Safe Return to Campus

To protect the health and safety of all faculty and staff, we have created a task force, with representation from each operating division, to develop appropriate health and safety protocols and procedures with the goal of a partial safe return to campus on July 6. PNW is planning strategically to ensure your safe return to work and into the classroom.

Assuming governmental authorities permit doing so, Purdue University Northwest intends to offer classes on campus this fall, while remaining conscientious about whatever rules and practices are necessary to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the community. While we are all eager to come back to campus, we must do so in a safe way, which may require hybrid or online courses.

Experts tell us that three things need to be in place to ensure a safe campus environment: appropriate spaces for social distancing; the ability to test for COVID-19; and, contact tracing of those who have the virus. We are seeking information on these three criteria, from our experts here at PNW, as well as the greater Northwest Indiana area and the State of Indiana.

As of July 6, Lawshe Hall and the Student Union Library Building on the Hammond Campus will be unlocked in designated areas and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Similarly, Schwarz Hall and the Library Student Faculty Building on the Westville Campus will be unlocked in designated areas and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re coming to any of these buildings for official university business, we recommend contacting the relevant department to learn more about their operating procedures during Phase One of PNW’s Safe Return to Campus.

Staff working in other campus buildings will use their I.D. for access at designated entrances. Students will not have access to other buildings at this time unless arranged for by staff or faculty.

If assistance is needed, please contact Facilities Services at (219) 989-2285.

Until further guidance is received, a face covering should be used as described below. An account has been established for the purchase of COVID19 personal-protection equipment. Please contact your department business manager for details.

PNW Face Covering Protocol for All On-Site Campus Members

1. When you are in a building, hallway, classroom, laboratory, washroom, common area, you must wear a face covering.
2. If you are faculty or staff member, and in your own office, you do not have to wear a face covering. When you leave your office and are in the hallway, your face covering must be on. When you are visiting another Purdue Northwest office, you must wear a face covering.
3. If you are outdoors, you do not have to wear a face covering, but social distancing still applies.
4. If you are at an outdoor event, with multiple participants, you must wear your face covering.

See the Full Face Covering Update

As a reminder, we ask all faculty and staff not to come to work if you are feeling ill, and to follow the CDC best practice recommendations for preventive actions such as frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your face.

You will also want to practice social distancing, keeping a distance of about 6 feet from others.

In addition, any faculty or staff member who has a fever or other symptoms of coronavirus, who has a family member with symptoms of the virus, or who has been exposed to the virus, must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to any PNW facilities. You can see guidance for self-quarantining in the “How Do I Self-Quarantine” FAQ on this page.

While CDC guidance does not indicate that COVID 19 can become a systemic pollutant in a building’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, PNW is taking measures to enhance indoor air quality in facilities.

See PNW’s Air Quality Measures

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.

See More CDC Guidelines 

• 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