Northern_Today_Fall_2020

NORTHERN TODAY 5 FALL 2020 NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY | News “We’re excited for this spring and the chance to be able to shift a little closer back toward normal, but we must remain vigilant. We must continue to make responsible decisions to keep our campus and community healthy and safe, and finish this academic year strong.” Dr. Tim Downs, President able to join the class in real time and participate along with students who are physically present. Asynchronous mode allows students to review lectures and other learning materials at a time that works best for them. On-campus COVID-19 testing was available at no cost to NSU students, through Student Health Services in partnership with Avera Health. Testing was done via Abbott ID-Now machines, thanks to a partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health. Sanford Health also worked with NSU student-athletes for testing and symptom tracking. Staff members continued to meet students’ needs, with numerous departments offering online services, including academic advisors, the Tutoring Center and Counseling Center. Students, too, found ways to adapt, adjusting their activities to allow for safe studying and socializing. The fall semester schedule was condensed, with breaks removed and on-campus instruction ending at Thanksgiving. Looking forward, spring semester will be on campus as usual, with the full schedule intact. However, precautions will still remain in place, including mask and distancing requirements. “We’re excited for this spring and the chance to be able to shift a little closer back toward normal, but we must remain vigilant,” said NSU President Dr. Tim Downs. “We must continue to make responsible decisions to keep our campus and community healthy and safe, and finish this academic year strong.”