| UPDATE March 31 Regarding April Employee Guidance
Faculty and Staff: I want to again, thank you for your commitment to maintaining the high-quality UNCP experience for our students under extraordinary circumstances. Your efforts in the past few weeks have been inspiring to say the least. I am humbled and honored to be your chancellor and to navigate these times we face alongside you. As you know, to flatten the curve of COVID-19 in our state, on Friday, Gov. Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order for the state of North Carolina that went into effect at 5 p.m., Monday, March 30, and will remain in effect until April 29, 2020. While we do not anticipate this substantially adjusting our current operational plan, we do want to share additional guidance that has been released from the UNC System. As of April 1, 2020, the UNC System has issued new guidelines for work and leave provisions through April 30, 2020. Our response to COVID-19 remains fluid, and all employees should remain in close contact with your supervisors and departmental leadership for clear communications regarding work instructions. Below and attached you will find a summary from the Office of Human Resources on the new guidance and how it impacts our campus operations. Thank you for remaining focused on our university’s future throughout unprecedented times. There will be an end to this, and we will emerge stronger. Take care and be well. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor ***************** Employee Work and Leave Provisions Summary April 2020 UNC System Interim President Bill Roper has approved special emergency provisions for SHRA and EHRA non-faculty employees to help them during the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions override all regular policies and can be changed by Interim President Roper at any time based on the development of our COVID-19 response and the operational needs of UNC Pembroke. Special paid administrative leave must occur within the employee’s regular work schedule (or typical work schedule for temporary employees as determined by their supervisor). You will be able to find the UNC System on COVID‐19 special faculty and staff work and leave provisions guidance covering the period of April 1-30, 2020 when you log into BraveWeb. Please refer to this guidance for additional details. Mandatory Operations In accordance with the new guidelines, mandatory operations include, but are not limited to, the following essential functions that relate to public health and patient care; public safety; operation of critical infrastructure and facilities; operation and safety of sensitive research labs; supporting the humane care of laboratory research animals; the care of persons or property for whom the university has a duty to continue to serve; and remaining onsite students and instructional support services. COVID-19 mandatory employees are those that must report on campus to perform these essential functions referenced above. All other employees are expected to telework, if feasible. Teleworking As a reminder, employees who have been directed by their supervisor to work remotely or at an alternate location should be teleworking by Tuesday, March 31, 2020, in accordance with the Governor’s stay at home order. All teleworking employees must complete the telework agreement form for the period of April 1- April 30, 2020, obtain supervisor approval and send to the Office of Human Resources. For appropriate instructions and forms, please visit uncp.edu/hr. Compensatory leave provisions The new provisions address added compensation (compensatory time off) for on-campus COVID-mandatory employees. The institution shall have the discretion to award added compensation or equivalent compensatory time resulting from COVID‐19 as a lump sum payment, as a series of payments, as paid leave, or in any combination, within 12 months of the date of accrual. COVID‐19 compensatory time is paid out based on the employee’s hourly rate of pay. Specifically, the new guidelines include: SHRA and EHRA mandatory (permanent) employees will receive added compensation for hours required to be worked at a designated university worksite other than their personal residence, and only for those specific dates and times that such on‐site work is required; off‐campus (teleworking) hours will not be subject to these added special compensation provisions. (Exclusions to the added compensation include Tier I and Tier II senior academic and administrative officers, faculty, directors and deputy directors of major institution‐wide or school‐wide functions, department heads, division heads, coaches and athletic administrators.) Campus leadership will give every possible consideration to individual personal circumstances, however, supervisors and leadership have the discretion to deny or defer special leave provisions for mandatory employees whose presence is determined necessary to address urgent public health, public safety, or critical infrastructure needs. Administrative leave provisions Administrative leave provisions previously directed in the March 19 memo will continue through April 30. Categories that enable an employee to request special leave are listed and explained below: High-Risk Mandatory Employees: Special consideration should be given to mandatory employees who are determined to be “high risk” for contracting COVID‐19. Supervisors may allow these employees to telework or approve other special leave. Employees in the “high risk” category meet one of the following conditions:
Employees with Child Care and Elder Care Issues: Employees who can’t work because they have child care or elder care needs due to COVID-19-related facility closings will receive paid administrative leave for the period of time they are unavailable. If more than one person in the household is a state employee, then the employees are expected to work with their supervisor to determine how to allocate paid administrative leave to avoid inappropriate overlap of leave usage. Employees Unable to Telework: Employees may receive special paid administrative leave if they cannot telework because their position and duties cannot be performed remotely, and reasonable alternate remote work is not feasible or productive. Employees Who Are Sick from Cold, Flu or COVID-19: Employees who are sick due to symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID-19 or who are caring for a dependent with such symptoms may receive paid administrative leave. All other absences will utilize regular forms of leave such as sick, vacation and bonus leave, or shared leave if approved.
Part-Time Employees: For part-time employees with fluctuating schedules, paid administrative leave may be applied, but consideration should be given to the employee’s average hours per week over the course of a month. In no case shall paid administrative leave exceed forty hours per week. Temporary Employees: Chancellor Cummings will continue to offer full or partial special leave provisions to temporary employees based on available funds and operational needs. Administrative leave process: Under the current process, supervisors should continue to complete the attached excel spreadsheet to include employee name and other information; also, indicate who should be paid the administrative leave and note the specified period.
Contacts: For temporary and student employees contact Rhonda Locklear, rhonda.locklear@uncp.edu and/or Kelley Koch, kelley.koch@uncp.edu |
| UPDATE Monday, March 30 Regarding Student Reimbursements
BraveNation: UNC Pembroke recognizes the challenges created as students were asked to leave campus as a result of our response to COVID-19. We know the financial implications these changes have had may be significant to students and families. I am pleased to inform you that today UNC Pembroke received additional guidance from the UNC System regarding reimbursements to students for housing and dining plans that have gone unused due to COVID-19. We know you have been anxiously awaiting this announcement and thank you for your continued patience. There is a great deal more work to be done, but we wanted to share this information with you as quickly as possible. UNCP administrators and UNC System leadership will be working together on the details of implementation. We will move as swiftly as possible on this process and anticipate more details to follow in the coming weeks. Below is the official statement from the UNC System:
We hope you are remaining safe and healthy. If you have any additional questions, please send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor |
| UPDATE Friday, March 27 Regarding Governor's Stay-at-Home Order
Read the Full NC Governor Executive Order Governor's Stay-at-Home FAQs How does this affect university operations? These orders should not result in any significant changes for university operations, given the essential functions authorized in the order and our reduced operations already at UNCP. Is UNCP’s campus now closed? No, UNCP will remain open. However, many in-person services have been drastically reduced or shifted to a virtual presence. Please check the uncp.edu/ncov event and adjustments section for hours of operation for essential services like dining. What should I say if I am stopped by law enforcement on the way to campus? Please ensure you carry your UNCP employee identification card at all times. If you are stopped, simply indicate you are designated as an essential employee at UNC Pembroke reporting to or returning from work. Are students able to stay in residence halls? Yes, students who had previously been granted an exception may remain in the residence halls. You should follow all state orders and treat your residence hall as your home. What does "stay-at-home" mean? A stay-at-home order is an order by a government entity to enforce social distancing and prevent the spread of infectious disease. It is not the same as a “seek shelter” order that is often issued in severe weather. You do not need to relocate to a basement or other shelter location. In a stay-at-home order, the act of going outside isn’t inherently dangerous, but you may be putting yourself and others in danger by being too close to other people and spreading contagions. What is the difference between stay-at-home and social distancing? Stay at home is a more stringent form of social distancing.
How long will the stay-at-home order last? This order goes into effect on Monday, March 30, at 5 p.m. and will remain in effect until April 29,2020. This will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and can be amended, revised or extended by state officials. Who does it apply to? This order applies to all residents of the State of North Carolina. If a county in which you reside has already or issues a county-level stay-at-home order, the more restrictive order will take precedence. Can I still go outside and/or leave home? Yes, but with certain restrictions. You may leave your home to acquire food, essential supplies, assist other individuals, volunteer, go to work, receive medical care, and exercise among other things. However, the Executive Order prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people in any single place. At any allowable gatherings, individuals should remain at least 6 feet apart. Other Information
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| UPDATE Friday, March 27 Regarding Commencement
UNCP’s Class of 2020: Please know your faculty and staff are doing everything in their power to provide the same education you have come to appreciate in your time at UNCP. They are working hard to support you as you complete your final semester. And I know you are eagerly awaiting a decision on your spring commencement. After consultation with Cabinet and leadership from SGA, Faculty Senate and Staff Council in light of what we know now about COVID-19 and its impact on our operations, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to postpone the Spring Commencement ceremonies until August 7-8, 2020. The Graduate School will take place the evening of August 7 and the undergraduate ceremony will take place the morning of August 8. Commencement is one of our most treasured parts of the UNCP experience, and trust me when I say we did not make this decision lightly. Above all else, we were committed to helping you celebrate this milestone in your life and providing you the opportunity to experience our tradition of completing your BraveWalk to the commencement stage. A committee has already begun making the necessary adjustments to the plans and more information about logistics will be available soon at uncp.edu/commencement. As always, both graduate and undergraduate ceremonies will be livestreamed at uncp.edu/live for family and friends who are not able to attend and celebrate with you. This is an extraordinary situation, and certainly not what we anticipated this semester. We appreciate your understanding, patience and most of all your support as we navigate these challenges together. As your chancellor, I am proud of how we have responded and of what we will accomplish in the months ahead. Let this experience remind you to always keep your goals in sight and never give up on your passions. In life, you will be presented with obstacles. What will define you, your character, your very success in life, is how you respond and adjust. Our university has been tested by challenges before. We are resilient and together, we will get through this. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD |
| UPDATE Sunday, March 22 (Message to Students)
BraveNation: We trust you are all taking proactive measures to stay healthy during this time and hope you saw Chancellor Cummings' message to students posted earlier today. Faculty and staff have worked hard to create innovative solutions so your classes can resume tomorrow, March 23, in a new online format. We ask that you bear in mind this is new for all of us, and invite you to let us know if you are experiencing any challenges. We are working hard to provide the best educational experience possible in our new reality and will remain committed to providing you with the resources needed to be successful. To that end, several campus offices have resources available to support your efforts. For ease of access, the Center for Student Success and University College have compiled a list of many of those resources that can assist students throughout this transition. Please visit the UNCP Cares: Virtual Resources page for a listing of UNCP services that may help you navigate this time. We would also like to take this opportunity to highlight a few resources available to you here:
In addition, we wanted to remind you that the deadline for course withdrawal has been extended to March 31. For more information, please visit the Office of the Registrar. In keeping with the CDC directive on social distancing, many UNCP offices and services may have reduced in-person availability beginning March 23; however, all services will continue to be available at a minimum remotely. Students will still access the library, BraveCentral, housing, the University College, and several others in-person though hours of operation and staffing levels may be reduced. Please review individual web pages for operational adjustments. For your convenience, we have listed hours of operation on the Event Adjustments and Changes page. University officials will continue to actively monitor and respond to the public health threat from COVID-19 and provide information as it is released. All information, resources (including community-based resources), and health tips are available at uncp.edu/ncov. Should you have additional questions, please send them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. Please know your university is here to assist. We know many of you may be facing a variety of personal challenges as a result of COVID-19. Please stay in close contact with your faculty and advisor if you are experiencing specific challenges unique to your situation. They are committed to your success. Above all else, we want to ensure you remain healthy and have access to the support you need during this time. Please do not hesitate to let our faculty and staff know if you need assistance. UNCP is your university family, and families come together to help one another in times of need. Thank you for your continued support of our campus community. Go Braves! JODI W. PHELPS INTERIM VICE CHANCELLOR FOR ADVANCEMENT CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICER |
| UPDATE Thursday, March 19 Regarding Employee Guidance
Read Chancellor's full message to campus below. Following the UNC System directive to significantly reduce campus operations and services, only those operational units considered to be essential to maintain basic and critical functions of the university and to maintain the safety of our students who remain in university housing will continue to be staffed on-site. Many of our in-person, non-essential services will move to a virtual, teleworking environment or be minimally staffed. For this COVID-19 issue, the UNC System has changed the definition of mandatory employee to those who are directed by their supervisor to report to work, at a designated university worksite other than their personal residence, at specific dates and times. It is possible that an employee will have a portion of duties that are on campus and can fulfill the remainder of their duties remotely. Beginning March 23 and until further notice, only mandatory employees under this new definition who need to report to work on campus should do so. All non-mandatory employees — including temporary employees and student workers — will continue to be assigned work and will be expected to work remotely to the fullest extent possible. Supervisors are responsible for designating mandatory employees, and for assigning and tracking their non-mandatory employees’ remote work. To be clear, these changes do not remove an employee’s responsibilities to complete their work assignments. The work of our university must continue uninterrupted. Mandatory and non-mandatory employees — including temporary employees and student workers — who cannot work remotely for either of the following reasons will receive paid administrative leave until March 31 for the period of time they are unavailable to work. As COVID-19 continues to spread across our country, we are seeing a dramatic shift in the way we are conducting daily life to slow the spread of the virus. The situation is evolving quickly, and all UNC System institutions have been instructed to significantly reduce all operations on our campuses. Protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our campus community is our first priority but we also must continue to provide an uncompromisingly exceptional experience to our students, even under these circumstances. We want to take this opportunity to provide you additional guidance regarding teleworking and the special leave provisions in place for COVID-19. Following the UNC System directive to significantly reduce campus operations and services, only those operational units considered to be essential to maintain basic and critical functions of the university and to maintain the safety of our students who remain in university housing will continue to be staffed on-site. Many of our in-person, non-essential services will move to a virtual, teleworking environment or be minimally staffed. For this COVID-19 issue, the UNC System has changed the definition of mandatory employee to those who are directed by their supervisor to report to work, at a designated university worksite other than their personal residence, at specific dates and times. It is possible that an employee will have a portion of duties that are on campus and can fulfill the remainder of their duties remotely. Beginning March 23 and until further notice, only mandatory employees under this new definition who need to report to work on campus should do so. All non-mandatory employees — including temporary employees and student workers — will continue to be assigned work and will be expected to work remotely to the fullest extent possible. Supervisors are responsible for designating mandatory employees, and for assigning and tracking their non-mandatory employees’ remote work. To be clear, these changes do not remove an employee’s responsibilities to complete their work assignments. The work of our university must continue uninterrupted. Mandatory and non-mandatory employees — including temporary employees and student workers — who cannot work remotely for either of the following reasons will receive paid administrative leave until March 31 for the period of time they are unavailable to work.
Employees who are sick due to symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID-19 or who are caring for a dependent with such symptoms will receive paid administrative leave for any time lost through March 31. Additionally, there are no special compensation (compensatory “comp” or overtime) provisions for mandatory employees in effect at this time. This guidance, which is provided by the UNC System, is effective immediately through March 31 and will be revisited as the situation evolves. More information is available in the attached memo from the UNC System office. Supervisors will be responsible for managing teleworking and work provisions for employees. Please consult directly with your supervisor and leadership for additional guidance on your assignments. I want to reiterate again my appreciation for each of you for your patience and commitment to ensuring the mission and operations of our university continues, as we navigate these unprecedented times. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor |
| UPDATE Tuesday, March 17
Please read the Chancellor’s full message to campus below. RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS | To reduce the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately all students are instructed to remain at, or return to, their permanent residences unless granted an exception by our university. Exceptions will be made in extraordinary cases, including where continued education is not possible, where students may not have safe and suitable alternative living arrangements, or where they have prohibitive travel restrictions. Students who have no other option than to be on campus are permitted to remain, but only if granted an exception. We have developed criteria for students who will be allowed to remain in university housing. Click here for more information about the criteria and the exemption request process. Please contact Housing and Residence Life for additional information or questions on submitting the form. Dining services will be available for those who remain on campus. REIMBURSEMENTS | We know there have been many questions about partial refunds for dining plans and housing. We are not prepared to make these decisions until guidance is offered from the UNC System. We will let you know when we receive any updates. STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES COMING TO CAMPUS | If you develop or are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should not come to campus. Please contact your health care provider or Student Health Services. STUDY ABROAD | All students currently studying abroad, regardless of location, have been recalled, in accordance with a UNC System directive. Additionally, all international trips scheduled to occur through July 1 have been cancelled. EVENTS | To be consistent with the Executive Order released over the weekend, and subsequent guidance by President Roper, all events with more than 50 attendees are cancelled and there will be no exceptions granted. Information about event changes and adjustments are posted on the UNCP COVID response page as they are determined. EMPLOYEES | Today, the Governor approved special faculty and staff leave provisions through March 31, 2020. These provisions encourage greater social distancing to include remote and telework wherever possible and provide for paid administrative leave when such options are not available. Employees should consult their supervisor for specific instructions on how they are to proceed. These provisions are extended to include student and temporary employees. Please note, currently, the official status of the UNC System is that our campuses are to remain open. More information and details will be forthcoming. CONTINUING OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE Some guidance from the March 12 update will remain in effect until further notice. This includes the following. SPRING BREAK EXTENSION | We are extending spring break through Sunday, March 22. Our faculty and staff will use this week to prepare to deliver coursework remotely with as many courses moved to online format as possible. Please note, students enrolled in the accelerated online MBA program will proceed on the original schedule and will receive additional guidance directly from the School of Business. REMOTE INSTRUCTION | Remote instruction will begin the week of March 23. Starting Monday, March 23, the majority of our classes will be offered remotely and will remain that way until further notice. Some courses, by nature of their content, are not able to be moved online and may continue to meet in-person or in another alternative method. Your instructors will provide further information in the coming week regarding your coursework and assignments. Faculty should consult their chairs, deans, or the Office of the Provost regarding instructions and questions about moving their courses to online and alternative formats. Resources are available for faculty through the Office of Online Learning and the Teaching and Learning Center. UNIVERSITY-SANCTIONED TRAVEL | All university-sanctioned travel, both international and domestic outside of North Carolina remains prohibited. ***** We know that many of you may be experiencing various challenges as a result of this situation and would like to take this opportunity to offer some additional resources to assist you through this difficult time.
As you may know, in response to the spread of COVID-19 in our state, the Governor issued Executive Order 117 over the weekend closing all public K-12 schools for a minimum of 2 weeks and banning mass gatherings of more than 100 people. In response, today the UNC System office released additional guidance for all 17 of its campuses. Presently there are 40 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with no deaths in North Carolina and there remain no confirmed cases on our campus or in our immediate area. The response to COVID-19 is fluid and changes by the hour. UNC Pembroke will continue acting in accordance with directives from the UNC System office. In an effort to maintain the health and well-being of our campus community, the following updates will take effect immediately. ***** UPDATED OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS | To reduce the spread of COVID-19, effective immediately all students are instructed to remain at, or return to, their permanent residences unless granted an exception by our university. Exceptions will be made in extraordinary cases, including where continued education is not possible, where students may not have safe and suitable alternative living arrangements, or where they have prohibitive travel restrictions. Students who have no other option than to be on campus are permitted to remain, but only if granted an exception. We have developed criteria for students who will be allowed to remain in university housing. Click here for more information about the criteria and the exemption request process. Please contact Housing and Residence Life for additional information or questions on submitting the form. Dining services will be available for those who remain on campus. REIMBURSEMENTS | We know there have been many questions about partial refunds for dining plans and housing. We are not prepared to make these decisions until guidance is offered from the UNC System. We will let you know when we receive any updates. STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES COMING TO CAMPUS | If you develop or are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should not come to campus. Please contact your health care provider or Student Health Services. STUDY ABROAD | All students currently studying abroad, regardless of location, have been recalled, in accordance with a UNC System directive. Additionally, all international trips scheduled to occur through July 1 have been cancelled. EVENTS | To be consistent with the Executive Order released over the weekend, and subsequent guidance by President Roper, all events with more than 50 attendees are cancelled and there will be no exceptions granted. Information about event changes and adjustments are posted on the UNCP COVID response page as they are determined. EMPLOYEES | Today, the Governor approved special faculty and staff leave provisions through March 31, 2020. These provisions encourage greater social distancing to include remote and telework wherever possible and provide for paid administrative leave when such options are not available. Employees should consult their supervisor for specific instructions on how they are to proceed. These provisions are extended to include student and temporary employees. Please note, currently the official status of the UNC System is that our campuses are to remain open. More information and details will be forthcoming. CONTINUING OPERATIONAL GUIDANCE Some guidance from the March 12 update will remain in effect until further notice. This includes the following. SPRING BREAK EXTENSION | We are extending spring break through Sunday, March 22. Our faculty and staff will use this week to prepare to deliver coursework remotely with as many courses moved to online format as possible. Please note, students enrolled in the accelerated online MBA program will proceed on the original schedule and will receive additional guidance directly from the School of Business. REMOTE INSTRUCTION | Remote instruction will begin the week of March 23. Starting Monday, March 23, the majority of our classes will be offered remotely and will remain that way until further notice. Some courses, by nature of their content, are not able to be moved online and may continue to meet in-person or in another alternative method. Your instructors will provide further information in the coming week regarding your coursework and assignments. Faculty should consult their chairs, deans, or the Office of the Provost regarding instructions and questions about moving their courses to online and alternative formats. Resources are available for faculty through the Office of Online Learning and the Teaching and Learning Center. UNIVERSITY-SANCTIONED TRAVEL | All university-sanctioned travel, both international and domestic outside of North Carolina remains prohibited. ***** One of the best ways to combat the spread of COVID-19 is to ensure you are armed with the facts about the virus. I would encourage you to take a few minutes to review this short video that explains the virus and some best practices for prevention. We know that many of you may be experiencing various challenges as a result of this situation and would like to take this opportunity to offer some additional resources to assist you through this difficult time.
I have been humbled to witness the exceptional levels of dedication, expertise, and focus that our university community has exhibited during the past weeks as we navigate these times. Our teams have gone the extra mile to tackle monumental tasks ensuring the safety and well-being of our campus community, moving to an online class environment, and responding effectively to a pandemic and guidance that is changing minute by minute. As we continue to plan and execute our response to this complex and fluid global pandemic, let us be compassionate, supportive, and creative in developing our solutions as one BraveNation. On behalf of the university’s leadership, I want to express our sincere appreciation for your patience, support, and commitment to ensuring this great university appropriately addresses what lies ahead. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor |
| UPDATE Thursday, March 12
Please read the Chancellor’s full message to campus below. · Spring break extension | We are extending spring break through Sunday, March 22. Students enrolled in the accelerated online MBA program will proceed on the original schedule. · Remote instruction | Starting Monday, March 23, the majority of our classes will be offered remotely and will remain that way until further notice. Some courses are not able to be moved online and may continue to meet in-person or in another alternative method. Your instructors will provide further information in the coming week regarding your coursework and assignments. · Campus will remain open | Campus will remain open and operational for all students, both residential and commuter. To the extent possible, campus services, including dining, student health, library and others will be available and accessible. · Campus events and meetings | Campus events occurring throughout the month of March with more than 100 attendees must be cancelled, effective immediately. Exceptions on event cancellations can be granted by the Chancellor or Provost exclusively. For all events with greater than 100 attendees scheduled to occur on April 1 or thereafter, please begin making contingency plans and considering options. · Athletic events | This guidance has the potential to impact our athletic schedules, and any changes to athletic events and policies will be available at uncpbraves.com. Please check before making plans to attend. · University-sanctioned travel | All university-sanctioned travel, both international and domestic outside of North Carolina, is now prohibited. In addition, university-sanctioned travel to gatherings of more than 100 people within the state will now be prohibited without prior written approval by the Chancellor or Provost. · Employees | University employees are expected to report to work as normal. However, employees who are exhibiting symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their health care provider and inform their supervisor immediately. · Returning to campus | Students and employees are required to complete the risk factor screening survey upon logging into BraveWeb as soon as possible. Depending on your answers, you may be contacted by Student Health Services for follow-up. The university will follow all CDC recommendations for screening and monitoring. · Students and employees coming to campus | We strongly encourage you to not come to campus if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, or shortness of breath. · Remaining healthy | We continue to reiterate the importance of good personal hygiene practices as the best way to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and all respiratory illnesses. Best practices include the following: o Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. o Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. o Avoid close contact with people who are sick. o Stay home when you are sick. o Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. o Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. We know many questions remain regarding campus operational announcements made late yesterday evening regarding COVID-19. Despite the challenges we face as a state, we remain committed to ensuring your academic success and helping you accomplish your goals. We also remain focused on the health and well-being of our campus community. As such we are following recent UNC System guidance for “social distancing” of our campus in an abundance of caution to prevent the spread of COVID-19.\ Below are some additional details and instructions on how this “social distancing” policy will impact our campus operations.
These new guidelines will continue indefinitely. The UNCP task force and senior administrators will continually monitor and reevaluate our policies in response to the situation as it evolves. We intend to return to normal operations as soon as possible, but will be prepared to continue operating on the above guidelines through the end of the semester if necessary. We are committed to ensuring all our students can meet their academic requirements, and will not be extending the semester based on the current information available. Please know the health and safety of our campus community will always remain the priority. You can continue to monitor our COVID-19 webpage for additional updates, links, messages and health tips. Here you will also find a list of event cancellations and changes. If you have specific questions, email them to askUNCP@uncp.edu. If you have health-related questions, you can contact Student Health Services at 910.521.6219 or your local health care providers. We will continue to communicate and provide updates with our campus community regularly as the situation evolves. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor |
| UPDATE Wednesday, March 11
Late this afternoon, the UNC System issued guidance for all campuses regarding operational status. The university will follow these instructions, including extending spring break by one week. Spring break will now conclude Sunday, March 22, 2020. A copy of the System's press release is available in the full text of the message to campus dated March 11, 2020 (accessible at the bottom of this page.) During this week, faculty and staff will be working to prepare for alternative course delivery methods, where necessary. This UNC System policy may also impact many events in the weeks to come, and we ask you to allow us time to review and determine how to proceed with each. We know you may have many questions, and we are working to provide more specific instructions as it relates to UNCP’s campus operations as soon as possible. BraveNation: Shortly before this press release was issued, UNC System campuses were provided guidance included in the below release. The university will follow these instructions, including extending spring break by one week. During this week, faculty and staff will be working to prepare for alternative course delivery methods, where necessary. This UNC System policy may also impact many events in the weeks to come, and we ask you to allow us time to review and determine how to proceed with each. We know you may have many questions, and we are working to provide more specific instructions as it relates to UNCP’s campus operations as soon as possible. Information about COVID-19 will continue to be posted and available at uncp.edu/ncov. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 11, 2020 UNC System Issues Update on Coronavirus Preparations CHAPEL HILL, NC – The UNC System continues to consult with public health officials to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and prepare for the likelihood that the virus will impact our institutions. Universities provide environments where large numbers of people interact and congregate. Practicing tried and true methods for maintaining good health, and being vigilant without overreacting, will help individuals remain healthy and help minimize the impact of the virus. All UNC System institutions will remain open and continue to deliver high-quality instruction for our students. At the same time, we are working to maximize flexibility in how we deliver education in order to limit the potential impact of the coronavirus at our institutions. Guidance has just been issued to all UNC System institutions. • All UNC System institutions will transition from in-person instruction to a system of alternative course delivery, where possible and practical, no later than March 20. Alternative course delivery will begin on March 23 and last indefinitely. Our goal is to return to in-person instruction as soon as reasonably possible. Each institution will communicate the specific details to its students and faculty. • University leadership will determine which classes, such as those with labs, will continue to require in-person instruction and attendance. • Outside events and gatherings of 100 or more people will be cancelled or postponed unless otherwise authorized by a chancellor or provost. • University-sponsored in-state travel to gatherings of 100 or more people is suspended, and all travel outside the state is suspended, unless otherwise authorized by a chancellor or provost. UNC System institutions are thriving and supportive communities, ready to adapt quickly as circumstances evolve. We remain focused on the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the delivery of our core academic mission. ### |
| UPDATE Tuesday, March 10
You may have seen that Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina today in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). This type of declaration is typically issued before an emergency occurs to free state resources, alter state regulations and change authorities within state government to allow for a quicker response. It does not mean there is imminent danger to the university community. UNC Pembroke remains in close contact with local, state and System officials. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available. |
| UPDATE Sunday, March 8
BraveNation: In an effort to protect members of our campus community and mitigate the potential effects of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on our campus, UNC Pembroke is implementing new domestic and international travel restrictions. I have made this decision with the input and recommendation of a campus task force established to monitor and respond to the potential threat from COVID-19. Please know I, along with members of the task force, make these decisions to take responsible, proactive steps to protect all members of BraveNation. We understand these new travel restrictions have the potential to disrupt your educational opportunities, planned research, professional development, and other plans regarding important business of the university. However, we believe the number one priority is the health and safety of our faculty, staff, students, and community. **** INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS The university-sponsored travel ban to China put into effect on January 31 remains in place and is now being extended to prohibit travel to all countries deemed a level 2, 3, or 4 as defined by the U.S. Department of State due to COVID-19. To search for a country, please search the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories. Please note this list is frequently changing, and all travelers should check this list up to and including your day of travel. Any personal travel to these areas is strongly discouraged. *** DOMESTIC TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS To significantly reduce the chances of COVID-19 affecting our campus, the university will be prohibiting students, faculty, and staff from university-sponsored travel to locations within the United States where a state of emergency has been declared related to COVID-19. In rare circumstances, official travel to these locations may be approved with the authorization of the appropriate vice chancellor or cabinet member. Approved trips will be those that have the potential to immediately and significantly impact the continuity of operations at the university. Any personal travel to these areas is strongly discouraged. *** RETURNING TO CAMPUS FROM OFFICIAL OR PERSONAL TRAVEL Any students, faculty, or staff returning from areas listed above, whether for personal or university-sponsored purposes, should be mindful that UNCP will follow all CDC guidelines for screening, monitoring, and a 14-day self-quarantine period off-campus. Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, a questionnaire will be implemented in BraveWeb to help screen all faculty, staff, and students for potential risk factors. Responses will be directed to Student Health Services to provide follow up evaluation or resources as necessary. If you have recently returned from any of the restricted areas listed above, students should immediately contact Student Health Services or faculty and staff contact your local health care provider and follow their instructions for evaluation. *** The university will continue working with health officials and with guidance from the UNC System to monitor and respond to COVID-19. The situation continues to change daily; please monitor uncp.edu/ncov for the most recent updates available, health and safety tips, and links to additional resources to help you protect yourselves, your families, and our community. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD |
| UPDATE Thursday, March 5
UNCP Student Health Services continues to actively monitor updates on the spread of “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). There are no confirmed cases at UNC Pembroke campus at this time. As of March 3, one North Carolinian has tested presumptively positive for COVID-19. As students depart campus for Spring Break this weekend, UNC Pembroke encourages everyone to remain informed, take proper health precautions and be aware of existing travel restrictions (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html). We encourage you to review travel advisories prior to finalizing any upcoming travel plans. If you travel internationally or to a known area with confirmed COVID-19 cases during spring break or during this semester, please notify Student Health Services (910-521-6219) prior to your return to campus. UNC Pembroke remains committed to our campus communities’ well-being and will continue to monitor updates from the Center for Disease Control, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and the local health department, using their guidance and recommendations. |
| UPDATE Tuesday, March 3
BraveNation: Today, a North Carolina person has tested positive for COVID-19 (coronavirus), making it the first case in our state. The test, conducted by North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, is presumptively positive and will be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab. The individual is believed to have contracted the virus during recent travel to Washington state. According to a press release issued by the Governor, the individual is doing well and is in isolation at home. We understand that public concern continues to increase over this outbreak and want to take this opportunity to provide an update and offer tips to keep yourself and our campus community healthy. Since the coronavirus was first reported early in 2020, UNCP has been actively preparing and monitoring to ensure our pandemic plans are in place should a local response become necessary. As of March 3, 2020, there are 60 cases of COVID-19 in the United States that have been reported to the CDC. While this is the first affecting NC, our state is among the many in the U.S. with widespread flu activity. The practices that may help you avoid the flu are the same for helping you avoid the COVID-19. Please take this opportunity to review the attached handouts from the CDC and visit uncp.edu/ncov for best practice on the prevention of the flu and COVID-19. In addition, with the spring break travel season upon us, we want you to be aware that travel advisories or restrictions have been issued by the U.S. Department of State. We strongly encourage you to review advisories prior to finalizing any upcoming travel plans. The ban on university-affiliated travel to China remains in place through the spring semester. For domestic and international travel, many airports are now implementing increased passenger screening in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus. We encourage you to arrive at the airport early for air travel in order to accommodate the additional time needed for these screenings. Should you determine your travel remains safe, we encourage you to keep the following tips in mind to stay healthy on your trip: · Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 30 seconds. If soap and water isn’t available, use hand sanitizer with alcohol. · Use sanitizing wipes to clean armrests and tray tables on airplanes, trains, and buses. · Limit exposure to others who are sick, and stay home if you have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath). · Get any recommended vaccines. A vaccine to protect against COVID-19 is in the developmental stages. · Seek medical attention if you develop flu-like symptoms. Thank you for your cooperation in helping protect your health and that of our campus community. Be assured, the university will continue to monitor the situation daily in coordination with local and state health officials. Additional updates will continue to be issued as necessary. Sincerely, Robin Gary Cummings, MD Chancellor |
| UPDATE Wednesday, February 26
UNCP continues to monitor updates on the spread of 2019 novel coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control, and we are using their guidance and recommendations here on our own campus. UNC Pembroke has no identified cases of 2019 novel coronavirus. In addition, there are no confirmed cases in North Carolina. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports new outbreaks in Iran, Italy, South Korea and Kuwait. These outbreaks are associated with both travel to China and local transmission. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has elevated the travel advisories for Iran, Italy and South Korea. Both Iran and Italy are at Level 2 – Alert, Practice Enhanced Precautions. South Korea is at Level 3 – Warning, Avoid Nonessential Travel—Widespread Community Transmission. Global Engagement is communicating regularly with programs, scholars, faculty and staff who may be impacted by travel advisories and restrictions. |
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UPDATE Friday, January 31 University-sponsored travel ban in place: To ensure the continued safety of our campus community in light of the travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, the university has placed a ban on all university-sponsored travel to China through Spring semester. This includes faculty traveling for research and teaching as well as students planning study abroad trips. Chinese students currently enrolled at UNCP should contact the Office for Global Engagement for additional information regarding travel plans. All faculty, staff, and students considering personal travel to China, are strongly encouraged to abide by the China Travel Advisory. BraveNation: In coordination with local and state health officials, UNCP is closely monitoring the situation regarding the novel coronavirus believed to have its origin in Wuhan, China. Student Health Services has created a web page (uncp.edu/ncov) to share information related to the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). To ensure the continued safety of our campus community and in light of the Level 4 travel advisory issued by the U.S. Department of State, the university has placed a ban on all university-sponsored travel to China through the Spring semester. This includes faculty traveling for research and teaching as well as students planning study abroad trips. Chinese students currently enrolled at UNCP should contact the Office for Global Engagement for additional information regarding travel plans. All faculty, staff, and students considering personal travel to China, are strongly encouraged to abide by the China Travel Advisory. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the spread of the virus and working closely with global public health experts to help contain the illness and to prevent further spreading. For more information, we encourage you to also visit the CDC web site. Updates will be provided to campus as necessary. |
| UPDATE Thursday, January 30 UNCP is closely monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus that is believed to have its origin in the Wuhan, China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking the spread of the virus and working closely with global public health experts to help contain the illness and to prevent further spreading. Updates will be provided here as necessary. Confirmed or suspected cases of 2019-nCoV will be communicated to the campus community via the Emergency Communication System. |