Last Updated on May 24, 2020 9:54 am
“We are preparing for a return to campus in August with safety as our top priority.” Those are the words from Appalachian State Chancellor Sheri Everts as the school looks ahead to the Fall of 2020 and returning to class.
“For many weeks, planning for Fall Semester and beyond has been underway. My leadership team and I have been working with UNC System leadership, as well as our counterparts across the UNC System, to anticipate and respond to many possible scenarios.”, Dr. Everts stated in a COVID-19 update on Friday.
Fall semester will begin on August 17 with one adjustment to the calendar. The two-day Fall Break will be eliminated in order to hold the last day of classes on November 24. The final exam period will remain unchanged. All final exams for Fall 2020 will be held online, with the exception of courses that require clinical or lab-based assessments.
December Commencement will be held on schedule, and at this time there is still planning underway for an in-person ceremony. “This plan will allow for the greatest number of our students to remain home for an extended period of time before the Spring semester begins in January.”, Dr. Everts also stated. “I would like to extend my thanks to the faculty, staff and students who make up the Academic Calendar Committee for the work they did to recommend this change.”
“We are developing ways to be as flexible and responsive as possible in order to be ready for whatever the coming weeks and months hold. On June 1, my leadership team and I will discuss our preliminary plans for fall with UNC System leadership.” she also stated.
To find out more about Appalachian's recovery or ask questions visit this link.
Other key safety measures that will be in place according to Dr. Everts:
- Prior to employees returning to campus, we will establish and share clear guidance on safety measures that must be taken in order to be on campus, including wearing face coverings, washing hands often and maintaining safe physical distance. The university will facilitate this by providing face coverings, adjusting classroom and work spaces and adding hand sanitizing stations across campus.
- We are working with state and local Public Health to develop and communicate clear and concise public health and safety awareness information that will be visibly displayed in every building and every classroom on campus.
- Our decisions will be informed by CDC and Public Health data and guidance, as well as by state and local government decisions. We will continue engaging faculty, staff and students in our future planning.
