Enrollment
Military Services
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Student Services
Welcome to NSU’s Military Education Headquarters!
NSU welcomes adult learners. You may apply college level life, work and military experiences toward your degree through our Prior Learning Assessment process. You may also use previously earned college credit, transfer credit from other training or educational pursuits, and take challenge tests to earn academic credit toward a baccalaureate degree.
You can earn a degree from NSU entirely online, in an accelerated or regular format, or in the traditional classroom. There are many available programs and minor concentrations to match your interests and background. The online format provides flexibility and convenience and enables the adult student to continue working while completing a degree. There is no out of state fee for online programs. NSU is also an AU-ABC, GEM, and MyCAA partner.
Our Mission Statement
To support and advocate for active military, veteran, and dependent students in their transition to Northwestern State University and their pursuit of intellectual and personal development.
Our Vision Statement
To be a premier resource for military and VA educational related services for all active military and veteran students, and their families
Enrollment
NSU provides information about coronavirus
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLOSURES, ETC.:
Update 3/13/2020: NSU WILL TRANSITION TO ONLINE CLASSES – https://www.nsula.edu/nsu-will-transition-to-on-line-classes-as-pandemic-continues/
Northwestern State University is partnering with local, state and federal public health departments to keep the campus community informed about the coronavirus and the measures individuals should take to stay healthy.
What is the coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:
• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.
Status of Disease Locally: There are both confirmed and presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana.
What is the risk?
The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general US public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.
Symptoms and transmission:
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.
If you travel to/through Wuhan or other parts of China:
The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. If you must travel:
Avoid contact with sick people.
Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.
Travel & Study Abroad:
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk. Please contact your program coordinator for updates and guidance.
Treatment:
People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. (source: CDC)
Prevention:
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take.
Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms:
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you:
• Traveled to Wuhan, or
• Visited an affected region in China, or
• Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China and had respiratory symptoms.
You should:
• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Students should call Health Services at (318) 357-5351 if on campus or contact your primary care provider. Please call before arrival to Health Services or primary care provider. NSU Health Services will provide advice by phone during the hours of 7:30-4:30 Monday – Thursday and 7:30-12:00 on Friday.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
What is the campus health service doing about 2019-nCoV?
NSU Administration, Student Affairs and Student Health Services continue to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and the American College Health Association. Officials will continue to keep the university community informed of campus decisions as more is learned about this virus and the outbreak. Contact Carla Walker, RN, at NSU Health Services with questions and concerns.
Personnel with Red River Sanitors, NSU’s contracted janitorial service, have put forth extra effort in disinfecting doorknobs and other frequently-touched surfaces in campus buildings and ensuring that hand sanitizer dispensers are full. Residence halls also have sanitizer available in public areas.
Updates will be posted here and in Messenger as they become available.
The following websites may offer additional information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
American College Health Association: https://www.acha.org/ACHA/Resources/Topics/2019_Novel_Coronavirus_2019-nCoV.aspx
Louisiana Department of Health: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3835
NSU will transition to online classes as pandemic continues
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio issued the following statement regarding the on-going threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern State University will suspend all in-person classes effective at the end of the day Friday, March 13, and transition to online instruction and other remote learning alternatives beginning Thursday, March 19.
There will be no classes at the university Monday-Wednesday, March 16-18, as plans are finalized for the conversion from in-person classes to the online and remote delivery format. Online classes will begin Thursday, March 19. University offices will remain open all week.
Northwestern will join other schools in the University of Louisiana System in moving from face-to-face instruction to online and other alternative learning in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. The university will provide technical support to students and faculty who require that assistance.
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at any of Northwestern’s campuses. University offices will remain open, and all ancillary services, including dining accommodations and access to the library and computer labs, will continue. Students in residential facilities may continue to reside on NSU campuses or participate in classes from other sites.
To ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, the university will continue to monitor conditions related to coronavirus. Alternative work arrangements for personnel and modified residential accommodations for students could result from an outbreak of COVID-19 on campus or in the community.
Numerous university events and activities are being canceled, postponed or adjusted as a result of this public health crisis. All athletic events have been suspended through March 30, and events expected to attract more than 50 participants will be canceled or postponed to conform with social distancing criteria recommended by health authorities. Please continue to check the university’s website at www.nsula.edu for updates on NSU activities, events and programs.
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk.
Sanitation of university facilities has been expanded to include intensive efforts to disinfect and sanitize all surfaces of buildings and other sites.
“These extraordinary efforts are intended to help mitigate the escalation of rapidly expanding cases of coronavirus,” Maggio said. “I apologize for any inconvenience or disruption created by the university’s response to the impact of coronavirus and appreciate your understanding and patience.
“Your recommendations for other measures to enhance the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and others in the university community and reinforce NSU’s firm commitment to its mission and goals and those we serve would be appreciated and receive careful consideration.
Information regarding NSU’s response to COVID-19 will continue to be available and updated at https://www.nsula.edu/covid-19/.
NSU ranked best online school in Louisiana
By Leah Jackson
02/27/2014
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University was named the most popular online school in the SR Education Group’s Louisiana Guide to Online Schools. Northwestern State was ranked first out of 37 institutions of higher education that offer online courses, including public and private universities, community colleges, seminaries, technical colleges and court reporting institutes in Louisiana.
According to Kimberly Wetter, a spokesperson for SR Education Group, 80 percent of online students live within 100 miles of a campus or service center of the institution they attend.
“Although location does not seem like it would be a factor in deciding which online college to attend, many students prefer a local college. That piece of information prompted us to do our own study and look into the most popular online colleges in each state,” Wetter said.
The rankings list was generated based on the most up-to-date statistics provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Using their stats on students enrolled in distance education, SR Education Group compiled location-based lists of schools offering online education options for students.
“We are very happy and honored to be recognized as the top school by the SR Education Group’s Louisiana Guide to Online Schools,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, NSU’s vice president for Technology, Research and Economic Development. “This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of NSU’s faculty and staff who make great things happen year after year.”
SR Education Group is a provider of education resources that creates and maintains websites aimed at helping students make career and educational decisions. The organization provides information to connect students with the resources they need to complete their education by learning about degree programs, careers and education financing.
For more information on Northwestern State’s ranking, visit http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/states/louisiana.
(News Coverage: Shreveport Times, NSU Press, KTBS)
Enrollment
NSU Campuses
NSU provides information about coronavirus
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLOSURES, ETC.:
Update 3/13/2020: NSU WILL TRANSITION TO ONLINE CLASSES – https://www.nsula.edu/nsu-will-transition-to-on-line-classes-as-pandemic-continues/
Northwestern State University is partnering with local, state and federal public health departments to keep the campus community informed about the coronavirus and the measures individuals should take to stay healthy.
What is the coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:
• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.
Status of Disease Locally: There are both confirmed and presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana.
What is the risk?
The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general US public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.
Symptoms and transmission:
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.
If you travel to/through Wuhan or other parts of China:
The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. If you must travel:
Avoid contact with sick people.
Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.
Travel & Study Abroad:
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk. Please contact your program coordinator for updates and guidance.
Treatment:
People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. (source: CDC)
Prevention:
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take.
Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms:
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you:
• Traveled to Wuhan, or
• Visited an affected region in China, or
• Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China and had respiratory symptoms.
You should:
• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Students should call Health Services at (318) 357-5351 if on campus or contact your primary care provider. Please call before arrival to Health Services or primary care provider. NSU Health Services will provide advice by phone during the hours of 7:30-4:30 Monday – Thursday and 7:30-12:00 on Friday.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
What is the campus health service doing about 2019-nCoV?
NSU Administration, Student Affairs and Student Health Services continue to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and the American College Health Association. Officials will continue to keep the university community informed of campus decisions as more is learned about this virus and the outbreak. Contact Carla Walker, RN, at NSU Health Services with questions and concerns.
Personnel with Red River Sanitors, NSU’s contracted janitorial service, have put forth extra effort in disinfecting doorknobs and other frequently-touched surfaces in campus buildings and ensuring that hand sanitizer dispensers are full. Residence halls also have sanitizer available in public areas.
Updates will be posted here and in Messenger as they become available.
The following websites may offer additional information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
American College Health Association: https://www.acha.org/ACHA/Resources/Topics/2019_Novel_Coronavirus_2019-nCoV.aspx
Louisiana Department of Health: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3835
NSU will transition to online classes as pandemic continues
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio issued the following statement regarding the on-going threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern State University will suspend all in-person classes effective at the end of the day Friday, March 13, and transition to online instruction and other remote learning alternatives beginning Thursday, March 19.
There will be no classes at the university Monday-Wednesday, March 16-18, as plans are finalized for the conversion from in-person classes to the online and remote delivery format. Online classes will begin Thursday, March 19. University offices will remain open all week.
Northwestern will join other schools in the University of Louisiana System in moving from face-to-face instruction to online and other alternative learning in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. The university will provide technical support to students and faculty who require that assistance.
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at any of Northwestern’s campuses. University offices will remain open, and all ancillary services, including dining accommodations and access to the library and computer labs, will continue. Students in residential facilities may continue to reside on NSU campuses or participate in classes from other sites.
To ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, the university will continue to monitor conditions related to coronavirus. Alternative work arrangements for personnel and modified residential accommodations for students could result from an outbreak of COVID-19 on campus or in the community.
Numerous university events and activities are being canceled, postponed or adjusted as a result of this public health crisis. All athletic events have been suspended through March 30, and events expected to attract more than 50 participants will be canceled or postponed to conform with social distancing criteria recommended by health authorities. Please continue to check the university’s website at www.nsula.edu for updates on NSU activities, events and programs.
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk.
Sanitation of university facilities has been expanded to include intensive efforts to disinfect and sanitize all surfaces of buildings and other sites.
“These extraordinary efforts are intended to help mitigate the escalation of rapidly expanding cases of coronavirus,” Maggio said. “I apologize for any inconvenience or disruption created by the university’s response to the impact of coronavirus and appreciate your understanding and patience.
“Your recommendations for other measures to enhance the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and others in the university community and reinforce NSU’s firm commitment to its mission and goals and those we serve would be appreciated and receive careful consideration.
Information regarding NSU’s response to COVID-19 will continue to be available and updated at https://www.nsula.edu/covid-19/.
NSU alumna Jolie González-Masmela pursuing her ambition to become a conductor
NATCHITOCHES — Jolie González-Masmela will never forget the first time she conducted an orchestra. It made her realize she wanted to be a conductor. González-Masmela is working to make that ambition happen.
González-Masmela, a native of Colombia, earned her master’s in music from Northwestern State University in 2018. She is a doctoral student at the University of Northern Colorado where she is completing her dissertation.
“The first time I conducted an orchestra was an important experience for me,” she said. “Being in the middle of the orchestra and feeling all the sounds around me was an experience I will never forget. I had never felt so connected to music and musicians before. I couldn’t sleep for the next two nights.”
González-Masmela said her ambition began as she worked with and watched many of the world’s top conductors and teachers that worked with her in Colombia.
“It all started with my admiration from afar for great maestros I watched and my own teachers such as Carlos Riazuelo, German Gutierrez, Joshua Dos Santos, Marin Alsop, Leonard Bernstein, Gustavo Dudamel, Sergio Sánchez and many more,” said González-Masmela. “I wanted to be like them.”
González-Masmela has been receiving recognition for her conducting and has had opportunities to learn from leading conductors. Last November, González Masmela took part in a workshop HUB for Women Conductors in Chile; an organization with a mission to explore, mentor and expand the possibilities for women conductors. In February, she was one of 10 conductors from around the world chosen to attend the 2024-25 Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship Mentoring Program. She is working with Marin Alsop, conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. the first woman to lead a major American orchestra.
“These experiences have been completely different, yet they are all deeply connected at the same time,” said Gonzalez-Masmela. “HUB in Chile marked a before and after for me, but not just as an artist, also as a person. Maestra Alejandra Urrutia and the team she works with, as well as the orchestra, are now a model I look up to. They work on musical projects with a real social impact. And I’m not just talking about teaching an instrument—I’m talking about transforming lives. I know it sounds like a cliché, but HUB is an experience you have to live to truly understand how powerful it is.”
Gonzalez-Masmela said The TAKI Fellowship Mentee Program was the type of opportunity she never believed she would take part in.
“If someone had told me eight years ago, when I was in Colombia, that one day I could sit and talk with Marin Alsop, watch her rehearse, and have conversations with some of the most important conductors of this period I would have laughed,” she said. “It’s been a huge dream come true, and I wish it would never end. My vision as an artist has expanded greatly, just from hearing the stories of these amazing women, and of course, you begin to mature musically and intellectually as well. I feel like it’s an incredible way to shorten and ease the path for us, through them and to discover new paths, our own paths.”
González- Masmela was appointed as cover conductor for three concerts with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra for the current season.
“Being an assistant with a professional orchestra at this level is so much more than just music,” said Gonzalez-Masmela. “You learn about management, you see how problems are solved, like finding a soloist right before a concert because somebody gets sick and knowing that the audience always expects excellence, how the musicians react, the incredible work of the staff to make a concert happen, etc. These are things you don’t experience in the same way in an academic setting, and that teaches you in such an incredible way.
“I feel that everything that’s happened, especially in the last year—the HUB, the TAKI, participating in my first conducting competition with the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia, and all my academic training—has prepared me for this moment. I believe all of these are threads weaving together, pieces of a puzzle coming together and I’m really loving this process.”
Gonzalez-Masmela said her time at NSU was very important to her. She assisted Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra Music Director Dr. Douglas Bakenhus as well as Joshua Zona with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra.
“From the very beginning, Dr. Bakenhus gave me his full trust, set huge challenges for me and entrusted me with the orchestra as much as he could,” she said. “Sometimes, when he had to be absent, he would leave me in charge, and that helped me grow a lot as a conductor (especially when rehearsing in English, which was very difficult for me at first. I believe that NSU gave me the opportunity to learn so many things through hands-on experience.”
Working with the Rapides Symphony gave Gonzalez-Masmela experience working with a professional orchestra.
“It was very important for me to see how symphonic organizations function in the United States and to learn a vast amount of repertoire,” said Gonzalez-Masmela. “Both opportunities were a huge advantage because each one helped me develop different skills that only those experiences could offer. I truly feel very fortunate and grateful to NSU and for my time in Louisiana.”
Only a small percentage of orchestral conductors are women. Gonzalez-Masmela is optimistic her preparation will help her find an opportunity to conduct.
“I believe that, although there is certainly an enormous imbalance in opportunities by gender, the career of a conductor is difficult in itself,” said Gonzalez-Masmela. There are more opportunities now, but at the same time the demands are higher. I am confident that the opportunities will come, and I am preparing for them. The art of conducting, like almost everything in life, is built with a lot of discipline, effort, and with people by your side who support you, believe in you, and help you bring out the best in yourself. There is a verse by the poet Antonio Machado that has become my motto this past year, which translates as: “Traveler, there is no path, the path is made by walking…” You have to take it step by step, with firmness, confidence and the support of those who appreciate you, and the path will be forged.”
Caption
Jolie Gonzalez-Masmela conducting at Salon Alberto Castilla in Colombia. Photo by Edison Cavieded.
Find Your Campus
Resources
NSU provides information about coronavirus
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CLOSURES, ETC.:
Update 3/13/2020: NSU WILL TRANSITION TO ONLINE CLASSES – https://www.nsula.edu/nsu-will-transition-to-on-line-classes-as-pandemic-continues/
Northwestern State University is partnering with local, state and federal public health departments to keep the campus community informed about the coronavirus and the measures individuals should take to stay healthy.
What is the coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:
• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.
Status of Disease Locally: There are both confirmed and presumptive cases of coronavirus in Louisiana.
What is the risk?
The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general US public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.
Symptoms and transmission:
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.
If you travel to/through Wuhan or other parts of China:
The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. If you must travel:
Avoid contact with sick people.
Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.
Travel & Study Abroad:
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk. Please contact your program coordinator for updates and guidance.
Treatment:
People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. (source: CDC)
Prevention:
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take.
Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms:
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you:
• Traveled to Wuhan, or
• Visited an affected region in China, or
• Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China and had respiratory symptoms.
You should:
• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Students should call Health Services at (318) 357-5351 if on campus or contact your primary care provider. Please call before arrival to Health Services or primary care provider. NSU Health Services will provide advice by phone during the hours of 7:30-4:30 Monday – Thursday and 7:30-12:00 on Friday.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
What is the campus health service doing about 2019-nCoV?
NSU Administration, Student Affairs and Student Health Services continue to follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and the American College Health Association. Officials will continue to keep the university community informed of campus decisions as more is learned about this virus and the outbreak. Contact Carla Walker, RN, at NSU Health Services with questions and concerns.
Personnel with Red River Sanitors, NSU’s contracted janitorial service, have put forth extra effort in disinfecting doorknobs and other frequently-touched surfaces in campus buildings and ensuring that hand sanitizer dispensers are full. Residence halls also have sanitizer available in public areas.
Updates will be posted here and in Messenger as they become available.
The following websites may offer additional information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
American College Health Association: https://www.acha.org/ACHA/Resources/Topics/2019_Novel_Coronavirus_2019-nCoV.aspx
Louisiana Department of Health: http://ldh.la.gov/index.cfm/page/3835
NSU will transition to online classes as pandemic continues
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University President Dr. Chris Maggio issued the following statement regarding the on-going threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, Northwestern State University will suspend all in-person classes effective at the end of the day Friday, March 13, and transition to online instruction and other remote learning alternatives beginning Thursday, March 19.
There will be no classes at the university Monday-Wednesday, March 16-18, as plans are finalized for the conversion from in-person classes to the online and remote delivery format. Online classes will begin Thursday, March 19. University offices will remain open all week.
Northwestern will join other schools in the University of Louisiana System in moving from face-to-face instruction to online and other alternative learning in an effort to curtail the spread of the coronavirus. The university will provide technical support to students and faculty who require that assistance.
There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at any of Northwestern’s campuses. University offices will remain open, and all ancillary services, including dining accommodations and access to the library and computer labs, will continue. Students in residential facilities may continue to reside on NSU campuses or participate in classes from other sites.
To ensure the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, the university will continue to monitor conditions related to coronavirus. Alternative work arrangements for personnel and modified residential accommodations for students could result from an outbreak of COVID-19 on campus or in the community.
Numerous university events and activities are being canceled, postponed or adjusted as a result of this public health crisis. All athletic events have been suspended through March 30, and events expected to attract more than 50 participants will be canceled or postponed to conform with social distancing criteria recommended by health authorities. Please continue to check the university’s website at www.nsula.edu for updates on NSU activities, events and programs.
International travel and non-essential domestic travel has been suspended. Students, faculty and staff are directed to report to the university all personal travel to a country identified by the CDC as Level 1 or greater risk.
Sanitation of university facilities has been expanded to include intensive efforts to disinfect and sanitize all surfaces of buildings and other sites.
“These extraordinary efforts are intended to help mitigate the escalation of rapidly expanding cases of coronavirus,” Maggio said. “I apologize for any inconvenience or disruption created by the university’s response to the impact of coronavirus and appreciate your understanding and patience.
“Your recommendations for other measures to enhance the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff and others in the university community and reinforce NSU’s firm commitment to its mission and goals and those we serve would be appreciated and receive careful consideration.
Information regarding NSU’s response to COVID-19 will continue to be available and updated at https://www.nsula.edu/covid-19/.
NSU ranked best online school in Louisiana
By Leah Jackson
02/27/2014
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University was named the most popular online school in the SR Education Group’s Louisiana Guide to Online Schools. Northwestern State was ranked first out of 37 institutions of higher education that offer online courses, including public and private universities, community colleges, seminaries, technical colleges and court reporting institutes in Louisiana.
According to Kimberly Wetter, a spokesperson for SR Education Group, 80 percent of online students live within 100 miles of a campus or service center of the institution they attend.
“Although location does not seem like it would be a factor in deciding which online college to attend, many students prefer a local college. That piece of information prompted us to do our own study and look into the most popular online colleges in each state,” Wetter said.
The rankings list was generated based on the most up-to-date statistics provided by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Using their stats on students enrolled in distance education, SR Education Group compiled location-based lists of schools offering online education options for students.
“We are very happy and honored to be recognized as the top school by the SR Education Group’s Louisiana Guide to Online Schools,” said Dr. Darlene Williams, NSU’s vice president for Technology, Research and Economic Development. “This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of NSU’s faculty and staff who make great things happen year after year.”
SR Education Group is a provider of education resources that creates and maintains websites aimed at helping students make career and educational decisions. The organization provides information to connect students with the resources they need to complete their education by learning about degree programs, careers and education financing.
For more information on Northwestern State’s ranking, visit http://www.guidetoonlineschools.com/states/louisiana.
(News Coverage: Shreveport Times, NSU Press, KTBS)
Resources
Why choose Northwestern State University?
History
Founded in 1884, Northwestern State University of Louisiana has met educational needs with quality academic programming for over 130 years. NSU is Louisiana’s first and largest electronic campus with 24 years of experience delivering online courses across 40+ online degree programs. The university currently enrolls over 11,000 students.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Students enrolled exclusively online pay an affordable flat-rate tuition that excludes all out-of-state fees. Some degree programs qualify for additional discounts. We are dedicated to assisting students in finding the best possible aid package to achieve their educational goals by offering a wide variety of programs including loans, grants, third party funds and Scholarships.
Transfer Credits
NSU wants to help you complete your degree. We understand that things happen, and life does not always go as planned. Students can transfer up to 90 hours toward many degree programs. Contact us today to schedule a review of your prior credits.
Accreditation
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists, and doctorate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University of Louisiana may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Student Resources
At NSU we are dedicated to one goal – yours. To ensure your success we offer a variety of services including dedicated advising, academic assistance and tutoring, a technology helpdesk, and professional caring faculty.
Military Friendly
NSU is dedicated to working with military students and dependents to accommodate their needs. Active duty, reservist, retirees, and their dependents are eligible for a competitive tuition rate of $192 per credit hour. We also recognize tuition assistance programs such as Military TA, Montgomery GI Bill, Post-9/11, and MyCAA.
