What you need to know about NAU’s COVID-19 response

Northern Arizona University continues to respond to the changing COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. There are currently no confirmed cases at NAU, in Flagstaff or Coconino County. Officials are closely monitoring the spread and working with county health and other public officials, as well as following guidelines laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. State Department and the Arizona Department of Health and Safety.

Below is the latest information about NAU’s response. Refer to nau.edu/coronavirus for updates.

Preparing for online classes after spring break

Starting Monday, March 23, the first day after spring break, all of NAU’s classes will transition to online instruction for at least two weeks. At that time, university administrators and the COVID-19 task force will re-evaluate and provide direction for the remainder of the semester.

Additional information will be provided in the coming days, including specific instructions for faculty, staff and students. Students in clinical programs will be contacted directly by the College of Health and Human Services. We encourage students to stay in contact with their professors if circumstances change and faculty to remain in contact with their chairs. Information to help faculty members move their classes online is available on the ITS website.

The university will remain open and all campus departments are open and functioning. Students can remain on campus if they so choose, including over spring break.

Statewide campuses

NAU is working closely with its community college partners and local officials regarding statewide campus operations and will adhere to decisions made by our partners. Any changes in operational status will be communicated directly to faculty, staff and students at these locations.

Travel—university and personal

As of March 12, all non-essential university-sponsored international and domestic travel outside of Arizona is suspended until further notice. Personal travel outside of Arizona, both domestic and international, is strongly discouraged. We urge travelers to carefully consider their intended destinations for personal trips and check on restrictions or quarantine measures that may be recommended or required by the CDC upon arrival or return.

All faculty-led study abroad programs through May are canceled. Study abroad students and professors have been asked to immediately return to the United States and to contact the Center for International Education directly for assistance in this process or with any questions. Questions related to international travel and activities should call CIE at (928) 523-2409.

Seeking health care if you’re feeling sick

Coconino County Health and Human Services are asking all residents who feel sick and think they may have COVID-19 to first:

  • Isolate yourself.
  • Contact your health care provider or CCHHS at (928) 679-7222. They will ask screening questions to determine your level of risk. NAU students, faculty and staff also can contact Campus Health Services at (928) 523-2131.
  • If they feel you exhibit signs and symptoms of COVID-19, they will assist with providing information on where and how to get tested.

Additionally, Coconino County has set up an information line to provide general information about COVID-19, as well as transfer options to reach the CCHHS Clinic, a communicable disease team representative and a liaison officer. That number is (928) 679-7300.

Upcoming university events

All Big Sky Conference and NCAA tournament events have been canceled nationwide.

All upcoming campus events and programs are currently under review. Information about any cancellations will be communicated on an ongoing basis.

A number of parents and students have asked whether NAU will still hold commencement ceremonies in May. We have not made any decisions as we are evaluating this important event with the same criteria surrounding the health and safety of our campus community and our families.

The Contracts Unit of Contracts, Purchasing and Risk Management needs to be involved in canceling contracts and can assist with any modifications or negotiations. Submit these via email to NAU-Contracts@nau.edu.

NAU will be communicating frequently as this is a very unusual and fluid situation. Please help each other by not spreading rumors and referring to the website for accurate and up to date information.  If a question or concern is not addressed on the website, please send an email to COVIDinfo@nau.edu.

NAU Communications