UNC announced it is extending spring break and canceling events on Wednesday, taking further action to protect its students and staff amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.
In a release to the campus community, the university said it would be extending its spring break until March 22. The university will transition to remote instruction, which entails video and other forms of delivery, for all schools and classes will begin Monday, March 23. The release said undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who are currently out of town for spring break should not return to UNC’s campus if possible.
The message said campus will remain open and operational, however, during both the extended break and the period of remote instruction. The decision allows students reliant on housing, dining halls, Campus Health and other resources to return to campus. The university encouraged students who are able to completely take classes remotely to remain off campus until further notice.
In addition, UNC said campus events with more than 50 attendees have been cancelled. The release said 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 updates are provided.
On Thursday, UNC announced it is canceling spring study abroad programs that have been designated as Level 3 by the Center for Disease Control. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.
The university said it is communicating with affected students about their return to the United States and their academic continuation options.
Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz tweeted on Wednesday about the announcement, saying the university is prepared to continue its work despite the challenges faced by the new virus.
Over its 226 years, #UNC has faced numerous challenges and at every step has proved its resilience. We believe today’s Tar Heels are well-positioned to take on this challenge. We're committed to their success and to protecting the health of our community. https://t.co/H4MolInR1A
— Kevin Guskiewicz (@KevinGuskiewicz) March 11, 2020
The Chapel Hill campus is not the only school within the UNC System to move to remote classes due to the coronavirus. Shortly after the university’s release, the university system’s leadership shared a statement saying all institutions will transition from in-person instruction to a system of alternative course delivery. The change will happen no later than March 20, with alternative course delivery beginning on March 23 and lasting indefinitely.
“Our goal is to return to in-person instruction as soon as reasonably possible,” said the release. “Each institution will communicate the specific details to its students and faculty. All UNC System institutions will remain open and continue to deliver high-quality instruction for our students. At the same time, we are working to maximize flexibility in how we deliver education in order to limit the potential impact of the coronavirus at our institutions.”
The UNC System also suspended any university-sponsored travel within North Carolina to gatherings of 100 or more people. It said the only situation where the travel is authorized is when approved by a chancellor or provost.
Wednesday’s announcement comes after Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina due to the outbreak of coronavirus. There are seven identified cases of coronavirus within the state: six in Wake County and one in Chatham County.
“Anyone can carry the virus to loved ones or friends who can become ill,” Cooper said during a press conference on Tuesday. “Protecting public health means being cautious and being prepared. Today, we are both.”
For continuing updates from the university regarding its response to the virus’ spread, visit UNC’s coronavirus website.
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