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.