UNC System Updates Guidance to Constituent Institutions

CHAPEL HILL, NC – The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present constantly evolving challenges for the UNC System’s leaders, students, faculty, and employees. The entire University of North Carolina System continues to work diligently to protect the health and safety of our campus communities during this unprecedented public health emergency. After consulting with the Governor’s office, the Board of Governors, and other state leaders, Interim President Bill Roper has updated previous guidance issued to System institutions last week.

• All institutions will continue to move from in-person instruction to a system of alternative course delivery, where possible and practical, no later than March 20. University leaders will determine which classes, such as those with labs, will continue to require in-person instruction and attendance.
• In order to substantially reduce the number of students on campus and in university housing, each constituent institution will:
  • Instruct students who occupy university housing to remain at, or return to, their permanent residences unless granted an exception by the institution; exceptions will be limited to situations where students establish significant need to remain in university housing; and
  • Establish an exceptions process, with an appropriate health screening, that allows students to remain in university housing if they establish a legitimate and significant need to do so;
  • Reduce campus dining operations to takeout or similar options, with the expectation for smaller numbers of students remaining on campus.

• Institutions will continue to work with local public health officials, and other community members to develop plans to accommodate needs for quarantine or isolation, should it become necessary.
• In light of the CDC guidance announced this week, each institution should cancel or postpone gatherings that assemble 50 or more individuals in a single room or space, or find alternative means of meeting, such as by video or telephone conference.  Any events or gatherings that meet or exceed the 50-person threshold will require the approval of the chancellor. Keep in mind the CDC and White House have recommended avoidance of gatherings of more than 10 people.
• Institutions will continue to utilize teleworking arrangements, identify mandatory employees needed for continued operations during the COVD-19 pandemic and exercise discretion for granting paid administrative leave, where appropriate. 

Individual UNC System institutions will issue detailed implementation updates for their respective campuses.

UNC System institutions are adapting quickly as circumstances evolve, remaining focused on the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, and the delivery of our core academic mission.