Archive

Information and Updates Archive

Our highest priority is the health and safety of the NSU Community. The University’s senior leadership team and Emergency Operations Committee is continuing to monitor the local and regional impact of COVID-19, and is taking proactive actions to mitigate potential risks to our community.

January 2023

01/13/23
COVID-19 Update: New Face Mask Guidelines

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact across the globe, in our communities, in our families, and on each of us as individuals. Norfolk State University worked hard as a collective to meet the aspirations that President Adams-Gaston set out for us as “the NSU Culture of Care” and as a community, we navigated through the challenges of the pandemic. While COVID-19 is still a threat, all of the mitigation efforts, including vaccinations, have moved us to a point where continued modifications to our campus mitigation efforts are warranted, specifically around masking.

In the beginning of the fall 2022 semester, we asked the community, in the spirit of our Culture of Care, to mask in classrooms and offices. Effective immediately, masking on campus is optional to include in classrooms and offices, at events, on public transportation, and in medical settings. This practice is consistent with guidance from the Center for Disease Control, the Virginia Department of Health, and state laws and regulations.

Despite this change, The NSU Culture of Care remains. We fully support individual choice to wear a mask in any setting on campus. Please respect those who are masking and may ask that you wear a mask when in their classroom or office so that they may fully protect themselves and/or their loved ones against the COVID-19 virus. In addition, we respect the individual choice of community members and visitors to our campus who choose not to wear a mask.

As a community, we will remain vigilant regarding COVID-19. We encourage all community members to get vaccinated against COVID-19 based on the recommendations from the CDC. If you are exposed to COVID-19 or have COVID-19, follow the most up-to-date recommendations from the CDC for masking, quarantine, and isolation. We will continue to monitor the global, national, and local conditions regarding COVID-19 and adjust our campus practices as needed.

I am humbled to be part of such a wonderful community and appreciate all we have done collectively to get NSU through the pandemic. Happy New Year and I look forward to a safe, prosperous, 2023.

Dr. Leonard Brown, COVID-19 Director, Vice President for Student Affairs

December 2022

12/20/22
COVID-19 Update

I am humbled to be part of such a wonderful community and appreciate all we have done collectively to get NSU through the pandemic. Enjoy the winter break and I look forward to a safe, positive, and empowering 2023.

Dr. Leonard Brown
COVID-19 Director, Vice President for Student Affairs

October 2022

10/24/22
COVID-19 Resource Reminders

What do I do if I am positive for COVID-19?

If a student reports that they are positive to anyone, they should be instructed to call the Spartan Health Annex at 757-278-4129 and provide the date they were tested and a contact phone number so that the staff can assist if needed.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.

Quarantine/Isolation Protocols

Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 will quarantine/isolate in place, meaning they will stay in their assigned residential room. There are a limited number of spaces for students who may want to isolate out of their room or for their roommates if they want to be in a different space.
Commuter students who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.

September 2022

09/20/22
Student COVID-19 Testing

Students who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should wear a face mask and call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-249-4129 to make an appointment to be tested. Please call for an appointment as walk-ins are not accepted.

Students who do not have symptoms but would like to be tested can make an appointment using the instructions below. Testing takes place in the Spartan Health Center Annex on Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.

If you have previously registered with mywconline you can click on the link and just log in using the password you created before.

If you have not registered before, follow these directions closely.

STEPS to register for the test are as follows:

Click on the following link: https://norfolk.mywconline.com
Click on Register for an account above the login field if an account has not already been established.
Enter your NSU email (only NSU emails will be accepted), First and Last Name, Student, or Employee ID and a Phone Number.
Enter in a password of at least 10 characters.
Set email preferences if desired.
Hit the complete registration button, which will take you back to the login page.
Enter your NSU email address and the password you set up during registration.
Select the “Student COVID-19 Testing No Symptoms” schedule and schedule an open testing date and time based on available time slots.
Select the create appointment button.
Select the close window button.
Logout.

Email Covid Coordinator ndwilliams@nsu.edu with any questions or for any assistance.

09/20/22
COVID-19 Updates and Protocols

Our Culture of Care encouraged all of us to work together to navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic as a community. Though we have come a long way, COVID-19 remains a health and safety risk that requires us to continue to be vigilant and practice reasonable mitigation efforts as a way to ensure all members of our community remain safe as possible. With this Culture of Care in mind, the information below outlines protocols related to keeping our community safe as we look forward to the Fall 2022 semester. As we have done in the past, we will continually review and update our practices to reflect current conditions.

Guiding Principles
There are two guiding principles that will help us continue to keep our community and those connected to our community safe. The first principle is the Culture of Care. We must continue to work collectively with patience, grace, and empathy to do what is necessary to keep each other safe. The second principle is self-responsibility. We encourage each person to do what they know is best for them and their families to continue to stay safe against COVID-19.

We recommend all community members get vaccinated as the vaccines continue to be the best way, to date, to prevent the spread of the virus and prevent the most challenging symptoms of the virus that often lead to hospitalization or worse.

Masking Indoors

Masking indoors is required in class and in offices when community transmission levels in the surrounding areas are green (low community transmission), according to the CDC. Masking remains a requirement in medical facilities and on campus transportation.
Masking will be required indoors, in all places, when transmission levels are yellow or red. We will notify the campus when transmission levels are yellow or red and remind community members of the appropriate measures to take.
Masking indoors is recommended at all times. As part of our Culture of Care, we must support those who choose to wear masks for whatever reason they want and respect those who choose not to wear masks in places where masks are not required.
Masking at events that are held on campus will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Those planning to attend should look for specific information about the event regarding masking practices prior to attending the event.

Exposure to COVID-19 (Current Guidelines as of 7/1/22)

Community members who are exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on their vaccinations should wear a mask around others at all times, should get tested at least five days after the exposure, but do not have to quarantine unless they have symptoms.
Community members who are exposed to COVID-19 and are not up to date with their vaccinations or are not vaccinated must quarantine for at least five days, wear a mask around others at all times for ten days, get tested at least five days after exposure, and watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, you should isolate immediately.
Community members who have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have been exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine but should watch for symptoms and wear a mask around others at all times for 10 days.
Asymptomatic employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, or recognition leave for absences from the workplace.

Testing Positive for COVID-19

Community members who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least five days and wear a mask around others at all times. Isolation can end after five days if you are not experiencing any symptoms or if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving.
Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 will quarantine/isolate in place, meaning they will stay in their assigned residential room. There are a limited number of spaces for students who may want to isolate out of their room or for their roommates if they want to be in a different space.
Commuter students who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.
Students and faculty will be provided with detailed information regarding procedures for missed classes due to COVID-19 by the end of July.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing will be offered to all students by appointment only. Symptomatic students should call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-249-4129 to make arrangements for testing. Protocols for asymptomatic testing will be shared with students prior to the start of classes.
Employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in a work-related setting will be offered testing on a case-by-case basis.
Return testing – NSU has required COVID-19 testing for all residential students and is recommended for all students prior to the beginning of the semester. This mitigation practice is currently being evaluated, and a decision about return testing will be communicated to students in the next two weeks.

COVID-19 Dashboard

The current COVID-19 Dashboard will be transitioned to keep the community updated on transmission status (green, yellow, or red) and what the corresponding campus requirements are.

August 2022

08/03/22
COVID-19 Updates and Protocols

The CDC calculates community transmission levels every Thursday. As of July 28, 2022, the community transmission level in Norfolk City was low (green). In the spirit of our Culture of Care, it is important for each of us to be aware of the expected community practices as we continue to safeguard ourselves and each other from COVID-19. For the foreseeable future, you should expect to mask when in classrooms and offices on campus regardless of the community transmission level. When community transmission levels are Low (green), masking is not required when walking through building hallways. If community transmission levels rise to Medium (yellow) or High (red), we will notify the campus when we will move to masking indoors to include hallways as a mitigation strategy.

The information below provides specific information related to our community mitigation efforts. We will continue to send updates as we get closer to the start of the fall semester and throughout the academic year. - COVID Updates for Faculty Spring-Summer 2022 - pdf

What are the Mask Requirements?

Masking is required for all people in classrooms, offices, health facilities, and NSU public transportation. Masking is required in eating areas when not eating.
When community transmission is low, masking is not required while walking through building hallways.
If community transmission changes, we will notify the community of any changes in masking requirements.
Masking is recommended for all indoor spaces.
Please see event details for specific mask requirements.

Quarantine/Isolation Protocols

Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 will quarantine/isolate in place, meaning they will stay in their assigned residential room. There are a limited number of spaces for students who may want to isolate out of their room or for their roommates if they want to be in a different space.
Commuter students who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.

What do I do if I am positive for COVID-19?

If a student reports that they are positive to anyone, they should be instructed to call the Spartan Health Annex at 757-278-4129 and provide the date they were tested and a contact phone number so that the staff can assist if needed.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.

Can I request cleaning specific to COVID-19?

Community members who want to request cleaning of offices or other spaces impacted by COVID-19 may do so through the Facilities work order process (https://facilities.nsu.edu:82/home.html).
For the safety of the cleaning staff, there may be a 24-48 hour wait prior to cleaning.

For Faculty

Protocols for students who report to faculty that they tested positive for COVID-19 have changed. Please see the attachment for the updated guidelines for faculty.

For Supervisors

If an employee reports they are positive for COVID-19 or they may have been exposed, they may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.
Request for cleaning of offices or other spaces impacted by COVID-19 may be made through the Facilities work order process (https://facilities.nsu.edu:82/home.html). For the safety of the cleaning staff, there may be a 24-48 hour wait prior to cleaning.
No other reporting is required.
Employees who need to be out for an extended time should reach out to their coordinating human resource business partner to discuss their specific options.

July 2022

07/06/2022
Fall 2022 Covid-19 Update

Guiding Principles

There are two guiding principles that will help us continue to keep our community and those connected to our community safe. The first principle is the Culture of Care. We must continue to work collectively with patience, grace, and empathy to do what is necessary to keep each other safe. The second principle is self-responsibility. We encourage each person to do what they know is best for them and their families to continue to stay safe against COVID-19.

Masking Indoors

Masking indoors is required in class and in offices when community transmission levels in the surrounding areas are green (low community transmission), according to the CDC.. Masking remains a requirement in medical facilities and on campus transportation.
Masking will be required indoors, in all places, when transmission levels are yellow or red. We will notify the campus when transmission levels are yellow or red and remind community members of the appropriate measures to take.
Masking indoors is recommended at all times. As part of our Culture of Care, we must support those who choose to wear masks for whatever reason they want and respect those who choose not to wear masks in places where masks are not required.
Masking at events that are held on campus will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Those planning to attend should look for specific information about the event regarding masking practices prior to attending the event.

Exposure to COVID-19 (Current Guidelines as of 7/1/22)

Community members who are exposed to COVID-19 and are up to date on their vaccinations
Community members who are exposed to COVID-19 and are not up to date with their vaccinations or are not vaccinated must quarantine for at least five days, wear a mask around others at all times for ten days, get tested at least five days after exposure, and watch for symptoms. If symptoms develop, you should isolate immediately.
Community members who have had a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the last 90 days and have been exposed to COVID-19 do not need to quarantine but should watch for symptoms and wear a mask around others at all times for 10 days.
Asymptomatic employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, or recognition leave for absences from the workplace.

Testing Positive for COVID-19

Community members who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for at least five days and wear a mask around others at all times. Isolation can end after five days if you are not experiencing any symptoms or if you have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication and your symptoms are improving.
Residential students who test positive for COVID-19 will quarantine/isolate in place, meaning they will stay in their assigned residential room. There are a limited number of spaces for students who may want to isolate out of their room or for their roommates if they want to be in a different space.
Commuter students who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home.
Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should quarantine/isolate at home and follow the guidance of their primary care physician. Employees may request annual, VSDP family/personal, overtime, compensatory, recognition leave, and traditional or VSDP sick leave while absent from the workplace during the quarantine period. As a reminder, Public Health Emergency Leave is no longer in effect.
Students and faculty will be provided with detailed information regarding procedures for missed classes due to COVID-19 by the end of July.

COVID-19 Testing

COVID-19 testing will be offered to all students by appointment only. Symptomatic students should call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-249-4129 to make arrangements for testing. Protocols for asymptomatic testing will be shared with students prior to the start of classes.
Employees who may have been exposed to COVID-19 in a work-related setting will be offered testing on a case-by-case basis.
Return testing – NSU has required COVID-19 testing for all residential students and is recommended for all students prior to the beginning of the semester. This mitigation practice is currently being evaluated, and a decision about return testing will be communicated to students in the next two weeks.

COVID-19 Dashboard

The current COVID-19 Dashboard will be transitioned to keep the community updated on transmission status (green, yellow, or red) and what the corresponding campus requirements are.

April 2022

04/22/2022
Covid-19 End of Semester Information

Mask on In-Doors

The NSU Culture of Care has helped to get us to this point in the semester with very few cases of COVID-19. As the number of cases begin to rise in some counties across the Commonwealth, let’s all do our part in keeping our numbers low and our community safe by keeping our masks on while we are indoors regardless of your vaccination status.

Know Before You Go

Know your COVID-19 status before you leave for home. PCR testing will be available for students to sign up on Wednesday, April 27 and Thursday, April 28. The deadline to sign up for PCR testing will be Monday, April 25 at noon. Directions to sign up are below.

Home testing kits will be available at the Residence Hall front desks for residential students beginning Tuesday, April 26, 2022. Home Kits will be made available for the entire community on Wednesday, April 27, from noon-3 p.m. in the Student Center and at the NGE front desk.

Directions to Sign up for PCR Student Testing

This is not testing for people with symptoms. If you have symptoms, you should quarantine/isolate immediately. You should consult with your local physician or call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129.
All testing will be held in Spartan Station.

If you have previously registered with mywconline you can click on the link and just log in using the password you created before. There are multiple schedules available. Make sure you use the schedule that corresponds STUDENT SURVIELLANCE TESTING.

If you have not registered before follow these directions closely.

STEPS to register for the test are as follows:

Click on the following link: https://norfolk.mywconline.com
Click on Register for an account above the login field, if an account has not already been established.
Enter your NSU email (only NSU emails will be accepted), First and Last Name, Student, or Employee ID and a Phone Number.
Enter in a password of at least 10 characters.
Set email preferences if desired.
Hit the complete registration button, which will take you back to the login page.
Enter your NSU email address and the password you set up during registration.
Select the “Student Surveillance Testing” schedule and schedule an open testing date and time based on available time slots.
Select the create appointment button.
Select the close window button.
Logout.

Email ajrivers@nsu.edu with any questions or for any assistance.

March 2022

03/08/2022
Covid-19 and Masking

As you may be aware, there have been a number of news stories about lifting of mask mandates in both K-12 schools and a few colleges and universities in Virginia and around the country. It is important to understand the full context of these decisions, how they are being made, and what nuances exist. Most importantly, communicating the factors NSU is using to evaluate stepping down mitigation strategies more broadly is critical to understanding what decisions have been made thus far and how decisions will be made going forward for our community.

The good news:

The NSU community has a vaccination rate of close to 90 percent for students and close to 85 percent for employees.
The positivity rate on campus has steadily decreased since the beginning of the semester, sitting at under 5 percent for the entire semester right now.
On campus Isolation/Quarantine housing has few if any occupants and there are very low numbers of students in isolation/quarantine off campus.
Local statistics are also on a steady decline since the beginning of the New Year with Norfolk City having a positivity rate of 10 percent, down from above 30. In addition hospitalizations have declined with local hospital bed capacity being moderate to high.

In response to these positive trending numbers, we have:

Encouraged but not required sharing vaccination and booster information.
Encouraged residential students regardless of vaccination status to participate in surveillance testing.
No longer require vaccination card or negative test for most events on campus including Athletic events.
Working with individual event planners to determine the best safety approach for in-person events.

Our commitment to our Culture of Care has positioned us well to make these changes thus far. It is also our commitment to our Culture of Care that calls us to stay with the indoor masking requirement for everyone regardless of vaccination status. Here are some important considerations:

The regional numbers while improving are still high with a 10 percent positivity rate in Norfolk City and only 25 percent of the adult population with a vaccination and booster.
We are aware of a number of community members who have responsibilities for vulnerable populations like young children who do not yet qualify for a vaccination, high risk family members at home, or elderly family members who they interact with on a regular basis.
Outside of vaccinations, masking inside has been the most important mitigation practice for NSU.
COVID-19 has impacted African Americans and other underrepresented communities disproportionately through the pandemic.

Given these considerations, masking indoors for everyone regardless of vaccination status will remain our policy at NSU. As community members travel for Spring Break and return to campus, we will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and make adjustments that are safe accordingly.

February 2022

02/11/2022
Faculty COVID-19 Update

A lot has changed over the last few weeks so we want to provide the faculty teaching in-person classes or labs this semester more precise recommendations for dealing with a situation where you or a student in the class/lab reports being positive for COVID-19.

Ensuring that you and your students are masked in class is critical. The in-door mask mandate for everyone regardless of vaccination status remains unchanged.
In light of the number of students, faculty who have received vaccines and boosters, the new CDC guidelines based on vaccine status and the lower risk for classroom spread, automatically suspending class is no longer the most effective strategy. Faculty should notify their class of a possible close contact, send their class list to the NSU contact tracer at spartanhealth@nsu.edu to the attention of “The SH Annex and Contact Tracer”, and have their students follow the CDC guidance on this link: Isolation & Quarantine Calculator Coronavirus. We also recommend that you notify your Dean and Pat Perkins or Alice Musapatike (Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management), so they are aware of what is occurring.
If the positive student is asking what they should do, instruct them to self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129 to be directed on next steps. You can also refer them to Isolation & Quarantine Calculator Coronavirus for VDH information.
What should I tell my students? You should never share the name of the student who is positive. You should tell your students the following:

A student in our class has tested positive with COVID-19 and I was notified on YYY date. The University contact tracers are thoroughly investigating who may be close contacts with the student. Just because they may have been in class does not automatically mean that those of us in class were close contacts. If you have symptoms, you should immediately contact the Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129. If you do not have symptoms there is no action you need to take. You will be contacted by the Contact Tracer if you are considered a close contact or they need to discuss with you the possibility of being a close contact. The following link provided the latest updated information from the VDH Isolation & Quarantine Calculator Coronavirus. If you have individual questions, you should email covid@nsu.edu and they will address your specific concerns.

Based on faculty feedback, we have asked students to report to you directly as soon as possible if they will miss class related to COVID-19. Students will need to contact the Dean of Students Office as well who once confirmed, will provide the faculty member with a memo stating that the reason for missing class was legitimate.
What about me? As with all employees, we encourage you to be in contact with your primary care physician if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you are a close contact. Faculty who want to be tested as a result of a positive student in their classroom/lab and are unable to get tested at their PCP office, urgent care, local pharmacy or over the counter tests kits can pick up a home kit from Student Service Center Suite 301 (VPSA Office) during business hours. It is important to know that the CDC recommends testing 5-7 days after initial exposure if you are not experiencing any symptoms so getting tested immediately may not be useful and is not best practice.

Updated Quarantine and Isolation Information for Employees

Employees who test positive for COVID-19 should notify their supervisor immediately as well as Pat Perkins or Alice Musapatike (Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management). Employees who test positive may return to work after five days if they are not experiencing any symptoms. See this link for VDH information Isolation & Quarantine Calculator Coronavirus.

Fully vaccinated persons (two weeks since last required vaccine dose) without symptoms- Do not need to quarantine if they may have been exposed to COVID-19, but they do need to get tested 3-5 days after exposure, wear a mask anytime they are around others for 10 days or until a negative test result, monitor for symptoms and avoid travel. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate themselves and get tested. If your test returns positive, fully vaccinated persons should isolate for 10 days (5 days if you have no symptoms).

Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated persons who may have been exposed to COVID-19 need to isolate for 10 days (5 days if you have no symptoms), get tested right away if symptomatic or get tested in 5 days if asymptomatic. Unvaccinated persons should re-test if symptoms develop after negative first test. If your test returns positive, Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated persons need to isolate for 10 days (5 days if you have no symptoms).

Important Reminders

Use blackboard as the course management system to provide course content, syllabus, calendar, assignments and grades.
Work with students who are in quarantine to ensure that they have access via Blackboard to lecture notes, slides, recorded lectures, assignments, and activities for missed classes. Although it is the students’ responsibility to contact their instructors regarding their absences and missed work, ensuring that students have clear instructions on how to make up missed work and seek help when they need it will provide them with the necessary tools to succeed and make adequate progress in their courses.
Create a contingency plan for emergency or extended leave in case you need to quarantine or take care of a sick family member. In this plan, you need to identify who will be covering your classes during extended leave and how instruction will be maintained to minimize interruption or confusion to students.
If you have specific COVID-19 related questions on how to conduct field trips or fieldwork, please contact Dr. Leonard Brown, COVID-19 Director and Vice President for Student Affairs, for assistance (Phone: 757-823-8141 or Email: lebrown@nsu.edu).

We thank you for your continued engagement and adaptability in managing through this pandemic. We hope this information is useful.

02/09/2022
Covid-19 Testing Update

Testing for COVID-19 remains one of the many important mitigation efforts that has allowed us to navigate this pandemic in as safe manner as possible. The NSU Culture of Care compels each of us to do our part to make safety our priority and at the same time continue to have safe in-person classes, activities, athletics and some larger events. Moving forward, our testing protocols will be as follows:

For Students with No SYMPTOMS

We encourage all students who are not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to be tested on a weekly basis. Fully vaccinated is defined as receiving two doses of Moderna or Pfizer or one dose of Janssen (J&J) AND a booster after six months.
We will be randomly selecting a different group of residential students to be tested each week. This practice will best position us to mitigate spread on campus and in the residence halls. Students who are randomly selected will be notified via email the week before they are chosen to test.
Any student who would like to be tested may sign up for testing as space is available. Appointments are required and no walk-in testing is available.

For Students with SYMPTOMS

If you have symptoms for COVID-19, mask, self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Annex at 757-278-4129 during business hours for assistance.
If you may have been exposed to COVID-19, mask, self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Annex at 757-278-4129 during business hours for assistance.
Residential Students may contact their Resident Director if they need assistance after hours or on the weekend.

Download this file for specific directions for how to sign up for Asymptomatic on campus. - Directions for Asymptomatic Student Testing - pdf

Masks and Home Test Kits

Periodically throughout the semester, we will provide employees and students with access to KN-95 masks and Home Test kits, both for personal use. Students who use a home test kit and test positive should mask, self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Annex at 757-278-4129 during business hours for assistance.

02/01/2022
COVID-19 Update

As a university community, we have navigated this difficult pandemic through our commitment to a Culture of Care. Vaccinations remain the best protective measure against COVID-19 and the worst outcomes including hospitalization and death. As a community, our students are vaccinated at nearly 90 percent and our employees are vaccinated at nearly 85 percent. There is no question that our high vaccination rate combined with our masking policy and our testing strategy has allowed us to remain open and in person, to remain safe, and to maintain extremely low positivity rates compared to other communities locally and statewide.

Last week, the Virginia Attorney General’s office issued a legal opinion that public universities cannot mandate the COVID-19 vaccination for students. Given our unwavering commitment to the safety of our community and our Culture of Care, we will continue to encourage students and employees to get vaccinated to include the booster when you are eligible to receive it.

Please review the information below for updated information.

We encourage but not require all students and employees to provide us with vaccination and booster information. There will be a campus announcement on Wednesday that will detail how you can voluntarily upload your booster information to Med+Proctor a new platform we are implementing to collect vaccination information. Students who upload their vaccination and booster information and are verified through Med+Proctor by February 18, 2022 will receive a one-time $250 recognition.
We will continue to offer vaccination clinics periodically throughout the semester. Today there is a vaccination and booster clinic in Student Center 149 until 2:45 PM.
If NSU does not have record of your status, we will assume you are not boosted for purposes of quarantine and isolation protocols.
The requirement to mask indoors for everyone remains the same.
Our testing protocol remains the same and the campus community will be updated with any evolving changes.

Thank each of you for your continued commitment to our Culture of Care at Norfolk State University and wishing all of us a safe and successful semester. Behold!

January 2022

01/18/2022
Important COVID-19 Information

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, President Adams-Gaston has stressed the importance of our Culture of Care at NSU as a guiding principle to assist us in navigating these challenging times. It has been that Culture of Care that has put the safety of each individual first, has allowed us to collectively meet each new challenge that we faced, and has encouraged each person to do their part in ensuring NSU is as safe as possible. As we begin this semester, we are fully committed to continuing the spectrum of mitigation efforts that have afforded us to maintain a low number of cases and very little serious illness for our community.

In response to the new executive orders signed by Governor Youngkin, we wanted to communicate regarding where we stand with our own mitigation efforts.

Masking indoors is required regardless of vaccination status
Weekly testing for students who are exempt from the vaccination is required
Booster requirement for all students is required unless exempt
We will no longer require employees exempted from vaccination to test weekly
We strongly encourage employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and to share their vaccination status with Norfolk State University. Vaccines have been proven to be the single most effective means to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and the severity of its symptoms. Our own data and experience on campus support the important role vaccinations play in the continued safety of our community.

In addition to the above information, please see some important reminders and updates below.

Masks
Consistent with the most recent CDC recommendations for masking, we highly recommend that everyone wear the most protective masks you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently. Surgical masks are available in mask dispensers around campus. KN95 masks will be made available soon to anyone in the community in need of one. In extending the Culture of Care, masking remains a critical mitigation practice that has helped keep our community safe. Please continue to practice masking over your mouth and nose when indoors and in large crowds.

Clinics
NSU will partner with two Alumnae and their organization, Groomed for Greatness Vaccine Clinic, to host two booster and vaccination clinics on campus on January 29, 2022, and early February. Information with the link to sign up will be sent out later this week as a campus announcement.

Important Reminder to Students
If you are going to miss class because you have been exposed to COVID-19, are in isolation or quarantine, please notify your faculty right away so that they can appropriately work to keep you caught up with course work. In addition, notify the Dean of Students (Deanofstudents@nsu.edu), so they can verify with faculty that you are missing class for appropriate reasons.

What If I Am Exposed to COVID-19?
If you are feeling symptoms of COVID-19, please do not go to class or come to work. Get tested for COVID-19. Students should call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129. Employees should consult with their primary care physician.

Fully vaccinated persons (two weeks since last required vaccine dose) without symptoms ̶ Do not need to quarantine if they are exposed, but they do need to get tested 3-5 days after exposure, wear a mask anytime they are around others for 10 days or until a negative test result, monitor for symptoms and avoid travel. If they develop symptoms, they should isolate themselves and get tested. If the test returns positive, fully vaccinated persons should isolate for 10 days (5 days if medically cleared).

Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated persons need to isolate for 10 days (5 days if medically cleared) if exposed, get tested right away if symptomatic, or get tested in 5 days if asymptomatic. Unvaccinated persons should re-test if symptoms develop after the negative first test. If the test returns positive, Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated persons need to isolate for 10 days (5 days if medically cleared).

Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or still feeling unwell at Day #5 since positive test.

Booster and Return Testing Requirement
We are finalizing the process to collect booster information for students who are required to get the booster when they are eligible to do so unless they have a religious/medical exemption and employees who we are strongly encouraging to share that information with us. Once the collection process is in place, we will share that information with the campus community.

All students returning to campus must complete a COVID-19 test prior to coming to campus. If you have not completed a test yet, you may submit your own home kit. Results should be sent as a jpeg or pdf to Covid@nsu.edu.

01/13/22
COVID-19 Update

As we continue to monitor the on-going surge of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, we wanted to provide some additional information regarding our preparation for the coming semester. Around the country and state, the number of positives cases continue to increase. Many places are averaging above a 30 percent positivity rate to include a current seven-day 35 percent positivity rate in Virginia. While we continue to plan in the best way we can, we have no reason to believe that our campus will be immune from what is happening in other places. This reality will require us to go beyond monitoring and reacting to the number of positive cases on campus but also to take into consideration the severity of illness and how the campus is being impacted overall. It will also require us to be flexible in accommodating students and employees who test positive for COVID-19.

Please review these brief but important considerations

Masking in-doors and when around others, distancing when possible, and taking individual agency around personal safety will be paramount as we start and continue through the spring semester.

We are highly recommending reduced capacity for events on campus until we see a downward trend on positive cases. Those who are coordinating events can contact Dr. Brown to talk through what may be best for specific events.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, isolate and get tested. Do not interact with others, go to class or come to campus for work. Students should call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129 to get tested if you are experiencing symptoms. Employees should consult their primary care physician.
If you do test positive, you should isolate for at least five days until medically cleared and wear a mask around others for an additional five days.
Faculty, please be prepared to provide students who miss class because of COVID-19 the materials via blackboard that they need to stay on top of their course work.

As with previous semesters, working together to problem solve in the moment will be paramount. There will inevitably be situations that we did not anticipate and situations we could not have anticipated. I am confident in our ability to manage what is ahead as we have done since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

December 2021

12/30/21
Important Return Information for Commuter, Online and Residential Students

As a reminder, all students who will be on campus for any reason during the Spring 2022 semester must complete return testing prior to the start of classes. Please see the updated information below for details.

Commuter Students

You have the option to sign up for the on-campus testing process using the Returning Student link, or you may submit your own COVID-19 test as long as it is administered between 1/10/22 and 1/16/22. Send a jpeg or pdf of your results to COVID@nsu.edu before 1/17/22. Home test kits will be made available for free on campus for non-residential students on January 12, 13, and 14 from noon – 3 p.m. at the Student Center front desk.

Online Students

If you are completely online and do not come to campus for any reason including work, labs, events, or the library, you may notify covid@nsu.edu and be exempt from return testing.

Residential Students

Move-in is now scheduled to begin on January 12-13, 2022 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. for new students and Spartan Suites residents. Returning students will be able to move in on January 13-16, 2022 from 8:30 a.m.- 4:45 p.m. All residents can move in immediately after being tested for COVID-19. Walk-In testing will be available on January 16, 2022.
To sign up for your scheduled test date, select your respective sign-up link below.
Residents who previously signed up must sign up again. The sign-up links will close on January 7, 2022 at 5 p.m., EST.
New Students/Spartan Suites (January 12-13, 2022): https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20028006&calendarID=4397887
Returning Students (January 13-16, 2022): https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=20028006&calendarID=5774830
Students who return to campus after testing ends at 4:45 p.m. on January 16, 2022, will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test upon check-in. The off-campus COVID-19 test must be taken up to 72 hours prior to returning to campus.

12/28/21
NSU Spring Semester 2022 – Return to Campus

As the COVID-19 pandemic presents new variants across the Commonwealth and the entire globe, Norfolk State University continues to prioritize the health and safety of the entire community and campus. The omicron variant of COVID-19 is causing a surge in infections at a rapid rate. NSU is taking the following steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on our campus.

Spring semester classes will begin on January 18, 2022. They will be held in person. Faculty will need to adjust their syllabi to accommodate the shift in starting dates for classes. The required number of in-class course hours and the end of the semester date will not be impacted by this shift. Move-in and return testing will be moved back a week to January 12 through January 16, 2022. Students will be receiving a separate communication regarding move-in and return testing by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 29, 2021.
Employees will return to work as scheduled on January 3, 2022 – All offices will need to have continuous in-person coverage during normal operating hours – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. However, department heads and managers may implement teleworking on a rotating basis for employees as needed for the week of January 3 – 7, 2022. For questions or guidance, department heads can contact their Vice President or direct supervisor.
All essential staff/employees designated to work on campus will report to work during their normal shifts beginning January 3, 2022.
Starting January 10, 2022, all employees must resume normal in-person shifts and operating hours.
Booster Shot Requirement: All students, staff, and faculty are required to show proof of having received a booster shot no later than February 4, 2022. A mechanism to provide proof of this information will be shared with the University community at the beginning of the year. Those who already have vaccination exemptions for medical or religious reasons are also exempt from this requirement and will have ongoing testing. If you have only recently received the initial vaccination and are not eligible to receive a booster shot until after February 4, you will be expected to show proof of the booster shot at a later time. You will be provided instructions for moving forward.

We must all do our part to keep the University community healthy and safe. General questions regarding our COVID-19 response can be directed to COVID@nsu.edu .

Revised Academic Calendar - Spring 2022 - pdf

12/15/21
Norfolk State University COVID-19 Response
Spring 2022

Returning Testing

All students must be tested upon return to campus.

Residential students are required to get tested on campus through the NSU testing process. Testing will be held in Wilder Hall from January 5-9. Walk in appointments only accepted Sunday January 9, 2022. Sign up using the links below:
January 5 & 6 New Students and Spartan Suite Residents
January 7, 8, 9 Returning Students
All other Students are required to get tested. You may sign up for the on-campus testing process using the Returning Student link above, or you may submit your own test as long as it is administered between 1/3/22 and 1/9/22. Send a jpeg or pdf of your results to COVID@nsu.edu before 1/10/22. Home test kits will be made available for free on campus for non-residential students on January 5, 6, and 7 from noon – 3 PM at the Student Center front desk.
Online Students who do not come to campus for any reason including work, labs, events, or the library may notify covid@nsu.edu and be exempt from return testing.

Employees

Employees who want access to a free home test kit may pick one up on January 5, 6, and 7 from noon – 3 PM at the Student Center front desk.

Spring 2022 COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

All New students must email a jpeg or pdf of their COVID-19 vaccination or a completed medical or religious exemption form to Covid@nsu.edu by January 7, 2022.
Students who were not enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester must email a jpeg or pdf of their COVID-19 vaccination or a completed medical or religious exemption form to Covid@nsu.edu by January 7, 2022.
Students who submitted information in the Fall 2021 semester DO NOT have to resubmit their information.
All employees must be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious exemption. Exempted employees will be required to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.
For more information, please visit https://www.nsu.edu/Coronavirus/vaccinations.

The Omicron Variant and Vaccine Boosters

While the Omicron Variant remains a headline in the news, the Delta variant remains the predominant variant in the U.S. We are keeping a close eye on the science evolving around the Omicron variant and will continue to follow CDC and VDH guidance regarding any changes to our mitigation efforts.
As per the CDC, we highly recommend all vaccinated community members get the booster shot as soon as you are eligible based on the recommended time frame for the booster. Vaccinations remain the best tool we have to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Get your Flu Shot. We highly recommend all community members get the flu shot prior to returning to campus for the Spring 2022 semester.

Reaffirming the Culture of Care

Our collective efforts have helped us to continue to navigate through this pandemic and our success will be defined by how we continue those efforts.
Wear your mask when you are in-doors regardless of your vaccination status over your mouth and nose! This remains a requirement of all community members unless you are seated and eating in designated areas or you are alone in your personal work space.
Masking in-doors has been the biggest concern raised regarding our campus mitigation efforts. We will work in partnership with SGA and others to address this issue in the Spring.

Summary of Fall 2021 COVID-19 Cases

COVID-19 Fall 2021 Cases

Information for Faculty

What happens when a student in my class reports they are or may be positive with COVID-19. Please use this link for information.

Policy Compliance

It is important for the campus community to know that we are in fact tracking which students are in compliance with our policy, having either provided proof of vaccination or having provided a religious/medical exemption. Students who are not in compliance with the policy are referred to the Dean of Students office for student conduct.
Students and staff who are required to be tested on a weekly basis are tracked to ensure that they are in compliance with the policy. We have specific staff who are tasked with ensuring compliance with testing.

COVID-19 Health Information

For information and resources on being a close contact and/or COVID-19 positive, use this link for information from the Spartan Health Center.

The Dean of Students Office will notify professors if a student is medically excused by the Spartan health Center and off campus students should obtain and send medical excuse documentation to Dean of Students office if ill or in quarantine affecting in person classes.

The American College Health Association released its latest recommendations for Covid-19 policy on college campuses. The ACHA leans strongly in favor of vaccinating as many people on campus as possible. Familiar COVID-mitigation measures — masking, social distancing, testing, and contact tracing — should remain in place, to varying degrees, depending on local circumstances, the recommendations say.

Testing during the Spring Semester

Students who you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129 M-F 8 am to 5 pm. Residential students can contact the RD on call after hours or on weekends.
Employees who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, notify your supervisor, do not come to work, and contact your primary care physician for medical care.
Students exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination will be required to test on campus once a week.
Vaccinated Students will be randomly chosen to participate in surveillance testing throughout the semester.
Employees exempted from the COVID-19 vaccination will be required to test on campus once a week.
Home Test Kits will be available on a limited basis for students and employees without symptoms who would like to test themselves. Residential Students can get kits at their front desk. Kits are also available in the Student Services Center, Suite 301.

Facilities Management

Facilities Management will be installing free-standing mask dispensers for students in Academic Buildings. This should assist students, faculty and staff in ensuring mask requirements are adhered to in campus buildings.
Housekeeping staff will provide cleaning on a continuous basis during hours of operation. Based on classroom scheduling data, Housekeeping Staff will clean and disinfect all classrooms that are scheduled for use on a particular day. CDC approved disinfecting product will be provided in classrooms so that educators and students can disinfect podiums, desks, chairs, and tabletops before and after each use. Misting/Fogging method will be used afterhours to deeply disinfect and sanitize space in preparation for the next day.

Message from the Provost to the Faculty

Please ensure that students enrolled in your courses are aware of your expectations from the first day of class. Make your expectations and course policies clear and accessible to all students, share them in multiple communication formats, and discuss them with your students. To provide guidance, prevent confusion, and minimize disruptions, please include the following in your syllabi:
1. Established site/place where all class discussions, chats, and interactions will occur for the class;
2. Clear delineation of due dates for assignments;
3. Clear policy regarding acceptance of late assignments, including whether there will be penalties for each day;
4. Clear policy regarding reporting technical or internet access issues and remedies for missed assignments that may result from such issues;
5. Timeline for responding to emails from students;
6. Clear policy regarding turning on video and audio during live or synchronous sessions;
7. Clear policy indicating that all virtual discussions/classes will be recorded, posted on Blackboard, and made available to students;
8. Listing of all resources (equipment, healthcare, mental healthcare, counseling, etc.) available to faculty and students on campus, Blackboard, and NSU website;
9. Guidelines and protocols for student complaints (i.e., faculty member, department chair, dean, provost);
10. Clear instructions that any students enrolled in face-to-face classes who wish to participate virtually must provide written permission from the Dean of Students during the first week of the semester stating that they are in quarantine status (The only exception is if the student has tested positive for COVID-19.);
11. Clear grading policies and criteria that take into account “grading with grace” and what that entails.

12/15/21
Spring 2022
NSU Faculty and Staff

We wanted to provide the faculty teaching in-person classes or labs this semester more precise recommendations for dealing with a situation where you or a student in the class/lab reports being positive for COVID-19.

Fully vaccinated persons (two weeks since last required vaccine dose) without symptoms- Do Not need to quarantine, but they do need to get tested 3-5 days after exposure, wear a mask in public for 14 days or until a negative test result and monitor for symptoms. Fully vaccinated persons should isolate for 10 days if the test is positive. Fully vaccinated persons with symptoms should get tested right away, wear a mask in public and isolate 10 days or until negative test result.

Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated persons need to quarantine for 10 days, get tested right away if symptomatic or get tested in 5 days if asymptomatic. Unvaccinated persons should re-test if symptoms develop after negative first test.

Ensuring that you and your students are masked in class is critical.
If you hear from a student in your class that they are positive or you hear from our contact tracers that a student in your class is positive, we recommend suspending in person class until you receive further instruction from our medical providers in the Spartan Health Center. We also recommend that you notify your Dean and Pat Perkins or Alice Musapatike, so they are aware of what is occurring. You should email a copy of your class list to spartanhealth@nsu.edu and call the Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129 (leave a message if the nurse is busy with patients).
If the student is asking what they should do, instruct them to self-isolate and call the Spartan Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129 to be directed on next steps.
What should I tell my students? You should never share the name of the student who is positive. You should tell your students the following:

A student in class is positive with COVID-19. Out of precaution, I am suspending class until I receive further information from the Spartan Health Center Staff. The University contact tracers are thoroughly investigating who may be close contacts with the student. Just because they may have been in class does not automatically mean that those of us in class were close contacts. If you have symptoms, you should immediately contact the Health Center Annex at 757-278-4129. If you do not have symptoms there is no action you need to take. You will be contacted by the Contact Tracer if you are considered a close contact or they need to discuss with you the possibility of being a close contact. I know it is a bit unsettling for all of us but it is important to give the process time to work itself through. If you have individual questions, you should email covid@nsu.edu and they will address your specific concerns.

What about me? As with all employees, we encourage you to be in contact with your primary care physician if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you are a close contact. Faculty who want to be tested as a result of a positive student in their classroom/lab and are unable to get tested at their PCP office, urgent care, local pharmacy or over the counter tests kits may contact Dr. Vanessa Blowe at Vablowe@nsu.edu. It is important to know that the CDC recommends testing 5-7 days after initial exposure if you are not experiencing any symptoms so getting tested immediately may not be useful and is not best practice.

Contact to report close contact with a positive student. If contact does not meet the definition of close contact (within six feet –of someone positive for COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period), continue to use PPE and other precautions as you continue your duties. You should arrange to be tested through your primary care physician if you experience COVID-19 symptoms. Should you test positive, notify Pat Perkins or Alice Musapatike and provide a copy of the positive test. In addition, you should stay home and quarantine for 7-14 days. Human Resources will contact you regarding leave options. After you complete the quarantine period, re-test. If the test is negative, provide a copy to the individuals above and you will receive notification to return to work.

Our contact tracers may be in touch with you to get a class list from you. Please share that information if requested.

One of the most challenging aspects of a situation with possible exposure in the classroom is evaluating who are close contacts. Our practice has been to err on the side of caution. Please know that our contact tracers are making the evaluation about the class based on interviews with the positive student and always in consultation with our health providers.

We thank you for your continued engagement and adaptability in managing through this pandemic. We hope this information is useful. Please send any questions to covid@nsu.edu.

November 2021

November 29, 2021
COVID-19 Protocols for the Fall 2021 Commencement

Norfolk State University will celebrate the 107^th Commencement Exercise and the graduating December Class of 2021 with an in-person ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.

Norfolk State University is committed to a Culture of Care for all who come to our campus. All external visitors registering for and attending events at Norfolk State University are expected to abide by University COVID-19 guidelines, which are based on CDC guidance, and are subject to change as conditions warrant. Masking is required indoors, regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking. Outdoors, masking is highly encouraged per CDC recommendations.

For the health, safety and enjoyment of all commencement attendees, including graduates, faculty, staff, students, and guests, Norfolk State University is requiring proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of the commencement ceremony. Attendees should plan to bring their government ID, vaccination card, proof or COVID-19 result. This applies to all entrants ages five and older. During the week of November 29, 2021, the Office of University Events will communicate to the graduates and campus community the specific COVID-19 verification process, which will identify the verification locations and schedule.

Since NSU is being very prudent and cautious to maintain our safety measures, we have reduced guest capacity at our events. Therefore, due to the size of the graduating class, the capacity of the Echols Hall venue as well as adherence to social distancing protocols, each cleared graduate will receive six (6) graduation tickets for the ceremony. We do understand that many graduates would like to receive more than the allocated six tickets for their families; however, we are unable to accommodate requests for additional tickets. As an added enhancement, the commencement ceremony will be broadcast live via the NSU website, and the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center will be open as an alternate viewing site.

Your health and safety remain our top priority! We create these shared expectations of event participants in keeping with our core values of belonging within this community, our respect for one another as individuals and in recognition of the risks inherent to gathering amid a pandemic.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please visit our website at www.nsu.edu/commencement or email us at commencement@nsu.edu.

Congratulations to the December Class of 2021!

October 2021

October 11, 2021
COVID-19 Protocols for Homecoming

Norfolk State University is committed to a Culture of Care for all who come to our campus. All external visitors registering for and attending events at Norfolk State University are expected to abide by University COVID-19 guidelines, which are based on CDC guidance, and are subject to change as conditions warrant. Masking is required indoors, regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking. Outdoors, masking is highly encouraged per CDC recommendations.

For the health, safety and enjoyment of all during our Homecoming activities, including tailgating and the game, we are requiring proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of event attendance. We create these shared expectations of event participants in keeping with our core values of belonging within this community, our respect for one another as individuals and in recognition of the risks inherent to gathering amid a pandemic.

With your cooperation and participation, we look forward to one of the best-ever Homecomings at Norfolk State University!

September 2021

September 10, 2021
A Comprehensive COVID-19 Update

On behalf of the COVID-19 task force we would like to thank the entire NSU community for all the preparation, cooperation, and participation in everything involved in starting the semester off in a safe manner. Please see the updated information below regarding COVID-19 related information. Let’s continue to do our part in keeping ourselves and our community safe.

COVID-19 Dashboard Fall 2021

We began testing returning students at the end of July and continued that process through the first day of classes.
As of 9/3/21, we have completed 3578 PCR and Rapid test for COVID-19 for both students and employees with 15 positive student cases and 0 employee cases.
The positivity rate for students is .0042 and the positivity rate for employees is 0.
We did receive outside reports of 8 additional positive student cases during that time period and two outside reports of employee cases.
The active cases (reports of positive cases in the last ten days as of 9.3.21) include one student case and two employee cases.
The NSU dashboard can be accessed here and will be updated moving forward every Friday.

Vaccination Rate

As you know, all employees and students are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 or be exempted for medical or religious reasons.
We are still in the process of collecting and verifying information.
As of today 9.9.21, the vaccination rate for students is 89.96%. This percentage includes fully vaccinated students and students who have shown proof that they have received a first dose of the vaccination and have plans to be fully vaccinated.
While we expect the vaccination rate to shift as we continue to collect and verify, that range of a vaccination rate for students is positive for our community.
As we continue to gather information about students and employees, we will continue to update the community on where we stand.

Norfolk Data

In Norfolk, the seven day average number of daily cases reports 130 as of 9.8.21 which is similar to the daily cases reported in January and February of last year.
The vaccination rate for the adult population is 43.9 percent fully vaccinated and 50.9 with at least one dose.
We all must continue to be vigilant by masking, socially distancing where possible, and washing our hands frequently.

Students with COVID-19 Symptoms or Possible Exposure

Students who experience symptoms or may have been exposed should self-isolate, double mask, and call the Spartan Health Center Annex during business hours at 757-278-4129.
Residential students can contact their Resident Director for assistance getting to Quarantine/Isolation housing after hours or on weekends until the Annex opens on the next business day.

Resources for Faculty

On Monday we shared information for faculty on the process for managing situations if students report that they have COVID-19. We also wanted to share the following resource that Dr. Cynthia Burwell helped create for faculty.

Higher Ed COVID-19 Community of Practice - How Faculty Can Support the Health of Our Campus Community [link no longer works.]

Employees with COVID-19 Symptoms or Possible Exposure

Unvaccinated Persons:

Contact your supervisor if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you may have COVID-19.
Stay home for 14 days if you think you’ve been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person
If Symptoms are present — Get tested right away.
No symptoms — Get tested right away and Retest in 5–7 days if first test is negative, for optimal test reliability.

Fully Vaccinated Persons:

Do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms.
Should get tested 3–5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Wear a mask indoors and in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

Masking indoors

Please be reminded that regardless of vaccination status, all community members must be masked indoors at all times except when seated in individual offices or while eating/drinking in dining areas.

Culture of Care Videos

Our “Culture of Care” video series is designed to answer your questions on these important topics regarding the fall 2021 semester: academics, residence halls, social events and facilities use, vaccinations, facemask requirements, the return of our symptoms checker, and COVID-19 testing.

COVID-19 Vaccination Incentive

All validated students who are fully vaccinated and have provided proper proof of vaccination by September 20, 2021, will receive a $500 incentive. Students are encouraged to log into their student account to confirm the banking information for faster and safer distribution of the incentive through direct deposit. Vaccination cards can be emailed as a jpeg or pdf to covid@nsu.edu. Please do not submit multiple times.
All Faculty/Staff who are fully vaccinated and have provided proper proof of vaccination by September 20, 2021, will receive a $1000 incentive. The incentive will be issued through payroll. Fill out the individual survey provided to you via email to show proof of vaccination.
Incentives will be distributed in early October once all the information is collected and verified.

Vaccination Clinic

Send an email to covid@nsu.edu titled Vaccination Clinic
Provide 2-3 times between 9 and 11 a.m. that you are available to be vaccinated.
You will receive an email response confirming a specific time and the location of the clinic.

September 02, 2021
COVID-19 Faculty and Staff Protocols

Faculty or staff members who have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person or believe that they have been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person, should adhere to the following protocols:

Unvaccinated Persons:

Contact your supervisor if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19 or you may have COVID-19.

Stay home for 14 days if you think you’ve been in close contact with a COVID-19 positive person —(Close Contact means you have been within 6 feet of a COVID19 positive person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period).

If Symptoms are present — Get tested right away.
No symptoms — Get tested right away and Retest in 5–7 days if first test is negative, for optimal test reliability.

Fully Vaccinated Persons or Persons diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 90 days (prior to exposure):

Do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless they have symptoms.
Should get tested 3–5 days after their exposure, even if they don’t have symptoms.
Wear a mask indoors and in public for 14 days following exposure or until their test result is negative.

If you believe you have COVID-19:

Check for these symptoms:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Notify your supervisor and quarantine at home.
Contact your healthcare professional and follow their instructions.

Supervisors

Contact Pat Perkins, director of environmental health, safety and risk management, (757- 823-9142, paperkins@nsu.edu) and inform her of any employee who has tested positive for COVID-19 or who has chosen to quarantine with symptoms of COVID-19.
Notify your human resources business partner.

August 2021

August 23, 2021
A "Culture of Care" Continues at NSU

Norfolk State University is working to make our campus a safe place for continued learning, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to campus fall 2021. We are continuing to follow guidance from the CDC, VDH, and state officials while ensuring that our campus community is protected through vaccinations, as well as the latest masking and physical distancing protocols. Virginia’s Executive Directive Number Eighteen requires all state employees to show proof that they are fully vaccinated or be tested for COVID-19 every week and disclose weekly the results of those tests to the designated agency personnel.

Citing their desire to support our faculty, staff and students during this time and to incentivize vaccination, President Javaune Adams-Gaston and the Executive Cabinet have agreed to award cash incentives for those who have followed the state mandate for vaccination. “NSU will recognize those who are in compliance and offer an incentive for those who have yet to be vaccinated. We also will extend our ‘culture of care’ by acknowledging the hardship that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on our community,” said Adams-Gaston. Effective immediately, the following incentives are offered with a projected payout date of October 15, 2021:

All validated students who are fully vaccinated and have provided proper proof of vaccination by September 20, 2021, will receive a $500 incentive. Students are encouraged to log into their student account to confirm the banking information for faster and safer distribution of the incentive through direct deposit.
All Faculty/Staff who are fully vaccinated and have provided proper proof of vaccination by September 20, 2021, will receive a $1000 incentive. The incentive will be issued through payroll.

Executive Directive Number Eighteen (2021) allows employees to request a religious or disability exemption.

What happens if I do not comply with the vaccination mandate?

Students who fail to comply with the vaccination/testing mandate will be referred to the Dean of Students Office for Student Conduct. This may lead to removal from on-campus housing and face-to face courses. In addition, students will not be permitted to participate in extracurricular activities. Students may request an exception to this policy for medical and religious reasons through the office of Student Affairs.

Faculty/staff who fail to comply with the vaccination mandate per the Governor's Executive Directive Number Eighteen (2021) and who do not meet the exemption requirements may be subject to disciplinary action.

The Culture of Care Continues at Norfolk State University!

August 12, 2021
COVID-19 Course Guidelines for Students

Dear NSU Spartans:

As we gear up with excitement to welcome you back to campus and resume in-person instruction for Fall 2021, the NSU administration, faculty, and staff are committed to providing world-class instruction and service in a healthy and safe environment. As we continue to follow guidance from the CDC, VDH, and state officials while ensuring that our campus community is protected through vaccinations, as well as the latest masking and distancing protocols, we understand that exposure to the coronavirus or its variants remains a risk. Students who test positive or experience symptoms of COVID-19 will be required to self-isolate and are advised to take the following measures to keep up with their academic work if their health permits.

1. For health advice, contact the Spartan Health Center at 757-278-3360 to notify them of your condition and seek guidance on COVID-19 and health matters.

2. For academic work, contact the instructors of your Fall 2021 courses to notify them that you are in quarantine and make arrangements for keeping up with missed work. Be respectful and proactive to get a clear understanding of what you are expected to do to make up missed work and how your absence from classes will impact your progress in the course.

3. For absence requests, contact the Dean of Students Office at 757-823-2152, complete an Absence Request Form, and provide official documentation to support the reason for your absence and a copy of your NSU ID in order to process your absence from classes as excused.

4. For special accommodations, contact O.A.S.I.S. (Office of Accessibility Services/International Student Services) at 757-823-8325 to process your written documentation from a qualified professional for a temporary disability as a result of illness and to work with your instructors on providing appropriate accommodations.

5. For academic support, communicate with your instructors regularly and respectfully to follow through with the agreed-upon accommodations and to keep up with your academic work.

Please be advised that the Pass/No Pass policy implemented on a temporary basis in the past three semesters will not be offered as an option for the Fall 2021 or Spring 2022 semester. Therefore, it is imperative that you keep up with your academic work, communicate with your instructors regularly, and make arrangements for making up missed work in order to stay on track and maintain progress in your courses.

We are confident that our Spartan spirit will bring us together in this collaborative effort to make this academic year a success, and we trust that the Spartan ideals of pride, engagement, curiosity, integrity, excellence, and civility will guide your path to achieving your academic goals.

August 12, 2021
COVID-19 Course Guidelines for Faculty

Dear NSU Faculty:

The success of our students depends on our collaborative efforts to ensure that we provide a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment even during uncertain times. As we prepare to welcome our students back to campus this fall and resume in-person instruction, please be guided by the following protocols to maintain continuous instruction while minimizing the risk of the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

1. Require that masks be worn in class and include this requirement on your course syllabus using the following statement:

Statement on Face Mask Requirement: Protecting the health and safety of our community is every member’s responsibility. Therefore, properly worn face masks that cover both the nose and mouth are required prior to entry into all academic areas, including classrooms, labs, studios, centers, and departmental suites. Students who are unable to wear a face mask due to medical reasons should contact the Office of Accessibility Services and International Student Services (O.A.S.I.S.) at 757-823-8325 to initiate the request for special accommodation. Notification to instructors of approved accommodations should be submitted in writing prior to the first-class session (or as soon thereafter as possible). Students who attempt to enter a classroom without wearing masks will be asked by the instructor to wear masks prior to entry. Accordingly, no eating or drinking will be allowed in class. Students who do not comply with a request by an instructor to wear a mask and have not made an accommodation request through O.A.S.I.S. will be asked to leave class and may be subject to disciplinary actions.

2. Use Blackboard as the course management system to provide course content, syllabus, calendar, assignments, and grades.

3. Work with students who are in quarantine to ensure that they have access via Blackboard to lecture notes, slides, recorded lectures, assignments, and activities for missed classes. Although it is the students’ responsibility to contact their instructors regarding their absences and missed work, ensuring that students have clear instructions on how to make up missed work and seek help when they need it will provide them with the necessary tools to succeed and make adequate progress in their courses.

4. Although all NSU students, faculty, and staff are required to be fully vaccinated, except for those with medical or religious exemptions, it is not appropriate to ask anyone about their vaccination status unless it is required for participation in external university business, such as nursing clinical or field activities.

5. If you have specific COVID-19 related questions on how to conduct field trips or fieldwork, please contact Dr. Leonard Brown, COVID-19 Director and Vice President for Student Affairs, for assistance (Phone: 757-823-8141 or Email: lebrown@nsu.edu).

6. Create a contingency plan for emergency or extended leave in case you need to quarantine or take care of a sick family member. In this plan, you need to identify who will be covering your classes during extended leave and how instruction will be maintained to minimize interruption or confusion to students. As options, consider the following approaches:

Implementing the recommended protocols and standard procedures consistently helps eliminate confusion, minimize interruptions in instruction, and create an equitable, predictable, and safe learning environment. As instructors, mentors, and role models to our students, we are confident in our commitment to make this academic year one of the best for our students. The pandemic is still in existence and impacts our community. Please extend to students, staff, colleagues, and yourself flexibility, understanding, and compassion as we face these challenges together. For more information on teaching and grading under these challenges, please review the recommendations offered in the article, “Grading with Empathy, Grace, and Understanding,” found at https://www.njea.org.

July 2021

July 28, 2021
NSU President Shares COVID-19 Updates

President Shares COVID-19 Update (July 2021)

July 28, 2021

COVID-19 Updates | See COVID-19 Vaccinations for additional information

NSU Students

As you should be aware, on Friday, NSU announced the COVID-19 vaccination would be required for all students and employees. Given the increasing number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19 among the unvaccinated population, this decision is what is best for the safety and health of the community.

The Campus Announcement also stated that additional information would be provided to the community today 7/28/21. This announcement is the initial communication to provide the community with guidance on complying with the vaccination requirement.

What you need to know:

All students and employees must be fully vaccinated.
All students will receive an email to their NSU address with a survey.
If you have already provided your vaccination card, you do not have to fill out the survey.
All other students must fill out the survey by August 6, 2021. The survey will provide information to upload a card, inform us that you are in process with the vaccination, or information on exemptions.
Vaccination clinics on campus will be provided in late August and early September for 1^st and second doses of the vaccination.
Masking indoors is required of all community members regardless of vaccination status.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

July 28, 2021
COVID-19 Updates | See COVID-19 Vaccinations for additional information

Employees

What you need to know:

All students and employees must be fully vaccinated.
All employees who have not already provided their proof of vaccination should fill out this survey by August 16, 2021.
The survey will provide information to upload a card, inform us that you are in process with the vaccination, or information on exemptions.
Vaccination clinics on campus will be provided in late August and early September for 1^st and second doses of the vaccination.
Masking indoors is required of all community members regardless of vaccination status.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

July 23, 2021
COVID-19 Update

Greetings Fellow Spartans!

We hope that you are enjoying your summer and looking forward to an exciting fall semester, when we plan on all being on campus together. It will surely be a great reunion after the difficult year we’ve all experienced. COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on us all and we are doing everything we can to ensure your safety as we return to campus.

While we have come a long way in battling this horrible pandemic, we are now faced with a more infectious Delta variant that threatens to derail the progress of the last few months with a resurgence nationally and here in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Data shows that most of the recent cases are among unvaccinated people. Sadly, this may also disproportionately affect people of color, many of whom are already at high risk and suffer from other underlying conditions.

Governor Northam recently reported the following statistical data. From January 21 to June 25, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated Virginians made up:

99.4% of new COVID-19 cases
99.0% of COVID-19 hospitalizations
99.3% of COVID-19 deaths

The data is clear—COVID-19 vaccines work.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control), Governor Ralph Northam and health care professionals are reporting data that clearly shows “vaccinations work… and we agree.”

The leadership of Norfolk State University takes this data very seriously and we care deeply about the welfare of our students, faculty, and staff. As a result, we have made a collective decision to require all students, faculty, and staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for the Fall 2021 semester. This is a pivot from our previous posture, and we believe that this is in the best interest of our university. Some will say that there are fully vaccinated people who have gotten the virus, so why should we? Our response is simple, those persons are not getting seriously ill and more importantly, they are not dying. We understand that some of you cannot get the vaccine because of religious or medical reasons, and we respect that position and will make exceptions in those cases. Please reach out if you have questions. Please know that we care deeply for every single member of the Norfolk State family and will ensure the safety of our community by implementing this measure.

We will continue to send Campus Announcements on the COVID-19 Vaccination Survey. By Wednesday of next week, we will provide additional information to the entire campus community regarding how to apply for an exemption for religious or medical reasons and how to get any questions you may have answered. In addition, we will provide information that will assist you in identifying places to get vaccinated, assist if you cannot get vaccinated prior to returning to campus, and assist you if you can only receive your first vaccination shot prior to returning to campus. In the meantime, please continue to be safe, be well, and Behold the Green and Gold.

07/08/2021
NSU Students - Fall Semester 2021 Updates
Hello Spartans. We look forward to having you back on campus and safely returning to a more interactive and engaging school year. As you return to campus, please reads the most recent COVID-19 updates. | Read the Updates - pdf

07/02/21
Face Masks and Coverings
As we continue to plan for the Fall 2021 semester, we want to remind everyone, regardless of vaccination status, that face masks are to be worn while indoors. This includes going into Scott/Dozier Cafeteria. This practice will help ensure community safety in our ongoing fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Masks are to be worn while indoors. Once we have community vaccination data, we will revisit the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated employees.
All members of the community that are vaccinated do not have to wear masks while outside unless required to do so in a crowded setting or venue.
Note: It is not appropriate to ask anyone about their vaccination status.

June 2021

06/02/21
COVID-19 UPDATES
The COVID-19 pandemic altered our daily routines and placed many activities on hold. As a community, we worked together to survive and thrive during this pandemic by sacrificing our norms across campus. With the availability of vaccines, we are seeing a reduction of COVID-19 cases and the lifting of safety restrictions at the local, state, and federal levels.

We remain cautiously optimistic as we plan and prepare for the Fall 2021 semester. We will provide and maintain the safest and most engaging student and staff experience permissible through our adherence to guidelines and mandates.

As we transition from the spring semester into the summer, we want to provide the campus with updated guidance for on-campus protocols. The updates below provide information regarding the Fall 2021 campus and learning environment, vaccinations, face coverings, returning to work, physical distancing, testing, and symptom tracking.

Campus & Learning Environment

Classes will be in-person for the Fall 2021 semester.
Residence halls will operate at normal capacity (Standard visitation rules will also resume)
Social events, including traditional events such as Welcome Week, Homecoming, Family weekend, will occur on campus with adherence to any state, local, or federal guidelines.
Student service operations will resume with normal operating capacity.
Access to facilities, Library, Student Center, labs, eateries, and athletic events will resume.

Please note that in-person instruction, events, and activities will adhere to the appropriate local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines in place. Virtual options will be made available for major on-campus events. Instruction will be in-class/in-person.

Vaccinations

NSU expects and strongly encourages all employees and students to get fully vaccinated prior to the start of the Fall 2021 semester or as soon as possible. As an institution of higher education, we believe in the science that proves that the vaccines are both safe and effective against COVID-19. It would be a disservice for us not to acknowledge that some people in our community do not trust the medical fields for a variety of reasons, some specific to history related to the African American community and some personal. At this time, we will not require community members to be vaccinated. This decision will require us to implement safety measures to ensure that our employees and students who do not provide proof of vaccination participate in our established safety protocols such as daily attestation, surveillance testing, and isolation/quarantining. This decision will be revisited if the FDA gives the vaccinations full approval. NSU also respects an individual’s choice not to be vaccinated for personal reasons. Please note the following:

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that vaccines are safe and effective against COVID-19. While there are associated risks, these vaccines are the best solution we have to prevent the serious consequences of being infected with COVID-19.
Vaccination Status Collection Process:
- In June, we will collect information from employees and students regarding vaccination status. We encourage everyone who has been vaccinated to share their status with the University so that we have the most accurate account of immunity.
- Employees and students who show proof of vaccination will be:
  - Excluded from daily symptom tracker requirements
  - Excused from random surveillance testing
  - Permitted to dine-in at campus eateries
  - Permitted to remove masks while outdoors on campus

Note: Students who participate in groups such as Athletics, Band, ROTC, Theatre, and Choir should know that participation in such organizations and associated events may require vaccination and testing protocols beyond what is articulated here.

Face Masks and Coverings

Masks are to be worn while indoors. Once we have community vaccination data, we will revisit the indoor mask requirement for vaccinated employees.
All members of the community that are vaccinated do not have to wear masks while outside unless required to do so in a crowded setting or venue.
Note: It is not appropriate to ask anyone about their vaccination status

Transition from Telecommuting to On-Campus Work

Effective June 21, 2021, NSU will transition from telecommuting to in-person for all employees.
All offices will be expected to be fully staffed and open for business during standard hours.
Individuals who would like to request to continue telecommuting for qualified medical reasons must request an accommodation through the Office of Institutional Equity prior to June 10, 2021 at TOIE@nsu.edu or jrrobinson@nsu.edu

Communication

The NSU COVID-19 Dashboard will be placed on pause and will not be updated until return testing commences in late July.
Updates regarding COVID-19 will be sent out via Campus Announcement and the University’s COVID-19 website. As necessary, information may be sent out via the Campus Notification system, Everbridge.
The covid@nsu.edu email address will be monitored, and timely responses issued.

Symptom Tracking

The Everbridge symptom checker will not be sent out during the summer but will resume once students return for the Fall 2021 semester.
We strongly encourage all members of the community to regularly check their symptoms and get tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms.

Testing

Students with concerns about COVID-19 symptoms or exposure should contact the Spartan Health Center at 757-278-4129 from 8 am – 12 noon Monday - Friday. Normal operating hours for the Health Center (8:00am – 5:00pm) will resume for the Fall 2021 semester.

Physical Distancing

All in-person public and classroom settings will have 6-foot distance between individuals.
Current guidance from VDH for higher education remains unchanged from this past spring 2021 semester. With changes from the Governor on June 15, 2021, will come updates guidance from VDH specific to higher education. The COVID-19 taskforce will review any changes and we will implement any necessary or appropriate changes.

As we move into the summer, please know that NSU reserves the right to alter our position on COVID-19 vaccines as guidelines change or new information becomes available.

May 2021

05/14/21
Graduation Ceremony Mask Protocol
As you may be aware, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention released a recommendation that fully vaccinated individuals no longer have to wear face masks outdoors and indoors in certain situations. Until the COVID-19 Task Force has time to review and update our protocols to reconcile federal and state guidance, NSU will continue to observe our current protocols that require face coverings inside and outside while on campus.

Specifically for graduation ceremonies planned for Saturday, May 15, 2021, all attendees will be expected to adhere to NSU safety protocols including wearing face masks and social distancing.

05/03/21
NSU President Announces Open Vaccination Clinic on May 5, 2021, at Echols Arena
Norfolk State University President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston shares an important message with the Spartan Community about a COVID-19 vaccination clinic that will be held at Joseph G. Echols Arena on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, from 2 to 7 P.M.. The clinic is being held in partnership with Sentara Healthcare. Please help keep each other safe. Get your shot!

NSU President Announces Open Vaccination Clinic on May 5, 2021, at Echols Arena

April 2021

04/16/21
Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Access
In our ongoing attempt to provide the campus community access to COVID-19 vaccinations, we have been unable to offer an on-campus clinic option for our community. Though we will continue to explore this possibility, we encourage all students and employees to take advantage of the local opportunities listed below:

NEW ― Shiloh Baptist Church
FEMA will be doing two (2) first-dose vaccination clinics at Shiloh Baptist Church at 745 Park Ave., Norfolk, Virginia 23504 (right next to campus) on Tuesday, April 20, from 10 AM−6 PM EST, and Wednesday, April 21, from 10 AM−6 PM EST, respectively. All registration will occur on-site upon arrival at the church. Pre-registration is not required. All NSU students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to get vaccinated.

Military Circle Mall
NSU will provide shuttle service from campus to Military Circle Mall and back between 11 AM and 1 PM on Friday, April 16, Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18. This will be for walk-up appointments (no pre-registration needed) for the Pfizer vaccines. The typical appointment takes approximately 20−30 minutes. NSU shuttles will pick up students, with valid student identification cards, from the Student Center on Gym Road. Face coverings are required. Due to social distancing, only nine (9) students are allowed to ride each shuttle provided.

For students getting vaccinated this weekend, please know that the second dose would be scheduled for May 7−9, so please plan accordingly, given your specific exam schedule. If you want to get your first dose here and the second dose at home, please see the information below.

If you want to make your own appointment for Military Circle Mall, please visit https://www.norfolk.gov/covid19vaccine.

People’s Pharmacy
New Hope Church of God in Christ is hosting a People’s Pharmacy Moderna Vaccination on Saturday, April 17, between 11 AM and 4 PM. The church is located at 3241 Argonne Avenue, Norfolk, VA, 23509. Use the link below to register. https://hipaa.jotform.com/210954203899059?fbclid=IwAR0Htwsu0EslzjjyTRsuy3Ua8ox3le6up06CTKLvV2BCFu9tawemkg73yMs

Fort Norfolk Plaza Medical Associates
Fort Norfolk Plaza is located at 301 Riverview Avenue Norfolk, VA 23510. Students or employees interested in getting registered with Fort Norfolk can email covid@nsu.edu, and you will be sent registration instructions specific for the NSU community.

First Dose Here, Second Dose at Home
We encourage everyone to be vaccinated as soon as possible. We also recognize that students may want to wait to get vaccinated at home to avoid any possible side effects during finals week or graduation. For students who wish to get their first vaccination locally and their second dose at home, we recommend getting the first dose the last week in April and using the link below to find a local provider close to your home to schedule a second dose.

As a reminder, we are aware of the recent pause in the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccination. The new guidelines were issued after six (6) U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals were reported after receiving the J&J vaccine out of 6.8 million doses administered. While concerning, the small number of cases and the abundance of caution taken in response, show that the important health safeguards in place for COVID-19 vaccinations are working. NSU has facilitated access to sites using Moderna and Pfizer vaccines only.

04/14/21
Vaccination Discussion

Dear Campus Community:

On Thursday, April 15, 2021, from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, the President's Office, the Student Government Association (SGA), Athletics, Student Affairs, and the COVID-19 Task Force will host an open zoom meeting for the campus community to hear from Spartans who have already been vaccinated and why, as well as answer any questions about the vaccination process.

Please join us at: https://nsu-edu.zoom.us/j/99308356195?pwd=YzZUaElZTmp3eG5PMytXSTl2U3Bpdz09

Vaccines are one of our best tools in our effort to keep our community and our loved ones safe from COVID-19. We want to acknowledge the recent news from the FDA about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and provide the community with the facts. Out of an abundance of caution, the State of Virginia has stopped using the Johnson & Johnson vaccine immediately after the FDA and CDC recommended pausing its use until further review. The new guidelines were issued after six U.S. cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot in individuals were reported after receiving the J&J vaccine out of 6.8 million doses administered. While concerning, the small number of cases and the abundance of caution taken in response, show that the important health safeguards in place for COVID-19 vaccinations are working.

NSU has helped facilitate vaccinations using the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. For those who want to get vaccinated, we will continue to seek off-campus access to vaccinations as we continue to look for opportunities to host a clinic on campus. Please keep a look out for a campus announcement for an on-campus clinic.

04/14/21
Vaccination Discussion

Dear Campus Community:

Please join us at: https://nsu-edu.zoom.us/j/99308356195?pwd=YzZUaElZTmp3eG5PMytXSTl2U3Bpdz09

January 2021

01/08/21
Faculty and Staff Return Testing Information | Read the Announcement
Start of the Semester - Classes Begin − January 27, 2021.
All employees may voluntarily take a COVID-19 test on campus for free. Testing will be held on January 14, 2021. If demand warrants it, there may be additional testing times provided. See the announcement above for additional information.

01/08/21
Student Return Testing Information | Read the Announcement
Start of the Semester - Classes Begin − January 27, 2021.

All residential students and any student who plans to be on campus this spring for any reason must complete testing on campus prior to January 27, 2021.
New Students and Residential Students – January 19, 2021 and January 20, 2021
Returning Residential Students – January 21, 2021 through January 26, 2021
Commuter Students and Graduate Students – January 22, 2021 through January 26, 2021

01/08/21
Campus Announcement - COVID-19 Updates | Read the Announcement

Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs/COVID-19 Administrator
Happy new year to the NSU family. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and winter break. On behalf of the COVID Task Force, I wanted to share some important information and context as we prepare to keep our community safe and continue building the Culture of Care President Adams-Gaston has called all of us to do.

On December 18, 2020, the University of Virginia released a COVID-19 infection model that projects if cases continue at their current rate. Virginia will see weekly confirmed cases peak at over 98,000 ending the week of February 7, 13 times higher than what we experienced this last summer. As of the writing of this letter, we continue to see rapidly rising COVID-19 test positivity rates across the state. While our goal is to have students back on campus in the spring, we all need to be flexible, as you were in the fall semester. The decision to move forward with bringing students back to campus will depend on the local conditions with COVID-19 as well as the state and federal directives that may be in place.

November 2020

11/23/2020
COVID-19 Telecommuting Policy Update | View Policy - pdf
The University has approved Administrative Policy 10-15 (2020) Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines employee eligibility and expectations for participating in remote and/or alternative work. Administrative Policy 10-15 supersedes the University’s interim policy on telecommuting. A copy of the new policy is available in the NSU Policy Library, which is accessible here. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Office of Human Resources.

11/19/20
Holiday Celebrations & Extended Breaks | View the Information
If you are planning to return home to spend time with your family or friends during the holidays or for an extended break, please consider taking these steps to help keep you and those around you who may be at risk for severe COVID-19 safe.

11/19/20
Pass/No Pass Grade Option Extension | View the Announcement - pdf
The timeline to submit your course evaluation and your pass/no pass grade option has been extended through Friday, November 20, 2020. All decisions by students are final and irrevocable.

11/17/20
Pass/No Pass Grade Option | View the Announcement - pdf
Norfolk State University has implemented a Pass/No Pass Grade Option for the Fall 2020 term only. The Pass/No Pass Grade Option offers students the opportunity to take a course for credit but without impact to your GPA. Students have the opportunity to select the Pass/No Pass grade option when completing course evaluations. The deadline for selecting the Pass/No Pass grade option is no later than November 18, 2020. All decisions by students are final and irrevocable.

August 2020

08/25/2020
President's Message to the Students | Read the Message - pdf
Dear Students:
I write once again with an update on our commitment to provide you with the highest quality of instruction, service, and support as a Norfolk State University (NSU). This year has been nothing short of unprecedented. Yet, in the midst of many challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and countless acts of violence and brutality perpetrated on men and women of color, we are resilient as a community.

08/25/2020
President's Message to the Faculty and Staff | Read the Message - pdf
Dear Faculty and Staff Members
I hope this message finds you and your families safe and well. These past few weeks have been unprecedented. Across the nation, universities, colleges, school districts, and other entities have made critical and difficult decisions regarding their modes of operation that are in the best interest of their community and the individuals they serve. Such is the case here at NSU, and we have worked together to implement measures and modes for the health and safety of the entire campus community.

08/25/2020
ODU & NSU Joint Statement on Fall 2020 Opening Plans | Read the Statement - pdf
We address our campus communities with enthusiasm and excitement about the start of the fall semester. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University have worked on our respective plans, and it is our collective desire to do what is in the best interest of our students, our employees and the #757 communities we serve.

08/25/2020
Fall 2020 Registration One-Stop-Shop | Download the Contact List - pdf
The Department of Enrollment Management and the Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center are excited to assist students with registration, advising, and financial aid matters. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Academic Departments, Enrollment Management, Student Accounts, the Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center, and the Financial Aid Office will be offering virtual appointments for students to participate in our One-Stop-Shop service as an alternative to face-to-face contact. Face-to-face service will only be available for students that have a matter that cannot be resolved virtually.

The One-Stop has been extended until September 9. All registration and payment of balances must be paid by this date. The following Health and Safety protocols must be employed:

Use of Masks/Face coverings is required on campus
Wash hands or use hand sanitizer
Maintain physical/social distance between individuals
Avoid situations that would violate physical/social distancing rules, when unavoidable, use face masks/face coverings.

08/23/2020
NSU Virtual Town Hall Meeting | View the video
Norfolk State University President Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston recently participated in a virtual town hall meeting with Dr. Justin Moses, Vice President for Operations and Chief Strategist for Institutional Effectiveness, COVID Director Dr. Michael Shackleford, and Dr. Leonard Brown, Vice President for Student Affairs (via phone), to answer questions from the Spartan community about COVID-19 and the University’s campus reopening plan.

08/13/2020
Fall Reopening Update | Read the Message - pdf
Message to the university community from President Adams-Gaston.

08/07/2020
COVID-19 Email Resource | Contact Us
Norfolk State University (NSU) remains committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we prepare to reopen the campus, we have created an additional resource to help provide COVID-19 guidance for the University community. Please email COVID related questions or comments to COVID@nsu.edu. Thank you for your collaboration as we work to reopen the campus.

July 2020

Last Updated 07/28/20 | Posted 07/08/20
Fall 2020 Reopening Campus Plan | View the Plan - pdf
This document provides information about the academic and operational planning for the Fall 2020 semester and the 2020-21 Academic Year. Planning is fluid as new guidance is provided to the University by various entities and agencies including the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Virginia Department of Health, the Center for Disease control, and the Federal Government.

07/27/2020
COVID-19 Telecommuting Policy | View Policy & Form - pdf
The University has approved Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines NSU’s process for the approval of telework for eligible employees.

07/20/20
Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol Warning | View the Warning - pdf
The FDA Warns Not to Use Dangerous Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol, Citing Severe Side Effects and Death. Practicing good hand hygiene that includes using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, if soap and water are not readily available, is an important public health tool for all Americans to employ. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns consumers and healthcare professionals not to use certain alcohol-based hand sanitizers due to the dangerous presence of methanol, also known as wood alcohol – a substance often used to create fuel and antifreeze that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin as well as life-threatening when ingested. Click here to read the warning in its entirety.

June 2020

06/22/20 - Last Updated: 04/10/23
NSU Federal CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Funds | View the Report - pdf
The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES, Act was enacted March 27, 2020 and passed with the intention of protecting Americans from the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

06/05/20
Governor’s Phase 2 Telework Guidelines | Phase 2 Guidelines
The health, safety, and wellness of every member of our community is a priority as we fulfill our NSU mission. The University’s senior leadership team and Emergency Operations Committee is continuing to monitor the local and regional impact of COVID-19 and is taking actions to mitigate potential risks to our community. In accordance with Governor Northam’s Phase Two Guidelines, employees eligible to telecommute should continue to do so. Additional guidance that is in alignment with any state and federal advisement regarding COVID-19 will be provided in the future.

06/04/20
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update | Virginia Department of Health COVID-19 Website
Our priorities are the health, safety, and wellness of every member of our community. The University’s senior leadership team and Emergency Operations Committee is continuing to monitor the local and regional impact of COVID-19 and is taking actions to mitigate potential risks to our community.

A Norfolk State University employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee self-reported the information to the University today after being tested on Tuesday, June 2. The individual was notified of the positive test on today, June 4. The employee is self-quarantining per guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The University is working with VDH and has notified staff who may have been potentially exposed.

06/01/20
Governor Northam’s Executive Order Sixty-Three: Face Coverings

In accordance with Governor Northam’s Executive Order Sixty-Three, effective Friday May 29, face coverings must be worn inside all state buildings accessible to the public. This includes common areas and hallways. If you do not have a face covering or mask, please come to Facilities Management to ask for one.

Unless heavily soiled, commercial face masks may be used 3-5 days by gently washing in soap and water and air drying. Store masks in zip-lock plastic bags to keep clean when not in use. Cloth face coverings may be reused by washing and drying daily.

Please refer questions regarding appropriate use of masks to the Environmental, Health, Safety and Risk Management office (823-9142).

May 2020

05/26/20
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update | Virginia Department of Health COVID-19
Our highest priority is the health and safety of the NSU Community. The University’s senior leadership team and Emergency Operations Committee is continuing to monitor the local and regional impact of COVID-19, and is taking proactive actions to mitigate potential risks to our community.

A Norfolk State University employee who works inside of an unoccupied campus facility tested positive for COVID-19. The employee self-reported the information to the University today after being tested on Wednesday, May 27. The individual was notified of the positive test on Friday, May 29. The employee is self-quarantining per guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The University is working with VDH and is in the process of notifying staff who may have been potentially exposed. This is the first reported case from a member of the Spartan campus.

NSU Facilities Management has closed the facility until further notice.

April 2020

04/30/20
COVID-19 Telecommuting Policy | View the Policy - pdf
The University has approved Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines NSU’s process for the approval of telework for eligible employees.

04/30/20
COVID-19 Continued Telecommuting for all Non-designated Employees
On March 27, 2020, a communication was issued to the NSU community stating that “all non-designated employees are required to telecommute through Friday, May 1, 2020” and that the “University reserves the right to amend this schedule as the situation on the ground changes.” Due to Governor Northam’s Stay at Home order advising all Virginians to stay at home until June 10, 2020, the university will continue to require all non-essential staff to telecommute until further notice. The University remains open and all designated employees should continue to report to campus to perform essential functions. All employees should continue constant communication with their supervisors and visit the University website (www.nsu.edu) on a regular basis for COVID-19 related updates.

COVID-19 related leave forms including state public health emergency leave and federal emergency paid leave can be obtained by accessing the links below:

Employees should submit leave requests to their immediate supervisor for approval. Supervisors should submit approved leave forms to the Payroll Office.

Any questions regarding COVID-19 related leave should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 757-823-8160.

04/15/20
Prorated Credits for Student Accounts
In light of the COVID-19 crisis and impact on Norfolk State University students, prorated credits will be applied to student’s accounts beginning today, April 15, 2020 for unused housing and dining benefits less Auxiliary Enterprise fixed cost. Additionally, those students who purchased a parking decal will also have a credit applied to their account for the unused parking benefit. Refunds will be issued to those students who have a credit balance after the housing, dining, and parking credits are applied to their account beginning April 16, 2020. Students that have provided their banking information for direct deposit will receive their refund in their bank account not later than April 23, 2020. Those without direct deposit will be mailed a paper check to the address of record not later than April 23, 2020. Students can log on to their account to see the amount of the prorated credits applied on April 23, 2020.

Additional information on the calculation of the credit will be provided on the MYNSU portal.

04/10/20
Volunteers Needed for the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps
Earlier today, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam called upon citizens to consider joining the fight against COVID-19 by volunteering for Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Across Virginia, an additional 30,000 medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to provide support for the surge of COVID-19 patients in the Commonwealth’s hospitals, long-term care facilities and alternate care sites. The Virginia Medical Reserve Corps is a force of dedicated volunteers who stand ready to support the community in the event of a public health emergency. Signing up to serve with the MRC is an excellent opportunity for health care majors and other students interested in helping their fellow Virginians. While medical experience is recommended, it is not required.

To become a Virginia Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer, please visit Virginia Volunteer Health System or contact vamrc@vdh.virginia.gov.

Now more than ever, we must stand together as we work collectively to overcome this public health crisis. Thank you for your support and compassion for our fellow citizens during this very difficult time. Stay safe and focused on the future.

04/21/20
COVID-19 Leave Options Memo | Read the Memo
In the wake of Governor Northam’s Stay at Home order, the Norfolk State University (NSU) Office of Human Resources (OHR) is providing additional guidance during this transition.

04/01/20
Updated Leave Options Available for all NSU Employees including Wage Employees and Adjunct Faculty | Read the Guidelines - pdf
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the federal government have provided guidelines for employees needing assistance due to COVID-19.

March 2020

03/31/20
Spring Commencement Update
In our efforts to maintain the safety and health for our staff, faculty, administrators, students, and families, the Spring 2020 Norfolk State University Commencement exercises will not occur on May 2, 2020. A workgroup consisting of students, administrators, and faculty is reviewing plans of options for students graduating in the Spring of 2020. These students will have the opportunity to participate in a subsequent commencement ceremony.

Students that have submitted the $130.00 commencement fee for the Spring 2020 Commencement will be eligible for a refund if they do not wish to participate in a subsequent commencement ceremony. The $30.00 graduate fee is not refundable. Additional information regarding commencement fee refunds will be forthcoming.

03/31/20
Temporary Pass/Fail Policy for Undergraduate Students | View the Policy - pdf
As a result of the unprecedented public health emergency created by the COVID-19 pandemic, Norfolk State University has approved Interim Policy #03 (2020), Temporary Pass/Fail Policy for Undergraduate Students, for use during the Spring 2020 semester. Interim Policy #03 temporarily modifies the University’s existing Pass/Fail policy by automatically assigning all letter grades of D- or higher a “P.” Students who prefer to receive traditional letter grades may do so by notifying their course instructor on or before April 24, 2020.

The interim policy also temporarily allows Pass/Fail grading for major courses and permits students to take more than 12 credit hours toward the undergraduate degree using the Pass/Fail grading option. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Office of the Provost.

03/27/20
Telecommuting Mandatory for All Non-Designated Employees
Effective Monday, March 30, 2020 all non-designated employees are required to telecommute through Friday, May 1, 2020. Any employee that is telecommuting must have a signed Telecommuting Agreement on file. The University remains open and all employees identified by management as being designated should continue to report to campus to perform essential functions. Due to the unprecedented nature of COVID-19, the University’s Designated (Essential) personnel list has been updated to address issues beyond the scope of inclement weather. Managers and supervisors should exercise the highest degree of flexibility when developing work schedules for Non-designated employees. Work schedules must fully support continuity of operations and adhere to mandated social distancing guidelines.

All employees should maintain constant communication with their supervisors and visit the University website (www.nsu.edu) on a regular basis for COVID-19 related updates. Supervisors will inform staff of their role as non-designated or designated employees. The University reserves the right to amend this schedule as the situation on the ground changes.

03/27/20
Grading Options for the Spring 2020 Semester
As the coronavirus pandemic worsens, universities and school systems across the nation have instituted measures to protect the health of their students and employees. In the interest of safety, traditional operations and instructional modes have given way to remote work environments and online learning modalities.

Because of these disruptions to regular learning environments, universities across the nation are instituting temporary grading policies for this semester. Likewise, in collaboration with administrators, faculty representatives, SGA members and other students, Norfolk State University is exploring the creation of a temporary grading policy for the Spring 2020 semester only. Discussions are ongoing. Once a policy has been created and approved by management, the NSU community will be apprised of the details.

03/25/2020
Spring Commencement Update
As we continue to modify our campus operations and activities to respond to the circumstances presented by COVID-19, a group consisting of students, administrators, and faculty has been considering options for commencement and the celebration of students graduating at the end of the Spring 2020 semester. Additional information regarding commencement plans will be sent to the campus community next week.

03/25/2020
Health, Safety, and Security Tips | View the Tips - pdf
Safety and security remains paramount during this time. As we receive updates regarding the spread of the coronavirus, there are times when we must adjust our behaviors to best protect all students, staff and faculty. We strongly encourage you to read thoroughly all updates and comply with any requested actions.

03/24/2020
Health, Safety and Security - Health Center Notice, Police & Public Information
Our highest priority is the safety and health of our NSU Community. NSU is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact in the Commonwealth.

Safety and security remain paramount and inform many of our operational decisions. As we receive updates regarding the spread of the coronavirus, there are times when we must adjust our plans to best protect our students, staff and faculty. We strongly encourage you to read thoroughly all updates and comply with requested actions. For students, failure to comply with requested actions and published rules can result in violations of the Student Handbook. Again, we want you to be both comfortable and safe.

Health Center Notice:

Spartan Health Center will suspend walk-in hours 8 am-10 am until further notice, effective immediately. Students are to call the office at 757-278-3360 for screening before in person appointments. Plans are in progress to be able to have telemedicine appointments-timeline uncertain at this time. Additionally, students should also call 757-278-3360 for non-emergency medical concerns.
In order to avoid unnecessary ER visits and 911 calls, have urgent problems, like- nose bleed, falls/joint injuries, asthma attack, allergic reaction, stomach pain,- call SHC office for triage assistance if student is alert, able to bear partial weight on joint and/or able to speak a full sentences, not throwing up blood or passing blood in stools. If unable to get On-call Provider response, have RD call my cell number 757-719-1853. Emergency transport requests should be directed to the University Police 757-823-8102 or 911 for emergency assistance.
Students should make sure to avoid keeping perishable foods unrefrigerated in rooms, wash hands before and after eating, wrap uneaten food in paper towels or plastic bag and place in their trashcan. All are encouraged to review a Website with good information: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/
If you are having food delivered to campus, meet the delivery person at the NSU Police parking lot. Discard delivery bags in trash when food is removed.

Note: Students currently residing on campus are doing so as a result of a waiver. It is expected that all rules and regulations will be followed closely.

Police and Public

We are not operating under normal circumstances.
We are expecting students to abide by the rules, regulations and policies of residential life.
Students are reminded that there will be no loitering in hallways/common areas and absolutely no room visitation. The no room visitation includes family and friends as well. The goal is to keep our campus as safe as possible during these uncertain times.
The use/possession of illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages is prohibited and will not be tolerated.
Violation of any of these policies could result in immediate eviction from their room, as well as referral to the judicial process.

Students, Staff and Faculty
We need your support and understanding as we navigate through this environment. If you see things that need to be brought to our attention, please call the NSUPD at 757-823-8108 or Emergency Number at 757-823-9000.

03/19/20
Telework Update | Telecommuting Agreement - pdf
The COVID-19 has resulted in constantly evolving circumstances on our campus and across the nation. Please expect changes and monitor your email for updates.

Effective Friday, March 20, 2020, all eligible staff and administrators will move to a rotating work schedule and telework on the days that they work offsite. This is a protective measure that will support social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic while university offices remain open Monday-Friday from 8 A.M..– 5 P.M..

Department managers will use their discretion in determining and assigning work schedules and telework hours for their employees. The telework agreements should be documented using the attached form. This form must be completed and signed by both the employee who will be teleworking and their immediate supervisor. The attached form replaces the Telecommuting Form linked to the March 17 Campus Announcement (University Approves Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy).

Rotating schedules and telework agreements will begin on March 20, 2020 and will remain in effect for eligible employees until further notice. The university reserves the right to cancel a telework agreement at any time. All employees should regularly monitor the NSU website daily for changes and updates related to work requirements, work schedules and the Coronavirus.

Please direct all questions regarding this policy to the Office of Human Resources.

03/18/20
Housing and Dining
In light of the international COVID-19 crisis and its potential impact on Norfolk State University, the university’s senior administration is assessing the resources required to provide (partial or pro-rated) refunds for services that the students will not use due to the unexpected closing of campus residence halls. Norfolk State University is committed to keeping the impact of this crisis to a minimum on students as well as the University community. The University will work through the issue in the next few weeks; decisions will be made by April 15, 2020. All questions will be addressed after that date. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. In addition:

All students who are affected by the closure of on-campus housing will be issued pro-rated refunds for unused housing and meal plan fees. Any refunds will be subject to Federal Aid and Title IV guidelines and will vary depending on unpaid balances or other charges.
If eligible for a pro-rated refund, students will have the option to receive the refund this semester or have it applied to their account to be used for future semesters.

Please be aware that the University is committed to your success and well-being. Please take care of your families and yourselves.

03/18/20
Telecommuting - View the Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy
Our highest priority is the safety and health of our NSU Community. NSU is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact in the Commonwealth.

We are also committed to offering support to staff, faculty, and students whether they are on or off campus at this time. To this end, all university offices will remain open 8 A.M.. to 5 P.M.., Monday-Friday beginning Friday, March 20, 2020. All eligible staff and administrators will move to a rotating schedule and telecommute on days that they work offsite. Please refer to Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy.

Faculty members will deliver course material and instruction online or remotely for the remainder of the semester effective March 23, 2020.

Please continue to monitor your email for additional information regarding COVID-19 and other university updates. Again, your health, safety, and well-being are our primary concern.

03/18/20
Northam Announces New Measures to Combat COVID-19 and Support Impacted Virginians
From the website of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam: Those with chronic health conditions or aged 65 or older should self-quarantine. Public health experts advise that individuals with underlying medical conditions and those aged 65 or older are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Governor Northam encouraged neighbors and friends to stay in touch and regularly check in with high-risk individuals.

Additional information regarding these recommendations may be found by clicking here.
In accordance with this guidance and recommendation, NSU employees in the category described above have the option of telecommuting or they may choose to use available leave. Support and the well-being of our community continues to be our most important focus. Please reach out to the Office of Human Resources if you have any questions or concerns.

03/17/20
University Approves Telecommuting & Alternative Work Policy | View the Policy - pdf
On March 17, 2020, the University approved Interim Policy #2, Telecommuting and Alternative Work Policy, which outlines NSU’s process for the approval of telework for eligible employees. A copy of the policy is available in the University Policy Library. Please direct all questions regarding this policy to the Office of Human Resources.

Please continue to monitor your email for additional information regarding COVID-19 and other university updates.

03/17/2020
COVID-19 Symptoms and Guidance | View the FAQs - pdf
Learn how to protect yourself and others. Understand how the virus spreads, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you feel sick.

03/16/20
University Activities and Operations - NSU Students
Our highest priority is the safety and health of our NSU Community. NSU is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact in the Commonwealth. The Emergency Preparedness Plan has been activated and the Emergency Operations Committee continues to ensure that the campus is prepared. We are addressing the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among other actions. Due to recent developments, NSU is taking the following actions:

All students should return to their homes immediately.
The Office of Housing and Residence Life will allow students to return to campus to retrieve all of their personal items and belongings. We recommend that students come to campus for a brief time to collect their items. Students should sign up for a retrieval time beginning Monday, March 16 and ending on Sunday, March 22. The Office of Housing and Residence Life will be sending additional information to students regarding sign-up times.
If students are unable to return home:
Students who cannot return home because of international travel restrictions or other extenuating circumstances will be required to submit an Emergency/Alternative Housing Form no later than 5:00 P.M.., Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The form can be printed and submitted to the Office of Housing and Residence Life via email at housing@nsu.edu or it be can be submitted to the front desk of the student’s respective residence hall. Exceptions to remain on campus will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Residence Hall Access:
All residence halls will have limited access beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 for the remainder of the semester. Card access to the residence halls will be shut down on March 22, 2020, and only residents with emergency/alternative housing will have building access. Residents must bring their student ID and room key to access their room to gather their belongings. Front desk staff will be available to assist with entry to any room where a student may have misplaced or lost their room key.
Questions
Questions regarding housing should be directed to the Office of Housing and Residence Life at 757-823-8407 or email housing@nsu.edu.
Classes
Classes will be delivered remotely and online for the remainder of the spring semester.
Events
All on-campus events have been canceled unless and until otherwise noted. Please check your email regularly for additional updates regarding campus events or activities.
Commencement
Information regarding Spring 2020 commencement exercises will be sent out no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Additional Information
Center for Disease Control
Virginia Department of Health

03/16/20
University Activities and Operations - NSU Faculty
Our highest priority is the safety and health of our NSU Community. NSU is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact in the Commonwealth. The Emergency Preparedness Plan has been activated and the Emergency Operations Committee continues to ensure that the campus is prepared. We are addressing the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among other actions. Due to recent developments, NSU is taking the following actions:

Faculty are required to prepare and deliver course material and instruction online or remotely for the remainder of the semester effective March 23, 2020.
The Office of Extended Learning will host Blackboard training sessions for all faculty, beginning this week March 16, 2020.
Blackboard sessions (on campus and virtual) have been scheduled to ensure that teaching faculty have the required training to deliver online instruction for all students.
The Office of the Provost and Office of Extended Learning will continue to send additional information regarding the training sessions.
Faculty members will be eligible for alternative work arrangements (i.e. telecommuting) provided that such arrangements have been approved by their supervisor and/or department chair.
Faculty should speak with their supervisors or department heads if they have any concerns.

03/16/20
University Activities and Operations - NSU Staff and Administrators
Our highest priority is the safety and health of our NSU Community. NSU is continuing to monitor the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and its impact in the Commonwealth. The Emergency Preparedness Plan has been activated and the Emergency Operations Committee continues to ensure that the campus is prepared. We are addressing the need for social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among other actions. Due to recent developments, NSU is taking the following actions:

Staff should expect additional guidance and directives regarding department operations, alternative work arrangements including telecommuting, and any applicable policies no later than March 17, 2020.
Supervisors should begin to create alternative work plans with their staffs and determine which employees would be able to complete tasks using an alternative work plan (i.e. telecommuting).
As we prepare for alternative work plans, we want to ensure that we are keeping the NSU community safe and healthy. We encourage social distancing as advised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Staff should speak with their supervisors if they have any concerns.

Do Not Report to Work if you experience symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e. cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have been in close proximity with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19. Please contact the Office of Human Resources immediately at 757-823-8160 and your direct supervisor for guidance.

Events
All on-campus events have been canceled unless and until otherwise noted. Please check your email regularly for additional updates regarding campus events or activities.
Commencement
Information regarding Spring 2020 commencement exercises will be sent out no later than Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
Additional Information
Center for Disease Control
Virginia Department of Health

03/13/20
Online Course Delivery and Faculty Training
In collaboration with the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs has been monitoring official federal, state, and local responses to the threats posed nationwide and discussing at length the best way to ensure that instruction continues and that our students receive the support services they need. As a result, our office wishes to inform the faculty of the following measures:

The Office of Extended Learning will conduct Blackboard training sessions for teaching and research faculty in the Lyman Beecher Brooks Library (rooms 1040 and 1022), March 16-20, 2020. To prepare to shift to online course delivery immediately, faculty are strongly encouraged to select sessions to attend from those listed below:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday Sessions:

10:00 A.M.. –12:00 noon
2:00 – 4:00 P.M..
4:00 – 6:00 P.M..
6:00 – 8:00 P.M..

Tuesday and Thursday Sessions:

9:30 – 11:00 A.M..
11:00 A.M.. – 12:30 P.M..
1:30 – 3:00 P.M..
3:00 – 4:30 P.M..
6:00 – 8:00 P.M..

Faculty who are proficient in using Blackboard and facilitating online course delivery are asked to assist colleagues who are preparing to make the transition. Training for adjunct faculty will be offered in the evenings. In addition, faculty should work with their department chairs to schedule session attendance.

All faculty members should comply with the university's mandate to shift to online course delivery immediately. In this way, our students will continue to benefit from the expertise, the pedagogy, and the dedication of our talented, well-trained faculty.

International and Domestic Travel:

The university has suspended all university-sponsored international travel. NSU employees should carefully reconsider any personal international travel plans.
Governor Northam has declared a state of emergency for Virginia and halted all official travel outside of Virginia by state employees.
For the well-being and safety of the university community, we encourage you to act with caution and thoughtfully reconsider personal travel
Faculty cannot be assured reimbursement if the conferences they were planning to attend are canceled. They are encouraged to contact the conference facilitators to seek reimbursement.

Reporting to Work:

Faculty are expected to be available at their normal work hours during the week of March 16 – 20, 2020.
Faculty should not report to work if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (i.e., cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing), have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have been in proximity to someone diagnosed with or suspected of having COVID-19.
Faculty in either the above categories should contact the Office of Human Resources immediately at 757-823-8160 and the direct supervisor for guidance.

3/11/20
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates | View the Announcement - pdf
As Norfolk State University continues to monitor COVID-19 (Coronavirus), the health and safety of our university community remains our top priority. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Norfolk State is taking the following actions:

Spring break has been extended for students
Online course delivery and faculty training begins Monday, March 16
University staff and administrators should continue reporting to work as regularly scheduled.
University events, unless otherwise noted, with an expected attendance of 100 or more participants are suspended.
The university is suspending all university-sponsored international travel.
View the Announcement for additional information

February 2020

02/28/20
Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases | View the map
This interactive map from Johns Hopkins University shows number of confirmed cases as they are reported, along with casualties and recoveries.