Home - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

UNC Asheville’s emergency response team routinely monitors situations that could affect campus. Physicians and staff are in regular contact with the UNC System, and local and state public health officials, following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We remain vigilant and will continue to work closely with public health officials should we encounter any suspect illnesses.

Please continue to check back here for updates regarding COVID-19. Detailed information can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions and Resources sections of this website.

To support the Asheville community during this time, visit the Hands on Asheville website to find volunteer opportunities.

Update: May 22, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

We write to inform you that UNC Asheville senior leadership, in consultation with members of our campus community, including Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Staff Council leadership and SGA leadership, as well as key leaders across the city, county, state, and medical community, has determined that our Fall 2020 semester will open on Monday, August 10 and end on Friday, November 20.

We continue to work on all details related to our intention to resume in-person instruction for Fall 2020 including adopting best-in-class, highest-quality protocols for virus mitigation that prioritize the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community.

We will share more details in our next Virtual Town Hall on Friday, May 29 from 12 noon – 1 p.m. Please refer to your email (Subject: Update on resuming in-person instruction for Fall 2020) for the Zoom meeting link. Submit your questions prior to the virtual town hall using this Google Form or ask them in the Q&A during the virtual town hall.

Be well, Bulldogs,

Chancellor Cable
Provost Campbell

Update: May 11, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

With the guidance of the UNC System leaders, UNC Asheville expects to resume in-person instruction for the Fall 2020 semester if public health conditions allow. We at UNC Asheville are working closely with the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, local and state health departments, with our key healthcare partners at MAHEC and Mission Hospital, and with other colleges and university leaders in Western North Carolina.

We are examining various models to prioritize the safety, health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff and community. Every scenario for our classrooms, laboratories, artistic spaces, residence halls, library, Highsmith, and every space on campus will preserve the in-person experience within a flexible, high-quality and student-centric academic focus that is at the heart of everything we do at UNC Asheville.

As we evaluate the budget scenarios for the Fall 2020 semester, we are moving to a time of budget oversight and budget constraint through the end of the academic year, some of which may continue through the remainder of the calendar year or beyond.

There are still many unanswered questions, but we plan to clarify semester start and end dates, health protocols and class schedules within the next several weeks to finalize and confirm – together with our community partners – best practices that mitigate the virus spread and safely allow us to return to in-person instruction with best practices to support a healthy academic community. We will provide frequent updates as we work through this process.

The Spring 2020 semester provided us with unique challenges as well as opportunities. We expect the Fall 2020 semester will do the same. We will get through this together, with our spirit of collegiality and collaboration, and will re-engage as an academic community in a way that honors our historic strong reputation for high-quality collegiate experiences for our students and a safe environment for our faculty and staff.

Thank you for everything each of you continue to do to support our students, each other and our community at this time.

Gratefully,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost

Update: May 1, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

Based on the results of a survey of our Class of 2020 graduating seniors, the decision has been made to plan for an in-person UNC Asheville Class of 2020 Commencement ceremony on Saturday, August 1 beginning at 9 a.m. on the University Quad if public health conditions allow.

We will welcome and honor Dr. Patrice A. Harris, president of the American Medical Association as our Commencement speaker, who was chosen as the UNC Asheville Commencement speaker last October 2019. Dr. Harris will also receive an Honorary Degree and the Chancellor’s Medallion, the University’s highest distinction, given to honor individuals who demonstrate the highest commitment to community service, and national leadership.

As is customary during the University’s spring graduation ceremony, this special August Commencement for the Class of 2020 will include the bestowing of three additional honorary degrees to leaders who have given exceptional and dedicated service to UNC Asheville, the state of North Carolina and to our nation.

Dr. Luther E. Barnhardt is a retired radiologist and physician, founder of Western Carolina Radiology, who has supported UNC Asheville through philanthropy and volunteer board leadership including serving on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Barnhardt is a past recipient of UNC Asheville’s Chancellor’s Medallion.
Mr. Lou Bissette is an attorney, president at McGuire, Wood & Bissette, P.A., who has served Asheville as its mayor, and has served the UNC as chair of the Board of Governors and as a trustee at Western Carolina University and Wake Forest University.
Dr. William H. Turner is a distinguished American historian and author, and a pioneer in research, documentation, and writing about the history of Africans Americans in Appalachia. He is the co-editor of the book, Blacks in Appalachia, and is a leader who has served UNC Asheville with public lectures on campus and in Asheville during the annual African Americans in Western North Carolina and Southern Appalachia scholarly conference and community gatherings in the last several years.

Commencement for the UNC Asheville Class of 2020 will be held in accordance with national and state public health decrees regarding group gatherings and social distancing in effect at that time, and will happen only if public health conditions allow. We will work on the numerous programmatic, logistical and other issues throughout the spring and summer, including that only a limited number of guests will be allowed to attend the ceremony. We will provide updates by June via email and will frequently update the UNC Asheville website closer to August 1.

Congratulations to the UNC Asheville Class of 2020! We are so proud of you and look forward to celebrating your accomplishments in person as public health conditions allow in August. These difficult and uncertain times will pass and we look forward to this special occasion to honor your academic and leadership accomplishments together!

Best regards to each of you,
Chancellor Nancy J. Cable
Provost Garikai Campbell

Update: April 29, 2020

Dear Campus Community,

UNC Asheville has been notified that a UNC Asheville employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The employee has not been on campus since last Thursday. We have undertaken all necessary health and safety measures and feel confident that there is no risk to the campus as a result of this particular case. The employee is currently managing treatment and self-quarantining at home for the appropriate amount of time based on North Carolina Department of Health guidelines. We are working with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services on contact tracing.

We urge every member of our campus community to use their best judgement to make responsible personal decisions with regard to the health and well-being of everyone. Please visit UNC Asheville’s coronavirus website for resources and ongoing updates.

Thank you.

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor

Update: April 7, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

This update is to share the good news that the UNC System is working on prorated refunds for housing costs and dining plans. The System will calculate refunds from March 16 which is the date students were required to vacate campus if they were not approved to remain in the residence halls through an exception process.

Over the next few weeks, UNC Asheville and UNC System leadership will be coordinating the timing and implementation of this decision. The System will move as quickly as possible on this process, and more detail regarding the refund schedule will be shared as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor

Update: March 30, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

During a special meeting of the UNC Board of Governors today, Interim President Bill Roper announced that the UNC System is committed to pro-rated reimbursements of housing and dining that have been unused as a result of the University System’s rapid response to COVID-19.

The chief financial officers at each institution are all working together with the UNC System Office to ensure uniformity of processes and calculations for determining refund amounts.

“It is our commitment to all UNC System students to get this done as quickly as possible. It is our obligation to North Carolina taxpayers to get this done right,” explained Dr. Roper. “We hope to be able to announce specifics for processing and issuing refunds in the upcoming weeks,” concluded Roper.

We will provide updates on the reimbursement process as details become available.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 26, 2020

Dear UNC Asheville Campus Community,

Below are updates as of March 26, 2020:

UNC Asheville has been notified that a UNC Asheville student who lives off campus has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Buncombe County “Stay Home – Stay Safe” declaration, effective 8 p.m. today through 6 a.m. April 9, does not significantly impact the way UNC Asheville is currently operating.

UNC Asheville has been notified by the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services that a UNC Asheville student has tested positive for COVID-19. The student has not been on campus since March 6, and we are confident that there is no risk to the campus as a result of this particular case. The student lives off campus and is currently managing treatment and self-quarantining for the appropriate amount of time based on North Carolina Department of Health guidelines.

In accordance with privacy laws and University policy, we will not release any additional identifying information about this person.

We understand that this is concerning news. However, with an increase in testing, additional confirmed cases may be reported in our region. Please know that, in partnership with the Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services, we will provide updates regarding additional positive cases among members of our campus community. You are encouraged to remain vigilant in protecting your health and the health of others.

Students who are not feeling well and have COVID-19 symptoms including fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath) should contact UNC Asheville’s Health and Counseling Center at 828.251.6520. Students who test positive for COVID-19 should contact Jay Cutspec, Director of the Health and Counseling Center at jcutspec@unca.edu. Employees who believe they may have COVID-19 should contact their health care provider. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, please contact Human Resources at hr@unca.edu to understand your leave options.

You can continue to protect yourself by practicing standard measures for good health (including hand-washing, hydration, getting adequate rest, nutritious food, and other measures of self-care). Clean and disinfect your space at home and other areas you frequent.

Yesterday Buncombe County issued a “Stay Home – Stay Safe” declaration effective today, Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. through Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 6:00 a.m., but will be regularly reviewed and evaluated which may lead to revision, amendment or extension. You can find details of the declaration here.

The Stay Home – Stay Safe declaration does not significantly impact the way UNC Asheville is currently operating. As required by the UNC System, UNC Asheville is open and operating as per University Condition 1. For the purpose of the declaration, “Essential Businesses” as it relates to educational institutions, including UNC Asheville, is defined as follows:

Educational Institutions facilitating distance learning. Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities, for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing essential functions that are needed or appropriate for continuing operations or addressing the public health emergency, provided that social distancing is maintained to the greatest extent practicable. Each educational institution shall determine its essential functions and the employees and/or contractors necessary to the performance of those functions.

All Businesses may maintain Minimum Basic Operations. For purposes of this declaration, Minimum Basic Operations include the following, provided that employees comply with Social Distancing Requirements, to the greatest extent feasible, while carrying out such operations:

The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, preserve the condition of the business’s physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, or for related functions.
The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue work remotely from their residences, for example one employee going to the office for administrative work so that all others may continue to work remotely.

For questions related to this declaration as it relates to UNC Asheville, students should contact at reslife@unca.edu or 828.251.6700, while employees should contact Human Resources at hr@unca.edu.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 24, 2020

Chancellor Cable, Provost Campbell and members of UNC Asheville’s senior staff answered questions from students, faculty and staff regarding COVID-19. Watch the video.

Update: March 20, 2020

Given the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, remote instruction has been extended through the end of the semester.
As announced by UNC System President Dr. Bill Roper today, spring commencements across the System will be postponed. We understand the incredible importance of this milestone and event. We will work hard to develop a way to celebrate either virtually or in person, if at all possible, at a later date. Thank you for your understanding as we formulate a plan regarding dates and other related issues.
The UNC System has indicated that decisions about refunds for housing and dining fees, which are in their discretion, will be postponed until at least April or until we are beyond the immediate issues facing us with mitigating the spread of the virus.
Chancellor Cable, Provost Campbell and the University’s Senior Staff will host a virtual town hall for faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, March 24 from 12 noon – 1 p.m. An invitation with the video link will be shared on Monday.

Thanks for your continued patience during this time of uncertainty. We continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Please know that currently there are no known cases at UNC Asheville.

We want to answer three of your most frequent questions: the duration of online or remote course instruction, spring Commencement and reimbursements.

Online or Remote Course Instruction

Given the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, remote instruction has been extended through the end of the semester. Students engaged in dissertation, thesis or other individualized instruction should contact their faculty advisor/instructor. The Provost’s Office will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Commencement

UNC Asheville is committed to holding commencement for our spring graduates at some point, though the timing of the event is unclear given required efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We understand the incredible importance of this milestone and event. We will work hard to develop a way to celebrate either virtually or in person, if at all possible, at a later date. We will share additional information as soon as it is available; we understand the need for a confirmed decision, in terms of planning, travel, accommodations, etc.

We deeply regret the impact this situation is having on our students and their families, and on our employees and their families. We share in your distress, and we will offer whatever support we can as we continue to navigate the circumstances. Thank you for your understanding as we formulate a plan regarding dates and other related issues.

Reimbursements

The UNC System has indicated that decisions about refunds for housing and dining fees, which are in their discretion, will be postponed until at least April or until we are beyond the immediate issues facing us with mitigating the spread of the virus. We will not have any additional information to share with you until that time.

Virtual Town Hall

Chancellor Cable, Provost Campbell and the University’s Senior Staff will host a virtual town hall for faculty, staff and students on Tuesday, March 24 from 12 noon – 1 p.m. An invitation with the video link will be shared on Monday. The virtual town hall will include time for Q&A; please submit your questions on this Google Form. We will also monitor the chat for additional questions, but we may not get to all of them depending on the volume.

As a reminder, to answer additional questions from faculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, and the public, UNC Asheville has established an Emergency Operations Call Center that operates from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 828.255.7250. You will also find the most updated University FAQ related to COVID-19 by visiting coronavirus.unca.edu.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide frequent updates as the situation unfolds.

Thank you,
Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 18, 2020

Beginning 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 through at least April 6, Highsmith Student Union, Brown Dining Hall, certain residence halls where approved students with qualified exceptions reside, and the Health and Counseling Center will be the only facilities open on the UNC Asheville campus and access will be restricted to faculty, staff and students.
Faculty and staff will have access to their buildings and offices by their usual means. If you do not have a key or other access to your building and need access, please contact your supervisor or department chair.
Beginning Monday, March 23, Highsmith Student Union hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m.

We know that this is a time of great uncertainty, with significant and unprecedented challenges for many. Thank you for your resilience as we navigate this uncharted course together.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Please know that currently there are no known cases at UNC Asheville.

For the health and well-being of our campus community, beginning 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 19 through at least April 6, Highsmith Student Union, Brown Dining Hall, certain residence halls where approved students with qualified exceptions reside, and the Health and Counseling Center will be the only facilities open on the UNC Asheville campus and access will be restricted to faculty, staff and students.

All other facilities, including Ramsey Library, the Student Recreation Center, and Justice Center will be closed at least through April 6. If necessary, faculty and staff will have access to their buildings and offices by their usual means. If you do not have a key or other access to your building and need access, please contact your supervisor or department chair. Online access to Ramsey Library resources can be found at http://library.unca.edu/az.php.

Beginning Monday, March 23:

Highsmith Student Union hours will be Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 1 – 5 p.m.
Brown Hall will be open only to faculty, staff and students during the following meal times:
- Breakfast from 8 – 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Dinner from 5 – 7 p.m.
Residence Halls will remain accessible only to the residents of those halls.
The Health and Counseling Center hours are Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Students can call the free After-Hours Support Line – Bulldog Health Link at 1.888.267.3675 anytime from 5 p.m. – 8 a.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday and Sunday 24 hours/day.
All other buildings on campus will be accessible to those who work in those spaces with their UNC Asheville One Card.
All outdoor facilities are still open to the public and public transportation operated by the City of Asheville will still continue the typical bus route through campus.

The University routinely uses cleaning products designed to reduce the spread of many diseases. Additional cleaning of all student life, academic and athletics facilities is undertaken during spring break every year. This year, the University has undertaken additional cleaning of those facilities and public spaces on campus with EPA-registered hospital disinfectants that consistently used to prevent the spread of viruses, including the one that causes COVID-2019.

For employees working on campus and for everyone, please follow CDC guidelines to help protect yourself from COVID-19 including washing your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily, and practicing social distancing.

If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. For questions about the impact of symptoms or the virus on their work environment, contact Human Resources at 828.251.6605.

To answer additional questions from faculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, and the public, beginning Monday, March 16 at 8 a.m. the UNC Asheville Emergency Operations Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The number is 828.255.7250. You will also find the most updated University FAQ related to COVID-19 by visiting coronavirus.unca.edu.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide frequent updates as the situation unfolds.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 16, 2020

Please note the Buncombe County COVID-19 testing sites are no longer operating as of March 20.

Buncombe County Health and Human Services will begin operating two drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites, starting Tuesday, March 17. Testing sites will be located at Biltmore Church in Arden and at UNC Asheville off of W.T. Weaver Boulevard.

Update: March 15, 2020

UNC Asheville remains open as required by the UNC System.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to close all K-12 public schools statewide for two weeks starting March 16.
Every employee should plan to work remotely whenever possible. Mandatory personnel should discuss options with their supervisors.
UNC Asheville Emergency Operations Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 828 255 7250.
You will also find the most updated University FAQ related to COVID-19 by visiting coronavirus.unca.edu.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Please know that currently there are no known cases at UNC Asheville. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time as we navigate this evolving situation. As required by the UNC System, UNC Asheville is open and operating as per University Condition 1.

Yesterday North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order to close all K-12 public schools statewide for two weeks starting March 16. We continue to monitor guidance from the UNC System Office.

Given the closure of all K-12 public schools in North Carolina, below are the guidelines for both mandatory and non-mandatory University personnel according to the North Carolina Office of State Human Resources.

Mandatory Employees are employees who are required to work during an emergency event, including a public health emergency because their positions have been designated by the University as mandatory to operations during the emergency. You have been notified by your supervisor if you are designated as a mandatory employee and of the requirement to report for or remain at work in emergency situations, or to work from home or other alternative location as deemed appropriate. If you do not know if you are a mandatory employee, please contact your supervisor. Additional employees may also be designated to work if needed due to the length of the emergency, illness of mandatory employees, or other needs.

When the UNC System Office or UNC Asheville is open but a non-mandatory employee is required to stay home with a qualifying parent or child because of the closure of a day care facility, public school, or eldercare facility, the non-mandatory employee may, with approval of their supervisor, be allowed to work at home or elect to:

use vacation leave,
use bonus leave,
use sick leave,
use compensatory leave,
take leave without pay, or
make up time in accordance with the parameters for making up time during adverse weather.

The UNC System Office or UNC Asheville may extend the make-up time to 24 months if necessary. The UNC System Office or UNC Asheville has the right to request appropriate documentation to substantiate need.

We encourage every employee – both faculty and staff – to make the best decision for you and your family when deciding to work on campus or remotely. Again, we encourage every employee to work remotely whenever possible. Mandatory personnel should discuss options with their supervisors.

In the interest of public health and to help minimize the spread of the virus, please do not bring children to campus. We understand this is a difficult time for many and we urge every member of our campus community to use their best judgement to make responsible personal decisions with regard to the health and well-being of everyone.

In this time of uncertainty, please extend extra appreciation to our fellow colleagues who have no choice but to work on campus due to the nature of their jobs as critical personnel.

For employees working on campus (and everyone), please follow CDC guidelines to help protect yourself from COVID-19 including washing your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, clean and disinfect frequently-touched surfaces daily, and practicing social distancing.

To answer additional questions from faculty, staff, students and their families, alumni, and the public, beginning Monday, March 16 at 8 a.m. the UNC Asheville Emergency Operations Call Center will operate from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 828 255 7250. You will also find the most updated University FAQ related to COVID-19 by visiting coronavirus.unca.edu.

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide frequent updates as the situation unfolds.

We know that this is a time of great uncertainty, with significant and unprecedented challenges for many. Please know that we will make every effort to support the diverse needs of our faculty and staff as we navigate this uncharted course together.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 11, 2020

Spring Break will be extended by one additional week.
UNC Asheville will remain open as mandated by the UNC System.
Course instruction will resume on March 23, but will move from in-person to remote delivery through at least April 6. In many cases, remote delivery will mean online, but you will hear details about your particular courses sometime during the next week.
We encourage students to refrain from returning to campus and to continue their course instruction online from a location of their choice.
Campus events of more than 50 attendees are canceled effective immediately. Visiting speaker events will be canceled or postponed.
University-sponsored travel outside the State of North Carolina or within the State to gatherings of 50 or more people, is suspended unless prior written authorization to travel is given by the Chancellor or the Provost. This prohibition includes student organizations.
Any students, faculty and staff who elect to engage in personal travel to any Level 2 or Level 3 country will be expected to self-quarantine off-campus for a minimum of 14 days and not return to campus unless they are free of symptoms.
Please check the Health and Counseling website for updates.

We continue to monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Please know that currently there are no known cases at UNC Asheville. Today after a briefing from UNC System leaders, the following University leaders met to assess our situation and plan for our responses (Chancellor Cable, Provost Campbell, Bill Haggard, Heather Parlier, Janet Cone, Darin Waters, Shannon Earle, Sarah Broberg, Laura Herndon, Melissa Himelein, David Weldon, and Jay Cutspec).

Per the most recent mandate from the UNC System, UNC Asheville will extend spring break by one additional week. No academic instruction will be offered the week of March 16.

All courses will transition from in-person instruction to remote delivery beginning March 23. In most cases, this will mean online delivery. At the current moment, this will extend to at least April 6. Details about each course will be determined next week.

For the health and safety of our community, we are currently developing protocols for those returning to campus. We recognize that some students will need to return to campus, so the campus will be open, including residence halls and Brown Hall, Ramsey Library and Health and Counseling. However, we strongly encourage all students to remain off campus until further notice.

Those students who elect to engage in personal travel to any CDC-designated Level 2 or Level 3 countries and have symptoms including fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath) should self-quarantine off campus for a minimum of 14 days and contact Jay Cutspec, Director of UNC Asheville’s Health and Counseling Center at jcutspec@unca.edu.

Any faculty or staff electing to engage in personal travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries should self-quarantine off campus for a minimum of 14 days and contact Christy Williams, Associate Director of Human Resources at cwilliam@unca.edu.

On campus events or University-organized off campus events of more than 50 attendees are canceled effective immediately and event organizers will postpone, cancel or explore virtual options for any University-affiliated event of more than 50 people both on- and off-campus until further notice. In the interest of public health, we actively discourage anyone from attending any event of more than 50 people to help mitigate potential exposure to COVID-19 and protect the health of our community at large.

University-sponsored travel outside the State of North Carolina, or within the State to gatherings of 100 or more people, is suspended unless prior written authorization to travel is given by the Chancellor or the Provost. This prohibition includes student organizations.

We all have a responsibility to act in the interest of the common good. The health, well-being and safety of our community is our top priority. Any actions we are undertaking are to mitigate the health risk to our entire community.

As a reminder, any students, faculty and staff who elect to engage in personal travel to any Level 2 or Level 3 country will be expected to self-quarantine off-campus for a minimum of 14 days and not return to campus unless they are free of symptoms. This includes situations in which the level rises to 2 while on the trip. This is crucial for the health and well-being of our campus community, particularly for those who may be immunocompromised.

For the most recent and accurate updates on COVID-19 please visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/media/dpk/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus/coronavirus-2020.html

We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide frequent updates as the situation unfolds.

Update: March 10, 2020

Dear Faculty and Staff,

You may have seen that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency today in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). This type of declaration is typically issued before an emergency occurs to free up state resources, alter state regulations and change authorities within state government to allow for a quicker response. It does not mean there is imminent danger to the university community.

UNC Asheville is in close contact with local, state and System officials. We will share more information as soon as it becomes available.

Thank you,

Nancy J. Cable, Chancellor
Garikai Campbell, Provost
Bill Haggard, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Update: March 4, 2020

The health and well-being of our campus community is our top priority.
First identified case of COVID-19 in North Carolina on March 3. No reported cases of COVID-19 at UNC Asheville.
Any member of the campus community that elects to engage in personal travel to any CDC-designated Level 2 or Level 3 country will be expected to self-quarantine off-campus for a minimum of 14 days and not return to campus unless they are free of symptoms. This includes situations in which the level rises to 2 while on the trip.
Faculty and staff traveling to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries should report their travel as soon as possible before travelling to Christy Williams, Associate Director of Human Resources at cwilliam@unca.edu.

On March 3, a person in North Carolina tested positive for COVID-19. The test, conducted by North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, is presumptively positive and will be confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lab. Please know that currently we do not have any suspected cases at UNC Asheville. We will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Any faculty or staff electing to engage in personal travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries should report their travel as soon as possible before travelling to Christy Williams, Associate Director of Human Resources at cwilliam@unca.edu.

For your reference, students have been asked to report their personal travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries over spring break as soon as possible before travelling to Jay Cutspec, Director of UNC Asheville’s Health and Counseling Center. That information will be shared with Provost Campbell who will communicate with individual faculty members regarding academic plans for the time those returning students self-quarantine off campus. This case-by-case handling by Provost Campbell will help facilitate the process given the specifics of each situation.

As a reminder, any students, faculty and staff who elect to engage in personal travel to any CDC-designated Level 2 or Level 3 country will be expected to self-quarantine off-campus for a minimum of 14 days and not return to campus unless they are free of symptoms. This includes situations in which the level rises to 2 while on the trip. This is crucial for the health and well-being of our campus community. Further information will be forthcoming pending guidance from the UNC System as soon as possible.

For questions about reporting travel plans, please contact Christy Williams, Associate Director of Human Resources at cwilliam@unca.edu.

For questions about academic plans for students returning from travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries, please contact the Provost’s Office at provost@unca.edu.

Update: March 2, 2020

The health and well-being of our campus community is our top priority.
No reported cases of COVID-19 at UNC Asheville or in North Carolina.
Any students, faculty and staff returning from CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries are being asked to self-quarantine off campus.
UNC Asheville is prohibiting University-related travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and Level 3 countries for COVID-19 and will not reimburse travel to these areas.
Any students, faculty or staff scheduled to travel to CDC-designated Level 2 or Level 3 countries are strongly encouraged to reconsider and make alternative plans.

We continue to closely monitor COVID-19 (commonly known as Coronavirus) and, as anticipated, things are rapidly changing. This is an evolving situation and we will know more day-by-day, week-by-week, led by state and national authorities. There are no reported cases at UNC Asheville or in North Carolina, and the risk to campus remains low at this time. However, UNC Asheville and University partners (County Health Department, State Health Department, UNC System, other local health agencies, Mission Hospital, among others) are planning ahead and are prepared to respond should the need arise.

The health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. We urge every member of our campus community to use their best judgement to make responsible personal decisions with regard to the health and well-being of everyone.

The President of the UNC System held a call today with Chancellors and senior leaders to discuss several cross-cutting issues that will require constant conversation including a number of questions related to HR policies regarding leave, study abroad currently in progress and programs planned for the summer, already planned international and domestic meetings, discretionary travel shift to electronic formats if possible, and future University events.

We are closely monitoring travel guidance, restrictions and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Department of State. We are directly assisting students, faculty and staff who are traveling or have plans for international travel for University-approved educational or business reasons. Any students, faculty and staff returning from CDC-designated Level 2 and 3 countries are being asked to self-quarantine off campus. This is crucial for the health and well-being of our campus community. Further information will be forthcoming pending guidance from the UNC System as soon as possible.

Given the rapid spread of COVID-19, and to help ensure the ongoing health and safety of the University community, effective immediately UNC Asheville is prohibiting University-related travel to CDC-designated Level 2 and Level 3 countries for COVID-19 and will not reimburse travel to these areas. Until otherwise notified, this travel restriction applies to CDC-designated Level 2 and Level 3 countries as well as any additional countries the CDC designates as Level 2 or Level 3 moving forward.

As UNC Asheville nears spring break, we encourage everyone in the campus community to remain informed, be aware of current restrictions and consider all options when making travel plans. Any students, faculty or staff scheduled to travel to CDC-designated Level 2 or Level 3 countries are strongly encouraged to reconsider and make alternative plans.

Again, we care about the health and well-being of everyone and we encourage everyone to use their best judgment so as not to endanger the rest of the campus community. We remain vigilant and will continue to work closely with public health officials should we encounter any suspect illnesses.

For those with upcoming travel plans, please review the CDC’s country-specific travel health notices for updated information and advice. Travelers should also check with airlines and embassies, as government authorities in Asia, Europe and elsewhere are imposing further restrictions on travelers.

If a student has traveled internationally or has been around someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 AND has a cough, shortness of breath, or fever, they should call the UNC Asheville Health and Counseling Center at 828.251.6520 – before coming to the clinic in person – so we can maximize treatment effectiveness while reducing the potential risk of exposing others. Faculty and staff should contact their medical provider.

Visit the CDC website for the most reliable and current information regarding COVID-19.

Visit the World Health Organization website for basic protective measures against COVID-19.

We will provide frequent updates on this page as the situation unfolds.

Update: Feb. 27, 2020

As we continue to carefully monitor the current outbreak of the coronavirus in China and other parts of the world, please note that we do not have any suspected cases of COVID-19 at UNC Asheville. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause mild to severe respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and congestion, shortness of breath, and flu-like symptoms, such as fever.

The Health and Counseling Center continues to monitor the CDC advisories for screening and care of patients who meet the risk criteria. According to the CDC, healthcare professionals should test patients for COVID-19 if they meet BOTH of these criteria:

Fever or signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g. cough or shortness of breath)

AND

Any person who has had close contact with a laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient within 14 days of symptom onset; or history of travel to the Hubei Province or mainland China within 14 days of symptom onset.

If a student meets these criteria, the Health and Counseling staff would follow the CDC guidance in treating and testing for the virus and immediately contact the Buncombe County Health Department for further guidance. We are also equipped with the necessary supplies needed for proper evaluation and testing.

Resources

For general questions, contact the Health and Counseling Center at 828.251.6520.
For faculty and staff who have questions about the impact of symptoms or the virus on their work environment, contact Human Resources at 828.251.6605.
Visit the CDC website for the most reliable and current information regarding COVID-19.
Visit the World Health Organization website for basic protective measures against COVID-19.