COVID-19 – MARCH 13 UPDATE TO ALL STUDENTS
All ECU Students,
In these uncertain times, we understand that it can be very concerning when each day brings a new development as we confront COVID-19. For many of you, it is also worrisome to know that you, your family and friends could encounter the virus. Please understand that the decisions made by the university as well as the UNC System are being made with the express interest of keeping our students and campus community as safe as possible.
The best advice I can give to all of you is to prioritize your health and well-being with simple but powerful habits like getting enough sleep (difficult, I know), washing your hands for 20 seconds, and covering your cough.
At this time, we are strongly encouraging students to stay away from campus unless absolutely necessary.
This morning, ECU contacted all students living our residence halls to make them aware of an online process for any student needing to return to their residence hall room for very specific reasons. This message was sent to ONLY students living in the halls.
We also know that many in our community have a lot of questions during this rapidly changing time. Please see some of those questions below.
In case you are wondering why ECU is allowing students to return to campus if, in nearly all cases, they aren’t allowed to attend classes in person?
Current guidance from the CDC and our higher education peers indicates that as long as students and employees practice basic social distancing (see below), there is not an increased risk of the spread of the virus. Our students’ and employees’ health is our top priority and we would never make any decisions that could jeopardize their safety. If expert guidance changes, we will respond accordingly. We are evaluating operating hours and procedures for all campus locations and will share more information when it’s available.
What is social distancing and how should it be practiced on campus?
According to the CDC, social distancing means remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible. We are working hard to develop plans for our community to effectively practice social distancing. This may include limiting campus gatherings, adjusting seating in common spaces, adjustments to how students and employees engage in campus services, etc. We are finalizing these plans as quickly as possible and will share more information when it’s available.
What is the status of university operations at this time?
To best support and protect the health and welfare of the campus and our community, spring break has been extended by one week to March 20, 2020. Instructors are currently preparing their plans for providing coursework via alternate means, which may include online instruction and/or special assignments. Instructors are evaluating all classes in collaboration with academic leadership.
As we continue to plan for and monitor the impacts of COVID-19, please know that all of us at ECU are thinking of you, your friends and your families, and we are committed to providing the support you need during this difficult time.
As a reminder, the ECU coronavirus website is updated regularly and the best source for up-to-date information to include resources and evolving guidance for the university community. Additionally, please rely on official ECU social media accounts for updates. You may also contact COVID19@ecu.edu with additional questions.
-Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Virginia Hardy
STAYING ON CAMPUS?
What is happening on campus?
ECU continues to monitor the coronavirus outbreak, receiving regular updates from the CDC, U.S. State Department and N.C. Division of Public Health. There are no confirmed cases on campus, and ECU is prepared to act quickly in the event any reports of symptoms or of exposure to the virus by our faculty, staff, or students arise.
ECU remains open and operational with spring break extended through Friday, March 20. We will transition to alternative delivery classes on Monday, March 23.
What was so bad that it could not wait until the end of the semester?
ECU’s primary goal is to protect the health and well-being of faculty, staff, and students, as well as the Greenville community. However, the larger goal of suppressing the spread of this coronavirus and its related disease is also paramount.
What are my options for housing on campus?
We strongly encourage students living in the residence halls to stay away from campus unless absolutely necessary. However, if you must return to campus, all residence hall students will be required to complete the ECU COVID-19 online form, which will be made available at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16. Links to the form will be available on the ECU Campus Living website. This information will also be sent to all students’ ECU email accounts.
Do I have to move out of my room?
No. While ECU strongly encourages students to vacate the residence halls and return home to continue with online coursework, students may continue to live on campus in their current room.
What if I don’t have another place to go, or cannot go, due to travel bans?
Students may remain in their current room until further notice, but will be required to complete the ECU COVID-19 online form, which will be made available at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 16. Links to the form will be available on the ECU Campus Living website. This information will also be sent to all students’ ECU email accounts.
If I choose to stay on campus, will everything be as normal?
No. Students who remain in campus housing on campus should be aware that access to many facilities and services including dining, post office, recreation, and libraries may be limited.
What about housekeeping service?
Housekeeping will be giving extra attention to high contact spaces.
NOT STAYING ON CAMPUS?
What should I bring home?
Whenever you leave your residence for an extended period, please remove your valuable items. Be sure to bring with you your computer and any other devices you will need to continue with online coursework.
Will housing and dining reimbursements be available for students who leave campus?
Given the uncertainty of when on campus instruction might resume, we are not able to address questions relating to refunds of residence hall fees at this time. Once we have definitive information, we will make that available via students’ ECU email.