COVID-19 STUDENT AFFAIRS UPDATE
Dear Pirate Nation:
The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak has impacted the lives of every person around the world. These impacts are far reaching and involve everything from major health situations to a significant disruption of our daily lives.
We have felt this as a campus, and we have heard stories of students and their families who have had to upend their lives as ways to protect their own personal safety and health. We are here to support you, and please know that our administrators, faculty and staff stand with you during these challenging times.
Students, please be very intentional and read this message in its entirety.
We are in uncertain times and understand that it can be very concerning when every day, and sometimes multiple times during a day, we are sharing new developments associated with confronting COVID-19. Thank you for your patience, understanding and for following the instructions as shared by the university.
We know you are worried for you own health as well as that of your family and friends as this virus spreads. East Carolina University stands with you, and our thoughts are with you during this challenging, ongoing situation.
Per guidelines in accordance with the CDC and the University of North Carolina System, effective March 25, 2020, ECU will be closing its residence halls to students for the remainder of the semester. This decision means residence hall students will be encouraged to return to campus to pack up their rooms and move out of the hall. In rare instances, we will consider special circumstances for students needing to remain in the halls. More information about the exception process will be included another message on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 10am. Please check your ECU email account for that message.
The ECU move out process for all residence halls will begin Thursday, March 19, 2020 at 8:00am and conclude on March 25, 2020 at 3pm. Students will remove all items from their room and turn in their key fob to Campus Living staff before leaving campus.
Students who are unable to return to campus and move out before March 25, 2020 at 3pm, please know that ECU Campus Living will secure those rooms for the remainder of the semester. Campus Living staff will go into those rooms to remove and dispose all remaining items in the refrigerator/freezer for health reasons. In addition, a second move out process will be scheduled after May 1stfor those who aren’t able to return to campus between March 19-25.
Specific move out details regarding the move out process will be officially announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at 10am. Please check your ECU email account for that message.
We continue to advise that you prioritize your health and well-being with simple but powerful habits like getting enough sleep, washing your hands in warm water for 20 seconds, and covering your cough.
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. We are also compiling information about campus and community resources, particularly services that are transitioning to online delivery and other national efforts to support students during this time. Additionally, please rely on official ECU social media accounts for updates. You may also contact COVID19@ecu.edu with additional questions.
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.
Take care,
Virginia D. Hardy, PhD
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs