KENTUCKY - Many universities and colleges across the Commonwealth are starting to consider the possibility that in-person classes may not be ready to resume by the fall of 2020.

Northern Kentucky University President Ashish Vaidya shared what factors his campus is considering, when and how to re-open campus.

"We've already begun thinking and planning for what might fall look like, and we're looking at a couple of different scenarios. Keep in mind, I mean the University is a complex organization, we've got classroom instruction, we've got laboratories, we've got housing, we've got dining," explains Vaidya.

"We've got athletic events going on, we've got performances. We've got all kinds of things and it's not just one thing that has to be addressed. There are multiple aspects of it. So we got a couple of different scenarios, all the way from what happens if we're open with some modified restrictions to what if we were told we cannot really do that and still have to maintain a virtual presence. But even in that case, what do we have to do to enhance the student experience. So we're really examining some of those. I'm most interested in knowing what are the conditions that have to be met. For me, the health safety and priority of our students, faculty, and staff is the number one priority. So with that guiding principle, what conditions have to be met in order for us to be both safe and responsible in opening the university," adds Vidya

As of March 18, 2020:

  • All Education Abroad programs planned for the spring and summer are canceled. 
  • All NKU students and faculty that are currently living and studying abroad are being recalled. They will be required to take part in the CDC’s 14-day self-quarantine upon returning to the U.S.
  • Students who do not have access to a laptop or the internet at their permanent homes may request assistance from IT by contacting them at helpdesk@nku.edu. 
  • NKU is committed to honoring student employment. Independent work-study or federal work-study students are not required to work but may continue working. Those choosing to not work will be paid based on the previously established work schedule. 
  • For our Campus Operations: While NKU will remain open, officials are reviewing how to limit access to university buildings and services consistent with reduced staffing levels.