03/23/20 - NKU's Response to Ohio and Kentucky New Orders

Dear Colleagues:

This weekend, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine instructed Ohioans to stay at home, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear closed non-essential businesses and asked Kentuckians to stay healthy at home. In response to these announcements, we are adjusting the timeline I shared on Friday of NKU’s move to virtual campus operations.

Our new date to begin virtual operations is Thursday, March 26. From Thursday onwards, we will have a small presence on campus to deliver only those essential services that cannot be provided virtually. To ensure that those staff members have a safe onsite work environment, we are adjusting their schedules accordingly.

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, our campus has been adapting with it with remarkable poise and grace. We adjusted our way of delivering instruction and business, so we are well positioned to continue our core operations virtually. This does impact our faculty and staff, and the main points are outlined below.

• All employees, except for the few employees who must continue to report to work, have until the end of the day Wednesday, March 25 to gather any
  needed personal items to work remotely until further notice. Please talk with your supervisor to coordinate a schedule to gather your items to ensure social distancing.
  
• Buildings will be locked starting March 26, although card swipe will provide access. However- only visit the campus if it is absolutely necessary, and please do so as quickly as possible and leave to prevent the need for custodial services.
  
• The Provost will share additional details with faculty, and Human Resources will be sending a message to supervisors with additional guidelines.
  

Later this week, we will share information with students on how they can access the university’s virtual support services, address some of their questions and reassure those who are remaining in University Housing. We know our students are facing dramatic changes in their daily lives while they continue their educational journey. I have no doubt that we will find a way to support them similar to what they were accustomed to receiving on campus.

The Cabinet and the COVID-19 Preparedness Team will be working to ensure a smooth transition to our virtual operations. There will likely be questions during the shift to working remotely, and we encourage you to email covid19@nku.edu. We are also looking for your input or suggestions and ask that you share those via email as well.

With each new challenge, NKU has adapted, adjusted and continued to put our students first. Their success is paramount, and we will not allow COVID-19 to change our commitment to them. We know the situation will continue to change, and we will get through this challenge together.

Thank you for all that you do on behalf of the students and the university. Please stay safe and well.

Sincerely,
Ashish K. Vaidya

Ashish K. Vaidya, Ph.D.
President
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive
800 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099
Phone: 859-572-5123
Fax: 859-572-6696