COVID-19 update from Appalachian State University — week of March 30–April 3
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