COVID-19 Updates

Stay Safe. Stay Calm. Sail On, Proas.

As the CNMI’s only accredited higher education institution, the Northern Marianas College (NMC) is committed to its goal of being an engine for economic growth and a hub for innovation in order to improve the social, economic, and environmental welfare of the people of the Marianas. 

The College will continue to be proactive in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout its academic programs and its campuses on all three islands. In collaboration with the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC) and the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, the College has implemented protocols to protect the health and safety of the entire Proa Tribe. 

These protocols reflect both Commonwealth and federal public health guidance and will be subject to revision as determined by College leadership due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. NMC will continue to work closely with Commonwealth leadership and public health officials to operate in accordance with directives guidelines from the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHCC), the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The College will continue to work closely with public health officials and government leadership to ensure a safe campus environment on all three islands. College leadership, through the College Graduation Committee, reserves the right to pause or move back in the implementation of this phased approach based on community health conditions. 

Current Phase: Proa Strong 

This phase means that both the CNMI and NMC have a vaccination rate above 95%, and community health conditions have improved for the lifting of specific restrictions and mandates. As of April 8, 2022, the Governor’s COVID-19 Task Force and CHCC have announced that the CNMI is now in a COVID-19 Community Level Low in line with CDC guidance. The College will continue its shift to a fully operational status with health and safety guidelines in place. 

  • All employees, students, family members, and guests are not required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors while on campus. An individual can wear a mask indoors based on personal preference, as informed by one’s personal level of risk. 
    • CDC guidance states that, in general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. 
    • If you are immunocompromised or have a high risk for severe disease, talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to wear a mask. 
    • If you are sick and need to be around others or are caring for a family member who has COVID-19, wear a mask. 
  • There will be no vaccine verification at College activities and events. 
  • The College will remain committed to maintaining improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces across campuses on all three islands. 
  • College leadership retains flexibility to adapt its operations as community health conditions require.