President's Message - We've got this, Cardinals!
I hope this note finds you well and thriving as you make your way through your fifth week of the semester. We got off to a very strong start this fall, and I am proud of the spirit and perseverance shown by our entire Cardinal community.
When I sent you a letter and mask in August asking you to join us in taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 at North Idaho College, I couldn’t have imagined the level of dedication I have seen in your response. I am awed by the commitment you have shown as you have adapted your behaviors to help keep NIC safe and open for learning. I want you to know how much all of us at NIC appreciate your efforts.
I know we have asked a lot of you, but it’s working. All the positive cases of COVID-19 reported so far by NIC students or employees have been traced back to exposure outside our college community. You are helping make the difference, and together, we are slowing the spread of COVID-19.
My “ask” of you today is simple: Please keep it up. Continue following the now well-known protocols that are keeping us all safe – the wearing of cloth face coverings, maintaining 6 feet of physical distance, handwashing, and monitoring ourselves for symptoms. It is vital that we all stay the course and encourage our classmates, co-workers, and friends to do the same.
As we continue to work closely with our local public health and hospital leaders, we are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases. At the same time, it’s getting cooler outside and flu season is quickly approaching.
While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for the flu. Getting a flu shot is more important than ever to protect yourself and the people around you, and to help reduce the strain on our local healthcare system as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partnering with Panhandle Health District, NIC will host two flu vaccination clinics in the Student Union Building on our main campus on October 5th and October 8th from 9 am to 3 pm. If you have medical insurance, please bring your insurance card and PHD will bill your insurance. And if you are without medical insurance, NIC will cover the cost for you. Either way, it will be of no cost to you.
Thank you for all you are doing to support our vital priority of protecting the health and safety of all. I want to thank you, again, for your commitment to our Cardinal Pledge, and for doing your part to protect the nest.
Please accept my sincere best wishes for continued success with your studies, for good health and for a great NIC experience.
Yours truly,
Rick MacLennan, President