CAMPUS OPERATIONS PLAN - North Central University Fall 2021
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North Central University
CAMPUS OPERATIONS PLAN
Fall 2021TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................2
RETURNING TO CAMPUS FOR FALL 2021 ..............................................................................................4
A message from President Hagan......................................................................................................... 5
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY ...................................................................6
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS ................................................................................................................ 7
HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR EVERYONE .................................................................................................8
North Central University Vaccination Policy ........................................................................................ 8
Know COVID-19 symptoms and signs .................................................................................................. 8
Self-Screening ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette ........................................................................................ 9
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ................................................................................................ 9
Sanitizing and cleaning .........................................................................................................................10
DIAGNOSIS AND RESPONSE ..................................................................................................................11
Testing ....................................................................................................................................................11
Medical resources .................................................................................................................................11
Positive COVID-19 results....................................................................................................................11
COVID-positive residential students..................................................................................................12
Undergraduate quarantine and isolation housing ............................................................................12
Outbreaks ...............................................................................................................................................12
Communicating about COVID-19 ........................................................................................................13
PREPARING TO COME TO CAMPUS .....................................................................................................14
Check-in/Move-in ..................................................................................................................................14
Action steps to take before coming to campus .................................................................................14
WELCOME WEEK AND ORIENTATION PLAN ....................................................................................15
COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL LIVING ...........................................................................16
Know COVID-19 symptoms and signs ................................................................................................16
Self-Screening .......................................................................................................................................16
Personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette ......................................................................................17
COVID-positive residential students..................................................................................................17
Undergraduate quarantine and isolation housing ............................................................................18
ACADEMICS ..............................................................................................................................................19
Course formats ......................................................................................................................................19
Classroom safety ...................................................................................................................................19
Adjustments as needed ........................................................................................................................19
SPIRITUAL LIFE AND CHAPEL.................................................................................................................20
Chapel Attendance ...............................................................................................................................20
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 2Discipleship groups ...............................................................................................................................21
Render and Praise Gathering ..............................................................................................................21
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................................................22
Athletics ..................................................................................................................................................22
STAFF AND FACULTY SUPPORT ............................................................................................................23
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................................24
FAQ FOR STUDENTS ...........................................................................................................................24
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 3RETURNING TO CAMPUS FOR FALL 2021
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, campus leaders have collaborated with local healthcare systems and
authorities to ensure and prioritize health and safety, student learning, and care and support for our
students.
While the coronavirus pandemic and responses to it remain fluid around the world, North Central University
has set a course of action for the 2021–22 academic year that will allow for a robust campus experience
while still maintaining needed systems and protocols to support the physical, mental, and spiritual health of
our campus. This information provided here offers detailed protocols and procedures for life on campus in
the COVID-19 era and seeks to unite us in our knowledge and commitment to be a safe and healthy a
campus.
Living without fear and thriving together!
*North Central University's (NCU) operations plans are integrated with evolving state and federal authorities'
guidance and directives, and as such, are subject to ongoing change. NCU will notify students and employees
of urgent updates via campus email, updates in Skyline News, and postings on our website, northcentral.edu.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 4A message from President Hagan
Our hearts (and hands) are bursting with energy and optimism about the reopening of North
Central this fall! There has been a lot of activity on campus this summer, including upgrades of key
spaces, improvements for health and safety, and enhancements that will change the student
experience. It's a very exciting time!
To provide continuity of education, our academic calendar will remain the same. We can’t wait
to welcome our new students on August 21 as they arrive for “Super Saturday” and Welcome
Week. We are eager and ready to see the faces of our students returning to campus on August 23,
and on August 24, our academic classes will begin on campus August 25, with online classes
starting August 23.
Prior to these arrivals, every single member of our faculty, staff, senior leadership team, and
student leadership team will be working hard to be ready for a reimagined campus experience
that will give all of us the opportunity to fulfill the mission of this beautiful university.
For the past 90 years, North Central has been characterized by our faith and courage. In good
times and difficulty, we have been resolute in our dependence on the Holy Spirit and in
our commitment to one another. The past year and more has tested and grown our faith and
challenged us as individuals. None of us could have anticipated these experiences. Through it all,
God never left us.
As you prepare for your arrival on campus, I encourage you to ready your heart for something
special. God has something special in store for you.
We're praying for you and cannot wait to see you soon!
President Scott Hagan, Ph.D.
North Central University
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 5COMMUNITY COMMITMENT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
As we prepare to return to campus for the 2021–22 academic year, we give thanks to God for His love and
care for North Central University and its people. We celebrate making it through the challenges of operating
in a global pandemic last year and continue in our firm commitment to create a campus environment that is
safe, healthy, and respectful.
Our operations plan for the health and safety of our campus is designed to proactively prevent the spread of
illness and engage our community in best practices. We have researched and prayed through these plans and
are confident we have a good plan in place to operate as safely as possible as the coronavirus and variants
run their course.
As before, it will take cooperation on everyone’s part to implement these plans to help North Central thrive
and protect one another from the spread of illness. Each person’s commitment to follow guidelines will help
us remain together in unity and promote a healthy environment.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 6COMMUNICATION CHANNELS
North Central University's (NCU) operations plans acknowledge evolving state and federal guidance and
directives, and as such, are subject to ongoing change.
The content on this section of the website may be periodically updated as circumstances warrant.
Important changes or additions to our operating procedures will be communicated to students, employees,
and families using a combination of the communication mediums listed here.
Campus Operations Plan
Skyline (current students, employees)
Campus mass email system (current students, employees)
Moodle Learning Management System (Courses)
Campus digital signage (VCS)
Emergency Notification System (ENS)
If you have any questions, please contact:
covid19@northcentral.edu
612.343.4400 (regular business hours)
612.343.4445 (after business hours)
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 7HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR EVERYONE
In making plans for a safe and healthy campus this fall, we have looked to the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Minnesota Department of Health, and local health experts, including Hennepin Healthcare
and the Mayo Clinic for guidance.
Here are basic health guidelines to follow to help our campus community stay healthy.
North Central University Vaccination Policy
NCU is not requiring students or employees to be vaccinated for COVID-19 for the fall 2021 semester.
We strongly encourage all constituents to explore vaccine options with their healthcare provider. You may
find a location to get vaccinated at mn.gov/COVID19/Vaccine.
Please note that there may be special circumstances which require vaccination (i.e., clinical placement sites
or international travel).
Know COVID-19 symptoms and signs
It is essential that you do not arrive on campus if you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms. If you are not
feeling completely healthy, please stay home until you are well. To prepare for your return to campus, we
encourage you to minimize interactions with unvaccinated individuals as much as possible for the two weeks
prior to your scheduled return date.
If you are not vaccinated and have come into contact with anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19,
please delay your arrival and email covid19@northcentral.edu for guidance on planning your arrival. If you
have symptoms of COVID-19, or have tested positive for it within 14 days of your scheduled campus arrival
date, please stay home and email covid19@northcentral.edu for guidance on planning your arrival.
Self-Screening
Once you are on campus, all community members are expected to self-monitor their health on an ongoing
basis and remain at home if you are a commuter or faculty/staff member, or in your campus residence in you
are a resident student, anytime you do not feel well and/or have one ormore COVID-19 symptoms.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 that you should self-screen/monitor for include:
Fever or chills New loss of taste or smell
Cough Sore throat
Shortness of breath or difficultybreathing Congestion or runny nose
Fatigue Nausea or vomiting
Muscle or body aches Diarrhea
Headache
If you exhibit these symptoms you are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. On-campus students may
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 8access the testing facilities at Hennepin Healthcare, immediately north of campus. Tests may also be available
at other locations. You may view additional testing options on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
Personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the NCU community will practice hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Community members are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can also be used. Hand sanitizer stations are
available throughout campus.
When coughing or sneezing, it is encouraged for individuals to use the inside of their elbows or a tissue.
Washing or sanitizing hands after a cough or sneeze is important, too.
Face coverings/masks are optional but strongly encouraged.
Signage about hygiene practices, room/building capacity, distancing, masks and other public health measures
are in place throughout campus.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Face coverings are not required at this time; however, North Central University will monitor available health
data and CDC guidelines, amending policies when required or deemed appropriate as a measure to protect
our community.
Disposable masks are available from stations across campus and reusable masks are available from Student
Development. Those who wish to wear face coverings are encouraged to do so. We are a community that
respects the individual needs and choices.
Situations that may be beneficial to consider wearing face coverings include:
Public settings, including classrooms, meetings, common spaces, and large gatherings.
Common areas of the residence halls including lounges, laundry rooms, and hallways.
If an individual has specific health risks or is immunocompromised, or if they have family members who are
at higher risk and need to be protected.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 9Sanitizing and cleaning
The NCU Housekeeping, Facilities Management, Operations, and Residence Life teams work diligently to
maintain a sanitized and clean campus. The supporting efforts from all community members to maximize
cleanliness also makes a great contribution to campus health and safety. Here are some specific actions we
take regularly to mitigate the spread of disease.
North Central University is committed to maintaining, at minimum, a Level 2 threshold of cleanliness
according to the APPA – Leadership in Educational Facilities organization.
There will be no fewer than two full cleanings of common areas, classrooms, and bathrooms during the
school day for all common spaces (e.g., building entrances, hallways, lounges, etc.), areas will be cleaned
once daily on the weekends.
We use a state-of-the-art PathoSans On-site Generation System to ensure effective disinfection without
disruption.
Some areas, such as athletics facilities, may have specific cleaning protocols or have limited access.
Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout campus.
Students are responsible for helping to maintain the cleanliness of their living spaces, including common
floor living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
For residence hall bathrooms, students are expected to use disinfectant spray or wipes to thoroughly clean
their sinks, showers, and toilets (especially toilet handles) after each use in Phillipps Hall and the Apartment
Community. Residents should avoid placing toothbrushes directly on counter surfaces. Totes can be used for
personal items, so they do not touch the bathroom countertop. Students are required to take their personal
toiletries to and from bathroom in residence hall bathrooms.
Signage is in place for cleaning and use-of-space instructions.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 10DIAGNOSIS AND RESPONSE
The information below addresses COVID-19 testing, medical resources, quarantine situations, and responseplans in
the event of COVID-19 cases or an outbreak on campus.
Testing
If an individual is showing symptoms or is concerned based on exposure to COVID-19, they should seek
testing. Procedures will be implemented to assist our community members with gaining access to testing as
requested. The Hennepin Healthcare facility at 900 S. 8th Street is across the street from North Central
University and offers testing for COVID-19. Testing information is also available on the Minnesota
Department of Health website.
Medical resources
On Site
Mayo Clinic physician Dr. Chad Asplund is on campus three days a week to provide basic health consultations
at no cost to NCU students. Appointments may be scheduled through the Student Success Center.
Off Site
North Central University’s proximity to the Hennepin Healthcare Clinic and Specialty Center, 715 S. 8th Street
in Minneapolis, just one block from campus, provides ready access to a world-class medical facility.
Positive COVID-19 results
North Central University is prepared to care for the needs of students who may have been exposed to, or
who test positive for, COVID-19. The plans below will serve as guides as we seek to meet individual healthneeds
and protect the safety of the campus community; due to a variety of variables, each situation will be assessed
individually and handled accordingly.
Terminology
Quarantine – Quarantine is suggested for unvaccinated individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19.
NCU staff can assist with that process. We also recommend self-disclosing your known contacts for 48 hours
prior to a positive test. Vaccinated individuals don’t need to quarantine after exposure, per CDC
recommendations, but are encouraged to monitor their health. If you have symptoms, we recommend self-
disclosing your known contacts 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms.
Isolation – is used to separate people infected with the virus (those who have tested positive and those
exhibiting multiple symptoms) from people who are not infected. People who are in isolation should stay
home or in the designated campus isolation area until it’s safe for them to be around others regardless of
vaccination status.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 11COVID-positive residential students
When an unvaccinated residential student presents with symptoms of COVID-19 or if campus or medical
personnel determine a student is exhibiting significant COVID-19 symptoms, there are steps to take to
activate the COVID Care Response Protocols. First, the student will complete the COVID-19 Screening Follow-
up Form to provide critical information related to his/her activity on campus and to create a list of close
contacts. The form also gives permission for designated NCU personnel to make appropriate contacts, and
the following steps may be taken for the student’s care:
Residence Life is notified and an appropriate isolation housing assignment on campus will be made for the
student. Residence Life will coordinate the student’s arrival at isolation housing and arrange for getting
belongings to the student.
Dining Services is notified and the student’s dining plan for meals is established and coordinated with
Residence Life.
The Office of Student Development will notify the student’s professors, coaches, supervisors, RA, and RD so
care and coordination of the student’s coursework and other activities may be supported.
Students may only be cleared to return to campus life and their residence by a physician or other qualified
healthcare provider. This can happen either because the student’s COVID-19 test returns negative, or the
patient is no longer symptomatic and no longer contagious. In order to be considered no longer symptomatic
and no longer contagious, the student will need to complete 10 days of quarantine or isolation and had at
least 24 hours with no symptoms and no fever- reducing medications.
Undergraduate quarantine and isolation housing
Phillipps Hall 1 West residence hall rooms have been reserved for separate men’s and women’s on-campus
isolation housing. Each person needing to isolate will be assigned a room with access to a semi-private
bathroom.
Students who are not vaccinated and know or suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19 are strongly
encouraged to self-quarantine in their campus residence following the exposure. If symptoms develop or the
student tests positive, the student should complete a COVID-19 Screening Follow-up Form and follow
instructions given by NCU staff.
Isolation housing is prioritized for students who do not have access to their family home or a safe residence.
Local students are encouraged to self-isolate at home and may also self-quarantine at home if exposure is
suspected. The COVID-19 Response Team will assist students who self-isolate or self-quarantine, either on
campus or at their homes, with academic accommodations.
Outbreaks
In the event of a significant outbreak, North Central University personnel will work closely with the
Minnesota Department of Health to activate a plan for containment, contact tracing, and communication.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 12Communicating about COVID-19
For necessary communication with the greater NCU community, North Central University has implemented a
combination of the communication tools below to keep its campus constituents—including current
undergraduate and graduate students, PSEO students, current parents, employees, prospective
students/parents, and the appropriate government/health authorities—informed about its campus
operations strategies and related COVID-19 health and safety measures.
Campus operations plan
Skyline (current students, employees)
Campus mass email system (current students, employees)
Moodle Learning Management System (Courses)
Campus digital signage (VCS)
Emergency Notification System (ENS)
Timely updates
In addition to communicating NCU’s initial reopening plans and related protocols, the university will use the
above methods to continue to update stakeholders about breaking developments, news, and changes in a
timely and transparent manner.
Clery Act Compliance
In compliance with The Clery Act, and guidance from the U.S. Department of Education regarding Clery’s
intersection with COVID-19, North Central University will issue a campus Emergency Notification System (ENS)
message to students and employees at the start of the academic yearinforming them about the following:
COVID-19 and necessary health and safety precautions
Where to obtain ongoing information about the number of on-campus COVID cases
How to connect to the resources of regional health authorities and the CDC
When deemed appropriate, the university may also provide a banner on northcentral.edu that will provide
this information to the broader campus community and external constituents.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 13PREPARING TO COME TO CAMPUS
Check-in/Move-in
New, Transfer, and Returning Residential Students
Move-in/check-in for new students and transfer students is August 21.
Returning students return to campus on August 23 and 24.
New and transfer students were sent a link in mid-July to sign up for a check-in time slot. If you did not
receive that email, please reach out to admissions@northcentral.edu.
Action steps to take before coming to campus
We encourage you to familiarize yourself with North Central’s new student move-in schedule andprocedures
as they may be different from previous years.
Below are requirements and recommendations to help you arrive prepared to be part of a healthy campus
community. Students are encouraged to continue to check Skyline and their student emailregularly for
updates to changes and plans related to returning to campus.
COVID-19 Risk Notice and Release; Tuition Policy Agreement
Read and sign the COVID-19 Risk Notice and Release; Tuition Policy Agreement. All students must sign the
agreement prior to being allowed to move in or attend class. Any concerns about the form should be
directed to Student Development before your arrival on campus.
Recommendations for air, bus or train travel
If a student’s journey to North Central requires air, bus or train travel, we encourage extra measures to
remain safe and healthy while traveling (retaining distance from others, washing hands frequently, not
touching face, wearing a mask at all times).
Risk-factor notification
If you have vulnerable risk factors to COVID-19, and are studying as an in-person, on-campus student during
fall semester, please email Krista O’Connor, Director of Student Success to initiate a conversation about a
proactive plan for your care.
Title IX training
New students are reminded that Title IX Sexual Violence Prevention Training must be completed by the 10th
day of classes (September 3 for online students; September 8 for on-campus students). We encourage you
to watch the video-based training and complete the corresponding quizzes before your arrival on campus.
You may access the training at northcentral.edu/titleix.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 14WELCOME WEEK AND ORIENTATION PLAN
All new first-year and transfer students will experience Welcome Week and orientation to our campus
community. Every effort is being made to create a safe and healthy experience while maintaining NCU’s
strong commitment to belonging in community. Student leaders and orientation leaders will be available to
assist as needed throughout Welcome Week.
New and transfer students will arrive on Saturday, August 21, after signing up for a check in time through
their NCU email. Upon arrival, students will check in at the College Life Center check-in station hosted by
Student Development at their pre-arranged check-in time. During check-in, students will receive a Welcome
Week packet with schedule and a Welcome Week t-shirt. They will also pick-up their residence hall and
mailbox keys (residential students) and take care of other important start-of-the-semester matters.
Residential students will be directed to their respective residence hall to move in and get settled. Student
leaders will be available to assist in the moving process provided if they are invited to help.
Details and schedules for the Welcome Week schedule are posted and updated at
http://northcentral.edu/welcome. Watch your NCU email and the website for more details!
We're excited to welcome you and your family to campus!
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 15COVID-19 GUIDELINES FOR RESIDENTIAL LIVING
Keeping our community healthy takes a community effort!
In compliance with NCU initiatives to maintain the health and well-being of our campus community in
alignment with Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Departmentof Health COVID-19 parameters
for institutions of higher education, the following protocols have been established for all residential
students.
Know COVID-19 symptoms and signs
It is essential that you do not arrive on campus if you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms. If you are not
feeling completely healthy, please stay home until you are well. To prepare for your return to campus, we
encourage you to minimize interactions with unvaccinated individuals as much as possible for the two weeks
prior to your scheduled return date.
If you are not vaccinated and have come into contact with anyone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19,
please delay your arrival, and email covid19@northcentral.edu for guidance on planning your arrival. If
you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for it within 14 days of your scheduled campus
arrival date, please stay home, and email covid19@northcentral.edu for guidance on planning your arrival.
Self-Screening
Once you are on campus, all community members are expected to monitor their health on an ongoing basis.
Any time you do not feel well and/or have one or more COVID-19 symptoms, you are expected to remain at
home if you are a commuter or faculty/staff member, or in your campus residence in you are a resident
student.
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 thatyou should self-screen/monitor for include:
Fever or chills Headache
Cough New loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath or difficultybreathing Sore throat
Fatigue Congestion or runny nose
Muscle or body aches Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 16If you exhibit these symptoms you are encouraged to get tested for COVID-19. On-campus students may
access the testing facilities at Hennepin Healthcare, immediately north of campus. Tests may also be available
at other locations. You may view additional testing options on the Minnesota Department of Health website.
Personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette
To reduce the spread of COVID-19, the NCU community will practice hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Community members are encouraged to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer can also be used.Hand sanitizer stations are
available throughout campus.
When coughing or sneezing, it is encouraged for individuals to use the inside of their elbows or a tissue.
Washing or sanitizing hands after a cough or sneeze is important, too.
Face coverings/masks are optional but strongly encouraged.
Signage about hygiene practices, room/building capacity, distancing, masks and other public health measures
are in place throughout campus.
COVID-positive residential students
When an unvaccinated residential student presents with symptoms of COVID-19 or if campus or medical
personnel determine a student is exhibiting significant COVID-19 symptoms, there are steps to take to activate
the COVID Care Response Protocols. First, the student will complete the COVID-19 Screening Follow-up Form
to provide critical information related to his/her activity on campus and to create a list of close contacts. The
form also gives permission for designated NCU personnel tomake appropriate contacts, and the following
steps may be taken for the student’s care:
Residence Life is notified and an appropriate isolation housing assignment on campus willbe made for the
student. Residence Life will coordinate the student’s arrival at isolation housing and arrange for getting
belongings to the student.
Dining Services is notified and the student’s dining plan for meals is established andcoordinated with
Residence Life.
The Office of Student Development will notify the student’s professors, coaches, supervisors, RA, and RD so
care and coordination of the student’s coursework and otheractivities may be supported.
Students may only be cleared to return to campus life and their residence by a physician or other qualified
healthcare provider. This can happen either because the student’s COVID-19 test returns negative, or the
patient is no longer symptomatic and no longer contagious. In order to be considered no longer symptomatic
and no longer contagious, the student will need to complete 10 days of quarantine or isolation and had at
least 24 hours with no symptoms and no fever- reducing medications.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 17Undergraduate quarantine and isolation housing
Phillipps Hall 1 West residence hall rooms have been reserved for separate men’s and women’s on-campus
isolation housing. Each person in isolation will be assigned a room with access to a semi-private bathroom.
Students who know or suspect they have been exposed to COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to self-
quarantine in their campus residence following the exposure. If symptoms develop or the student tests
positive, the student should complete a COVID-19 Screening Follow-up Form and follow instructions given by
NCU staff.
Isolation housing is prioritized for students who do not have access to their family home or a safe residence.
Local students are encouraged to self-isolate at home and may also self-quarantine at home if exposure is
suspected. The COVID-19 Response Team will assist students who self-isolate or self-quarantine, either on
campus or at their homes, with academic accommodations.
Contact tracing
Community members who test positive for COVID-19 are expected to provide a list of people who have been
in contact with you within 48 hours prior to a positive COVID test.
If you have any questions about health and COVID-related policies in the residence halls, please reach out to
your Resident Director.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 18ACADEMICS
Course formats
Courses will meet throughout the semester in the modality listed on the student’s schedule. Specific
accommodations may be offered in the event a student tests positive for COVID or is required to quarantine
due to exposure. Virtual learning in such an instance must be formally authorized by the COVID-19 Response
Team.
Please note that all decisions on course modality and location are subject to change. Courses in our fully
online programs will continue without modifications.
Classroom safety
We are committed to providing our students and faculty with a safe classroom environment. As a
community, we adapt as conditions change, paying close attention to known health risks and governmental
guidelines and mandates.
As stated previously in this guide, face coverings are not required but students and faculty are encouraged to
wear a mask if they desire. Requirements for face coverings are subject to change.
Adjustments as needed
North Central University is prepared for rapid transition to a virtual learning environment if the university
deems it necessary in response to changing public health conditions and/or governmental directives.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 19SPIRITUAL LIFE AND CHAPEL
Chapel Attendance
Chapel Requirements
Students enrolled in 11 or fewer credit hours are encouraged but not required to attend chapel. Part-time
commuters, non-residential PSEO, study abroad, graduate students, and fully online students are encouraged
but not required to attend chapel. Full-time time residential, commuter and PSEO are required to obtain
chapel credits. The requirement for chapel credits is the following:
Freshmen – 50 credits
Sophomores - 40 credits
Juniors -30 credits
Seniors -20 credits
Students may receive chapel credits by attending daily chapel or by attending Morning Rise on Mondays at
7am.
Tracking Attendance
We will use the iAttended app to track chapel attendance.
To use the new app, download the iAttended on your phone (Apple Store or Google Play) and log in with
your NCU credentials. Our system cannot identify other emails, so make sure you use your North Central
address when you log in.
To log your attendance, you will scan a code at the beginning and end of chapel. Successfully scanning the
code at both times will log your attendance in the app and give you a credit. You can view your own
attendance inside the app and track your progress in accumulating credits.
Watching chapel online will not be an option this year. To receive credit, you must be in person and scan the
codes.
Variances
Students who have extenuating circumstances and believe they would qualify for a variance to the once-a-
week chapel attendance requirement should submit a Chapel Variance Request Form. Requests should be
submitted within the first five weeks of the semester. Submitting the form does not guarantee a variance;
you will receive an email notification indicating if your variance request is approved.
Accommodations
In order to receive an accommodation due to health related concerns (including COVID) please schedule an
appointment with the Student Success Center and they will work in partnership with chapel committee to
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 20evaluate your request.
Accountability
First Infraction: A fine of $25.00 for each required chapel attendance not met will be assessed up to $200.00.
Note: Student loans or grants usually do not cover the chapel requirement fine.
The regular chapel policy is outlined in the Student Guide, starting on page 41.
Accountability
For issues with chapel attendance email at chapelattendance@northcentral.edu for any concerns.
Discipleship groups
Discipleship Groups are active on every floor of NCU’s residence halls. The groups are hosted by student
leaders each Tuesday evening.
Render and Praise Gathering
Render student-led chapel is offered under the same parameters listed above.
The Wednesday night Praise Gathering takes place weekly from 10 to midnight.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 21CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Athletics
As of August 9, 2021, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) has not announced
provisions or changes regarding fall competition. We continue to work with UMAC, the NCAA, and
campus leadership, and will update this document as changes are announced.
NCU Athletes will be contacted by their coaches with any updates.
Recreation
NCU’s intended plan is to proceed with intermural sports as usual this Fall.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 22STAFF AND FACULTY SUPPORT
North Central University faculty and staff are expected to follow all recommended guidelines, and by their
actions provide an excellent example to the student body. Each department and area of the university is
committed to creating COVID-safe spaces for interaction. Activities to support this include:
Praying regularly for students and the NCU community.
Working with students and colleagues to make accommodations when needed.
Encouraging a positive environment of support versus an environment of shaming or policing regarding safe-
campus protocols.
Reporting via the COVID-19 Screening Follow-up Form if you are not feeling well or experiencing symptoms.
Note: COVID-related absences now full under discretionary time off or vacation time.
Speaking and engaging respectfully with others regarding COVID, allowing for a diversity of opinions on the
pandemic and related topics.
Encouraging a positive environment of support versus an environment of shaming or policing.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 23FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ FOR STUDENTS
COMING TO CAMPUS
What is the fall 2021 move-in schedule?
Athletes: August 18
Student Leaders: August 18
New Students: August 21
Returning Students: August 23–24
Where can I learn more about the Welcome Week 2021 schedule?
https://www.northcentral.edu/welcome
Are there forms or other things I need to sign or do before coming to campus?
Yes!
Each student (new and returning) needs to sign a COVID-19 Return to Campus Waiver Form before you will be
able to move in or attend class.
New students need to complete the online Orientation materials. Please reach out to your admission
counselor or email admissions@northcentral.edu for further assistance.
New students need to complete Title IX Sexual Violence Prevention Training by the September 8 (September
3 for online-only students). We highly recommend you complete it before arrival. You can access the training
here.
CAMPUS HEALTH, SAFETY, AND COVID-91 PRECAUTIONS
Will I have to wear a mask?
Masks are not required at this time, but their use is welcome and encouraged.
What type of medical facilities are available to students?
Students in need of medical assistance will be referred to Hennepin Healthcare, just one blockfrom campus. A
Mayo Clinic physician is on campus three days a week; appointments can be made through the Student
Success Center.
What if my student needs care the university cannot provide?
The COVID-19 Response Team will work with students to determine the assistance needed and options. It is
highly recommended that every student has a health care directive authorizing a family member or trusted
individual to act on their behalf in the event the student cannot communicate about their care needs. See
the Minnesota Department of Health website for more information.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 24Is a telehealth appointment an option for students?
Telehealth services may be available through the student’s or their family’s individual insurance plan. North
Central University does not provide these services.
What is North Central University’s testing protocol related to COVID 19?
COVID-19 testing prior to coming to campus is encouraged but not mandatory. In the event a student
exhibits symptoms of COVID-19 once on campus, the student will be encouraged to seek testing at the
Hennepin Healthcare facility. See Diagnosis and Response section of the website for additional details.
ACADEMICS
When do classes begin and end? When are finals?
Seated classes begin August 25; final exams are December 8–10.
Online Session A classes begin August 23; Session A ends October 15.
Online Session B classes begin October 18; Session B ends December 10.
Do students get a fall break this year?
Yes. Fall break for students in seated classes is October 14-15.
What if I need support services to help me succeed? (Academic coaching, tutoring,supplemental instruction,
access to the office of Academic Accessibility)?
The Student Success Center is fully operational.
Will the library be open?
Yes.
NCU Campus Operations Plan | Page 25You can also read
