NC State students ordered to leave campus housing after ‘rapid spread’ of COVID-19

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University students have been ordered to leave their dorms after a “rapid spread” of coronavirus cases across campus.

Chancellor Randy Woodson sent out a note Wednesday saying the university hoped to keep campus housing open, but the “increasing rate of positive cases” has made that impossible.

NC State students who live on campus must schedule a time to move off campus between Thursday and Sept. 6, unless they are given an exception.

According to the chancellor, students who are currently in on-campus quarantine or isolation must be cleared by Student Health Services before moving out.

“We’re committed to working with all of our on-campus residents closely in the days ahead to ensure a safe move-out process,” Woodson said.

Students will receive prorated refunds for unused portions of housing and dining for the fall semester.

When the chancellor announced all undergraduate classes would be moved online last week, he said the university would do everything it could to keep on-campus housing open, but would make changes to protect students and staff if necessary.

And Woodson said the decision to close dorms did just that.

“Despite these many efforts, the virus continues to swiftly spread across campus. We made today’s decision with the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff as our top priority,” he said.

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Students who do not want to move out, can apply for waivers to remain in on-campus housing, but Woodson said the university’s goal is to reduce the on-campus population significantly.

Despite housing changes, the campus will remain open. Students and staff will still have access to the NC State University Libraries, Talley Student Union and limited Dining options. Student Health Services, the Counseling Center, and Wellness and Recreation will also continue to provide services, some on-site and others online.

“We’re not where we want to be today, but we’re hopeful that by reducing our on-campus population, we can keep our community safe and slow the spread of this relentless virus,” Woodson said.

The chancellor ended the note by reassuring students that although a lot of things are changing, the university has not wavered from its goal of providing the “best possible education” and keeping students on track toward earning their degrees.

Read Chancellor Woodson’s full message here.

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