Northwestern to incorporate most remaining COVID-19 protocols into broader health resources

Northwestern will incorporate its remaining COVID-19 protocols and resources into the institution’s broader health infrastructure this summer, Vice President for Operations Luke Figora announced today.

Beginning June 13, Northwestern will discontinue Isolation Housing in 1835 Hinman and on-site testing in the Jacobs Center. The University also will end the requirements for students to obtain the primary series of COVID-19 vaccinations and for students to report positive cases of COVID-19.

“We deeply appreciate the Northwestern community’s commitment to the mission of the University while adapting to abrupt shifts and changes in the trajectory of COVID-19 that presented significant challenges at work and at home,” Figora said. “In June, we will adapt to the latest phase in which we incorporate the ways we address COVID-19 into our everyday medical operations.”

The changes come as the federal government ends the COVID-19 national emergency and public health emergency in April and May, respectively, and as universities around the country shift to similar models. 

“We thank our students, faculty and staff for their sacrifices and understanding throughout our response to COVID-19,” Figora said. “We will remain vigilant in monitoring COVID-19 and other threats to public health as we continue to safeguard our community in the years to come.”

The following changes will take effect beginning with the Summer 2023 terms:

Vaccination

Northwestern will not require COVID-19 vaccination for most students, a requirement that was lifted for faculty and staff in January 2023. All related registration holds have been released. COVID-19 vaccination will still be required for students in most clinical programs to comply with clinical site requirements. With the overwhelming majority of the campus community currently vaccinated, Northwestern strongly encourages all who qualify for boosters to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

Isolation Housing

Northwestern will no longer offer Isolation Housing for on-campus residential students who test positive for COVID-19 and instead will ask students to isolate in their rooms. The University will retain a small number of emergency spaces to house students with impacted disabilities who have an accommodation on file with AccessibleNU.

COVID-19 testing

Northwestern will end its testing operation at the Jacobs Center in Evanston. Students who want to be tested should contact Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service in Evanston or Chicago. Faculty and staff who want to be tested can take an at-home test or arrange for a test off campus through their primary healthcare provider. Northwestern does not reimburse individuals or units for off-campus testing expenses.

Reporting positive tests

Students will not be required to report when they test positive for COVID-19, a requirement that was lifted for faculty and staff in January 2023. It remains important for all students to stay home if they feel unwell and isolate according to CDC guidelines if they test positive for COVID-19. Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service can assist students who need clinical treatment, letters for instructors or documentation for requesting a short-term disability accommodation. Housing accommodation requests for students with disabilities who live in on-campus housing may be submitted through the shared AccessibleNU and Residential Services accommodation request form. Faculty and staff who are sick should stay home and address COVID-19 with their medical provider and supervisor as they would other illnesses that require the use of sick days.

Northwestern will update the COVID-19 website in June to reflect these changes.