April 9 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. Beginning April 16, weekly updates will be posted on the site instead of being sent via email unless changing circumstances warrant other communication. Please continue to monitor your email and official ECU website and social media accounts for the latest information.
On April 8, Interim Chancellor Ron Mitchelson sent a message to students.
Please know that ECU is working closely with the Pitt County Health Department, the lead agency in communication for presumptive and confirmed positive cases. With increased testing, it is likely the number of confirmed cases will increase in our region.
Inquiries from students, employees and parents can be directed to COVID19@ecu.edu.
UPDATES:
Housing and dining refunds
On April 3, an update was provided regarding housing and dining refunds which we know has been a concern for many of you. 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. ECU will communicate the new plans for orientation via email to students and families as well as our faculty and staff in the coming weeks. More information will also be shared on the website at https://orientation.ecu.edu/.
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 their website for information on how to access services and for holiday closings or adjusted hours.
PREVIOUS UPDATES:
Summer school
In alignment with UNC System guidance, ECU will continue online/alternative course delivery through Summer 2020, Sessions 1 and 2.
Human Resources guidance
As the COVID-19 event continues to evolve and spread, the UNC System Office has provided new Faculty and Staff work and leave provisions for April 1 through April 30. 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
On Friday March 27, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 121 that orders all individuals in North Carolina to stay-at-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. The statewide order is expected to remain in place for at least a month. Pitt County and its 10 municipalities released a statement on April 9 encouraging citizens to follow the governor’s order.
Residence hall move out
March 25 was the final day students were permitted to remove items out of campus residence halls. Students who have opted to leave their belongings in the residence hall will be contacted in the next several weeks about the process to return to campus to complete the move out process.
Alternative course delivery
Courses transitioned to alternative course delivery on March 23. Tips for online learning are available here. Resources for faculty and staff are available here.
Emergency grading accommodations
On March 23, ECU implemented the pass/fail option to students. Courses graded as pass/fail under this exception will count towards applicable curricular, major, continuation and graduation requirements.
Spring 2020 Commencement
May’s in-person commencement celebrations, including unit and departmental ceremonies and Grad Bash, will not be held. The university is working to develop a plan to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments. In addition to the virtual event in May, we are also discussing events in August and December to recognize our graduates. We will provide more details as those plans are finalized. Our ECU Commencement website will be updated with the latest information.
Please continue to take the following precautions:
- Avoid contact with persons who are sick.
- Practice social distancing of at least six 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, April 16.