*Published on March 11, 2021

Dear Students,

The past 12 months have been without precedent in our lifetimes. Here at Northeastern, you played a critical role in making this academic year the best it could be under these extraordinary circumstances. Your resilience and willingness to adapt are what allowed you and your classmates to continue your education, which is ultimately Northeastern’s central mission.

Your hard work has been evident, and I’m delighted to share with you the following changes that we hope will provide all students—on all of our North American campuses—a well-deserved opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate. Many of these opportunities are made possible because of the excellent work you and your classmates have done to keep our campuses healthy and safe.

Announcing Care Days Across Our Campuses  

Northeastern will hold two Care Days on Wednesday March 24 and Monday, April 12. Across all of our North American campuses, classes will be canceled. April 12 will replace the holiday of April 19 in the academic calendar, moving students’ day off earlier in the term.

Health and Wellness Activities

The March 24 break from classes will feature activities that help students focus on holistic wellness and mental health —a collaboration between the Resident Student Association, Student Affairs, and student organizations. Wellness Week, from March 21 to 27, will feature meditation, yoga, and workshops on mindfulness, resilience, and social wellness. Watch your email soon for the full lineup of virtual events, giveaways, outdoor recreation, and more.

Club Sports and Recreation in Boston 

Students on our Boston campus can now register for safely distanced intramural sports like cornhole, spikeball, and badminton. Archery, running, and tennis are a few of the 50 club sports now on offer—in-person, with health protocols in place. Face-to-face group exercise classes are back indoors at Marino Recreation Center, with the gym’s capacity raised to 50% and activity beginning in the outdoor Functional Training Area next week.

Spaces for Students to Connect, Study, and Take a Break

We have also heard our students say they need space for connection, especially places to study, take remote classes, or safely socialize. Hearing that need, we’ll make these changes on our Boston campus:

All of Northeastern’s health and safety protocols apply in each of these spaces.  

On behalf of President Aoun and all faculty and staff, I thank you for all that you’ve done over the past year to Protect the Pack and keep Northeastern moving forward. Take pride in the achievements we have accomplished together as a community, with even better yet to come.

Sincerely,

 

Ken Henderson
Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning