measures, except where personal protective gear may be required above and beyond what is provided.
Faculty members who must isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 or need to quarantine due to being a contact of a positive case should work with their department chair or school director to move courses to remote status temporarily.
Northwest has implemented a variety of measures to encourage social distancing on the campus that include moving and limiting the access to furniture in classrooms and gathering spaces as well as the installation of Plexiglas barriers in high-traffic workspaces.
While the mitigation measures and protocols in place at Northwest are focused on protecting our campus community and preventing spread of the disease, it is our shared responsibility as individuals to participate in protecting those around us by following Northwest’s recommended measures and taking responsibility for our personal well-being. By taking individual responsibility and holding each other accountable, we not only do our part to help protect our campus and local community but contribute to a successful learning environment at Northwest.
Northwest works with the Nodaway County Health Department to identify contacts of an individual who tests positive. Whether an individual is identified as a contact depends on the amount of time spent within a 6-foot radius of the positive individual, so it’s possible an entire class will not need to be quarantined.
By definition, a close contact is considered to be any individual who had a prolonged (at least 15 minutes) close contact (within 6 feet), or had physical contact (of any duration) with an individual who tested positive; a person may be considered a close contact regardless of whether either individual was wearing face coverings. A common misconception is that you should quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who is a close contact; that is not accurate. If you are in a classroom with someone identified as a contact, but they do not have a positive test or symptoms, you do not need to quarantine.
To assist Northwest conduct accurate contact tracing, all faculty are requested to maintain seating charts for their classes.
Yes, Northwest faculty and staff will assist students with reasonable flexibility. Students are encouraged to discuss concerns with their instructors or staff supervisors.
Students may call Wellness Services at 660.562.1348 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to request a test.
Employees and students may call Mosaic Medical Center-Maryville at 660.562.2525 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 8 a.m. and 12 Saturday to request a test.
The following links provide information about testing sites in the four-state region. If you reside outside the four-state region, check with your local or state health departments for testing information.
You do not need to quarantine unless the roommate has symptoms. However, the roommate needs to quarantine, and that means they should not have contact with anyone, including all roommates.
If your roommate develops symptoms, you should quarantine. A public health official or Wellness Services will contact you to provide guidance. If you are not contacted, there is no need to take additional precautions.
Northwest custodial services is sanitizing restrooms more frequently.
Foot "pulls" and touchless faucets have been installed to help reduce contact with high-touch surfaces.
Northwest has installed additional wall-mounted hand sanitizers in building locations and provided hand-pump dispensers for office settings and portable stations for large gatherings.
Sanitizing spray, called Bearcat Thunder, also is provided in areas throughout campus to help employees and students clean touch surfaces after use.
Northwest has intensified its disinfection efforts across the campus in accordance with guidelines shared by the CDC, the American College Health Association and other state universities.
Courses will continue to look different during the spring semester and will include a variety of instruction models.
For example, Northwest moved two large, multi-section courses – General Psychology and Introduction to American Government and Politics – online to help lighten hallway traffic in academic buildings and open those classrooms to allow additional flexibility. Likewise, the University moved American Popular Music and Western Civilization I and II to fully remote (virtual) delivery
Students should be aware of the following definitions to describe course delivery models:
Online: Courses indicated in the course schedule as “online” are delivered through Canvas and involve asynchronous student engagement (no scheduled class time).
Virtual or remote: Courses indicated on CatPAWS with a message and location indicated as “VRTUAL” and a message indicating “Remote Delivery” involve student engagement during the scheduled class time through synchronous Zoom delivery.
Students should be attentive to email communication from faculty, and check all course syllabi and messages in Canvas, for course delivery methods.
Individuals who develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, should immediately isolate from others. To learn about COVID-19 symptoms, read Symptoms of Coronavirus.
Co-curricular activities continue to take place at Northwest, though they may be modified to meet COVID-19 mitigation measures.
Northwest's Office of Student Involvement hosts a variety of virtual activities during the pandemic and offers guidance to help student organizations meet and continue fulfilling their objectives virtually.
Bearcat athletics teams are competing, with mitigation measures in place and limited fans inside playing venues.
For more information and updates regarding athletics, visit https://bearcatsports.com/.
Campus Dining does not deliver. However, to-go containers and a mobile ordering option are available for students who wish to get food and leave.
To use mobile ordering, download the Transact Mobile Ordering app from the Apple Store or Google Play. Then, select the Northwest campus, register your device and place your order.
Seating is reduced and set to accommodate social distancing. Two traffic ways are set up for ordering – one walkway for Chick-fil-A guests and one walkway for Einstein or Zen guests.
Additional mitigation measures include:
Disposable to-go containers are provided upon request to all guests. First-year freshmen and transfer students are provided with a free reusable to-go container, which also is available to purchase for $7 at Bearcat Commons registers.
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, employees plate the student’s chosen food items, hand the plate to the student, and the student is responsible for placing the food into the to-go box.
Campus Dining is allowing a limited number of students inside Bearcat Commons at one time, and students are encouraged to leave when they are finished eating. Face coverings are required to enter dining facilities and while moving through the facilities but may be removed while eating and drinking when seated at a table.
Additional mitigation measures include:
As part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the HEERF provides funding for emergency grants to students whose lives have been disrupted and are facing financial challenges to meet their most basic needs.
Northwest signed and returned the required HEERF certification and agreement on April 28, 2020. The University will use the required $2,396,395 of these CARES Act funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
This information is intended to provide needed communication for students and families while meeting federal reporting requirements for the receipt and use of these funds.
Isolation is the term used for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who must stay home and avoid seeing any other people. Individuals who test positive are to isolate for 10 days, beginning on the first day of symptoms or the date of the positive test result. They are not to leave their home or return to campus until they are symptom-free and the 10 days have passed.
Quarantine is the term used for individuals who are identified as a close contact to a positive case, and that person must stay home and avoid seeing any other people. These individuals have not tested positive for COVID-19 but must quarantine for 14 days, beginning with the most recent date of exposure. Quarantine can last 14 to 24 days, depending on the situation. If an individual develops symptoms during this 14-day period or tests positive, their “quarantine” time ends and their 10-day “isolation” period begins. If, during quarantine, you receive a negative COVID-19 test, the quarantine time is not reduced.
Examples:
A close contact is considered to be any individual who had a prolonged (at least 15 minutes) close contact (within 6 feet), or had physical contact (of any duration) with an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. A person may be considered a close contact regardless of whether either individual was wearing face coverings.
A common misconception is that you should quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who is a close contact; that is not accurate. If you live with someone who is a contact, but they do not have a positive test or symptoms, you do not need to quarantine.
Contact tracing is the process of identifying all close contacts of a COVID-19 patient and placing close contacts into quarantine. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or who are identified as a close contact will receive instructions from a health care official about the steps they need to take to prevent further spread of the virus.
Northwest or the Nodaway County Health Department begin their case investigation upon learning an individual has tested positive for COVID-19. It is the process of interviewing the patient to determine their symptoms and symptom onset, possible locations where exposure occurred and their close contacts.
A close contact is considered to be any individual who had a prolonged (at least 15 minutes) close contact (within 6 feet), or had physical contact (of any duration) with an individual who tested positive; a person may be considered a close contact regardless of whether either individual was wearing face coverings. A common misconception is that you should quarantine if you have been exposed to someone who is a close contact; that is not accurate. If you live with someone who is a contact, but they do not have a positive test or symptoms, you do not need to quarantine.
To assist with accurate contact tracing, Northwest has requested all faculty to maintain seating charts for their classes.
Northwest has implemented “Zoom Zones” in various locations throughout the campus where students may go to access technology and participate in Zoom sessions. The following locations are available during regular hours:
You should stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19. For all of the following scenarios, even if you test negative for COVID-19 or feel healthy, you should stay home (quarantine) since symptoms may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.
Quarantine time: Your last day of quarantine is 14 days from the date you had close contact.
Quarantine time: Your last day of quarantine is 14 days from when the person with COVID-19 began home isolation.
Quarantine time: You will have to restart your quarantine from the last day you had close contact with anyone in your house who has COVID-19. Any time a new household member gets sick with COVID-19 and you had close contact, you will need to restart your quarantine.
Quarantine time: You should avoid contact with others outside the home while the person is sick and quarantine for 14 days after the person who has COVID-19 meets the criteria to end their home isolation.
With the assistance of an external team, the ventilation systems throughout campus facilities were inspected to ensure operational effectiveness. Filters have been upgraded to MERV 13, and portable air purifiers with HEPA filters and UVC lighting are being deployed in strategic locations.
Northwest teams have evaluated all campus buildings and posted directional signs to mark entrances and exits as well as one-way traffic in some staircases and hallways.
Additionally, Northwest has adapted some course delivery models and moved its largest classes online to reduce the number of people passing through hallways in some academic buildings.
A student’s ability to return to a classroom will be managed by the Nodaway County Health Department, or another health agency, in alignment with CDC guidelines.
In general, an individual must be fever-free and show an improvement of respiratory symptoms, including cough and shortness of breath. An individual may return to normal activities no less than 10 days after the first symptoms appeared.
An extended absence flag has been created in Northwest Success 360 to communicate a COVID-19 case to campus stakeholders. Log in to Northwest Success 360, find the student, and raise the flag titled, “Student reported that they will be absent for a week or more of classes.”
The flag will trigger a notification to the student’s course instructors as well as various campus offices for services or account holds.
Although the flag system provides a notification, students who must isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 or need to quarantine due to being a contact of a positive case are expected to communicate directly with their instructors to arrange accommodations and progress through their coursework.
Students may gather in the Student Union, The Station, the B.D. Owens Library or their residence hall lounges. Northwest staff have evaluated all buildings and put mitigation measures in place, including the spacing of furniture.
In an effort to prevent further spread of the virus at Northwest and to keep isolation and quarantine housing available, a student who tests positive will first be encouraged to go home to isolate or quarantine.
The University is evaluating additional options in the event that on-campus housing designated for isolation or quarantine reaches capacity.
Yes, employees are encouraged to host Zoom meetings with students but should do so in campus offices.
North Complex is used as isolation and quarantine housing for students who, as determined by a health provider, are exhibiting coronavirus symptoms and cannot return home. Residential Life will make arrangements with those students for food delivery and other accommodations while they need to isolate or quarantine.
While Northwest does have limited testing capability for students, the University is following the guidance of the CDC, the American College Health Association, and the World Health Organization, which do not recommend testing for asymptomatic individuals.
Northwest has adopted a “box-in” strategy, which focuses on testing symptomatic individuals and others who are identified as contacts of those individuals.
Students may choose to obtain a test in their home communities. Northwest employees who desire a test, should contact Mosaic Medical Center by calling its COVID-19 nurse call line at 660.562.5357.
Northwest reviews a variety of metrics and receives daily inputs from local health experts, including the cumulative total of positive cases, the current number of positive cases, the percentage of the population testing positive for COVID-19, and hospitalizations. The University will not rely on one data point to transition courses to remote delivery.
Individual course sections may temporarily move online as the result of a group of students or an instructor’s need to isolate after testing positive for COVID-19 or a need to quarantine due to being a contact of a positive case.
To be considered a contact, the following criteria must be met:
An extended absence flag has been created in Northwest Success 360 to communicate this to campus stakeholders. Login to Northwest Success 360, find the student, and raise the flag titled, “Student reported that they will be absent for a week or more of classes.”
Yes. An individual could be a known contact without a positive test and be required to quarantine.
Northwest has designated face covering stations in all campus buildings. Disposable face coverings may be obtained in the following areas:
Academic areas
Service and support areas
Athletics and recreation areas
Residential Life
Facility Services buildings
Northwest has adopted the use of a sanitizing product, which we’re calling “Bearcat Thunder” and is being made available to classrooms, offices and others throughout the campus. Bearcat Thunder is an alcohol-based product that is sprayed onto surfaces as a mist and allowed to air dry for about 3 minutes.
As a note to employees and students, bleach is not an approved cleaning or sanitizing chemical for use on campus due to risks of chemical reaction.
For more information about “Bearcat Thunder,” including an instructional video, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/services/facility/custodial/bearcatthunder.htm.
Northwest supports individual messaging on masks as freedom of expression but expects students, employees and visitors to consider the impacts their statements may have on our community.
Northwest is not issuing building capacity occupancy limits at this time.
Individuals are expected to maintain 6 feet of social distancing to the fullest extent possible and are required to wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
If you become aware your roommate was tested for COVID-19, one of you will need to move out of the living space until the test results return. If one of you cannot move out, avoid sharing a bedroom and bathroom.
If the test results return positive for your roommate, you will be contacted by Wellness Services and/or the public health department for contact tracing. If you are determined to be a contact, you will be given guidance from Wellness Services on what to do next.
If you are not contacted, additional precautions are not necessary.
Northwest is prohibiting guests in residential facilities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and guest rooms will not be available for reservations this fall.
In alignment with federal and state guidelines and processes, Northwest is approving and tracking purchases related to COVID-19 mitigation measures.
The University has provided a PowerPoint with instructions and a financial tracking form for employees to use. To access these tools, log in to MyNorthwest, click the Employee Resources tab and then look for the expense tracking links within the Tools module.
In general, employers can ask an employee how he or she is feeling but should not inquire about a specific illness as that could rise to the level of a disability-related inquiry under the ADA.
Employees who show signs of illness can be asked to leave the workplace and stay at home until they are free of symptoms.
If an employer learns of an employee’s medical condition, such as a diagnosis of the coronavirus, the employer may not share this information. Under the confidentiality provisions of ADA, FMLA, and WC, only those who “need to know” may know about the diagnosis. It may be difficult to demonstrate that, for example, a line manager “needed to know” the employee’s specific diagnosis. Instead, the line manager likely only needs to know the employee will be on a leave of absence and not able to work.
Therefore, employers should keep an employee’s medical condition and diagnosis confidential and private unless there are true health and safety circumstances deemed by the Department of Health. It is always the employee’s right to release and share their own medical condition information.
Employers may educate employees on how they can best protect themselves and what steps employees should take if they were exposed or experience symptoms. The Department of Health will conduct a trace and contact employee who may have been exposed and need to be quarantined.
A public health official or Wellness Services will notify individual contacts who need to quarantine. If you are not contacted, there is no need to take additional precautions.
To be considered a contact, an individual would have spent more than 15 minutes within 6 feet of another individual who tested positive. If both of you were wearing cloth masks, you would be at low risk but still considered a contact. If the person testing positive sat at the front of a classroom and you sat in the back, you would not be considered a contact.
A student testing positive for COVID-19 is responsible for notifying their instructors that they will not return to class until further notice. The student is not required to provide the reason.
Wellness Services will notify the Office of Student Affairs that you are not to attend classes until further notice and will not provide a reason. This is part of Northwest’s normal procedure when students have an infectious disease, are hospitalized, or for other reasons.
If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, you have an obligation to stay away from others. It is important that you communicate with your instructors that you are not feeling well.
Call Wellness Services for screening and further guidance. Wellness Services may communicate to your instructors if you need to be excused from classes. Faculty will offer alternative learning opportunities if you have an approved absence from the Office of Student Affairs and Wellness Services.
The links below are affiliated with state and federal health agencies and provide real-time updates, guidelines and other resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
