CHARLOTTE — The University of North Carolina system schools, including UNCC and Appalachian State University, is transitioning from in-person instruction to an alternative-course delivery beginning on March 23 and it will last indefinitely, officials said Wednesday. UNC Charlotte said Wednesday it will move classes online starting Monday.

Some classes, such as those with labs, will continue to have in-person instruction.

Teleworking is encouraged and mandatory employees at UNCC will have to report to campus as directed by their supervisors.

Events that will have 50 or more people have been canceled or postponed.

“University-sponsored in-state travel to gatherings of 50 or more people is suspended, and all travel outside the state is suspended, unless otherwise authorized by the Chancellor or Provost. A process for requesting exceptions is being established,” officials said.

Statement from UNC Charlotte:

"The university has received additional guidance from the UNC System regarding how it should operate in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

"University officials are meeting now to determine how this guidance will be implemented at UNC Charlotte.

"However, we do know the following, based on direction from the UNC System and effective Monday, March 16 through March 31. We will assess the situation each Monday and communicate regularly with the campus community.

"Effective Monday:

"We will move to online instruction wherever possible. Our goal is to return to in-person instruction as soon as reasonably possible.

"Some classes, such as those with labs, will continue to require in-person instruction and attendance.

"Teleworking will be encouraged to the maximum extent possible. Mandatory employees will be required to report to campus as directed by their supervisors.

"Events and gatherings of 50 or more people will be canceled or postponed unless otherwise authorized by the Chancellor. A process for requesting exceptions is being established. Additional guidance for event organizers is forthcoming.

"University-sponsored in-state travel to gatherings of 50 or more people is suspended, and all travel outside the state is suspended, unless otherwise authorized by the Chancellor or Provost. A process for requesting exceptions is being established.

“More information on all of these items will be provided in another NinerNotice by 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12.”

UNC-Chapel Hill extends spring break; most courses move online

UNC-Chapel Hill said Wednesday it is closely monitoring the spread of the coronavirus.

There were no confirmed cases on UNC-Chapel Hill’s campus at this time, officials said Wednesday. As of March 11, seven North Carolinians have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19. Gov. Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina.

Spring break is extended through March 22, and there will be no academic instruction will be offered. “We strongly encourage students to remain off-campus,” officials said in a statement. “Instructors will provide further information in the coming week regarding coursework and assignments.”

Remote instruction for most courses will begin the week of March 23 and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. Officials said faculty and teaching assistants will hear from the provost’s office soon regarding the resources on Keep Teaching.

Campus will remain open and operational during the extended spring break and during the period of remote instruction, officials said.

“We recognize that some students will need to return to campus, so the campus will be open, including residence and dining halls, libraries and Campus Health,” officials said. “If you are a student who is able to take all classes remotely, we strongly encourage you to remain off campus until further notice.”

Campus events for more than 50 attendees are canceled effective immediately.

Event organizers must postpone, cancel or explore virtual options for any university-affiliated event with more than 50 people both on- and off-campus until further notice.

Carolina is prohibiting university-affiliated travel outside the state of North Carolina. Within the state, university travel is permitted but it must be limited to gatherings of 50 or fewer people. Visit the travel information page for more details.

Anyone with questions about these guidelines can call our hotline at 919-445-5000. The hotline will be staffed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Messages left after hours will be returned within one working day.

Carolina will continue to monitor updates from the CDC, the state health department and the University System and will use their guidance and recommendations on our campus.

Some UNCC professors move classes online

Colleges, universities across NC, SC take precautions amid coronavirus outbreak

• Wingate University moved classes of 50 or more online.
• As of Tuesday, Duke University has suspended all on-campus classes and moved them online until March 23. The university also said it has extended spring break until March 22, so students can prepare for the change, according to WTVD.
• The University of South Carolina has moved all classes online until April 3, according to WPDE. Spring break has also been extended an additional week until March 22.
• College of Charleston is set to test out online classes Thursday to plan ahead due to the virus, according to WCIV.
• Elon University will transition classes online for two weeks following the return from spring break, the university said.

Other universities and colleges across both states continue to monitor the virus and prepare in case there is an outbreak that impacts the schools.

Johnson C. Smith University said it is continuing to monitor the situation. No cases have been confirmed on campus and no student, faculty, or staff member has reported symptoms.

The school said they have started prevention measures such as enhanced cleaning services across campus and additional hand sanitizer and soap dispensers have been placed around campus.

School leaders also encouraged students who are showing symptoms of a cold or flu to avoid attending classes and avoid campus gatherings. Faculty and staff have been asked not to come to work if they show symptoms.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.

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