CORONAVIRUS response, decisions and actions Since late January, the College has closely monitored global developments regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, focusing on the safety and well-being of the members of our campus community, near and far. Key to the College’s proactive response was the creation in February of a COVID-19 Institutional Response Team, chaired by Kimberly Sluis ’99, vice president for student affairs and strategic initiatives. The cross-functional team has monitored guidance from health agencies and established contingency and communication plans and actions. When the domestic outbreak accelerated rapidly in March, the College ensured students could continue their academic progress via remote instruction and the institution could function via remote work. The campus received frequent updates from President Troy Hammond and others.
JANUARY 28 The campus receives the first message regarding the coronavirus, including notification of the first confirmed case in Chicago.
FEBRUARY 26 First meeting of COVID-19 Institutional Response Team is held.
MARCH 2 The College launches a website that provides coronavirus resources and updates and answers frequently asked questions. MARCH 3 A CDC Level 3 travel warning includes Italy, where four North Central students are studying abroad. The College communicates with the students, strongly recommending they return home.
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NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE northcentralcollege.edu
MARCH 12 The College announces the suspension of in-person undergraduate classes effective March 16 through the end of the spring semester. On March 16 and 17, faculty finalize preparations for
