In this rapidly changing situation, accurate and timely information is key to navigating challenges associated with COVID-19. We are doing our utmost to address the questions each day brings and share our processes and solutions as we move forward. This week, with guidance from the UNC System, we have addressed several pressing issues:

• Course grades. At the end of the spring 2020 semester, students may choose to opt in to an enhanced pass/no credit model after grades are posted, or they may keep their assigned grade. Read the full message to campus about grading here.
  
  
• Dining and housing refunds. UNC System institutions will issue prorated dining and housing refunds to those who have these plans. We will send more information about App State’s process early next week. Read the full message to campus about refunds here.
  
  
• Continuation of online instruction. UNC System institutions will continue to be online through summer 2020. Read the full message to campus about summer instruction here.
  
  
• Emergency assistance. Nearly 500 students have applied for relief funds via the Mountaineer Emergency Fund, and our Advancement team is working hard to ensure we have funding to support those requests. Read about the Mountaineer Emergency Fund here. The university also has a zero-interest emergency loan program for permanent faculty and staff facing financial hardship. Read about this emergency loan program here.

Mountaineers continue to work together to creatively provide helpful and necessary resources. A few examples:

• Our health care providers in Wellness and Prevention Services, the Counseling and Psychological Services Center and Student Health Service are continuing to provide care to students via telephone, Zoom video conferencing and, on a limited basis, in person.
  
  
• The Student Learning Center has shared tips for online learning and created a Keep Learning website with resources to ensure students have the needed support to be successful in their classes.
  
  
• Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs Jacqui Bergman led a collaboration among the Center for Academic Excellence, Lucy Brock Child Development Laboratory Program and the Appalachian State Child Development Center to develop resources for parents working and/or learning from home.
  
  
• The Career Development Center is engaging with employers and connecting them with students while continuing to assist our students with career materials, job searches and interview preparation.

I am immensely proud of our students, faculty and staff who see opportunities among the challenges. Members of the Appalachian Community have also used their words to provide solace, encouragement and a fresh perspective — several examples of which I have highlighted below. I shared some of these messages with our faculty earlier in the week.

• “I just wanted to get word to you how grateful I am for App State’s efforts. I can only imagine the herculean effort required by staff and faculty to transition to virtual classrooms. My son is reporting it was ready a week later and moving forward without a hitch. And so, therefore, is my son. Thank you all. I am so glad, once again, that my son is with ASU.”
  
  
• “I think my experience at App is what taught me these healthy ways to cope with a tricky situation like COVID-19 and to maintain a positive outlook. I don't know if I'd be equally as equipped to handle this situation without my App Experience.”
  
  
• “I am excited for everyone to see how powerful online instruction can be. There are certainly some face-to-face benefits that cannot be recreated online, but there are also online benefits that cannot be recreated face-to-face. Both students and instructors will become more tech savvy, and I believe we’ll emerge from this situation awakened to new possibilities and equipped with new abilities that will strengthen our university."

Amidst the uncertainty of our present situation, our words and our actions are proof positive that together we can — and will — continue to move mountains.

Sheri Everts, Chancellor

• Social media highlights look different these days.

  Although social distancing is our new normal, the Appalachian Experience extends far beyond our physical campus location, and I hope everyone in our community will continue to strengthen relationships with Mountaineers near and far through the university’s social media channels and other virtual platforms offered by campus clubs, organizations and professional groups. While they are not a primary mode of communicating, they are one important way to maintain a sense of connectedness. I will continue to utilize these outlets to keep our community informed and engaged.

  • 04.03 — The Turchin Center’s Little Free Art Pantry provides themed bundles of art supplies for community members.
  • 04.02 — Appalachian’s health care professionals are assisting students near and far through secure online telemedicine appointments, and we applaud their commitment to our students.
  • 04.01 — Our university’s Staff Senate responded to social distancing by making the annual AppKIDS 5K a virtual run — using social media to bring the runners “together” for a great cause.

  Follow me on:

  • Twitter @AppChancellor
  • Facebook

Messages

• Remarks from the June 18, 2021 Meeting of the Board of Trustees

  Friday, June 18, 2021

  It has been a productive two days and I know we have all enjoyed being together with more in-person meeting interaction than this board has had since December of 2019. I appreciate your continued dedication to App State, and share your excitement as the COVID-19 vaccine is offering us the ability to move into a post-pandemic reality.

  Learn more
• Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris named Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor

  Friday, May 7, 2021

  Dear Members of the App State Community,

  I am very pleased to announce that Dr. Heather Hulburt Norris will assume the role of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor, effective immediately.

  Since February of 2020, Heather has served in this role in an interim capacity, and her leadership throughout the pandemic has been exceptional. She has risen to each challenge, building consensus, leading by example and fostering innovation and creative solutions under immensely difficult circumstances.

  Learn more
• Jamie Parson named Interim Chief Diversity Officer

  Thursday, May 6, 2021

  Dear Members of the App State Community,

  I am pleased to announce that Jamie Parson has agreed to serve as Interim Chief Diversity Officer, beginning May 10, 2021.

  Jamie’s leadership with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at App State is well-known, and she is widely respected on our campus and nationally. Jamie has consistently built diversity, equity and inclusion work into her research, scholarship and service. Jamie will begin in her new role prior to Dr. Willie Fleming’s June 1 retirement. I appreciate her willingness to take on this cabinet-level position at this time so the important work we have underway continues seamlessly.

  Learn more