Friday, March 13, 2020 3:48 PM Update

Should You Stay or Go?
If you are trying to decide whether or not to leave campus and you do not have internet access or the appropriate tools at home, you may want to consider staying on campus. Classes will continue and you will be expected to complete your assignments and submit them electronically in some way. Our protocols for safety remain and we are providing access to computers in Gateway Technology Center – Rooms 127 and 219.

If you decide to leave campus, you must notify your RA by 10 a.m. on Monday, March 16.

IF YOU LEAVE CAMPUS YOU MAY NOT COME BACK AND FORTH TO CAMPUS FROM OUTSIDE THE IMMEDIATE LOCAL AREA (the city of ROCKY MOUNT – Nash and Edgecombe County sides of the city). You must stay where you are until we clear everyone to return. We are reducing exposure to all campus constituents to those in the immediate local areas only. You may not make visits outside of Rocky Mount and come back.

This is not intended to be a break. This plan is to reduce your exposure to other populations that may have higher rates of COVID-19 infection.

Classes and What Happens Next Week?
The original statement of suspending instruction will be lifted for any class that is ready to proceed with remote instruction. The pause was for faculty to prepare; however some faculty are ready to proceed. Pay attention to your emails. Instructors have been asked to be flexible with deadlines for students who are traveling.

Enrolled in Adult Studies Classes?
Adult Studies online classes will proceed as usual. No changes. Seated evening or hybrid classes will be transitioned quickly to a 100% remote format.

Wes App
The Wes App may be a great tool to connect with your professors during the remote instruction period. Expect a reminder and update about its function soon from Director of Student Activities, Elliott Smith. We are currently updating some of its features, so Elliott will let you know when and how you can use it.

Library Hours
The Library will be open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday during the period of remote instruction.

Computer Labs in the Gateway Technology Center
Computer labs in GTC 127 and GTC 219 will be open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday; also from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday starting tomorrow, March 14 through the period of remote instruction. This will provide you with access to computers and printing capabilities in the evening and weekends. Seating is limited to 15 students per lab.

Tips for Prevention – Social Distancing
During the remote instruction period, please consider these tips from The Cleveland Clinic – especially social distancing. The CDC’s 6-foot rule is one preventative measure you can take by not being closer than 6ft away from another person. We would like you to practice social distancing if you remain on campus. DETAILS HERE

Again, this is all designed to be as preventative and mitigating as possible. Should you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 while on campus or at home, please notify Jessica Brys-Wilson immediately at jbrys@ncwu.edu. She will continue to be available for remote consultation and scheduled appointments during regular College operating hours.

Thursday, March 12, 2020 10:51 PM Update

North Carolina Wesleyan University has been closely monitoring progression of the COVID-19 virus with our Viral Infection Response Team working hard to prepare for contingencies. We have also been in close consultation with the Nash County Health Department to best serve the safety and  health needs of our students, faculty, and staff. We currently have no COVID-19 cases on campus or in Nash County, but to maximize the safety of our students, we will suspend face-to-face instruction at all campuses as of Friday, March 13 once all classes have ended. Please note the following plans for traditional and adult studies programs.

Traditional Program Students
No instruction will take place between Saturday, March 14 through Sunday, March 22 so that faculty can re-design courses for 100% remote instruction. Remote instruction will begin on Monday, March 23. Remote instruction will proceed until at least April 3. During this time we will continue to evaluate risks and safety procedures to determine if further actions will be taken. Communication will be sent pertaining to the potential of resuming face-to-face classes prior to April 3. Remote instruction includes multiple types of alternative course delivery methods that may include online, video, email-based or other forms of delivery. Faculty are encouraged to use an alternative course delivery model that works best for the learning outcomes of their course. Because of this, you may have different modes of course completion depending on what the Faculty member chooses. Although we are suspending face-to-face classes for a week so that faculty can prepare remote instruction content, we are not extending the semester.

Residential students should notify their resident advisors by 10am on Monday, March 16 of their intent to stay on campus or leave. There should be no coming back-and-forth to campus for students outside of the immediate local area. Commuter students should only visit campus as necessary and will not be allowed in the residence halls.

Adult Studies Students
All Adult Studies seated and hybrid courses will begin 100% remote instruction as of Monday, March 16 through April 3.

College Operational Plans (until further notice)

• College offices will remain open during normal business hours.
• All athletic activities, games, practices and meetings are suspended as of 12 noon Friday, March 13.
• All Dunn Center events will be suspended during this time.
• The Blue and Gold Cafeteria will continue serving students who remain on campus. (No change in hours at this time).
• The Health Services and Counseling Services offices will still be open for students on campus with scheduled appointments.
• All student activities, clubs, Greek Life, and intramurals will be suspended.
• Taylor Recreation Center facilities and all indoor athletic facilities are closed.
• The Elizabeth Braswell Pearsall Library will operate with limited hours. More information will be disseminated within the next day.
• The Hartness Student Center will be closed.
• For access to computers, students may use the computer labs in the Gateway Technology Center between 8am and 10pm.
• Summer/Fall 2020 registration will proceed as planned with online registration protocols. Advisors will reach out to schedule alternate format advising appointments which may include virtual communications, email, or face to face with students. Instructions for cross-enrollment, independent studies, internships, and other unscheduled courses will be sent separately with the release of the schedule.

Residence Life will be in touch with students by email with regards to the 2020-2021 Housing Application and Room Selection processes. The Villas Townhome group application process will continue as scheduled next week but will be moved to an online format. Students must stay on top of their emails for all information which will be released no later than Monday, March 16.

Self reporting for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be sent to Jessica Brys-Wilson at jbrys@ncwu.edu whether you remain or leave campus. Learn more about symptoms consistent with COVID-19 HERE.

Spring Commencement
At this point, we are still planning to hold spring commencement. If this changes because of COVID-19 conditions, we will notify graduates immediately.

Additional Precautions
During this time, our housekeeping and maintenance staff will be providing extra sanitation measures on door handles, rails, bathrooms, and the communal spaces at Wesleyan. We have a Clorox Total 360 system that will be used to clean key areas around campus. We ask that students, faculty and staff take precautions and avoid high traffic areas when they are not on campus, avoid large gatherings, do not visit areas that have high levels of COVID-19 cases and use proper hand washing and sanitizer techniques.

Faculty and Staff
High risk populations or those who have any type of sickness should work with their immediate supervisor regarding telecommuting options or taking sick leave.

Wednesday, March 11, 2020 Update

Earlier today, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 virus a global pandemic. The term pandemic refers to a disease “that has spread over several countries or continents, usually affecting a large number of people” (Centers for Disease Control 2020). Experts in Public Health have predicted this for some time which led the College to formulate the detailed response plan we’ve sent previously (also available at HERE).

While this declaration is certainly concerning, there is no need to panic. The College is doing everything possible to prevent COVID-19 infection on our campuses. This declaration does not change our response level at this point.

In addition to previous precautions, today the Viral Infection Response Team has decided to implement new precautions effective immediately for all campus residence halls including the Wesleyan Inn and Villas (until further notice):

• Overnight guests will not be permitted in the residence halls on campus.
• Current commuter students may visit the residence halls during regular visiting hours but not overnight.
• Admissions/recruitment tours will not tour the residence halls on campus.
• Visitors that are non-NCWC students will not be permitted inside the residence halls at any time.

We are also working with Dining Services to enhance precautions. Please know that we are monitoring information on this situation very closely. We will keep you updated as frequently as possible.

Monday, March 9, 2020 Advisory

Student and employee wellness is our top priority in preventing, mitigating and managing exposure and viral infections including COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the flu. North Carolina Wesleyan University is working closely with the Nash County (NC) Health Department to monitor and prepare according to guidelines and directives by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At this time, the College will continue normal operations but will be closely monitoring students, faculty and staff symptoms as well as travel information self-reports.

What do we know about COVID-19?

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a viral illness. It currently has no vaccine and no FDA approved treatment.
• About 80% of patients who contract Coronavirus will have symptoms similar to a regular cold that will resolve without treatment.
• In a small percentage of patients, serious breathing problems can develop. This is most common in older patients or those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Coronavirus is most commonly spread through close contact (within about 6 feet) of a person who has been infected with the virus.
• You can also catch Coronavirus by touching something that has been coughed or sneezed on by an infected person and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• According to the CDC at this time, most people in the United States are at little risk of contracting COVID-19.

What are the symptoms of Coronavirus COVID-19?

The symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of Breath

If you experience any of these symptoms, stay home or in your residence hall room and do not come to work or class. Report your symptoms immediately to your RA, Residence Life Director or your supervisor. If you have difficulty breathing, call 911 first. Information about reporting protocols can be found in the chart below:

If you experience any symptoms:

Main Campus Traditional Program – Resident Students

• Stay in your room and do not go to class, the cafeteria, library, Hartness Center or other spaces on campus. The College will make arrangements to deliver meals to you should you need to stay in your room for an extended period.
• Call the Student Health Center at 252.985.5186 between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday. The NCWC Director of Health Services will be able to screen you remotely and advise you of next steps. If you experience symptoms after hours or over the weekend, please call the Professional On-Call Staff Member at 252.813.1230. Please also notify your RA and/or Director of Residence Life, Steve Burrell, via email or phone about your symptoms.
• Email Jessica Brys-Wilson at jbrys@ncwu.edu to determine if communication to your faculty members about class absences is appropriate.
• Please complete the self-report travel form.

Main Campus Traditional Program – Commuting Students

• Stay home and do not come to campus.
• Call your primary healthcare physician and they will advise you on resources and next steps.
• Email Jessica Brys-Wilson at jbrys@ncwu.edu to determine if communication to your faculty members about class absences is appropriate.
• Please complete the self-report travel form.

Adult Students – All Locations

• Stay home and do not come to campus.
• Call your primary healthcare physician and they will advise you on resources and next steps.
• Notify your APS Site Director or Advisor of your symptoms/illness via email or phone.
• Email Jessica Brys-Wilson at jbrys@ncwu.edu to determine if communication to your faculty members about class absences is appropriate.
• Please complete the self-report travel form.

Employees – All Locations

• Stay home and do not come to campus.
• Call your primary healthcare physician and they will advise you on resources and next steps.
• Inform your supervisor that you will be away from the office for as long as recommended by your provider’s office. Documentation will be helpful if you will be out for more than 3 business days.
• Please complete the self-report travel form.

Prevention – What can you do to protect yourself?

• Get plenty of rest
• Eat a healthy diet
• WASH YOUR HANDS – frequently – with soap and water for twenty seconds or use hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol content.
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK! (Or in your room, if you live on campus.)
• Avoid people who are obviously sick.
• Avoid smoking and vaping.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow, not on your hands.
• If you get sick and feel like you need to be seen in the Health Center, call 252.985.5186 or email Jessica Brys-Wilson at jbrys@ncwu.edu to schedule an appointment. Do not walk in as this can increase your chances of contracting a viral illness, like COVID-19.
• If you develop difficulty breathing, call 911.

What is NCWC doing to protect you?

• We have formed a Viral Illness Response Team and are working diligently to prepare for potential future cases of Coronavirus on campus.
• We have created a very thorough Response Plan based on levels of risk to our campus community.
• We have increased disinfecting of residence halls, academic buildings and other buildings on campus.
• We have stocked the Health Center with protective supplies.
• We have been in direct contact with the local health department to prepare and develop a management plan for suspected cases of COVID-19.
• We are very closely monitoring recommendations and status updates from the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization as well as the state and local government.
• On the guidance of our local health department, we have suspended walk-in visits to our Health Center, as this could result in inadvertent exposures. All Health Center patients will have to be screened via phone or email BEFORE presenting to the Health Center.
• We have developed a questionnaire for every Health Center patient that will assess their risk of having come in contact with the Coronavirus.
• The Health Center will be monitoring illness cases to note for patterns and clusters so we can tailor additional preventive measures in those locations.
• The Viral Illness Response Team is in near constant contact and are meeting frequently to assess the current risk to our campus. If, at any point we feel it is warranted, we will take further steps to minimize risk and prevent transmission. This will be communicated through email and Bishop Alerts so please keep an eye on your school email account so you will be aware of any changes in our day-to-day operations, should the need arise.
• Facilities is fogging and carefully sanitizing common areas of main campus – including the main BRA, PCB, GSC corridors, residence halls and the Spruill building.
• Extra supplies for sanitizing have been ordered and will be distributed as needed.

For Questions

The College will continue to email and post updates to the campus community, including specific directives for action and decisions on campus operations.

Students

For questions, please contact Dr. Molly Wyatt, Interim Dean of Students, at mwyatt@ncwu.edu.

Employees

For questions, please contact Darrell Whitley, Director of Human Resources at dwhitley@ncwu.edu.