North Central College Sends On-Campus Students Home

NAPERVILLE, IL — Students at North Central College have been given until Wednesday to leave their dorms and return to their permanent residences. Exceptions will be made for students with no place to go, school officials said in an update online.

In an open letter, North Central College President Troy D. Hammond wrote, "While we had hoped to keep the campus completely open, that no longer seems possible given the rapidly changing circumstances."

Hammond went on to add that the change was one of many made "for the safety of our students, faculty, staff, and potential visitors."

What Students Can Do

Students who have a permanent residence must return to it no later than 7 p.m. on March 18. According to Hammond, students received an email detailing how to ask for an exception or get financial assistance.

Financial Assistance Available

Hammond said, "We understand that being asked to leave campus may pose a serious financial hardship for certain individuals." For these affected students, the school recommends applying for Cardinal Operation Hope and Help Financial Assistance for "emergency funds for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, or educational needs."

School Cancellations

As part of the coronavirus precautions, North Central College has cancelled its commencement ceremony and honors day, but hopes to reschedule in the future, Hammond said.

Hammond added, "I will miss seeing the normal pace of campus life; the interactions that occur between students and faculty; the buzz of activity along the campus walkway; academic, artistic, and athletic events of all kinds that create the vibrant and enriching culture that uniquely defines North Central College."