Message from Chancellor Cummings July 31, 2021:
BraveNation:
The fall 2021 semester is just a few weeks away and we are looking forward to seeing everyone back on campus. We were hoping for a complete return to normal for the coming semester, but if we’ve learned anything over the last year and a half, it’s that we certainly can’t predict the future in regard to COVID-19. Due to recent guidance issued this week and based on available data on COVID-19 metrics in our area and across North Carolina, UNCP is updating its COVID-19 safety protocols on campus.
Below is a summary of the updated requirements, and will apply to all faculty, staff, students and campus visitors regardless of vaccination status. These requirements will go into effect Monday, August 2, 2021. We will reassess our status by September 17, 2021, regarding any possible modifications. In addition to the information below, next week we will distribute a guide to campus detailing our COVID safety protocols that will be updated regularly for you to refer to throughout the semester.
Finally, I strongly encourage all faculty, staff and students to get a safe, effective COVID vaccine as soon as possible. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID and to ensure we make our way back to normal operations. UNCP is continuing to offer vaccines for all members of the campus community and will do so every Thursday throughout the semester at the Brave Health Center. For more information about vaccines and vaccine sites on campus or near you, visit uncp.edu/CVax.
Our decisions throughout this pandemic have been driven by available data and the driving principle of doing what is in the best interest of the health and safety of our campus community. I know what is below may not be a welcome change for many, but it is one we must make to ensure we can collectively continue to keep each other safe.
Stay safe, get vaccinated and GO BRAVES!
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Face Coverings Will Be Required in All Public Indoor Spaces
Beginning Monday, August 2, UNCP will temporarily reinstate a face covering requirement for all public, indoor spaces. Faculty and staff in private offices and students in their assigned residence hall rooms will not be required to wear a face covering.
Face Coverings Will Not Be Required Outdoors
Face coverings are not required outdoors. However, individuals who would like additional protection, especially those unvaccinated may elect to wear a face covering outdoors.
Face Coverings Will Be Required in Campus Dining
Much like the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters, face coverings will be required in dining locations on campus and removed to eat or drink. We encourage faculty, staff and students to be respectful of others you are dining with or near. Please wear your face covering when moving through the dining location and replace it as soon as you are done eating or drinking.
Face Coverings Will Be Required in Health Care Settings
Face coverings will be required in the Brave Health Center and all other health care settings until further notice.
Face Coverings Will Be Required in Wellness Center
Face coverings will be required in the Campbell Wellness Center before, during and after working out.
BravesKickoff Will Be Offered Both In-person AND Virtual
BravesKickoff remains a mandatory event for all faculty and staff. The event will now be offered both in-person and virtually. Attendance will be tracked with reports provided to each cabinet member and dean. More details and instructions will be provided by the BravesKickoff committee next week.
DR. ROBIN CUMMINGS
CHANCELLOR
1 University Drive I P.O. Box 1510 I Pembroke, NC 28372
O: 910.775.4471 I @UNCP_Chancellor