ROCHELLE – Northern Illinois University announced Tuesday that all classes for the remainder of the semester will be conducted remotely.

In an email sent from NIU President Lisa Freeman to all students, faculty and staff of the university, she announced the decision to discontinue all face-to-face classes and replace them with virtual instruction. While the university understands the large effect the decision will have on many students and staff, it was a necessary precaution to protect everyone’s health and safety.

“We have been making decisions necessary to protect the student’s health and support their success,” said Freeman. “Using the most currently available information from public health experts, collective expertise and the NIU values we all embrace. As the situation in Illinois has evolved, we have seen a need to adjust our plans to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning.”

During this time, all courses will be taught using NIU’s remote learning platforms and all faculty will be communicating directly to their students with specifics for their classes. While students will not be meeting on campus, the university will remain open barring any additional measures to protect the health of the community.

For any students currently living in the residence halls who would like to or need to remain on campus, NIU will continue to provide housing for those individuals. Residential students will receive emails in the next several days proving further details.

The university is asking all students to confirm their plans beginning Monday, March 23. and no later than Thursday, March 26. To accommodate all students and their families, move out dates will be available by appointment between March 20-29.

Given the need for social distancing, students who choose to remain on campus will likely have to relocate to different rooms or residence halls as well. For students who rely on meal plans, dining services will be available for to-go, on a modified schedule. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated as always. 

The university has not yet made a final determination about commencement, but plans will be announced by Thursday, March 19. All other events, including those sponsored by student organizations are also cancelled.

While it is impossible to accurately predict when the school will be able to resume regular work schedules and an on-campus presence, the faculty and staff are doing an incredible job adjusting and adapting to the numerous changes coming at them professionally and personally. President Freeman is proud of everyone involved and is committed to keeping everyone up to date during these tough times.

“Please know how proud I am to work with all of you and I look forward to the day we can be together again,” said Freeman. “There are no truer words at NIU today than HUSKIES NEVER QUIT.”

Board meetings

The NIU Board of Trustees have a special meeting Thursday, March 19. to approve an item that will help provide the university flexibility in emergency operations.  The meeting will be conducted virtually and live streamed through this website https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4K4dhy_8ysVQ1tOqyp2Q9Q/live for those who want to listen

More details will be provided to the public and updated on NIU’s COVID-19 site at, https://www.niu.edu/updates/index.shtml when it becomes available.