Academics and Library

Back to FA20 opening plan 

The Office of Academic Administration (OAA) has worked with the COVID-19 Response Team along with other University departments to safely accommodate face-to-face instruction this fall. Guidelines, strategies, and protocols have been put in place to ensure appropriate physical distancing, sanitation, and overall health of students and faculty.

NGU faculty and academic support services are committed to helping students to be successful in their courses, flourish spirituality, and achieve their vocational goals. Our goal is to be flexible and responsive to student needs while also guaranteeing a substantial in-person and on-campus educational experience.

Classroom & Labs

The many minor and major renovations performed on classrooms during the summer will give you an enhanced learning environment. In general, classrooms remain in their standard arrangements for seating and instruction.  However, face-coverings are required. Please familiarize yourself with NGU’s approach to face-coverings. Some classes or labs have received exemptions to the face-covering guidelines.  Your instructor will inform you of class exemptions and the Dean for your academic disciple will resource you related to any college specific protocols.

Library

The library will be open to the NGU community and visitors during the Fall 2020 semester. Please check our Hester Memorial Library website for the most up to date hours of operation. Here are some things to know before you visit the library:

• Face coverings are not required to enter the library.
  
• Physical distancing is required in the library.
• Masks should be worn in areas where physical distancing is not possible, such as computer stations and printing stations.
• Face coverings properly worn are required to receive service. Patrons should bring their own mask.
• Guests should check in at the circulation desk.
• Masks and hand sanitizer or hand washing is required before handling library materials.
• Books or other materials checked out should be returned using the book drop located on the library balcony across from the Hayes Ministry Center.
  

Students who need assistance may contact library staff by emailing reference@ngu.edu or by calling (864) 977-7091 or (864) 977-7094.

Tutoring and Testing

Students can expect the same quality tutoring opportunities throughout the fall semester as have been offered in the past. In-person, one-on-one tutoring is available by appointment via Schedulicity. Additionally, virtual tutoring via Microsoft Teams is available for most subjects. The Writing Center, Math Lab, and Language Lab will be open, and appointments are strongly encouraged.  We are also offering tutoring sessions for Blackboard and Student Portal proficiency, as well as general academic success topics (i.e. time management, study skills, note-taking).

• Both tutors and tutees will be required to wear an appropriate mask/face covering during in-person one-on-one or lab tutoring sessions.
• Students should meet in large common spaces where physical distancing can be maintained
• Labs will open at limited capacity to ensure that physical distancing measures can be maintained.
• Labs and study rooms will be cleaned and sanitized daily.

Testing Center

Testing can be stressful. We’ll do our best to make the testing center a place where you thrive. Please note, there are fewer available testing spaces due to physical distancing. Therefore it, is vital that tests are scheduled as early as possible to reserve and observe designated spaces. Additionally, students should accurately monitor their accommodated test-time. Due to COVID-19 safety concerns the following protocols will be implemented:

• An appropriate mask/face-covering must be worn at all times in the Student Accessibility Coordinator’s office and the testing center.
• No supplies (pencils, paper, scantrons, calculators, rulers, etc.) will be furnished or shared within the testing center.
• Students are asked to use hand sanitizer found at the entrance and within the testing center.
• Disposable ear plugs will be made available.

For answers to important questions see our FAQ section.