Health and Safety Reminder for Northeastern Students

Dear Parents,

There are 33 days until the last final exam of the spring semester and 41 days until commencement. We are nearing the successful conclusion of an academic year like no other.

I’m writing because over the past week we have seen a steady rise in positive Covid-19 tests among our student population. Our contact tracing experts attribute this increase primarily to students “letting their guard down” and engaging in social behavior that can easily spread the virus.

I have emailed our student community the message below to underscore that now is not the time to let up. With roughly one month left in the spring semester, now is the time to finish strong and continue adhering to the guidelines that have taken us this far. We know what works—regular testing, face coverings, responsible gatherings—and we simply need to stick to these “Protect the Pack” protocols. 

We’re engaging our entire Northeastern community in the effort to promote students’ health and wellbeing. I hope that you, as our Northeastern parents, will assist in this effort in any way you can. A text message, a phone call, a FaceTime session—whatever kind of outreach or check-in that feels comfortable to you. As the parent of a Northeastern student, I’m well aware that they don’t always listen to us. But at times they do. Your added voices to this important effort can only help. 

Thank you, in advance, for your support. Your students have done a remarkable job this year. They have not only persevered throughout this challenging time, in many cases they have learned lessons about themselves and the world that will serve them for a lifetime.

Sincerely,

 

Ken Henderson

Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning