COVID-19 Faculty Guide
PNW faculty, see everything you need to know about COVID-19 and working and teaching at Purdue University Northwest, including our plans for an in-person Fall semester.
Current Status
Interacting today with Purdue University Northwest? Here’s what to expect.
- Unless explicitly stated otherwise, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face covering on campus.
- Unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear face coverings indoors, maintain social distancing and monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
Planning for an In-Person Fall Semester
We are very pleased to confirm that we are planning for an in-person Fall Semester at Purdue Northwest! We are looking forward to welcoming you back to a typical in-person experience for instruction and activities at PNW in Fall 2021.
What can you expect on campus today? Find out with the table below.
| Fully Vaccinated | Not Fully Vaccinated | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Distancing Standards in Effect | No | Yes |
| Mask Usage | Unless explicitly stated otherwise, fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face covering on campus. See Latest Guidelines | Required indoors or when social distancing can't be maintained outdoors. See Latest Guidelines |
| Exposure to COVID | Individuals without COVID-19-like symptoms do not need to quarantine, stay home from work or be tested, as their risk of infection is low. | Individuals should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19. If symptoms develop, isolate, contact medical provider, and report any positive test to the PNW COVID-19 Test Results Committee. |
| General PNW COVID-19 Guidelines | ||
| Courses | Summer 2021 classes are fully remote. PNW is planning for an in-person Fall 2021 semester! See the Latest Update |
|
| Athletics Teams | Spectators are allowed at home events. See the Announcement |
|
| Fitness Centers | Phase 2 Plans in Effect - See the Plan | |
| Dining Services | Open for in-person dining. See Menus and Hours |
|
| Size Guidelines for All Gatherings | No capacity limits. Attendees need to follow latest face-covering guidelines. | |
| Essential Employees Work Location | On-campus | |
| Non-Essential Employees Work Location | On-campus with supervisor approval. Student-facing services will have an on-campus presence during business hours. | |
| University-Sponsored Travel | Updated to reflect latest public health guidance. See information for Summer and Fall. | |
| COVID-19 Screening | Employees and students who aren't fully vaccinated are encouraged to take part in free university testing program starting first week of fall semester. | |
COVID Announcements for Faculty
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for PNW
As the population of vaccinated residents grows and COVID-19 cases steadily decline, Purdue University Northwest will be transitioning some of its COVID-19 policies and procedures. Using the latest federal, state and local guidance, the university is adopting the following protocols, effective immediately.
All students, faculty and staff affiliated with the Purdue University Northwest campuses are encouraged to participate in a new verification program once they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to assist in PNW’s efforts in managing the health and safety of the campus community.
PNW’s Plans for the Fall Semester
We are looking forward to welcoming you back to a typical in-person experience for instruction and activities at PNW in Fall 2021. PNW is, and always has been, a face-to-face learning experience, and we are excited to get back to this in the fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
On Campus
Campus is open, although departments may be operating remotely or with reduced hours as we prepare for an in-person fall semester. If you’re coming for official university business, we recommend contacting the relevant department to learn more about their operating procedures.
The university has reviewed the recent CDC, state and local guidance regarding wearing face coverings and determined that vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear face coverings indoors when on campus. All unvaccinated individuals are still required to wear face coverings while indoors and maintain social distancing, as well as monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.
Some programs may still require face coverings under certain circumstances.
Face coverings will not be required outdoors for anyone who is fully vaccinated, or who is not fully vaccinated but can maintain physical distancing.
Although the easing of face coverings requirements is an indication that the end of the pandemic is near, we expect our university community to continue to show compassion and grace to fellow community members. Wearing face coverings in public has become the norm for more than a year and many people, even those who are fully vaccinated, might have understandable anxiety as we transition into a new phase in the pandemic.
PNW faculty or staff who are considering inviting vendors, collaborators or other guests (those not employed by or attending PNW) to campus need to follow the university’s official guest protocol.
Vaccines
Individuals ages 12 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated across the state of Indiana. The COVID-19 vaccine is NOT mandatory, but health officials strongly encourage those who are eligible to receive the vaccine. The best way to end the pandemic and return to normal operations is for all to get vaccinated if they can do so.
Students, faculty and staff affiliated with the Purdue Northwest campuses are encouraged to participate in a verification program once they have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 to assist in PNW’s efforts in managing the health and safety of the campus community.
Employment
See FAQs for important employment information for faculty and staff regarding Covid-19.
Flexible work arrangements, including working remotely, have become essential in our efforts to de-densify campus to keep our PNW faculty, students and staff safe and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Supervisors and employees work together to assess flexible work options, manage workload, set expectations, maintain open communication and ensure continuity of operations.
PNW is following guidelines from the Indiana State Department of Health as to when a student, faculty or staff member can return to school after developing symptoms, receiving test results or coming into close contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19.
PNW employees can request the loan of university equipment to facilitate an enhanced remote-working experience. Submit the “University Property Loan Agreement” for your supervisor’s approval, and be sure to properly clean loaned equipment before returning it.
Health and COVID-19
The treating physician is responsible for notifying local or state public-health authorities of a COVID-19 diagnosis. The public health department performs a detailed interview of any COVID-19 positive patient and then contacts all people with whom the patient had direct, personal contact within the relevant time period.
The university cannot provide any identifying information about or the health condition of a student, faculty or staff member in compliance with privacy laws including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and other applicable laws on health privacy.
The CDC recommends several practical things that you can do to protect vulnerable family members from your own work activities. These practices include the basics associated with practicing good social distance practices, wearing a face mask, frequent hand-washing, and avoiding public transportation.
Have questions about campus reopening? Contact safereturn@pnw.edu.