June 11 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

Fall 2020 Calendar

ECU’s fall 2020 semester will begin Aug. 10, two weeks earlier than scheduled, as the university works to fulfill its educational mission while safeguarding the health of its students, faculty and staff. The administration and faculty understand that the early start will create challenges for some members of Pirate Nation and are developing resources to smooth the transition. Along with the earlier start date and the move to block scheduling, there will be no fall break, allowing the fall semester to conclude before Thanksgiving.

Move-in 2020 information

Details regarding our residence hall move-in procedures for the fall semester were emailed to students June 5. The first day of classes this fall will be Aug. 10. The acceleration of this date has resulted in significant changes to the move-in process for students and families. All students will receive a link to sign up for their drop-off date with their room assignment before July 1.

PREVIOUS 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.

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 are available for registration and participation. Details are available on the orientation website. Please note that despite this change, orientation is still required for incoming ECU students enrolling for the fall 2020 semester.

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.

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 issued updated COVID-19 Special Faculty and Staff Work and Leave provisions effective June 1 until revised or rescinded. Employees are encouraged to reach out to supervisors with any questions.

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 25.