Provost COVID-19 update: delay of meal plan, fees, travel requirements

Provost Sue Ott Rowlands sent out another COVID-19 update to the campus community this afternoon. In the email, Rowlands shared information on the mandatory commuter meal plan, fall and spring semester fees, updated travel requirements and other updates. 

Rowlands said that NKU will further delay the mandatory commuter meal plan until the Fall 2021 semester. The meal plan was originally delayed from the Fall 2020 semester to Spring 2021. 

“This will keep campus traffic to those who need to be on site to access essential services and activities, like our in-person classes, library services and student support centers,” Rowlands said. 

NKU is continuing to plan the Spring 2021 semester, Rowlands said. Similarly to the current fall semester, next semester many fees will continue to be waived according to Rowlands. The usual online fee will not be charged Spring 2021, but will resume for Summer 2021 courses.

Fees and collection activity for past due balances will resume starting January 2021. NKU had temporarily suspended charging the semester payment plan fee, monthly account maintenance fees and all collection agency activity on past due balances from April 2020 through the Fall 2020 semester, according to Rowlands. Rowlands advised students to make payments in full before Dec. 31, 2020.

With Thanksgiving coming up, NKU has updated its COVID-19 travel requirements, the protocol aligns with CDC recommendations. NKU requires that faculty and staff do not return to campus for 14 days upon their return from personal travel if they have traveled internationally or on a cruise ship. 

“We ask that everyone take time to review these guidelines and keep them in mind as they make holiday plans. The recommendation to avoid non-essential travel is in place to keep the campus and our regional community healthy,” Rowlands said.