Safe Return to Campus
PNW’s top priority is your safety—at work and in the classroom. See the university’s current status as we plan 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.
Interacting today with Purdue University Northwest? See what to expect in 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 |
|
| Student Organizations | No capacity limits. Attendees need to follow latest face-covering guidelines. | |
| Athletics Teams | Spectators are allowed at home events. See the Announcement |
|
| Fitness Centers | Phase 2 Plans in Effect - See the Plan | |
| University-Owned Residence Halls | PNW housing is fully open, with social distancing and face-covering requirements in place. See Housing Guidelines |
|
| 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. | |
Frequently Asked Questions
On Campus
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 of the College of Nursing should be aware that some clinic settings and facilities are requiring student nurses to be vaccinated or to have frequent COVID-19 testing. The College of Nursing continues to assess clinical compliance requirements.
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.
Health and COVID-19
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.
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.
Back to Campus Announcements
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.
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.
Roaring Loud: Round Two Update
Thanks to everyone who voted in the first round of our “Roaring Loud” concert bracket. See the winners and cast your vote for Round 2 by April 27!
- Lawrence Hamer, Dean, College of Business (Co-Chair)
- Julie Wiejak, Senior Executive Assistant for Strategic Initiatives (Co-Chair)
- Heather Zamojski, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Learning Technologies
- Scott Iverson, Executive Director, Housing & Residential Education
- Jennifer Williams, Associate Registrar
- Sue Miller, Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources
- Jake Lenson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Planning
- Brian Miller, Director of Public Safety
- Catharine Olsen, Executive Assistant to the Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
- Libby Pelter, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Vice-Chair of Faculty Senate
- Ashley Gerodimos, Executive Director, PNW Alumni Community/Alumni Affairs
- Carol A. Coupet, Executive Director, Enterprise Application Services
- Rhonda Lanfear, Athletics Secretary
- Tabby Stills, Assistant Director, Fitness Center
- Jodi Allen, Assistant Professor, College of Nursing
Have questions about campus reopening? Contact safereturn@pnw.edu.