Good Morning, Northern Essex Community College Students, Faculty, and Staff–
I hope you, like me, are feeling more optimistic about our post-pandemic future.
While springtime, next week’s commencement, and the promise of warmer days are definitely all a part of this, what’s most exciting is the growing availability of COVID-19 vaccines and the return to some kind of normal again soon.
Since April 19, everyone in Massachusetts over the age of 16 has been eligible for the vaccine. And, at Northern Essex, we have a vaccine clinic on our Lawrence Campus, offering priority appointments to NECC students, faculty, and staff.
It’s likely that by the fall, most people in our Northern Essex community will be vaccinated, providing us the opportunity for a gradual, safe transition back to in-person learning.
For the past two semesters, 90 percent of our classes have been offered online with just 10 percent face-to-face. This fall, at least 25 percent of our courses will be face-to-face, and we are ready to open up more face-to-face classes if demand is high.
I have also asked the leadership team at the college to finalize plans for a full return to campus for most employees by mid- to late-summer, with everyone returning by the beginning of the fall semester.
I think you’ll be impressed with what we have been doing to make our campuses safe for teaching and learning and I’d like to share a video about “NECC COVID-19 Safety Measures” that highlights what’s been accomplished so far.
Click above for an important video about NECC COVID-19 Safety Measures
You may recognize the star of the video, Paul Melendy, a Northern Essex grad who transferred to Salem State for a BFA in Theater. There’s also a cameo appearance by Rosanna Lara, the college’s COVID-19 contact tracing case manager and a 2020 graduate of our Public Health program.
We will continue to keep you updated on plans for the fall. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
Also, I encourage you to get the vaccine (and all that jazz)!
