Accessible (May 2022)

May 2022 | Vol. 2, Issue 5

A Monthly Newsletter Publication of NKU Student Affairs

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After more than two years facing a global pandemic, we are beginning to emerge into a new world. The campus came back to life and we were able to see each other in person, instead of through a web cam lens. Programs that were previously held virtually or cancelled returned to campus, including the Gold & White banquet, Take Back the Night, the NPHC Step Show, Black History Month, Women's History Month, UJIMA: A Night of Excellence, the Latino Student Recognition Banquet, LGBTQA+ Pride Week, Feast for Finals, and Homecoming. We were even able to celebrate new programs, such as the Housing Formal. We look forward to you staying with us for the summer or returning next Fall as we continue to return to normal.

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*Food service will be closed when the Student Union is closed.

**Starbucks will remain open until 3:00p and SU Market will remain open until 5:00p on Orientation Days.

*Please call (859) 572-5650 to make an appointment. Counseling Services will continue to be offered in person and via telehealth. Masks are still required in Health, Counseling, & Student Wellness.

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It Takes a Village...

A message from Health, Counseling, & Student Wellness (UC 440)

The COVID-19 pandemic has made an impact on everyone, whether academically, financially, socially, physically, mentally and politically, or all of the above. Thankfully, our village, the NKU community, rallied to the occasion to educate and protect our students, faculty, staff and families. Through the teamwork of numerous groups and individuals, NKU addressed COVID-19 head on. Over 2 years later, NKU’s Health, Counseling & Student Wellness (HCSW) office would like to express a HUGE thank you to Norse Nation. We could not have battled this pandemic without each and every one of you.

With the onslaught of fear and anxiety as initial cases and exposures increased, HCSW was barraged with questions. COVID-19 was novel to all, and no one knew the answers to the many questions. NKU responded with supportive campaigns such as Norse Protect Norse and The Norse Nine. These tools were skillfully marketed to inform and provide resources for the NKU campus members. Communications were ramped up to let campus members know the NKU administration was concerned about their wellbeing, and what expectations were across campus.

The University quickly adopted remote learning methods for students, and remote working operations for faculty and staff. Masking and social distancing became part of our everyday routines. The United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines for quarantine, isolation, testing, masking etc., and these guidelines seemed to change daily at times.

The HCSW office was integral to NKU’s COVID response. We were able to quickly get COVID-19 testing by initially partnering with Gravity Diagnostics for PCR testing, and later initiating protocols and procedures for rapid testing on campus. As the first year of the pandemic evolved, Norse Nation helped in any way they possibly could. NKU’s College of Health and Human Services donated equipment for emergent needs at local hospitals and emergency rooms, the department of Biology loaned space in their ultra cold freezer for vaccine storage, the mail room kept supplies flowing, and facilities management kept the campus clean and safe for essential workers who had to be physically present.

The HCSW office collaborated with the Northern Kentucky Health Department and the NKU School of Nursing faculty and students to vaccinate campus members and their dependents. April 22, 2021 was the first mass immunization clinic held in the (then) BB&T arena. Since that time approximately one year ago, 1920 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered by the HCSW staff, either in the office, or in various pop up clinics held around campus.

Kudos to the members and leaders of NKU’s COVID Preparedness Taskforce, led by the Provost, who still remain vigilant in evaluating local, national and global data and making recommendations for campus activities. Hats off to these NKU heroes: Dr. Alan Cohen, an infectious disease specialist who has volunteered countless hours to NKU’s COVID-19 response, the mailroom and dock workers, Facility Management and Safety and Emergency Management for getting supplies, University Housing staff who assisted with student relocation for quarantine and isolation cases, Chartwell’s dining services and Fuel NKU for making sure individuals on campus stayed well-nourished, UPS and Fedex delivery workers for keeping the supply chain open, NKU Police for keeping everyone safe, NKU’s IT department for working so hard to support remote work and learning, and last but not least, each and every one of you! Our students, faculty and staff have proven that they are strong, resilient and worthy of being called Norse Nation. We thank you for your patience, understanding and support of our ongoing efforts through these challenging times.

As we end another semester, the HCSW staff is grateful to have survived this pandemic so far, and the stress and anxiety that came with it. We are hopeful that the NKU community will continue to flourish in the face of adversity. As we entertain thoughts of traveling, vacations with friends and family, and enjoying the summer break, please remain vigilant. The CDC recommends COVID-19 boosters for all people over the age of 12 who have completed their initial series, or for those who have a compromised immune system for a variety of reasons. HCSW staff take great pride in providing excellent care to the NKU campus, and want everyone to know we are here for you. Stay strong Norse family!

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New Police Station to be located at Honors House

University Police will be moving into their new space the week of April 25-29. This newly upgraded space has been built to their specific needs, including an upgraded dispatch center with resilient and redundant technology that is a vast improvement. The former Honors House also features flex space to host small to medium size groups of students for engagement events and opportunities like a community police academy. Said Chief John Gaffin, "We are really excited about the more central location in the heart of main campus. This move has been the culmination of more than 15 years of advocacy across several Police Chiefs and University Presidents." Check out some sneak peaks of the space, below.

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Health, Counseling, & Student Wellness

Health, Counseling, & Student Wellness sponsored Wellness/Destress Week for students as they prepared for their upcoming finals and wrapped up the semester. Students enjoyed resources and tools provided by Health, Counseling, & Student Wellness, Campus Rec, University Police, Health Innovations, and other community partners. Events were offered to assist with test anxiety, promote relaxation, and provide drug take-back. They are excited to see their students finish the semester strong.

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Kentucky Association for Blacks in Higher Education

End of Newsletter

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This newsletter was created by David Berland on behalf of NKU Student Affairs. Please direct questions, comments, or updates to berlandd1@nku.edu.