CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION
Norfolk State University (NSU) is committed to resuming in-person activities and classes while prioritizing the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff This comprehensive plan, developed with input from various campus constituencies—including faculty, staff, administrators, and students—aims to create a safe academic and residential environment A steering committee, along with six subcommittees and an advisory committee, collaborated on this initiative, incorporating guidance from medical professionals and public health experts Central to the plan are robust testing, contact tracing, and isolation processes designed to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure a quality educational experience NSU continues to enhance its University-wide strategy to effectively manage these health and safety measures.
Students and faculty are required to practice physical/social distancing
Students and faculty are required to wear facemasks or cloth face coverings to reduce the potential spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, from person to person
Students and faculty are urged to obtain or create their own cloth face coverings to enhance protection for themselves and others, in addition to the face masks provided by the University The University will also supply facemasks to students.
Students and faculty are also encouraged to use hand-sanitizing stations at entrances to classroom buildings prior to entering and leaving classrooms
Students and faculty are further encouraged to bring hand sanitizer with them and sanitizing wipes to disinfect the surfaces of desks and learning stations both before and after use
Students, faculty, and staff showing symptoms of a coronavirus infection should remain at home, refrain from attending campus or classes, and seek medical attention from the campus Spartan Health Center for students or their personal healthcare provider for faculty and staff.
Students who cannot or choose not to wear a mask or face covering for any reason should explore online course options, as in-person classes will mandate the use of face coverings.
Online classes will be asynchronous, with possible synchronous elements
The Remote Learning Guide has been posted to help students prepare to learn effectively online
Faculty will continue training to teach effectively online
Colleges, schools and departments will provide the technology specifications needed for the online courses and tools for learning online, including Blackboard, Microsoft Teams, etc
Academic advisors, tutors, counselors and writing assistance, career services and other experiential learning opportunities, etc., will be available for all online learners
Online learners with additional needs will be able to access accommodations
Online learners will be provided with a list of support services and personnel for additional help
Online learners will know who to speak with if there are difficulties learning in class
The Thompson Hospitality Return-to-Campus Plan offers a three-phased approach for dining services
In Phase 1, all retail and residential dining options are exclusively take-away, with catering offered in pre-portioned servings and delivered contactlessly Phase 2 introduces limited seating and packaged meals while still providing take-away for both residential and retail dining Catering services are enhanced with an attendant available to serve guests.
Phase 3 maintains limited seating and take-away options, with all stations attended by associates, while catering introduces a self-service choice It is essential to wash hands thoroughly before and after dining on campus to minimize virus transmission Masks or face coverings should be worn until ready to eat and replaced afterward Eating establishments must ensure a minimum of 6 feet distance between customers, including in lines and seating arrangements, and individuals should avoid sitting directly across from each other Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to take food back to their rooms, offices, or eat outside when feasible.
For more information, please visit the Norfolk State University Path Forward webpage
Students residing on campus will depart after classes conclude and before final exams, allowing them to travel home for Thanksgiving and stay there during the break In exceptional circumstances where students cannot leave campus, limited special accommodations will be provided.
Undergraduate students will be accommodated in no more than two-room doubles to ensure adequate physical and social distancing, which will decrease the total number of available housing spaces while minimizing disease transmission risks The residential housing assignment staff will reach out to undergraduates as the process develops For those residing in Spartan Suites, no significant changes are anticipated since these apartment-style living arrangements with single-occupancy bedrooms already facilitate better distancing compared to most on-campus residences However, some modifications will be necessary across all residence halls to meet public health requirements.
The University is committed to ensuring physical and social distancing measures in classrooms and residence halls, while also reserving adequate housing for quarantine or self-isolation in the event of an infection surge.
If health conditions improve, this plan will allow NSU to expand on campus residential access later during the year
In addition, there are many students with special circumstances, including medical needs As during the
For the spring semester of 2020, a select number of residential spaces will be allocated for students with specific needs to remain on campus Housing staff will communicate with students regarding the status of their requests.
Who can access my residential community?
NSU residential communities maintain 24/7 security with locked access, ensuring safety for all residents However, during peak periods like semester move-in and move-out times, exceptions may be implemented to facilitate access.
SpartanCard will allow you access to your residential community only during your stay Your card will be deactivated during University breaks
What safety measures will be in place to promote a safe, healthy and clean living and learning environment?
To minimize the risk of coronavirus on campus, all students are required to read and acknowledge the information provided in this section Additionally, students opting for on-campus housing must complete safety modules and sign a certificate of compliance before their move-in date.
All students returning to campus will be expected to engage in protective personal behaviors, including physical distancing to minimize the risks of exposure to coronavirus (COVID19)
Community bathrooms in traditional residence halls are maintained with cleaning services that adhere to local, state, and federal health and safety guidelines To ensure a safe and healthy living environment, these bathrooms are cleaned and sanitized twice daily and checked regularly throughout the day as needed.
Guidance for Residence Hall Community Spaces
To ensure safety and promote physical distancing, it is recommended to use elevators solo or with a minimal number of passengers and to opt for stairs when feasible When using the elevator, always wear a face covering and avoid direct contact with the buttons using your hands After exiting the elevator, remember to wash your hands or apply hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
Stairwells and hallways on campus are designated for travel only, and individuals should avoid congregating in these areas It is essential for everyone to wear face coverings at all times while on campus, except when in their own rooms Additionally, maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from others in common areas, including stairwells and hallways, is strongly encouraged to ensure safety.
Laundry Room Usage Residents using laundry services in the residential communities and Spartan Station
Mini-mall should maintain 6 feet of physical distancing expectations and adhere to the signage displaying hours of operation and usage expectations
ACADEMIC INFORMATION
THE GREEN AND GOLD STANDARD V1.0
The Green and Gold Standard v1.0 positions academics at the heart of Norfolk State University, defining the Ideal Spartan graduate as an academically aware, uniquely prepared individual who maintains a lasting connection with the institution This standard promotes impactful innovation, enabling students to thrive and excel with distinction.
Norfolk State University focuses on enhancing student outcomes by prioritizing three key areas: Performance, Persistence, and Preparation through intentional engagement Additionally, the university supports student identity formation in four critical phases: exploration, development, clarification, and actualization This structured approach ensures that students have clear pathways to achieve their personal, academic, and career aspirations.
In sum, at Norfolk State University, we believe that access provides the opportunity; success seizes it The Green and Gold Standard v1.0 poises us to lead the way
NSU’s academic programs are coordinated through the colleges and schools outlined below:
The College of Liberal Arts comprises eight academic departments: English and Foreign Languages, Visual and Performing Arts, History and Interdisciplinary Studies, Mass Communications and Journalism, Music, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology.
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
The College of Science, Engineering and Technology offers a diverse range of courses across eight major fields: Computer Science, Engineering, Nursing and Allied Health, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Technology Additionally, the college hosts the ROTC program, which includes both Naval Science and Army ROTC.
Ethelyn R Strong School of Social Work
The School of Social Work offers comprehensive education through its Baccalaureate (B.S.W.), Master’s (M.S.W.), and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs, along with continuing education opportunities Its mission is to equip students with the necessary competencies to effectively develop and deliver services that empower individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
School of Graduate Studies and Research
The School of Graduate Studies and Research administers the University’s graduate programs in the School of Education, College of Liberal Arts, School of Social Work, and College of
Science, Engineering and Technology It is responsible for the development and maintenance of high quality graduate programs
The Robert C Nusbaum Honors College is designed to provide an enriched and challenging program of study for students who manifest exceptional academic potential, to improve the
University’s ability to attract such scholars and to enrich the academic community
The School of Business, accredited by AACSB-International, offers degree programs in accountancy, business, and tourism and hospitality Its mission is to equip students for careers across various organizations and further academic pursuits within a learner-centered environment This approach fosters academic excellence, professional development, and emphasizes the significance of diversity, technology, globalization, and ethics in both the workplace and society.
The School of Education, accredited by NCATE, oversees the leadership, coordination, and evaluation of all teacher education programs at the University Its primary mission is to offer comprehensive pre-service and in-service educational programs for prospective teachers, current educators, administrators, and individuals involved in educational activities across schools and various agencies.
Reporting to the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Academic Engagement is responsible for student success initiatives to increase student
At Norfolk State University, the Dr Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center and the Student Pathways and Academic Formation are key components of the Office of Academic Engagement, emphasizing the importance of performance, persistence, and preparation in student success.
Engagement facilitates resolution for academic-related student concerns when they have reached the Office of the Provost after following appropriate protocol at the departmental and college/school level
Nursing and General Education Building, Suite 307
Dr Andrea Neal, Associate Vice Provost, Office of Academic Engagement
DR PATRICIA LYNCH STITH STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER
The Dr Patricia Lynch Stith Student Success Center, a unit of the Office of Academic Engagement, provides essential services aimed at enhancing student achievement, boosting retention rates, and accelerating degree completion Under the Spartan Advising Model, all first and second-year students receive guidance at the Center Additionally, students are encouraged to utilize available resources such as tutoring, including the free online service SMARTHINKING, as well as mentoring programs and support during their sophomore year.
Experience, and other academic assistance
Nursing and General Education Building, Suite 100
Ms Sheryll Heard, Interim Executive Director
STUDENT PATHWAYS AND ACADEMIC FORMATION
The Office of Academic Engagement oversees the Spartan Seminars, Learning Communities, and Spartan Pathways as part of its Student Pathways and Academic Formation unit This team collaborates with faculty and staff across the University to enhance student support and success.
“Performance, Persistence and Preparation” in the following ways:
• Foster an academic environment wherein students become acutely-aware and distinctively prepared as emerging scholars and professionals;
• Offer curricular and co-curricular initiatives for students in all four years of their college experience, emphasizing academic/intellectual and career identity formation;
• Play a key role in preparing NSU graduates to enter rewarding careers in their chosen field(s) and/or to pursue graduate school with a clear purpose after degree completion;
• Track and assess the placement and performance of graduates after degree completion
To support its academic mission, Norfolk State University has created a series of three (3), one
The Spartan Seminar series, comprising SEM 101, 102, and 201, integrates meta-major learning communities to assist students in navigating their academic journeys Often, students seek guidance on how to reach their educational or career destinations, whether by locating campus resources or contemplating their future goals This series is designed to support students in aligning their academic pursuits with their self-defined objectives, fostering a clearer path toward success.
In SEM 201, students focus on foundational academic skills and engage in structured self-concept exploration, while learning about essential university resources, programs of study, and career opportunities This course supports their transition from lower-division to upper-division academics, helping them to develop a clearer personal, academic, and career identity.
Learning Communities are dedicated groups that blend classroom learning with practical academic experiences By combining curricular and co-curricular activities both inside and outside the classroom, these communities allow students to immerse themselves in their NSU journey and approach real-world challenges through an interdisciplinary lens.
14 S.A.S.E (SPARTANS ACCESS TO SECONDARY EDUCATION)
SPARTAN PATHWAYS (CAREER PATHWAYS INITIATIVE)
Spartan Pathways is Norfolk State University’s career pathways initiative, uniquely positioned within the Division of Academic Affairs to focus on enhancing the academic experience Led by faculty, the initiative actively evaluates and adapts the curriculum to meet workforce demands, starting with lower division students through meta-major learning communities that foster career identity development For upper division students, faculty facilitate career clarity and realization through targeted curricular and co-curricular activities, including major courses, internships, and research partnerships Additionally, faculty collaborate with students, industry partners, and university stakeholders on projects aimed at improving curriculum and classroom experiences, ultimately ensuring students achieve their post-graduation goals Spartan Pathways strives to maximize the return on tuition investment by effectively connecting students to career success.
Nursing and General Education Building, Suite 307
Dr Andrea Neal, Associate Vice Provost, Office of Academic Engagement
Norfolk State University (NSU) prioritizes intellectual inquiry while maintaining a strong commitment to academic freedom and integrity The university expects all faculty, staff, and students to uphold these core values, demonstrating tolerance and respect for one another in their interactions.
DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS
Military Services and Veteran Services 52
The Division of Student Affairs serves as the main administrative body overseeing student programs, services, and activities beyond the classroom It focuses on understanding and addressing individual student needs while promoting their development to reach their full potential The division is committed to upholding student rights, encouraging respect and communication across diverse cultures, and engaging in ongoing self-assessment to adapt its objectives Ultimately, it supports the educational mission of the University by aligning its efforts with the evolving needs of the student body.
The Division of Student Affairs is dedicated to supporting students and aligns with the University’s mission, impacting various administrative and functional areas within the University, as well as the broader community of Hampton Roads, the state, and the nation.
The Vice President for Student Affairs leads and manages various student services, overseeing key offices such as Accessibility Services, Career Services, the Counseling Center, and the Dean of Students Additional responsibilities include managing Housing & Residence Life, International Student Services, Military Services and Veterans Affairs, the Spartan Health Center, Spartan Training Zone, Student Activities and Leadership, the Student Center, and Student Support Services.
The mission of the Division of Student Affairs is to effectively develop students while providing services needed for an empowering and transformational experience
The Division of Student Affairs is committed to honoring the University’s rich traditions while providing innovative services tailored to student needs We aim to empower students to achieve global recognition for their contributions in civic engagement, scholarship, and advocacy by fostering a culture of civility, leadership, and personal responsibility.
At Norfolk State University, the Division of Student Affairs recognizes the essential role of students, faculty, and staff as integral partners in fostering a vibrant campus community We are dedicated to upholding our core values of Integrity, Collaboration, Student-Centeredness, Inclusion, and Innovation, which we believe will significantly enhance the overall experience at our university.
Registered student organizations, faculty, and staff looking to using campus facilities for meetings and/or activities are required to complete a reservation request in 25Live
The information provided below is intended to assist in submitting reservation requests via
For Students: To log on use your MyNSU credentials You may need to reach out to your
Student Organization's president to submit a request for access to 25Live Only registered Student Organizations are permitted to request space on campus
For Faculty and Staff: Sign in using NSU Portal Log In Next, send an email to conference@nsu.edu for training instructions and to request access
For Non-University Affiliated Request (External Requests) please contact conference@nsu.edu and allow 10 business days for necessary approvals
Each request requires approval from the following entities:
• Information Technology Services Support Staff (Required on events requesting technical support)
• Student Organization's Advisor (Required for Student Organization requests only)
Event requests will not be approved if all required approvals are not obtained
RESERVATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE STUDENT CENTER
While the Student Center is the "hub" of the campus There are other locations on campus available for reservations
All locations reservation requests must be requested in 25Live unless notated below
Edward L Hamm Fine Arts Building
Nursing and General Education Building: Rooms 101 and 205 must be reserved via yaarishina@nsu.edu
G.W.C Brown Memorial Hall: All Rooms must be reserved via yaarishina@nsu.edu
Herman H Bozeman Education Building: Room 231 must be approved by the School of Education
Robinson Technology Building must be reserved through the Dean of The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology at mokeeve@nsu.edu
L Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center
Scott/Dozier Dining Hall: Reservation request via 25Live
Lyman Beecher Brooks Library: For questions regarding space reservations in the library please contact dmdyson@nsu.edu
If you have any questions regarding any space on campus feel free to contact the Event
COMPLETING AN EVENT RESERVATION REQUEST
To reserve space on NSU's campus, Event Reservation Requests must be submitted through 25Live Student Organizations and University Departments should follow specific steps to initiate their requests.
Complete the required fields (Identified with *)
Read and agree to "Event Request Affirmation"
Your event is submitted for approval, you will receive final confirmation once all necessary approvals are obtained
Please contact the NSU Auxiliary Services office
For changes: Log in to 25Live using your MyNSU credentials and locate the event to make changes Click Edit Make the necessary changes
For Cancellations: Email the Event Manager and include the event name, date and location of the event
All flyers and posters intended for campus distribution must be submitted to Event Scheduling on the 2nd floor of the Student Center for approval and stamping A confirmed event is required to obtain this stamp Once approved, flyers may only be displayed on designated bulletin boards, as posting on windows, doors, lamp posts, and other surfaces is strictly prohibited.
Failure to follow this regulation will subject the organization to disciplinary sanctions
Only approved flyers may be posted on bulletin boards, and they must pertain exclusively to university-affiliated events, such as those organized by registered student organizations or university departments Posting flyers on windows, doors, lamp posts, or other surfaces is strictly prohibited Organizations that do not adhere to this policy may face disciplinary sanctions.
All flyers will be checked for: grammatical errors, event information (such as date, time, and location), use of trademarked logos including NSU, and must adhere to Student Catalog guidelines
To complete your event scheduling, please present a copy of your confirmation at either the Event Scheduling Office on the second floor of the Student Center, Suite 201, or the Office of Student Activities & Leadership located on the third floor, Suite 323.
To request media and technology equipment such as TVs, computers, overhead projectors, and screens, please use 25Live for your reservation The "Requirements" section of the reservation request outlines all available technology, including computers, microphones, projectors, remote clickers, telephones, and TV monitors Be sure to specify the quantity needed for each item.
All food must be ordered from NSU Dining Services (Thompson Hospitality) prior to the event
No outside food is allowed unless you have obtained a written waiver from Thompson
Hospitality Norfolk State University has an exclusive contract with Pepsi Beverage company Only Pepsi products are allowed on the campus
To ensure compliance, a signed Business Meal Certification Form from an authorized approver must be submitted to Thompson Hospitality before the event Neglecting this requirement may lead to disciplinary actions, fines, and the inability to secure space for the event.
Want to request catering at your event?
For menu options, please refer to the Catering Guide available on the Thompson Hospitality website To place an order, email norfolkcatering@thompsonhospitality.com with your contact details, including your first and last name, phone number, event date, start and end times, event location (building and room number), expected guest count, preferred menu items from the Catering Guide, and payment method (such as credit card or purchase order).
You must approve all events submitted in 25Live by your organizations
1 Click on the "Task Tab"
Approval for the organization's event hinges on the advisor's consent, as they must review and authorize the event beforehand It is essential for advisors to be present at significant events, including talent shows, pageants, and concerts, to ensure proper oversight and support.
Dr Beverly B Harris, Director www.nsu.edu/student-affairs/disability-sevices
Accessibility Services enhances the academic success of students with disabilities (SWD) by offering top-notch educational support, conducting seminars and workshops for faculty and staff, and providing training on assistive technology for students, faculty, staff, and administrators.
Norfolk State University’s Accessibility Services adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, providing essential support to enrolled students with documented disabilities, including physical, psychological, learning disabilities, and health issues All interactions with Accessibility Services are confidential, and information is disclosed solely with the student’s consent.
DIVISION OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Policies are available in the online Policy Library For a listing of all University policies, visit the following link: https://www.nsu.edu/president/policy- library/index.