Thank you for your patience and perseverance as we continue to work through this pandemic crisis. You remain engaged and understanding as you participate in classes and other academic activities, many in a new format.  We continue to face monumental challenges, but a number of you have shared inspirational stories of support and assistance from faculty, fellow students and staff members throughout the university.  This is deeply appreciated but not surprising.  That is the norm at Northwestern.  It is still my firm belief that we will be a stronger, more vibrant university as we emerge from these most difficult times in our history.  Please know that we have your best interests at heart and continue to make decisions with empathy for the situations that so many of you are going through.  I pray that you continue to be safe and encourage you to take care of yourselves and your loved ones.

Provided here is additional information concerning our COVID-19 Grading Policy COVID-19 Grading Policy Spring 2020, TOPS Guidance TOPS FAQ 04.03.2020 AM and Housing and Food Service refunds. I hope this information helps answer some of your initial questions, and we will continue to provide information as it becomes available on these areas and other aspects of the university.  Also, please be reminded that we have a Question and Concerns feature on our NSU website, https://www.nsula.edu/covid-19/.  We have created a team of faculty and staff  to respond to your questions and concerns.  Please continue to utilize this service when you need assistance.

COVID-19 Grading Policy and FAQs

Last week, we announced a modified Academic Affairs Grading Policy for Spring 2020 (COVID-19 Grading Policy Spring 2020).  We mentioned in the email that we would continue to provide additional information and guidance to students, faculty and advisors on the COVID-19 Grading Policy. The Updated FAQs for Covid-19 AA Grading Policy  is additional guidance with answers to some initial frequently asked questions regarding the policy.  We will develop additional documents and guidance as needed and keep you informed as this process continues.   I encourage you to stay in touch with your academic advisors, department heads and academic deans if you have questions about this policy or any other academic matters.

TOPS updates for current NSU Students

Last Friday, Governor John Bel Edwards issued Proclamation 41 JBE 2020, https://gov.louisiana.gov/assets/Proclamations/2020/41-JBE-2020-Stay-At-Home-Extended.pdf.  Included in the proclamation is initial guidance regarding TOPS scholarships.  Below are some highlights of the governor’s executive order and TOPS FAQ 04.03.2020 AM are Q&As to address these changes.  Please note that the Q&A attachment pertains to both high school students and college students and that the Post-secondary Students – TOPs Recipient section begins on page five of the document.

Overview of Governor’s Executive Order that pertains to TOPS:

On April 2, 2020, Governor Edwards suspended the following TOPS continuation requirements for the 2019-2020 Academic Year:

  • The steady academic progress requirements
  • The minimum grade point average requirements
  • The deadlines requiring that a student whose award is suspended for failure to meet the grade point average requirements must bring his grade point average up to that required in the applicable statute within a specified time period

The suspension of these requirements applies to students who were:

  • Enrolled full time as of the census date in a college in Louisiana and were enrolled on March 13, 2020;
  • Enrolled full time at an out of state college or university as of the census date and remained enrolled through March 13, 2020;
  • Enrolled full time as of the census date and who were studying abroad and were required to return to Louisiana due to the outbreak of COVCID-19 in the country in which the students were studying;
  • Scheduled to be enrolled full time at a school operating on a basis other than semesters during the spring of 2020.

Attached are Q&As to reflect these changes.

Housing and Food Service Refunds

The process of posting credits to student accounts began last Friday afternoon, and all credits have been posted.  Please continue to watch your my NSU account for the credits to appear.

If your account has a negative balance, we will follow the regular refund procedures, and these will be released on Thursday.  Students who have direct deposit should receive them Thursday or Friday, April 9-10.  Checks will take additional time to reach recipients.  Remember, if you have a declining balance meal plan, these dollars will stay active for summer, fall or until depleted.

 Thank you for your extraordinary efforts during these challenging times, and please let me know if I may assist you in any way.

Sincerely,

Dr. Maggio