NAMPA, Idaho — Northwest Nazarene University welcomes students to campus this week for new student orientation.
NNU officials told Idaho News 6 about their new safety protocols implemented around campus and in the dorms.
"We want to do our part to not only protect our students but to protect this entire community," Associate Vice President of marketing and communications, Mark Cork says.
NNU has about 300 incoming freshmen moving into their dorm halls this year.
All students, faculty, and staff signed a "Community First Pledge" promising they will uphold the university's safety precautions.
"One of those is wearing face coverings anytime that they are inside, so in classes when they are waiting in line to get a meal," Cork says. "They are committed to washing their hands regularly. We have sanitation stations all over campus."
Since most of NNU's classes are face-to-face, the school changed its classroom's layout and are using some auditoriums to provide a spaced-out environment.
"We don't typically hold a class in Swayne Auditorium that holds over 1,000 students, but this year we need to," Cork says.
While unpacking her belongings into her new dorm room, freshman Danielle Douty says she is excited to be on campus.
"I'm honestly very thankful that we're able to be here, and I'm going to try my best to myself and everyone around me safe. I think it's great that they are implementing safety protocols. At least we get to be here," Douty says.
Cork says it would be naive of NNU to believe their plan is impenetrable, but they feel they have taken the best precautions.
"We also believe that we are prepared and prepared and ready for any potential," Cork says.
Classes start in person on August 31st for all NNU graduate and undergrad students.
