In close consultation with emergency management and public health experts and the UNC System, UNC Greensboro is today announcing several important and immediate actions to help contain the novel coronavirus. While there are no confirmed cases at UNCG at this time, this is an unprecedented public health issue on a global scale. We must be proactive and do what is best for our students, our employees, and our extended community.
Suspension of Classes for One Week and Transition to Online Classes
Face-to-face classes will continue through Friday, March 13. Beginning Monday, March 16, UNCG will suspend all face-to-face classes for one week. Students should not come to face-to-face classes or labs during this week. Existing online classes will continue as normal.
Beginning on March 23, in all possible cases, classes will be taught online.
We will transition as many classes as possible to the online environment by March 23. We recognize not every class or educational experience can be moved online. Labs and other courses that cannot be converted will continue to meet face-to-face. Students will be informed soon about which classes will be moved online and which will continue to meet face-to-face. Our faculty and staff have been preparing for this move, and our infrastructure has been tested and is ready. More details will be forthcoming.
Residential Student Recommendation
Where possible, students who live on campus, especially in traditional residence halls and suites (those without kitchens) are strongly encouraged to make arrangements to return home or move off campus ideally by Sunday, March 15, and until further notice. Those students who will resume face-to-face classes on March 23 will be able to remain in residence halls.
Encouraging students to vacate residence halls where possible helps create “social distancing” and reduces the probability of virus transmission that is found in concentrated groups. However, no student will be left without a viable living option.
These decisions are based on UNC System guidance to ensure consistency across all institutions. We understand there are significant implications in terms of living arrangements on campus, academic plans, logistical needs, and other issues. We will issue additional information by this Friday morning.
These steps are designed to mitigate risk — reduce large groups, slow virus transmission, and provide a safer environment. Those students who remain on campus and all UNCG employees should also practice smart hygiene and social distancing techniques. More information and guidance is available here. This includes:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid shaking hands.
- Cover your cough with a tissue or sneeze/cough into your elbow.
- Do not share food.
- Keep exercise equipment and other shared items clean.
- Disinfect frequently touched objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
UNCG is not closing, and we are moving forward with our semester, albeit under some unique circumstances. We recognize these actions will invariably lead to questions and new challenges. We will work diligently to address these to the best of our ability and as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience and flexibility during this unusual time.
Communication is VITAL in this situation. Please ensure you stay informed by monitoring email, following @UNCG social media channels, downloading our UNCG Mobile app (iTunes and Google Apps), and regularly visiting our dedicated coronavirus website.
