IMPORTANT: NECC and Coronavirus Pandemic Preparation and Prevention – March 31, 2020

Dear NECC Students, Faculty and Staff—

Thank you all for the tremendous ways you have been adjusting to remote teaching, learning, and working. 

Yes, challenges are all around us; and at the same time, as I have walked the nearly empty campus and spoken with IT staff still busily deploying laptop computers and setting up virtual network access; as I have heard from faculty on social media about their creative new strategies for reaching and teaching students; as I have “Zoomed” in conference calls with NECC’s leadership team; and as I have fielded emails from driven, conscientious students still eager to accomplish their educational goals, this is clear:  Northern Essex Community College is strong.  We are resilient.  We care for one another, and we are going to do everything we can to help each other stay safe, and to help students succeed.

As March turns toward April, here are a few updates you may find helpful:

Virtual “Town Hall”

Last Friday afternoon, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Bill Heineman and I participated in a virtual “Town Hall” meeting, moderated by Assistant Director of Student Success Management Systems Audrey Ellis, with tremendous help from dozens of staff and faculty who joined the call.  Together, we fielded questions about classes, commencement, summer and fall registration, financial aid, and a whole lot more.

In case you weren’t able to join us, the entire meeting is available, along with a transcript of questions and responses, on the college’s Coronavirus Information web page, or just click here.

We will be hosting another Town Hall meeting for faculty and staff next week.  Watch for additional information soon.

Faculty and Staff Urged to Work from Home

Nearly all of NECC’s work is now being done remotely, with very few personnel on campus.  To help us do our part to provide necessary “social distancing,” please work from home and avoid unnecessary trips to campus.   If you are working on campus, or must visit for some reason, please be sure to only use the unlocked entry doors and sign in and out using the log book provided.  

FMLA is Expanded Due to COVID-19

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act expands paid sick leave and family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19.   Please review the flyer from the Department of Labor (PDF).  This act is in effect April 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020.  For additional information, please visit: www.dol.gov/agencies/whd or contact HR, hr@necc.mass.edu or 978 556-3985.

NECC Creates Emergency Fund for Students Impacted by COVID-19

Many Northern Essex Community College students are living paycheck to paycheck with limited resources, and the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more challenging for them to continue their education. Recognizing how difficult this is, Northern Essex has created the NECC Student Emergency Fund to help at-risk students stay in college.  To learn more, including how to give and how to apply for funds, visit the newsroom.

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.

Thanks, and please stay safe and healthy.

–Lane

Lane A. Glenn

President

Northern Essex Community College

978-56-3855

Check out “Running the Campus,” my blog featuring stories and perspectives on leadership, higher education,

and going the extra mile: president.necc.mass.edu or connect with me on social media on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.