April 30 Coronavirus Update
Regular updates and information about COVID-19 and steps ECU is taking to protect the health and safety of our community are available on the university’s coronavirus website.
Please know that ECU is working closely with the Pitt County Health Department, the lead agency in communication for presumptive and confirmed positive cases.
Inquiries from students, employees and parents can be directed to COVID19@ecu.edu.
Updates from ECU will move from weekly to biweekly with the next update going out Thursday afternoon, May 14, unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication. Please continue to monitor your email and official ECU website and social media accounts for the latest information.
UPDATES
Spring 2020 Commencement
ECU will celebrate the Class of 2020 with a virtual commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, May 8, for more than 5,000 spring graduates and their families, friends and supporters. The virtual commencement ceremony will be posted on ECU’s official commencement website. Education leader Dr. Lynn M. Gangone will deliver the keynote address.
Housing Spring 2020 move-out
ECU ended the move-out process in March to remain consistent with North Carolina Stay-In-Place directives. We recently received updated guidance that we can now allow students to return to campus to retrieve their belongings — if the university and students practice social distancing guidelines as required under the governor’s executive order. Please fill out the online form by May 1 to let us know your plans for checkout.
Fall 2020 return to campus update
On Monday, April 27, interim chancellor Ron Mitchelson announced ECU’s intent to return to campus this fall. “We intend to be back on ECU’s campus in the fall, although we will do so while taking the necessary precautions, informed by the most reliable and current data and research findings,” said Mitchelson. “What our scientifically informed approach will look like when we return is not exactly precise right now, but please understand that we are committed to using best national practices and to the safety of our students and employees. The picture is not fully in focus yet, but we are getting there.”
New student and housing updates for Fall 2020
A message with information about enrollment, housing, new student orientation and class registration for the fall was shared April 30. The enrollment deposit deadline has been extended to June 1.
PREVIOUS UPDATES
Housing and dining refunds
On April 3, an update was provided regarding housing and dining refunds. We appreciate your patience and understanding while ECU has worked closely with the UNC System Office and other UNC System institutions to resolve this issue.
Camps and conferences
All university-sponsored camps, clinics, activities, or programs associated with any university unit, department, or organization (whether hosted on or off university property) are canceled until June 30. This includes, but is not limited to, academic, student affairs and athletic programs. Programs sponsored by external vendors but hosted on ECU property are likewise canceled or must be rescheduled for a later date.
New Student Orientation
In accordance with the UNC system’s decision to move all summer classes online, ECU has made the difficult decision to move New Student Orientation to a virtual format. Details are available on the orientation website.
Student Health Services
ECU’s Student Health Services is maintaining normal hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, and serving students at the main campus location. The location on the health sciences campus is closed. Please check the Student Health Services website for information on how to access services and for holiday closings or adjusted hours.
Summer school
In alignment with UNC System guidance, ECU will continue online/alternative course delivery through Summer 2020, Sessions 1 and 2. Tips for online learning are available here. Resources for faculty and staff are available here.
Human Resources guidance
As the COVID-19 event continues to evolve and spread, the UNC System Office has extended the Faculty and Staff work and leave provisions through May 8. Guidance related to teleworking, administrative leave, mandatory status and timekeeping are available. Employees are encouraged to reach out to supervisors with any questions.
State Stay-at-Home Order
Gov. Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 135 on April 23 extending the stay-at-home order through May 8. The stay-at-home order encourages all individuals in North Carolina to stay home except for permitted essential activities and travel. It also requires individuals using shared or outside spaces when outside their residence to maintain social distancing of at least six feet to the extent possible with the exception of family or household members. ECU students, faculty and staff should continue to remain at home as much as possible and minimize direct personal contact when it is necessary to venture out. Pitt County and its 10 municipalities released a statement on April 9 encouraging citizens to follow the governor’s order.
Emergency grading accommodation
ECU has implemented the pass/fail option to students. Courses graded as pass/fail under this exception will count toward applicable curricular, major, continuation and graduation requirements.
Please continue to take the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with persons who are sick.
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet.
- Frequently clean hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover your cough and sneezes (into your flexed elbow or tissue) and wash your hands immediately.