COVID-19 Community Update – August 19
The time we have been awaiting all summer is finally arriving! Classes are set to start on August 31, and we’ll be welcoming new students to campus for orientation on August 27. Our meticulous planning to return to classes in physical presence (and by remote instruction and in online programs) has bought us tickets to the Fall Semester, and we can’t wait.
I’m sure everyone is aware of how serious the pandemic is, but if you don’t mind, I want to concentrate this note on how excited we are about the opportunity that awaits us. The real magic of our mission is the “continual building of a learning community” in the presence of God and in the guidance of the Scriptures. Lives will change this fall as students enter the most exciting time of learning—spiritually, intellectually, socially, and practically—that they have ever experienced. This mission inspires us all, and we have had enough vacation! It’s time to fully re-engage our calling!
Those who are returning to campus will notice differences, without a doubt. As of the week of August 31, you will see plexiglass shields and signage and taping around the offices and other innovations designed to guide the physical distancing required by this moment. The residence halls will feature a lot more elbow room than normal. Perks and Crowder halls have experienced a summer remodeling that residents will appreciate. We’ve also renovated the Aerie! You will see masks all day long instead of the faces you’d prefer to see. But we will work all that much harder to create the community that makes Northwest truly unique.
Creatio-tech Programs Launch with New UX Design Lab Space
You’ll see one of the biggest changes on the lower floor of the Barton building. We have done extensive remodeling to house the new Creatio Design Studio, a beautiful new collaborative workspace equipped with state-of-the-art technology as we introduce our first three new Creatio bachelor’s degree programs – User Experience Design, Audio Production, and Video Production. These new programs kick off a new set of technology, media and design degrees that will grow in number every year for several years to come. We have committed ourselves to become a great Christian university at the intersection of Liberal Arts Avenue, Technology Street, and Spiritual Way, and we have made major changes in campus technology that you will discover in greater detail over time. Very soon, students should notice that they will have more bandwidth on campus internet for streaming movies and video games in the evening.
Our investment in the leading-edge equipment and learning space for the new programs launch of Creatio Tech points to a broader initiative in development at NU called Ready to Work. Ready to Work is NU’s commitment to a clear link between an NU degree and professional calling (or work after college). NU’s long-standing successful internship program is proof of how much progress is already made in developing this initiative.
Opening a Safe Campus
Other communications have laid out the precautions we will all take to protect everyone’s health during the pandemic. I won’t go into further detail here, but see the link below for the latest information. The main thing I wanted to communicate to you is that we are ready to start again and can’t wait to see you.
Blessings,
Joseph Castleberry, Ed.D.
President