I write with a brief update on vaccination efforts in North Carolina and their impact
on our faculty and staff. Yesterday evening, the North Carolina Department of Health
and Human Services published an updated explanation of where higher education faculty
and staff fall in the North Carolina Prioritization framework.
Like you, we have had many questions about the vaccine administration plans in North
Carolina. We have been working with the UNC System to gain clarity about where and
when vaccines will be available and who falls into the various prioritization groups.
Yesterday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) updated
their vaccine prioritization framework. We are using that update to provide a FAQ
for our faculty, staff, and students.
This week, senior campus leaders and I have reviewed state and regional COVID-19 activity
with UNC System leadership, public health officials, and local hospital representatives
in anticipation of the beginning of the spring semester. Due to record COVID-19 cases,
strain on critical health care resources related to COVID-19 hospitalizations, and
a projected peak in cases in Western North Carolina within the next two to three weeks,
we have made the decision to adjust our spring operations with the health of our campus
and surrounding community as our guiding principle.
Classes will begin on Jan. 25, as scheduled, but all classes will be delivered via
remote instruction through Feb. 12. On Feb. 15, classes will resume as originally
scheduled through in-person or hybrid instruction. Classes already scheduled to meet remotely will continue that mode of instruction.
There is no change to the academic calendar. The spring semester will conclude on May 14 as originally scheduled.
To further safeguard the greater campus community, the return of students to our campus
residence halls will be delayed. Move-in will begin Feb. 6. Students scheduled to move in to the residence halls will receive information from
Residential Living with information on reentry testing, prorated refunds/credits,
and move-in instructions.
Additional information on spring operations, including a FAQ about changes to the beginning of the spring semester, is located below.
I continue to urge all of us to remain vigilant against COVID-19. Follow theCatamounts Care Community Standards, use community testing sites and vaccine sites as they become available, and maintain a period of
quarantine where appropriate.
We take these steps with the health and safety of all members of our community in
mind. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate through these most
challenging times together, as Catamounts.
Sincerely, Chancellor Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about the changes to Spring 2021.
Should you have additional questions about dining, financial aid, residential living,
or student accounts, please contact:
The spring semester classes begin January 25 via remote instruction and will follow the Spring 2021 Revised Academic Calendar. Courses will meet remotely for the first three weeks (Jan 25 through Feb 12). On February 15, courses will resume via the originally planned instruction mode
(face-to-face, hybrid, or online).
Classes will be via remote instruction for the first three weeks of the semester (Jan 25to– Feb 12). Courses will resume via the originally planned instruction mode (face-to-face, hybrid, or online) the week
of Feb 15.
These types of courses will be held and/or modified depending on the individual course.
We are recommending that students contact their instructors for further information.
Students who are student teaching or in clinicals will continue as regularly scheduled
pending changes at the host school/institution. We are recommending that students
contact their instructors for further information.
Internships will continue as established pending changes at the host institution/organization.
For internships managed by the Center for Career and Professional Development, guidance
will be going out to supervisors asking them to consider virtual projects on an as
needed basis.
Catamount Dining, Bookstore, Mailroom
Residential meal plans will be adjusted to reflect the delayed move-in for the Spring
2021 semester.
Students with the Unlimited or Unlimited Premium plans will receive a prorated credit
on their student account for the missed number of service days at the beginning of
the semester. Students with the Block 150 plan will receive a prorated credit and
have their meal swipes reduced to 124 meals to reflect the discounted rate.
These prorations and adjustments will not be granted to any student that moves in,
or uses their meal plan, before Feb 6, 2021. Declining Balance will remain unaltered.
Commuter plans remain optional and may be used as Catamount Dining facilities open
for the semester.
Residential students (students who will live in campus residence halls) may visit the bookstore to receive their textbooks beginning Monday, Jan 18, 2021. Residential students should follow signage, entering through the side of the building,
to go directly to the residential student pickup location.
Although residence hall move-in is delayed, residential students have the option to
visit campus to receive their textbooks before the beginning of instruction on Jan
25, 2021. If a residential student is unable to visit campus, they may request shipping for their rental textbooks by using this form.
Shipping is reserved for cases where students cannot reasonably visit campus to pick
up their rental textbooks. Please note that shipped materials may take several extra days to be fulfilled by
the bookstore, and that national carriers are still experiencing delays with the processing
and delivery of packages. Western Carolina University cannot guarantee the timely
delivery of shipped materials.
Commuter students (students who will live off-campus) should visit the bookstore now to receive their rental textbooks. Commuter students
should follow signage and enter through the main lobby of the Bookstore. The bookstore
encourages commuter students to come to campus as early as possible to avoid historically
busy service days. Students will need their CatCard and University 92# to receive their rental textbooks.
General Hours (January 4 - 15)
10am - 5pm, Monday through Saturday, Closed Sundays
Move-In Hours of Operation (January 16 - January 30)
January 16-21: Open 10am - 7pm
January 22-24: Open 8am - 8pm
January 25-28: Open 10am - 7pm
January 29, 30: Open 10am - 5pm
Standard Spring Hours of Operation (Beginning January 31)
10am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
10am - 4pm Saturdays
Closed Sundays
All hours and services are subject to change.
The mail room hours are Monday - Friday 4pm - 5pm. If you have concerns on any packages
being delivered, please contact the mail room at 8282.227.3241 or resmailsup@wcu.edu.
Campus Employment
The WCU campus remains open and operational. Students should contact their supervisors for
more information.
Campus Cleaning and Prevention
Campus dining has approached transmission from several angles:
We have increased the cleaning frequency of all food contact surfaces and utensils.
In addition, we will be performing a deep cleaning of all facilities during the extended
spring break.
We have reviewed chemicals in use and have ordered additional supplies to ensure effectiveness
against COVID-19.
All self-service stations will be discontinued to limit transmission between students.
All “push-to-serve” soda fountains were replaced over spring break to move to more
sanitary lever-based soda fountains.
Use of reusable containers has been suspended by our brand partners, helping to minimize
transmission via those vessels (coffee mugs, etc.).
Students can take their meals to-go from the Dining Hall to help with social distancing
strategies.
WCU’s Cat Tran is continuing to run, and the shuttles will be wiped down regularly
with appropriate cleaning supplies, consistent with what is recommended by the CDC.
The University is reviewing cleaning practices and protocols will be adjusted as necessary
to comply with state and federal recommendations.
Move-In, Testing and Refunds
Move-in time slots will now shift to begin on Feb 6. Students who have already selected their move-in time slot will be placed in
the day of move-in that coincides with their original slot (e.g. students scheduled for Jan 16 will automatically be moved to Feb 6, students scheduled on Jan 17 will automatically be moved to Feb 7, etc.).
If you would like to modify your new move-in date please visit onlinehousing.wcu.edu just as you did to schedule your initial date.
Once logged in, please click “New Student” or “Current Student” as appropriate.
On the next page, click on “Time Slot Sign-up.”
Click on the drop down box beside “Choose Date” to update your preferred date and then click on the drop
down box beside “Choose Time” and update your preferred time slot for the date you
selected.
Click “Next” and a confirmation message of availability for that date and time will
show if available.
Click “Finish.” An email will be sent to your Catamount email account with an initial
confirmation.
All WCU students residing on-campus in the residence halls are still expected to take
a COVID-19 test within 3 to -5 days of their scheduled move-in date and receive a negative test result.
Students should submit their test results to Residential Living before returning to
campus for the Spring 2021 term. If a student does not submit a negative test result,
for a test taken 3 to -5 days before their move in, they will not be permitted to return to the residence
halls and access to University services will be denied. Residential Living will disable CatCard access to residence halls and meal plans until students have successfully submitted
their negative test results. Students that violate this policy will be held accountable
pursuant to the Code of Student Conduct and consistent with COVID-related violations.
Students should take the following steps for testing before their Spring 2021 scheduled move-in date:
Two weeks prior to your COVID-19 test, and after being tested, please take steps to minimize your potential exposure to COVID-19 and carefully monitor
your health. For example, avoid parties and other large gatherings of people, monitor
your health for symptoms, and check your temperature daily before you test to be sure
you are symptom free. If you are experiencing symptoms, you should quarantine until
you have your test results.
After you have received a copy of your test results, complete the Spring 2021 COVID-19 test report submission. This requires a scan, or legible picture, or screenshot of your test result to be
uploaded into the test report form. Residential Living will review each test result
submission.
If you have a –
POSITIVE RESULT:
If your test result is positive, you CANNOT return to the residence halls.
Follow the instructions of the test provider.
Contact Residential Living to reschedule your move-in date.
NEGATIVE RESULT:
If your test result is negative, complete the Spring 2021 test report submission form
including uploading your test result documentation. Residential Living will clear
you to return to the residence halls (e.g., activate your CatCard, etc.) and email your final confirmation of move-in time to your Catamount email.
Call Health Services at 828-227-7640 if you have any questions about testing or COVID-19 illness. Call
Residential Living at 828-227-7303 if you have any questions about test result submission and/or move-in
for Spring 2021.
Arrival Date
Earliest Test Date
Latest Result Submission
2/6/2021
2/1/2021
2/5/2021
2/7/2021
2/2/2021
2/6/2021
2/8/2021
2/3/2021
2/7/2021
2/9/2021
2/4/2021
2/8/2021
2/10/2021
2/5/2021
2/9/2021
2/11/2021
2/6/2021
2/10/2021
2/12/2021
2/7/2021
2/11/2021
2/13/2021
2/8/2021
2/12/2021
2/14/2021
2/9/2021
2/13/2021
2/15/2021
2/10/2021
2/14/2021
Residence halls will remain secured until Feb 6, and students will not gain access until their scheduled move-in time.
Students who have already arrived on-campus for a scheduled university activity will
be permitted to remain on campus.
Students with special circumstances may request an exception to move-into the residence hallsprior to Feb 6, 2021,by completing the Exception Request. This request must be submitted before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Jan 15. Information provided on the Exception Request will be verified before approval
is provided. Special circumstances include:
International student status
Homelessness
Other extraordinary circumstance (these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis)
The University, at its sole discretion, may deny a special circumstances request.
Students with an approved Exception Request may begin moving onto campus as early
as Jan 23.
Western Carolina University will pro-rate residential students’ housing cost daily from Jan 16 to Feb 6. This pro-ration will not be given to students who request and are granted an exception
to return to campus before Feb 6.
We will continue to update residential students as further decisions are made. Please continue referring to the WCU website for COVID-19.
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Residential Living at 828.227.7303
or email housingquestions@email.wcu.edu.
Later this semester Western Carolina University expects to have a new round of federal
Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) available. If the guidelines are consistent
with last year’s HEERF procedures we expect students may be able to apply for funding
and claim COVID-19 expenses like Residential Living COVID-19 testing and/or expense
reimbursement. Information will be posted about the HEERF program as soon as it becomes
available.
January 4, 2021
Spring 2021 Operations and Procedures
For the latest information on spring 2021 operations and changes to campus operations
related to the ongoing pandemic, please visit thespring operations website.
Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. Please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. This information is sent out via email to provide the campus community
with updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
End of Fall 2020 Service Dates
The final day of face-to-face instruction is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, but students
should be reminded that Western Carolina University’s fall 2020 semester does not
conclude until the end of exams on Saturday, Dec. 5. Please be advised:
The residence halls will remain open, with room assignments active through Saturday,
Dec. 5.
Catamount Dining and the dining halls will remain open, with meal plans active until
Saturday, Dec. 5.
The Bookstore will remain open, with rental textbooks due by Friday, Dec. 11.
The University Center will end weekend operating hours Saturday, Dec. 5.
The Campus Recreation Center will end weekend hours on Friday, Dec. 4.
Health Services weekend COVID-19 testing will end after Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 14-15.
Madison Hall fall 2020 quarantine and isolation operations will phase out starting
Saturday, Dec. 5.
For other services, please check departmental websites. University departments will
continue to provide service updates, deadlines, and additional details as we approach
the end of the semester.
Spring 2021 Residence Hall Return / Move-In
With the fall semester at the midway point, Residential Living is now planning for
a modified spring semester.
Spring 2021 opening of the residence halls has been redesigned in response to COVID-19
for both continuing students and newly enrolled students.
While the first day of classes is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 25, the residence halls
will begin allowing students to return/move in on Saturday, Jan. 16. Students will be required to sign up for the day and time they want to move into
their building. There will be a limited number of spots available per building per
session, to allow for appropriate social distancing throughout the process.
Each day, there will be two-hour time slots beginning at 7:00 am and running through
7:00 pm (7:00am-9:00 am; 9:00am-11:00am; 11:00am-1:00pm; 1:00pm-3:00pm; 3:00pm-5:00pm;
5:00pm-7:00pm). Each student will be allowed to have up to two individuals assist
with moving their items into their rooms. Students will receive the link to sign up
for the spring arrival time slot on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Residential Living strongly encourages students to bring minimal items when moving
in for spring. This is a recommendation that we make to students each and every year,
but we want to emphasize even more so this spring. Although we are planning for and
hopeful that students will remain on campus throughout the semester, the possibility
remains that students may need to return home quickly and should be able to move their
belongings out in a short amount of time.
Changes to policies and procedures in the residence halls for the 2020-2021 academic
year were intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible. With the
successes we’ve shared this fall, these policies will remain in effect through the
spring 2021 term:
Residents will be expected to continue to maintain the recommended six feet distance
between themselves and others at all times. This includes when riding elevators that
will limit passengers to two per car.
Where possible, all community kitchens, lounges, studies, and lobby spaces will remain
locked and not accessible to residents. Closure of these spaces serves several purposes,
but most importantly, this step removes areas where groups gather while also providing
more time for housekeeping to focus on cleaning and disinfecting high-touch spaces.
Visitation in WCU residence halls will remain suspended for the 2020-2021 academic
year. Students will not be allowed to bring guests, including other students, into
their residence halls. Students living in the same residence hall will be able to
visit one another, but each room may only have one guest at a time.
These changes, along with additional cleaning and disinfecting by our housekeeping
staff, remain in effect to lessen the chances of the spread of COVID-19. Residential
Living is sharing these details now so that students know and understand what to expect
when living on campus for the spring semester. We appreciate your continued patience
and understanding during these extraordinary times.
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. Please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. This information is sent out via email to provide the campus community
with updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
New Signage Available
The Print Shop team will be printing and installing ‘no food or beverage’ signs on the doors to
academic classrooms, labs and other instructional locations. The signage will also
be available for order as needed. Printing costs will be covered by a university account
designated for the pandemic related signage.
Catamounts Care Standards Key to On-campus Operations
We appreciate everyone who is working hard to follow WCU community health standards
- wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and wash your hands. Be sure to
avoid gatherings that exceed more than the limits set by the State. All of us, working
together can prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and in our community.
While we will not be able to hold Employee Appreciation Day in our regular fashion
this year, we will continue to celebrate it. Beginning on September 3rd, we will be
distributing gift bags to all employees as a small token of appreciation for the work
done across campus on a daily basis.
Survey on WCU Employee Views about Mental Illness
A survey is currently being conducted to better understand WCU employees’ perceptions of mental illness and mental health
treatment. The survey will be delivered to employees via email and the average survey
completion time is less than 15 minutes. Survey results will be shared with administrators
at WCU who make decisions regarding campus mental health services.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. Please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. This information is sent out via email to provide the campus community
with updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Catamounts Care Standards Key to On-campus Operations
Please remember to follow WCU community health standards - wear face coverings, practice
physical distancing and wash your hands. Also avoid gatherings that exceed more than
the limits set by the State. All of us, working together can prevent the spread of
COVID-19 on our campus and in our community. Visit the Catamounts Care website
Fall Sports Update
With the postponement of Southern Conference play until the spring 2021 semester,
WCU Athletics is evaluating the viability of nonconference competition in November.
Delaying competition allows us to learn from other institutions who compete earlier
in the fall and to collect valuable information on an ever-changing situation.
Family Weekend and Homecoming Events
Activities for Family Weekend on September 19 (including the game against Gardner
Webb) and Homecoming September 28 - October 4 have been cancelled. We look forward
to renewing Family Weekend and Homecoming traditions in Fall 2021.
Use of Water Fountains
Everyone is encouraged to carry water bottles and use the water refill stations where
available. Drinking from water fountains directly with your mouth is not advised from
a public health standpoint.
The Code of Student Conduct and Catamounts Care
Students, faculty, staff or community members can report Code of Conduct violations.
This includes those violating the Catamounts Care guidelines. Submit a report
Monday, August 17, 2020
Dear WCU Faculty, Staff, and Students,
Earlier today, UNC Chapel Hill announced that it is moving its undergraduate instruction
online for the remainder of the fall semester and dramatically reducing the capacity
in its residence halls in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on its campus.
UNC System President Peter Hans issued a statement late this afternoon in response and noted that the decision applied only to UNC Chapel
Hill at this time.
Western Carolina University had a successful first day of classes and is moving forward
with residential instruction. We have implemented a series of changes including a
face covering mandate, lowering classroom density, and many other protocols through
our Catamounts Care initiative. Additionally, we have erected outdoor tents throughout campus for student,
faculty, and staff use.
We continue to evaluate conditions that may influence our ability to deliver residential
operations. We will consider those decisions using a range of data - including health
indicators - and involving local and state agencies, the governor, and the University
of North Carolina System and the Board of Governors, and regular meetings with local
health and education leaders. We’re also committed to continued dialogue and shared
governance with our Faculty and Staff Senates, and Student Government Association.
WCU is prepared for many possible scenarios if local conditions warrant, including
a change of instructional modalities. We strongly encourage the WCU campus community
to continue embracing the Catamounts Care prevention strategies – avoid mass gatherings, wear face coverings, practice physical
distancing, etc. – for a successful semester.
Sincerely, Kelli R. Brown Chancellor
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. Please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. This information is sent out via email to provide the campus community
with updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Use of Face Coverings Clarified
Campus leaders have clarified the expectations on use of face coverings on campus.
Face coverings are required in all classrooms, inside all buildings and in outside campus settings where physical
distancing isn't possible.
Updated COVID-19 Work and Leave Provisions Effective August 12, 2020
As of today, 'mandatory' onsite employee designations are discontinued. Faculty and
staff working onsite will no longer require 'mandatory' designations.
Details for Biltmore Park fall operations and procedures can be found on the Fall Operations webpage.
Parking Update: Construction near Scott & Walker
Effective Thursday, August 13, 2020, HFR parking lot #1b and a section of University
Way near Scott and Walker Halls will be closed for construction. Balsam lot #17 will
become a two-way road for traffic.
Outdoor Warning System Malfunction
On August 11, 2020, the campus Outdoor Warning System malfunctioned, resulting in
the activation of its warning sirens multiple times. The cause of the malfunction
is believed to be electrical in nature, and the issue is currently being resolved.
Until repairs are completed, Emergency Services will continue to use its emergency
notification tools Rave, Alertus and the LiveSafe mobile safety app as necessary.
Catamounts Care
Our Catamounts Care public health campaign reminds us that we each have a personal
responsibility for actions that may affect our own health and the health of our friends,
our colleagues, and the broader campus community. WCU has developed a set of community
standards to encourage everyone to put the well-being of themselves and others top
of mind.
Please see below for this week's updates. Please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. These information is sent out via email to provide the campus community
with updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
COVID-19 Related Protocols for Employees and Supervisors
Human Resources has consolidated available guidance and protocols related to COVID-19
into a single document for employees and supervisors. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the information.
Madison's Knowledge Base Updated with Fall Operations Information
Madison, the chat-bot in myWCU, is now ready to answer questions related to fall operations and WCU's ongoing COVID-19
response. Please share this information with others.
Catamounts Care
Our Catamounts Care public health campaign reminds us that we each have a personal responsibility for actions that may affect
our own health and the health of our friends, our colleagues, and the broader campus
community. WCU has developed a set of community standards to encourage everyone to
put the well-being of themselves and others top of mind. Read the community standards
Academic Space Updates to be Completed by 8/7
Room layouts and signage will be updated in classrooms and other academic spaces by
end of day on August 7th. New classroom capacities, along with updated layouts and
room photographs are being updated in 25Live as they become available.
Cat-Tran shuttles will operate at 50% capacity to facilitate physical distancing.
Shuttles will be wiped down with disinfecting wipes on a routine basis and passengers
and drivers will be required to wear a face covering at all times. Eating and drinking
will not be allowed on the shuttles.
Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment has been distributed to offices, including faculty offices,
and buildings across campus.
Please see below for this week's updates. There are a number of new decisions and
additional information provided this week; please be sure to review this information
in its entirety. This information is provided the campus community with updated information
on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Paid Administrative Leave Reduced
Effective August 1, 2020, UNC System COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave (PAL) will
be discontinued for employees who are not expected to report to a University worksite
but cannot telework because their position and duties cannot be performed remotely
and for child care after exhausting FFCRA leave. UNC PAL was previously available
for these situations at one third pay. More information
CatCard Operations
The CatCard office is open by appointment only. Resident students who submitted their
photo in myWCU will receive their CatCards during move-in. Commuter students and others
who need CatCards can make an appointment to pick up new cards. More information
Hours of Operation: August 1 - 9, 2020
Access to campus buildings will begin to increase starting this weekend as the University
prepares to welcome back students for the beginning of the 2020 fall semester. A.K.
Hinds University Center and Brown Hall will be accessible to members of the on-campus
community beginning Saturday, Aug. 1. Access to other campus buildings, such as academic
and student services buildings, will return on a staggered scheduled as we move toward
the first day of fall classes.
Business Services
CatCard: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm by appointment only
Financial Aid: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm via phone 828.227.7290
Parking Operations: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Student Accounts: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Student Services
Advising: Monday-Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Bookstore: Monday - Thursday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday - Saturday 8:00 am - 8:00
pm
Campus Recreation and Wellness: Closed
CatTran: Monday - Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday-Sunday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm
Center for Career and Professional Development: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
| virtual appointment preferred or call 828.227.7133
Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00
pm
Counseling and Psychological Services: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | appointment
required 828.227.7469
Dining Services: visit Dining's website for the most current information
Health Services: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | appointment required 828.227.7640
Hunter Library: visit the Library's website for the most current information
IT Help Desk: Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 6:30 pm 828.227.7487; Self-Service Portal
Math Tutoring Center: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | tutoring services will be
online
Office of Accessibility Resources: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ramsey Center: Closed | WCU Athletics Ticket Office is open Monday - Friday via phone
9:00 am – 5:00 pm or by email at athleticstickets@wcu.edu
Residential Living @ Brown Hall - Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
University Center: Sunday - Saturday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Writing and Learning Commons: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm | beginning 8/17 all
student services will be online
Field House Lot Move-in Check-in
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday - Sunday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
COVID-19 Testing & Contact Tracing
The university has been developing protocols in consultation with Jackson County Department
of Public Health officials for diagnostic COVID-19 testing and contact tracing. University
Health Services will administer COVID-19 diagnostic tests based on CDC criteria and
will implement screening guidelines. Patients will be required to call Health Services
(828.227.7640) before visiting the Bird Building. Testing is also available from local
health care providers. WCU will support and cooperate with Jackson County Department
of Public Health’s leadership on contact tracing.
Bookstore Fall Operations* & Rental Textbook Pick Up
Resident Students
Students who live on campus will pick up their rental textbooks on their scheduled
move-in day by following signage marked 'residential student' to the Bookstore. Students
who move in after the Bookstore is closed should visit the store the next morning.
Residential students who move in without an appointment will need to follow the textbook
pickup process for commuter students.
Commuter Students
Students who live off campus will begin their rental textbook pick up by going to
the third floor of the University Center to pick up their personal protective equipment (PPE). After
getting their PPE, students will visit a check-out station for rental textbooks in
the UC. Visiting this check-out station puts students in a queue and gives Bookstore
staff time to prepare their books for pickup. After visiting the UC, students will
then walk to the Bookstore and receive their books by following the signage marked
'commuter student.'
*Please note that face coverings are required in the Bookstore. Those who do not wear
a face covering may be refused service and asked to leave.
Catamount Athletics welcomed back a limited number of student-athletes in sports that
have NCAA-permissible summer access last week. Those student-athletes, as well as
coaches and staff who work in the closest proximity with those individuals, were initially
screened and tested for COVID-19 by health care professionals from Harris Regional
Hospital.
Seven out of 145 (4.83%) tests administered returned positive results for COVID-19
– which closely aligns with the current average locally within Jackson County for
positive cases (4.15%) and is below the current State of North Carolina average (8%)
– with each result coming from asymptomatic individuals;
All individuals who tested positive, and those identified as close contacts using
the CDC definition for contact tracing, have been quarantined as per protocols and
measures outlined in CDC guidelines.
Classroom Updates for Physical Distancing
As part of our preparations for August, the Provost's Office has partnered with Facilities
Management, Institutional Planning and Effectiveness and the Registrar's Office to
ensure faculty and students can return to classrooms (including at Biltmore Park)
that accommodate the need for physical distancing. More information
Fall Tuition Bills
Fall tuition bills have been released to students via their myWCU accounts. For additional
information on fall billing, please visit the fall billing page.
Distribution of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment has been distributed to offices, including faculty offices,
and buildings across campus. More information
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. This information was sent out via email
to provide the campus community with updated information on fall 2020 operations and
procedures.
Human Resources Update
The Return to Work Guide and Employee Resource Webpage have been updated to incorporate the latest guidance from the state of North Carolina
and the UNC System Office. Updates include:
Guidance on in-person meetings
Cleaning protocols announced in the6/24 Campus Update
Faculty and staff who meet the high-risk criteria can seek support via the university’s
formal assistance request process using the COVID-19 Assistance Request Form
The Staff and Faculty Senates hosted a Summer Forum Zoom Webinar on Friday, June 26.
With 400 audience members and a panel of 15 administrators, the session was fast-paced
and covered many topics related to worksite operations and campus response to COVID-19.
Read more and watch the forum.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Personal Protective Equipment
In early July, faculty and staff will receive bags with personal protective equipment
(PPE) including reusable cloth face coverings, refillable personal hand sanitizer
dispensers and disinfecting wipes. Students will receive similar bags with PPE supplies
at the beginning of the semester. Building coordinators are being contacted to establish
a plan to distribute the PPE bags in a way that meets the needs of occupants of each
building. In addition to providing PPE supplies to individuals, public hand-sanitizing
stations will be available at the entrance to each building and sanitizer refill stations
will be placed across campus. The university also intends to establish procedures
for departments to resupply disinfecting wipes when needed.
It is our intention to provide an inventory of PPE to allow departments to maintain
a four- to six-week supply of departmental-sized hand sanitizer dispensers and canisters
of disinfecting wipes at a centralized location. Facilities Management will work with
departments to identify contacts who will be authorized to order supplies. Supplies
will be stored in the Facilities Management warehouse.
Communication to Students Regarding Fall Instructional Modality
As has been announced, fall courses will be taught using a variety of methods. This includes face-to-face,
online and a mix of online and face-to-face. Course schedules have been updated to
reflect any changes that faculty may have made to the planned instructional mode of
their course sections.
Please note: Emails will be sent to students June 27-28 with information regarding their fall schedules.
New Cleaning Protocols
Facilities Management will be implementing new cleaning protocols to meet CDC sanitization
guidelines. In accordance with these guidelines, every room on campus has been inventoried
and classified by type to determine sanitization needs and the methods necessary to
meet these requirements.
There are numerous variations of sanitization protocol for the numerous room types,
from classrooms to residence hall bathrooms, from athletic training rooms to wet lab
space, etc. Housekeeping staff will be augmented with temporary workers so additional
staff can be deployed during the business day to continuously sanitize high-traffic
areas. Second shift housekeeping staff will also have additional sanitizing duties
each evening. An outsourced service for rapid response COVID-19 sanitization is currently
being solicited. We expect to utilize this service for quarantine areas as well as
any other area deemed necessary.
Signage to support physical distancing will go into production and installation the
week of Monday, June 29. It is anticipated that the signage installation will continue
through mid-July.
Once the initial set of signage has been installed, Facilities Management staff will
accept additional requests for special-use signage on a case-by-case basis. Primary
signage includes banners, ground decals, location-based signs in all buildings, Cat
Tran signs and the like.
In support of our new Community Standards, the university has developed a public health awareness campaign, Catamounts Care.
Communication for the campaign will include social, print, digital, video and radio.
A toolkit will be developed that will allow campus communicators to download print
and social media assets. Messaging for the campaign distills the Community Standards
into actions that we all must take to keep our community well and prevent the spread
of COVID-19.
We know that Catamounts do care, and we encourage everyone to put the well-being of
themselves and others top of mind.
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Please see below for this week's updates. There are a number of new decisions and
additional information provided this week; please be sure to review this in its entirety.
This information is provided here and via email for the campus community to stay updated
with the latest information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Community Standards Released
Shared community standards remind us that we each have personal responsibility for
actions that may affect our own health and the health of our friends, our colleagues,
and the broader campus community. Our collective acceptance of this shared responsibility
will be the most effective strategy we will have at our disposal in the challenging
months ahead. We have developed a set of standards to encourage everyone to put the
well-being of themselves and others top of mind.
WCU is making plans for the fall semester with the goal of reducing exposure to and
spread of COVID-19, and this includes canceling some significant events and implementing
changes to other campus activities. These changes are motivated by available guidance
for configuring large venues and limiting mass gatherings to prevent COVID-19 transmission.
Catamount Dining has the daily mission of delivering thousands of quality meals to
students, faculty, and staff. With this mission in mind and given the COVID-19 pandemic,
dining at WCU will look very different in the fall. Like most changes related to COVID-19,
patience will be required as we work through how service is delivered while meeting
applicable recommendations to reduce risk in dining facilities.
Following the end of spring semester and learning from the complicating factors surrounding
COVID-19, the it became apparent that WCU needed to modify the 2020-2021 Residence
Hall Agreement. Universities across North Carolina are updating their housing agreement
and Western Carolina University is no different. Students will be given until June
30, 2020 to opt out of their room agreement.
Human Resources, along with campus subject matter experts, recently offered five sessions
on topics centered on navigating changes at WCU related to COVID-19. The Q & A sessions
were offered via Zoom and the recordings are now posted to the employee resources website.
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Athletics and Campus Signage
Western Carolina University is continuing to develop plans for the fall 2020 semester
and the student experience through an inclusive decision-making process. These decisions
are guided by science and data, grounded in our core academic mission with consideration
for the well-being of our community. These emails are to provide our students, faculty,
staff and community updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Student Athletes and Athletics Events
As a part of the on-ongoing campus discussions surrounding the fall 2020 semester,
Catamount Athletics is making plans for a return to intercollegiate competition beginning
in August 2020.
WCU Athletics will begin a phased return of student-athletes to campus in Cullowhee
beginning July 6 in advance of the fall 2020 semester;
The return includes football and men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes first
during the summer months as each of those sports has permitted summer access activities
per the NCAA. Those three teams will be followed by a regular return date for those
sports with preseason dates before the start of school in the fall semester;
WCU Athletics’ plan includes resocialization measures and daily protocols for each
student-athlete, coach and staff member such as temperature checks and screening by
athletic training staff before gaining access; the use of hand sanitizer; social distancing
when available; and the use of face coverings indoors in common areas, during workouts,
and in locker rooms, as well as accounting for proper cleaning and sanitizing for
each facility;
Athletic performance strength and conditioning indoor activities will be conducted
in groups of 10 while outdoor activities will be limited to 25, as per North Carolina
Gov. Roy Cooper's guidelines. Athletic training and rehabilitation exercises will
be by appointment and will also adhere to the 10-person indoor limits.
A Signage Working Group has been created to develop consistent and sensible requirements,
procedures and protocols for COVID-19 campus signage and barriers. Campus signage
and barriers are to educate, promote safety and protective measures, and to assist
with social distancing guidelines while continuing to protect the building and its
occupants and meet all regulatory requirements.
The goal is to have signage in place for the start of Fall Semester 2020 (by August
1).
Messaging of the signage templates aligns with CDC regulations and university branding.
Additional information will be available after the working group’s next meeting on
June 18th.
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Quarantine Location, Move-in, Personal Protective Equipment and Study Abroad
Western Carolina University is continuing to develop plans for the fall 2020 semester
and the student experience through an inclusive decision-making process. These decisions
are guided by science and data, grounded in our core academic mission with consideration
for the well-being of our community. These emails are to provide our students, faculty,
staff and community updated information on fall 2020 operations and procedures.
Quarantine Location Designated
We have designated Madison Residence Hall as a location where residential students
may safely quarantine if they test positive for COVID-19. Madison Hall has a relatively
small number of student rooms, and its location on the hill area of campus would keep
any students who have tested positive away from the bulk of the student population
while allowing them to continue their studies and receive campus services.
Move-in
The fall 2020 opening of the residence halls has been redesigned in response to COVID-19.
While the first day of classes is still scheduled for August 17, the residence halls
will begin allowing students to move-in on August 1. Students will be required to
sign-up for the day and time they want to move into their building. There will be
a limited number of spots available per building per session, to allow for appropriate
social distancing throughout the process. More information
Personal Protective Equipment
Western Carolina University has developed a plan for providing the campus community
with personal protective equipment:
WCU intends to provide the campus community with reusable face coverings, hand sanitizer
and disinfecting wipes to open the fall 2020 semester. Procurement of these items
is in process.
During the summer months, the university has disposable face coverings, large containers
of hand sanitizer and large containers of disinfecting wipes available to those campus
departments that desire to have them provided. These items are limited in supply.
Please submit any requests for these items to your department head who can then request
the supplies through a Facilities Management work/service request.
Study Abroad
Inbound and outbound study abroad programs have been suspended for fall 2020. Participation
in study abroad for spring 2021 is a tentative option for students.
Faculty-led programs have also been suspended for fall 2020.
Friday, May 29, 2020
From Chancellor Kelli R. Brown
To the Western Carolina University community:
I write to share important details about the academic calendar and strategy for instruction
for the upcoming fall semester. These details are part of a comprehensive and evolving
plan for the fall 2020 academic experience that is being developed by a working group
in the Division of Academic Affairs led by Interim Provost Richard Starnes and based
on guidance from the University of North Carolina System. The plan is being created
with the anticipation that we will be utilizing a variety of instructional arrangements
with student success, faculty expertise and flexibility, and staff support to guide
us. I stress that all plans for resumption of operations for fall 2020 may very well
shift in response to changing conditions. The last few months have taught us that
information and responses to new data about COVID-19 require a high level of flexibility
and patience.
Below are some important dates that will serve as significant mileposts for the fall
semester:
First day of classes will be Monday, August 17
Labor Day holiday on Monday, September 7, will be observed
The last day to withdraw from a class and receive a “W” will be Friday, October 23
Advising Day will be held Tuesday, October 27
Last day of face-to-face classes will be Friday, November 20
Classes on Monday, November 23, and Tuesday, November 24, will be held online
Thanksgiving break for instruction will be Wednesday, November 25, through Friday,
November 27
Final exams will be held online between Monday, November 30, and Friday, December
4
The winter break will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, December 4
We anticipate commencement ceremonies will be held Saturday, December 12, for the
spring 2020 graduates (rescheduled from May) and Sunday, December 13, for the summer
and fall 2020 graduates
Instruction for fall 2020 will be offered through a blend of face-to-face, online,
hybrid, and hybrid course delivery. There will be no fall break this year, and all
final exam week activities will be conducted via online or other alternative formats.
This schedule maximizes instructional time in the early fall and minimizes the opportunities
for students, as well as faculty and staff, to travel away from campus on extended
breaks. This strategy should reduce exposure to and spread of coronavirus. It also
should align the academic calendar in such a manner as to avoid a densely populated
campus in late fall and early winter, when the potential for a significant resurgence
of the virus may be highest. Any potential changes to the 2021 spring semester will
be announced in the weeks to come.
We will continue to refine the many details associated with bringing students, faculty,
and staff back to campus. To assist in keeping the campus as fully updated as possible,
we have established a website for fall 2020 operations, where many of the detailed plans for resuming operations will be posted or summarized.
In addition, we are initiating a regular system of campus updates that will contain
important announcements as decisions around fall operations are made. Look for those
updates in the coming weeks on subjects including residential living, dining, student
move-in, large campus gatherings, and athletics events.
I want to remind our campus community that, as we prepare for students to return to
campus, we also have begun a phased return to the workplace for our dedicated faculty
and staff. With guidance from the UNC System, we have prepared a “How to Return to Work Safely” guide that was sent to faculty and staff last week.
Thank you again for your efforts on behalf of our students and our university over
the past few months, a time that has been disruptive to all members of our community.
I feel confident that I can continue to count on your hard work, your commitment,
and your flexibility as we handle the many tasks associated with the summer sessions
and work toward a successful fall semester.
Please be safe and be well. And, as always, go Cats!
