The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on April 3, 2020

Hello, Bulldog families.

I trust that you are all hunkering down and following the necessary social-distancing guidelines. I know it’s especially tough in the spring, when warm temperatures tempt us to spend more time outside with friends and family.

As a primarily residential university, we are struggling to adjust to the new distance-learning reality. Wingate University was built on relationships: professors and students, athletes and coaches, student workers and their supervisors. It’s been our foundation since the Wingate School opened its doors in 1896, and those relationships have mostly been forged face-to-face.

I assure you that we are retaining that focus remotely. It’s the only way to get through these difficult times: by leaning on our relationships in order to work as a team.

Just last week, I met (virtually) with the leadership team of the Student Government Association. I have to admit, they put my mind at ease. Never since it became clear that drastic action was necessary to stem the tide of COVID-19 have I felt more confident in our ability to weather the storm.

SGA President Diareth Flores and her team weren’t asking for anything. They were offering their services. They came to me with ideas and plans and enthusiasm.

The SGA plans to host an online forum to enable students to ask questions directly to a University administrator. I appreciate their passion and eagerness to promote communication and understanding as we navigate these uncharted waters.

There are a few other developments and general comments I’d like to share with you:

●     I’m glad that several of you have been able to come back to campus, however briefly, to officially check out for the semester. We will continue the move-out process through Sunday, April 5. Despite the governor’s stay-at-home order, we have been assured that it’s fine for college students to come to campus to retrieve their belongings.

●     In light of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, we are amending our grading policies for this semester. All students can withdraw from a course on any date before the final exam, and, provided they have an average of C-minus or better (a C or better for graduate and health-sciences students), they may choose to receive a grade of “pass” rather than a letter grade.

●     Registration for next semester is nearly complete, but here’s a tip to keep in mind: If a class you want is full, add your name to the waitlist. Students drop classes for a variety of reasons, and slots usually open up. And as long as you’ve been taking care of things on your end, we’ll make sure you get all the courses you need to graduate. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact your advisor.

●     If you’re having trouble connecting to Canvas or other online tools needed to engage with online learning, reach out to our IT department. They’ve been working wonders keeping the digital infrastructure robust and secure, and they’ll help you find a way to connect remotely.

●     The pandemic may very well have put some financial stress on your family. If any student is having difficulty making payments on an individual payment plan, please call the Business Office (704-233-8211).

●     By now, graduating students should have received an email containing a link to a survey regarding Commencement. Please respond promptly so we can plan a celebration of your amazing accomplishments.

Finally, one group of students doubly affected by the shift to remote learning consists of those enrolled in our work-study program. Rest assured, if you have a work-study gig, you will continue to be paid through the end of the semester. Supervisors have been busy finding fulfilling projects for you, and if your job cannot be done remotely, someone from another area of the University might just call on you to pitch in.

That’s the spirit that these times demand: selflessness and teamwork. We’re all in this together, and I have no doubt that we Bulldogs will emerge stronger than ever.

Thank you,

Rhett Brown

Update on Move-Out process

Recently, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a "Stay At Home" order that goes into effect today (March 30) at 5 p.m., lasting until April 30. In our communication regarding Express Checkouts on March 24, we indicated that we would pause Express Checkouts in this scenario. However, after reviewing our staggered Express Checkout plan and in consultation with local health and law enforcement officials, the University will continue offering Express Checkouts through Sunday, April 5, at 4 p.m. Students and their families may continue to come to campus at their scheduled checkout day and time. You do not need a “waiver” to travel to campus. These plans will continue in consultation with local health and law enforcement officials and may be revised given additional information and guidance. 

The University offers the following guidance:

• Families should follow the directions of their own state and local law enforcement officials regarding travel.  

• If you are feeling sick, or have reason to believe you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please do not come to campus. In this case, the University will be happy to pack and store your belongings until it is safe for travel. To request that option, fill out this form. Although we know some families may be frustrated, the University is also working to minimize contact with University personnel (Campus Safety, Campus Services, Residence Life, etc.). Please help us care for these members of our community by practicing social distancing.

• Students should remember to bring their residence hall keys and University IDs to campus. Doing so will make the checkout process easier and place less strain on personnel who continue to provide services on campus, including locking and unlocking doors.

• If you’ve already moved out and didn’t leave your key in the drop box, mail your key to:

Residence Life

102 W Wilson St

Wingate, NC 28174

SAGE Scholarships 

• SAGE Scholars is no longer accepting applications. 

• SAGE will notify students receiving aid checks.

Student Relief Fund

• The deadline for applications is Friday, April 3 at 5 p.m.

• Wingate University has developed a Student Relief Fund. It is intended for students who are in need of funding for essential needs.

• To apply for the Student Relief Fund, please fill out this form.

• To give: https://www.wingate.edu/giving/student-relief-fund.

W’International

• For all rising and eligible juniors, Friday, April 3, marks the deadline for 2020-2021.

• Priority W’international signups – please go to https://international.wingate.edu to enter in your top 3 choices, and the Office of International Programs will send you your placement by April 15.

• Eligibility will be checked during the summer and we will register you (you cannot register yourself). Questions? Email international@wingate.edu. 

Final Grade Policies for Spring 2020

• An email was sent from Nancy Randall announcing options (such as pass/fail) on how final grades in each course will be permanently recorded on your Wingate University transcript.

• Students applying to graduate programs should determine whether a grade of “pass” will satisfy admission requirements.

• Last day to withdraw from a course has been extended until the day before the final exam.

EKS Resources

• Check out the EKS Library for a comprehensive repository of virtual-learning resources. Find (free) online materials, hours for the Library’s Virtual Reference Desk, the Online Writing Center link, and more. Got a question? Ethel’s got answers!

 

COVID-19 Student Survey

• We are conducting a study on our students’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• You must be a Wingate University student over the age of 18 to participate.

• We appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes.

• The survey is important because it will help us gauge how you are handling the transition to online courses and allow us to focus on ways to help you best.

COVID-19 Student Survey

• We are conducting a study on our students’ experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

• You were selected as a possible participant because you are a Wingate University student over the age of 18.

• We appreciate your taking the time to complete the survey, which should take no more than 15 minutes to complete.

• The survey is important because it will help us gauge how you are handling the transition to online courses and allow us to focus on ways to help you best.

Room Keys

• The key drop is a red box located on a pole across Cedar Street from the back of Alumni, not actually on the Alumni building itself.

• If you’ve already moved out and/or need to mail your room key, please send it to: Residence Life c/o PawPrint 102 West Wilson Street Wingate, NC 28174.

Student Workers

• The pay date for any time worked in March will be Friday, April 17, 2020.

• We urge all student workers to add direct-deposit information to their ADP account and to also make sure their address is correct.

• Direct Deposit:

  • Go to your ADP account at workforcenow.adp.com → Click on Myself →

                  Pay → Payment options → Add Bank account

• Change mailing address:

  • Go to your ADP account at workforcenow.adp.com → Click on Myself → Profile                 → Personal Info → View more

• If you are having trouble adding your account information, clear your browser and cache and make sure you are using Google Chrome as your browser.

Student Relief Fund

• Wingate University has developed a Student Relief Fund. It is intended for students who are in need of funding for essential needs.

• To apply for the Student Relief Fund, please fill out this form.

SAGE Scholarship

• Wingate students can receive up to $250 per person.

• SAGE Scholars Educational Foundation’s Emergency Fund is designed to provide one-time financial support to students who are experiencing a financial hardship.

• Funds are limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. 

• If possible, we suggest applying within 30 days of the documented hardship or personal circumstance.

• Upon review of your Emergency Fund Application, SAGE Scholars may contact you for additional documentation.

• To apply, fill out this form.

Wingate University Payment Plans

• If you are having difficulty making payments on an individual payment plan, please call the Business Office at 704-233-8211 for guidance on keeping the plan current.

Community Support

• As part of the Collaborative for the Common Good, and in response to COVID-19, Wingate has been working with community partners to help the elderly and children in need. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, read the latest WU Cares Newsletter.

Writing Center

• Students (and faculty) can submit papers to this link for the Writing Center Canvas course.

Withdrawal Date

• The deadline to withdraw from classes has been extended to the last day of classes, Monday, April 27. If you need to withdraw from a class, complete the withdrawal form online.

• If you have any questions or concerns, email registrar@wingate.edu or call 704-233-8006.

Questions

Remember that you can find answers to some frequently asked questions by clicking on the green button on our special coronavirus webpage. Or contact our call center at 704-233-8663 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

In-person classes canceled for the rest of the semester

• Students will receive a separate email with detailed options for picking up or storing belongings.
• Option #1: Pick up your things
• Option #2: The University will pack and store your items.

Commencement Postponed

• A survey will be sent out in the next couple of weeks to graduating students asking for input on when to hold the ceremony.
• Graduates will be contacted regarding their diplomas in April.

Refunds/Reimbursements

• Financial relief depends on individual circumstances: scholarship award, financial aid and type of payment plan.
• You can expect to hear more from the University in the coming weeks.
• If you are having a financial hardship, please contact the Business Office at 704-233-8211

---

Video Transcript:

Hello, Bulldog families.

We now have a full day of online classes under our belts, and I understand that for most of you things went very smoothly.

Of course these are not ideal circumstances. But thank you so much for being patient, flexible and adaptable in these trying times.

And know that however much you’re missing this place right now, we miss having you here even more.

I wanted to discuss with you a few developments we’ve been working on over the past few days.

If you’ve been paying close attention to the news, some of this will not come as a surprise.

First, we have decided to cancel in-person classes for the rest of the semester.

Experts believe that it’s going to take longer than originally expected to get this thing under control.

In a bid to continue to flatten the curve and hopefully ease the burden on healthcare providers, we need to do our part. Unfortunately, that means continuing classes online through the end of this term.

I know that many of you are now wondering when you can pick up the belongings you left behind when we closed the residence halls earlier this month.

Don’t worry. Res Life is on it. You should receive a communication from them shortly with details on when you can pick up the rest of your things.

Another topic that is front and center for seniors and graduate students is commencement. Unfortunately, we will have to postpone the ceremony this spring.

I know you were looking forward to celebrating your accomplishments with your friends and family. That’s one of the highlights of any college career.

Rest assured, you will still get that opportunity. We will be sending a survey in the next few weeks to graduating students asking for their input on when it would be best to hold the ceremony.

And don’t worry: You will still officially be a Wingate graduate in a little over a month, even if the big celebration is delayed just a little bit.

Now that we have decided not to resume in-person classes this semester, we can turn our attention to your financial situation.

Funding the operations of a university of our size is complex, and many of our operations continue, even though most students are not around.

It’s going to take a couple of weeks, but we’re committed to working with each student.

Whatever kind of financial relief you might receive will depend on your individual circumstances: your scholarship award, your financial aid package, the type of payment plan you are on.

Figuring this piece out, in light of all of those complexities, is a challenge. But you can expect to hear from the University in the next few weeks with more details.

If any student is having financial difficulty, please contact our business office for guidance. We want to help.

These are difficult, often frustrating times. I wish things could be different, but we play the hand we’re dealt.

In the face of this coronavirus, let’s all continue to show that resilient Bulldog spirit.

Thank you.

Campus Return

• A decision about whether classes will return to an in-person format or continue online will be released this week.

Housing Application

• The timeline to fill out your housing application has been extended until Friday, March 27 at 5 p.m.
• Residence Life will email a new housing timeline this week.
• The housing process will proceed online as normal.

W’international

• W'international is not canceled for 2020-2021. We have canceled Spring 2020 W'international only. Students eligible for Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 can sign up to choose their top 3 choices at http://international.wingate.edu. 
• W'international classes are not going to show up in WinLink during the registration period. Once a student signs up for their top 3 choices by April 3, they will be RANDOMLY ORDERED BY LOTTERY, then placed onto class lists and waitlists based on this random order. Placement on a class list and/or waitlists will be emailed to students by April 15 by the Office of International Programs.

Federal Student Loans

• On March 13, 2020, the president announced that interest would be waived on all federally held student loans. To learn more, click on our FAQ page under Federal Student Loan.

Academic Resources

• Peer tutoring through the ARC will continue during this time over Zoom. Students can sign up for tutoring on TutorTrac (wingate.go-redrock.com), and will be sent instructions from their tutor on how to access the Zoom meeting. If students need help on how to set up a tutoring appointment, they may watch this YouTube video for more information. Any questions should be directed to Laura Parker at l.parker@wingate.edu.
• Supplemental Instruction (SI): SI will now take place as a “Conference” on the class Canvas page. Students should receive a communication from their SI leader about whether the time of the class SI sessions will be changing. Students can access the SI session on their class Canvas page under “Conferences” at the time the session is meant to start by clicking “Join.” The SI Session should be set to record and can be accessed by students in the class for up to 14 days after the session has taken place. Any questions should be directed to either your class SI leader or to Laura Parker at l.parker@wingate.edu.

EKS Library Resources

• Reference Consultations remain available (over Zoom).
• Stay tuned to Ethel’s Social Media accounts for updates regarding resources.
  • Facebook - Ethel K Smith Library
  • Twitter - @ekslibrary
  • Instagram - ekslibrary

Fall 2020 Course Registration

• Registration is underway. Please be sure to register at your designated time.  
  • For assistance:
    • NaviGate
    • academicadvising@wingate.edu
• To register for Summer 2020, please contact:
  • registrar@wingate.edu
  • academicadvising@wingate.edu 

Student Relief Fund 

• In the spirit of #OneDog, we are uniting all of our efforts under one mission: to serve our students during this unprecedented time. We have developed a Student Relief Fund to address any unanticipated challenges or circumstances our students may face.
• To give: https://www.wingate.edu/giving/student-relief-fund.

Forms

• To help us keep up with our students’ well-being, please use the following forms
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, please complete this form.
  • If you self-quarantine, please complete this form.

Reminders

• Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on any of our three campuses. 
• Please continue to monitor your email.
• For Coronavirus updates, please visit www.wingate.edu/coronavirus.

All:

The first person to test positive for COVID-19 in Union County was a young adult who recently returned from international travel. This person was not a Wingate student, faculty member or staff member. Currently, we have no reason to believe this person had contact with anyone in the Wingate University community.

According to health officials, a second person has also tested positive for COVID-19 in Union County. This person is middle-aged and recently returned from international travel. You can read more here.

Today’s updates are listed below:

Campus Return

• No decision has been made about when/if students will return to campus. Please monitor your email for updates.

Commencement

• A decision will be made by April 15.

Community Support

• As part of the Collaborative for the Common Good and in response to COVID-19, Wingate has been working with community partners to help the elderly and children in need. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, click here.

EKS Library

• The EKS Library will attempt to reinstitute limited InterLibrary Loan services. Only article requests for items that can be distributed electronically will be fulfilled. Given the working circumstances of academic libraries around the world, the response timeline may be longer than you are normally accustomed to. Your patience is appreciated. 

Forms

• If you test positive for COVID-19, please complete this form.

• If you self-quarantine, please complete this form.

One Day, One Dog

• Annual giving and service day on April 2 is canceled.

• A new Student Relief Fund has been established instead.

• The fund addresses any unanticipated challenges or circumstances students may face during the campus interruption caused by the coronavirus.

• April 2 will now be an instruction day.

Registrar

• Staff members are working remotely.

• Registration for the Fall 2020 term is underway. Be sure to register at your designated time.

• The undergraduate course-withdrawal deadline is next Thursday, March 26. Electronic forms are available at https://www.wingate.edu/academics/the-registrar.

• If you have any questions or concerns, please email registrar@wingate.edu or call 704-233-8006.

Scams

• Please be aware that there has been an uptick in scams. Here is a link to information about how to spot a phishing email.

Reminder

Please make sure you are checking the coronavirus FAQs page here. It is regularly updated. 

Students,
As you prepare to begin distance learning next week, please read the important information below:

Classes

• Faculty will contact students by Friday (3/20) at 5 p.m. with details regarding their plan for next week. However, feel free to reach out to your professors with any specific questions or concerns prior to Friday. Please check your email frequently.
• Courses will be uploaded to Canvas by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday (3/22).
• Familiarize yourself with the course layout and email your professor with any questions or problems you may have navigating the course page.

Academic Success -- Writing Center

• Effective Monday, March 23, the Writing Center will offer "digital critiques" to any students needing writing assistance.
• Access to the online service is via a CANVAS class: Wingate Online Writing Center
• All students have now been invited to join the CANVAS “class.” To submit a paper, students will first need to accept the invitation. From the CANVAS landing page (“syllabus”) students must then complete the form at the link in its entirety in order to receive a digital critique of the paper. Expect 24-48 hours (from 8:00 am the next day) for papers to be returned with comments.
• There is no guarantee papers submitted within 24 hours (or less) of the paper’s due date will be returned prior to the due date. A tutor will return the paper with a general, overall critique response note and comments and suggestions for improvement embedded in a sidebar of (or directly on) the text.
• Please note -- in keeping with the Writing Center’s philosophy, tutors do not “fix” papers. Their goal is to help students improve as writers. As such, tutors offer guidance and suggestions. Students, as authors, are ultimately responsible for the content of the paper.

Financial Planning

• Financial Planning Staff members are currently working remotely to continue processing financial aid information for students and families. In an effort to allow us to better serve you, we are requesting that you provide all information electronically to our office via Net Parter (aid.wingate.edu) or encrypted via email. We will not have access to faxed/mailed documents at this time. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at finaid@wingate.edu and we will do all we can to help you. 

Items left behind

• Students’ residences remain secured while University personnel are developing two plans: a return-to-campus plan and an alternate scenario that would allow students to return to campus long enough to collect their belongings. The decision as to which plan to enact will be made at a future date based on guidance from state and local health officials. In the meantime, if students must access their belongings, Campus Safety personnel, available 24/7 at 704-233-8999, will accompany students to retrieve items, and then re-secure the space. 
• Students should not return to campus unless absolutely necessary to retrieve an item, as our goal is to limit social interaction and exposure of our own personnel.

EKS Library

• InterLibrary Loan is suspended.
• If you need access to a device or library service, please contact us to schedule an appointment or Ask Ethel.
• Reference Consultations remain available (over Zoom).
• Stay tuned to Ethel's Social Media accounts for updates regarding resources.
  • Facebook - Ethel K Smith Library
  • Twitter - @ekslibrary
  • Instagram - ekslibrary
• Library fines will be suspended and due dates extended. Materials checked out from the Library before March 13 will not accrue an overdue fine. 
• Items will be due when the campus community resumes a normal schedule or when residence halls are completely cleaned out, whichever occurs first.
• A replacement fee will be incurred, only if the item(s) is/are not returned after the Wingate campus reopens; continue to monitor your email for developments. 
• If you have an InterLibrary Loan (ILL) item, we are reaching out to lenders for extensions. Stay tuned for updates
• Access to Union County Public Library resources for Wingate University Community:
  • The UCPL is holding its stance of allowing Wingate University Community members access to it’s resources including online digital streaming resources!
  • To apply online for a UCPL card/access please fill out this form using your wingate.edu email address!
  • Additionally, the UCPL is examining the idea of some procedure for requesting and picking up material. Once this procedure is completed and advertised, a link to that avenue will be posted.

PawPrint

• Can continue to store materials as needed.
• Students can request a change of address from individual companies (e.g., mobile phone companies, magazine subscriptions)
• USPS can offer a forwarding option for material for a fee of $1.05 -- USPS - Forward 

Counseling

• Our counseling services are only available to students who live in North Carolina due to licensing laws. If you are out of state, we can assist you via email and/or with a brief phone consultation to end counseling and/or transfer to local services.
• If you are a new client looking for services, we are offering same-day consultation appointments over the phone to assess your needs and work with you on problem-solving the issue at hand. Each clinician will work with you on figuring out any phone follow-up meetings and referral to a local clinician if needed. Please email counseling@wingate.edu and include available times (EST) in the coming week and the best phone number to reach you. 
• During the extended week of spring break (March 16-20), please contact your counselor or counseling@wingate.edu with your name, current location, phone number, and current counselor if you feel strongly that you need a phone consultation. Phone consultations are brief in nature, and offer a check-in with your counselor for additional support as you navigate this time of transition.

Reimbursements/Refunds

• A group is working to answer these questions. Solutions will evolve as we move forward, and additional information will be shared as soon as possible.

Reminders

• If you are having an issue of any kind, please fill out this form so that we can direct you to the best place for assistance. 
• Please adhere to the advice given by health officials including social distancing and limiting non-essential travel (grocery store, doctor’s appointment, pharmacy, etc., are appropriate travel needs).
• This is not a time to take a vacation, but help do your part in stopping the spread of the virus.

So you know

• An email was sent to the students who were approved to stay on campus encouraging them to leave if they can since there is a possibility of a shelter-in-place order. That order would come from local or state officials and could further limit campus operations and further restrict student travel. 

Questions

• Please remember that you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on our webpage: www.wingate.edu/coronavirus by clicking on the green button.You can also utilize our call center at 704-233-8663 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 17, 2020

An open letter to the Wingate University community:

For the past week, everyone at the University has been singularly focused on addressing the spread of COVID-19 that is challenging communities all over the world. What is the most prudent course for us? What steps must we take? When do we act? The situation is unprecedented, and we are all feeling the effects of the uncertainty that has accompanied the virus’s arrival.

The past several days have no doubt been some of the most difficult we have faced in quite some time. A report of E. coli in Union County water, a brief lockdown on Saturday, and of course the significant disruption caused by the threat of COVID-19 – each of these events would, on its own, be cause for tremendous concern, let alone all of them occurring within hours and days of each other. I can assure you that the burden felt by our faculty and staff has been substantial. For their efforts, for their commitment, and for their sacrifices, I am deeply grateful.

Unfortunately, our students are suffering right now too. I’m sorry for the graduating athletes who may never have a chance to take the field again, I apologize to the senior music majors who may never get the opportunity to take the stage in the Batte Center again, and my heart is heavy for the residential students who were forced to uproot everything – some of whom face uncertainty at home as well.

However, the immediate threat to the health of our community is real and pressing. That doesn’t make the decisions we’ve made over the past week any easier to process, and it doesn’t take away the sting of the disruption or the very real consequences for our students. I know many students and families think we are overreacting. But as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci, stated recently, “If it looks like you’re overreacting, you’re probably doing the right thing.” This is a very fluid situation unlike any we have encountered before. There is no playbook for us to consult. Had we had more time, we could have better made the case for our actions, which were taken out of concern for the health of an entire community – students, faculty, staff, and all our families.

In the coming weeks and months, we will care for each other (in big ways and small) and ask what we can do to make our corner of the world a better place. And we look forward to our students’ return. Know that this place isn’t the same without you.

Just as a virus is contagious, so is compassion and care. Let’s each do our part to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to promote an outbreak of compassion and care.

Take care, 

Rhett

Students,
We hope you take the next week to settle in at home, a friend’s house or wherever you plan to continue your education. We know the past several days have been some of the most difficult we have faced in quite some time. If you are having an issue of any kind, please fill out this form so that we can direct you to the best place for assistance. 

The Coronavirus Preparedness Team remains in constant communication with Union County Health officials. Currently, there are no cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in or around the campus community. However, as the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Anthony Fauci said, "For a while, life is not going to be the way it used to be in the United States.” On Sunday, during a White House Press Briefing, he reiterated, “The worst is just ahead for us. It’s how we respond to that challenge that’s going to determine what the ultimate endpoint is going to be. This window that we are in is going to be very important for us to stay ahead of this curve.”

As you can imagine, with almost 2,000 students living on campus, we not only have a responsibility to parents and students, but also to our local community to do what we can to “flatten the curve.”

Housing concerns
Parents and students have expressed concern about our decision to change locks in our residential areas. At the direction of local health officials, we have been working to limit the number of students in our residence halls. As you can imagine, a virus could spread through a residence hall quickly. When we announced the decision to close residence halls, some groups of students indicated that they would simply refuse to leave, or that they would return to campus. Given the nature of this health crisis, it is of the utmost importance that we know who is on campus, as that information may need to be used when responding proactively to a serious question from the health department. As a result, we have restricted access (through the use of our card swipe and lock system) to students who have not been approved to stay on campus. However:

• Students are still able to access their belongings. Campus Safety personnel, available 24/7 at 704-233-8999, will accompany students to retrieve items, and then re-secure the space. 
• We are asking students not to return to campus unless absolutely necessary until further notice. This will limit social interaction and exposure of our own personnel.

Some parents and students have indicated they believe the University has been too restrictive when it comes to approving students to stay on campus. While these decisions have been made on a case-by-case basis, University officials have been asked to make hard decisions to limit possible exposure on campus. Here’s what we can share:

• Health department officials advise us that we should limit, to every extent possible, the number of students in residence halls. Limiting the number of students will:
  • Allow campus personnel to manage our facilities with reduced staffing
  • Allow on-campus health services to effectively care for those who may get sick.
  • Limit the anticipated stress put on our local emergency and health providers (including emergency services, hospitals, etc.)

Over the next several days, RDs will be calling every student to make sure they have a good housing option for the foreseeable future.

However, we do not want any student who is in desperate need of housing to not have a place to stay. To that end:

• More than 200 students received approval to stay on campus
• We will be working with those students who want to go home, but are not able to, to make travel arrangements
• Any student who is in desperate need to stay on campus, or whose temporary housing plan is no longer viable, may resubmit an Approve-to-Stay Request Form

Return to Campus Timeline
Families have asked what date the residence halls will reopen. As a result of the fluidity of this health crisis, the University has made no determination about when residence halls may reopen. Students and families should look for official communication from the University with that decision.

Lyceums
Wingate will be offering online lyceums for seniors graduating in May and August. We will also be working with them to ensure that this requirement is met. These students should check their email for announcements of upcoming online lyceums and further information.  

Ethel K Smith Library
 In an effort to comply with best health practices, the EKS Library will close to all patrons beginning on Wednesday, March 18th.  Academic Support Programs is moving every available resource on-line.  

• InterLibrary Loan is suspended.
• If you need access to a device or library service, please contact us to schedule  an appointment
• Reference Consultations are available at AskEthel.wingate.edu
• Please review all other on-line resources on the Academic Resources section of the FAQs.

Commencement
Wingate is currently reviewing options and staying abreast of gathering limitations. Degrees will be conferred at the end of the semester, but it may be necessary to postpone the ceremony until a time it is safe to gather.

Refunds
No decision regarding refunds as of now 

Questions
Please remember you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on our webpage: www.wingate.edu/coronavirus. You can also utilize our call center at 704.233.8663 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 15, 2020

All:

Thank you for your continued patience during the transition to a distance-education/online format. Please take the time to read some of the CDC recommendations below as you continue to live, work or play in your respective communities. 

As a reminder:
All residential students who are not approved by the Office of Residence Life to stay must leave the residence hall by 5 p.m. today. Students leaving campus are required to fill out this form. Students requesting to stay on campus are asked to fill out this form.

Residence Life staff will be issuing special ID’s for students who are approved to stay. Information will be shared directly with those approved to stay on campus by the Office of Residence Life today. Campus Services will be prohibiting access to halls and spaces where there are no students approved to stay on campus.  Students who have not received approval to stay by 5 p.m., and who attempt to remain on campus will be asked to leave immediately.
Students without special IDs will not be able to access the dining hall for dinner tonight.

Social distancing:
    The CDC says an effective way to minimize the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is social distancing. Social distancing is defined as “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible.”
     Key elements of effective social distancing:

• Practicing good hygiene
• Avoiding those who display symptoms of illness
• Attempting to keep a distance of six feet from the nearest person
• Avoiding optional large gatherings
• Limiting in-person interactions to less than five people

Travel:
     Please be mindful of visiting areas with travel advisories. A link to those advisories can be found [on this page above]. If you travel to any of the affected areas and begin exhibiting symptoms, please seek medical care as soon as possible. 
    Currently, there is no timeframe for when campus operations will return to normal. However, if you travel to an area where the virus has been identified, you may be asked to self-quarantine before returning to campus. 

Internet Access: (this information is updated from the email that was sent out)

• Students who do not have reliable internet access and will thus have difficulty participating in online learning will be able to use the computer labs in the EKS Library.
• Hours are 7:45 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• FCC agreement stating that providers will waive late fees, not cutoff service for lack of payment, and open hot-spots.
• Comcast COVID-19 response: offers free WiFi for 2 months to low income families plus all Xfinity hot-spots are free to the public during this time.
• Charter Free Internet offer for 2 months
• AT&T COVID-19 response: offers open hot-spots, unlimited data to existing customers, and $10/month plans to low income families.
• Verizon COVID-19 response: no special offers (as of 3/15/2020), but following the FCC agreement.
• Sprint COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, provides unlimited data to existing customers, and, starting Tuesday, 3/17/2020, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.
• T-Mobile COVID-19 response: follows FCC agreement, plus unlimited data to existing customers, and, coming soon, will allow all handsets to enable hot-spots for 60 days at no extra charge.

Additional information:

• McGee Center is closed until further notice.
• EKS Library is only open for students approved to stay beginning Monday, March 16.

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 12, 2020

All:

Thank you for your patience as we work through fast-changing information. As of 11:30 a.m. today, the water-boiling advisory in effect for Wingate was lifted.

However, in light of additional recommendations from health officials regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the University has made the decision to suspend on-campus instruction effective Friday at 5 p.m.

Please note: Currently, there have been no reported cases of Coronavirus on or around campus. Our actions are being taken out of an abundance of caution.

Students are asked to leave campus by 5 p.m Saturday, March 14.

Students requesting to stay on campus should fill out this form immediately

• Beginning at 5 p.m. Friday, March 13, classes are suspended on all three campuses through Saturday, March 21 

• Classes will resume online/distance education Monday, March 23

• Students should expect to hear from their professors about how to prepare for class   

• Students should not return to campus until notified

• The campus will remain open for staff and faculty 

• Faculty and staff will receive further instruction by the end of the day

Students approved to stay on-campus: To further minimize exposure to the virus, the University is asking that students not travel outside of the local community and not allow guests into their residence halls. Students with questions regarding their specific housing situation should contact the office of Residence Life at res.life@wingate.edu or call 704-233-8245. More information regarding dining will be forthcoming. 

Students leaving campus: Fill out our Off-Campus Registration form immediately. We will be collecting information from all residential students, including their plans for staying off campus (going home, with a friend, etc.) along with updated contact information. This will help us communicate more effectively with you while residential areas are closed. Students should consider taking with them as many items as possible (in particular medications, study materials, valuables, etc.) from their residence hall spaces. In the event that the spread of COVID-19 necessitates an extended closure of residence halls, this will minimize student disruption.  

Our first priority has always been the health and safety of our students. We understand that disruptions caused by these circumstances are a significant inconvenience for everyone. We hope to resume normal operations as soon as possible. 

If you have questions, please fill out this form or call 704.233. 8663 during regular business hours.

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 11, 2020

All:
The safety and health of our campus community remains our top priority and we join the world in our efforts to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). 

Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on or around our university campus.

However, until further notice and at the direction of the Union County Director of Public Health, the University will:

• Suspend visits to campus by large outside groups
• Cancel academic/admissions events with large groups (i.e. Future Scholars Day, Become A Bulldog Day, etc.) 
• Prohibit student groups and organizations from meeting in groups of more than 50 for regular meetings and events. Student groups and organizations should utilize technology when available to increase social distance.
• Require faculty to begin utilizing Canvas for classes with 50 or more students so that these may be accessed online (effective 3.12.20 at 8 a.m.)
• Host outdoor, in-season athletic events as normal (monitor and adjust as needed)
• Continue small group tours/visits to campus
• Eliminate the use of personal cups at all dining locations and rotate utensils, plates and glassware every 20 minutes

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 10, 2020

All:
You may have heard the governor just declared a state of emergency for North Carolina after the number of people testing positive for the Coronavirus (CODVID-19) has risen to seven. The five new cases are in Wake County. All patients are in isolation.

Declaring a State of Emergency:

• Helps the state draw upon more federal funds, giving health and emergency managers budget flexibility to respond to the virus
• Protects consumers from price gouging
• Encourages insurers to make testing available for little or no cost
• Does not mean there is imminent danger to the University community

Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on or around our university campus. 

Please remember: 

• As heard in the governor's press conference, 80% of the people who contract COVID-19 do not need medical intervention
• Most people who contract COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and will fully recover

What you can do to protect yourself and others:

• Avoid shaking hands
• Use a tissue or sleeve to avoid high-touch areas like handrails or elevator buttons
• When feasible, consider utilizing conference-call technology such as Zoom, Google Hangouts or Facetime for meetings
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces

Students who are interning, student teaching or in clinicals should check with on-site coordinators to make sure you know and follow proper procedures/protocols. 

The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 9, 2020

All:
The Coronavirus Preparedness Team is regularly meeting about the latest developments with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the impacts it could have on our campus community. Please remember to check your email or visit www.wingate.edu/coronavirus routinely for any updates.

Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on or around our university campus. 

However, we are asking you to do the following:

• Avoid shaking hands
• Use a tissue or sleeve to avoid high-touch areas like handrails or elevator buttons
• When feasible, consider utilizing conference-call technology such as Zoom, Facetime or Skype for meetings
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces

Students who are interning, student teaching or in clinicals should check with on-site coordinators to make sure you know and follow proper procedures/protocols.

As a reminder, the University is doing the following:

• Maintaining daily contact with the Union County Director of Public Health
• Recommending self-quarantine for travelers as outlined in the last email
• Shifting campus services staff to focus on continuously disinfecting high-traffic areas
• Advising faculty on how to prepare to teach remotely in case of a campus closure
• Preparing spaces to quarantine affected students should a case be reported
• Thinking through potential outbreak scenarios with regard to determining when or if students would need to leave campus
• Considering limiting/suspending athletic team workouts for sports not in season
• Providing gathering spaces like the library and athletic areas/weight rooms/McGee Health and Wellness Center with extra cleaning supplies
• Speaking with groups and organizations on campus about limiting/suspending certain events
• Evaluating our W’International travel for May

 The following was emailed to faculty, staff and students on March 7, 2020  

All:

Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) on or around our university campus. However, with the health and safety of our Wingate community being our main priority, it is out of an abundance of caution the University is recommending self-quarantine for travelers. 

If any of the following situations apply to you, you are strongly encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days and avoid returning to campus until after that time. These include:

• Recently returning from any country with a Level-2 or Level-3 warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Being in close contact with anyone who has traveled to one of the above areas or anyone who has been ordered to quarantine because of exposure to the virus

Information about self-quarantine

• Stay home. Do not come to campus. This will protect your health and the health of others. If you experience symptoms during quarantine, notify your healthcare provider right away. 
• You should self-quarantine for 14 days.
• Complete this form to notify the University you are self-quarantining

A message from Vice President of Operations Scott Hunsucker:

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

I wanted to update you regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), as many of you return from spring break. Currently, we are not aware of any reported cases on or around our university campus. However, a team of university leaders specifically assigned to deal with campus preparedness continues to monitor the situation closely. I have been in contact with the Union County Public Health Director who is giving direction on how best to plan moving forward. 

What the University is doing:

• Deep cleaning common areas, classrooms and residence hall common areas while students are away on spring break
• Shifting campus services staff to focus on continuously disinfecting high-traffic areas
• Advising faculty on how to prepare to teach remotely in case of a campus closure
• Preparing spaces to quarantine affected students should a case be reported
• Thinking through potential outbreak scenarios with regard to determining when or if students would need to leave campus
• Considering limiting/suspending athletic team workouts for sports not in season
• Providing athletic areas/weight rooms/McGee Health and Wellness Center with extra cleaning supplies
• Speaking with groups and organizations on campus about limiting/suspending certain events
• Evaluating our W’International travel for May
• Frequently communicating with the campus community via email and a newly created webpage - www.wingate.edu/coronavirus 

What you can do:
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed. 
Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces.

If you have flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, body aches, difficulty breathing), please be evaluated by a doctor before returning to campus. If you return to campus and then feel ill, please go to the health center immediately.
If students with compromised immune systems need special accommodations, please email the Health Center Director, Sherrie McCaskill.

The Wingate University Health Center continues to monitor the spread of the Coronavirus. There have been no reported cases on our university campus and the CDC indicates the immediate health risk to the general US public is low at this time. However, as Spring Break approaches, please take the time to review the information below or watch this video about how to stay well while traveling.

What is novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:

• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.

What is the risk?

The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general US public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. 

Symptoms and transmission:

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing.

Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

If you travel to/through Wuhan or other parts of China:

The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. If you must travel:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.

The China W'international program has been canceled. These students were able to withdraw or join three other existing classes. No students are currently abroad in China on Wingate programs. 

Treatment:

People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. (source: CDC)

Prevention:

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. 

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms:

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days you:

• Traveled to Wuhan, or
• Visited an affected region in China, or
• Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China and had respiratory symptoms.

You should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick. Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the campus health service. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available