May 28 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. Please continue to monitor your email and official ECU website and social media accounts for the latest information.

UPDATES

Study Abroad

ECU has followed the University of North Carolina System guidance in canceling all study abroad programs for fall 2020. Also following system guidance, university-related international travel by faculty, staff and students continues to be suspended until further notice. While we plan for the potential reopening of international travel in the spring, our students are fortunate that they can still have a meaningful international experience right here at home through our Global Understanding courses. ECU leads the world’s largest global virtual exchange network, connecting regularly and in real-time with students from 47 universities worldwide.

CARES Act funding for students

The U.S. Department of Education has started releasing the first wave of Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding. In coordination with the UNC System, ECU is in the process of implementing the best mechanisms to deliver these funds to students. ECU has received approximately $19.4 million, of which $9.7 million is specifically reserved to provide students with emergency financial aid grants. We have established a clear set of guiding principles to help us distribute this money effectively, equitably and quickly. To be eligible for CARES grants, students must have been enrolled on campus in Spring 2020, be eligible to receive federal financial aid, and have filed a FAFSA with ECU. More details on the CARES process, eligibility, and specific criteria are available here. Students (undergraduate and graduate) with questions should email covid19grants@ecu.edu.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

New Student Orientation

This summer’s New Student Orientation has transitioned to being delivered fully online instead of the on-campus two-day program. Required modules will be available for registration and participation on June 8. Details are available on the orientation website. Please note that despite this change, New Student Orientation is still required for incoming ECU students enrolling for the Fall 2020 semester.

Course scheduling for 2020-21

As part of its efforts to return to on-campus instruction in the fall, ECU will adopt a block scheduling format for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters. Students will take the same number of courses, but instead of taking all their classes concurrently for the duration of the semester, the semester will be divided into two 8-week blocks. For example, a typical course load of five classes would include two classes in the first block and three in the second, or vice versa. As of now, the start and end dates for the semester remain unchanged.

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 July 31. 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.

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.

Student Health Services

ECU’s Student Health Services is maintaining normal hours, 7:30 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. Students can access Student Health Services’ free nurse line after hours by calling 252-328-6841.

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

The UNC System Office has advised that the COVID-19 Special Faculty and Staff Work and Leave provisions will continue beyond May 8. We anticipate additional guidance regarding these provisions will be provided later this month and as we move into subsequent phases of the governor’s reopening plan. From a practical standpoint, this means that work behaviors and time/leave-keeping practices should continue as they have been since the initial guidance took effect at the start of April. Employees are encouraged to reach out to supervisors with any questions.

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.

NEXT UPDATE

Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next update will be available on ECU’s coronavirus update site Thursday afternoon, June 11.