Coronavirus Update: May 19, 2020

This weekly email includes college-wide updates related to the college’s evolving response to the COVID-19 crisis. You’ll find information about remote teaching, learning, work, and operations.

Governor Baker Unveils Reopening Plan

On Monday, May 18, Governor Baker released “Reopening Massachusetts”, a four-phase strategy for reopening the Massachusetts economy while continuing to fight COVID-19.

Phase 1 begins this week with a “cautious” reopening of manufacturing and construction under severe restrictions. Places of worship will also be allowed to open with guidelines that require social distancing and encourage outdoor services.

Next week, Phase 1 will expand to include lab space; office space; limited personal services like hair, pet grooming and car washes; and retail: remote fulfillment and curbside pick-up. Also permitted to open on May 25 are beaches, parks, drive-in theaters, select athletic fields and courts, and more with guidelines.

The reopening plan does not include specifics about higher education. In answer to a question asked during the May 18 press conference about a return to campuses in the fall, Governor Baker said the discussion is still “ongoing” and estimated that there would be an answer over the next four or five weeks.

Phase 1 will last a minimum of three weeks and could last longer before moving to the next phase. To learn more visit mass.gov.

President Glenn Hosts Town Hall for Faculty and Staff

On Friday, May 22 from 11 to noon, NECC President Lane Glenn and his leadership team will hold a virtual Town Hall. Topics to be discussed will include fall 2020 semester classes, student services, marketing and communications, a draft “Return to Campus” plan, and the FY21 Budget development process.

While there will be a lot to cover, President Glenn hopes there will be time for Q&A’s and he’s asked that questions be sent in advance to Ernie Greenslade, egreenslade@necc.mass.edu. He will begin with questions received in advance, and then open up to new questions during the meeting.

To join the webinar via Zoom or telephone, use the link provided below:
https://zoom.us/j/93829500252
Password: 165264

College Moves Forward with Commencement Plans

If it was a “normal” year, we would have celebrated commencement last Saturday under a big white tent that seats 3,000 people on the Haverhill Campus.
That’s not going to be possible this year, and the college is doing its best to celebrate the 600 graduates of the class of 2020 in a way that gives them the recognition they deserve.

On Saturday, President Lane Glenn shared a message with the NECC Class of 2020.

And here are our plans for graduation this year:

• We are creating a celebration package for each graduate that will include their diploma plus special gifts.The celebration packages will be distributed on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses on two yet-to-be-determined dates in June. We will practice social distancing (drive up and pop your trunk) but if you’d prefer to receive your package by mail, that will be an option, too. While picking up your package, you can also pick up a free NECC Class of 2020 yard sign.
• Working with our friends from HC Media, we will hold a virtual commencement on Saturday morning, August 8. This event will include many of the traditional elements, including remarks by featured speaker Rosalin Acosta, the Massachusetts’ secretary of labor, and student speaker, Rosanna Lara of Lawrence, a Public Health graduate. Over the next few weeks, we will also be soliciting your photos and videos to include in the virtual celebration.
• We have a special hashtag, #NECC2020, that we encourage you to use to share your photos as you celebrate your graduation with your family and friends in small, socially distanced groups. And, we’ll be awarding special prizes for the most creative photos and videos. Details soon.
• 2020 grads can choose to have the experience of walking across the platform and receiving their diplomas at the 2021 commencement ceremony, which will celebrate both the classes of 2020 and 2021. That ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 am under a large tent on the Haverhill Campus.

Visit the commencement website to learn more.

Academic Placement & Testing Center Update

At the Academic Placement & Testing Center, you can take the Academic Placement Assessment (Accuplacer) to become a student at NECC; access high school equivalency testing (HISET/GED); schedule health profession testing such as ATI TEAS; and earn college credit for your previously gained knowledge or skills.

Here are updates on how to access these services, due to the current restrictions:

The Accuplacer is being offered remotely on a scheduled basis to new applicants and continuing students. Prior to testing, check our list of options to determine if you may be waived from testing. If you do need a test, go to Accuplacer Test Dates to schedule an appointment.

ATI TEAS and Fundamentals testing is also being offered remotely on a scheduled basis to NECC students. Go to Health Professions Testing for registration information.

Remote delivery of High School Equivalency Testing is in the planning stages. Get updates here.

All other testing services are tentatively scheduled on campus in July.

Have questions? Email testing@necc.mass.edu and include your name, email address, phone number, and the reason for your email.

Have Questions?

If you have questions specific to COVID-19 and the college’s response, please visit the website, call 978 556-3700 or email expectmore@necc.mass.edu.

As we receive updates, our policies may change. We will share these updates through campus email. Higher level information will also be shared through the college’s Emergency Notification System and on Facebook or Twitter.