Stay Safe at Wingate

The number of Covid cases on campus has returned to single digits. Thank you for your diligence and help in bringing these numbers back down. Although very encouraging for us, the concern now is the increase in Covid numbers in North Carolina and Union County. 

Yesterday, North Carolina’s governor, Roy Cooper, said that the number of positive cases in the state continues to be higher than we want, Covid clusters are being linked to social gatherings, and last Thursday and Friday saw the highest number of reported cases in North Carolina since the start of the pandemic. For this reason, the state will remain in Phase 3 for the next three weeks.

In the spirit of OneDog, we have to continue to do our part to keep not only ourselves but our community healthy. That being the case, measures to contain the spread on campus will remain in place for now. This includes:

• No visitors or gatherings will be allowed in residence-hall rooms or apartments. This means that students cannot visit other residential spaces or rooms. 

• Campus Safety and Residence Life staff will monitor gatherings and break up groups with more than 10 people or groups in which people are not social distancing or wearing face coverings.

• Students should plan to remain in their residential spaces from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m to 6 a.m Friday and Saturday.

Eased measures:

• Limited seating will be available in W.T. Harris and Starbucks. The Klondike will remain “to go” only.

• Athletic teams can return to full practice.

The Covid-response team will reevaluate these measures on a week-to-week basis. If numbers continue to decrease, it’s possible that restrictions will be lifted further.

Things to note:

• As per guidance from the Union County Health Department, the Wingate Health Center will not accept antibody-test results as a way for you to avoid a 14-day quarantine if you are identified as a close contact.

• It is highly encouraged that students, faculty and staff receive a flu shot. A flu clinic is taking place outside the Chick-fil-A today between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Walk-ins are also welcome at the Health Center between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Remember to bring your insurance card.

• If you are post-isolation/quarantine, please remember that it can take longer than two weeks to fully recover. It’s still unclear whether you are protected from reinfection. Please continue to follow best health practices by wearing a face covering, social distancing and washing your hands frequently.

• If you have any Covid-related questions, call our hotline at 704-733-8400.

• A proposed spring 2021 academic calendar is in the works. More on that next week.

Your Covid-Response Team

Oct. 22, 2020

The Covid-19 testing we conducted yesterday provided some additional good news for our campus community. Out of the 65 tests we conducted, only one person was positive for the virus.

Since the case numbers continue to steadily decline, we plan on easing some of the measures we put in place to slow the spread of the virus. Other measures will remain in place for now. We feel a slow approach is best, so we don’t find ourselves in a tough spot a few days or weeks from now.

Measures that will remain in place:

• No visitors or gatherings will be allowed in residence-hall rooms or apartments. This means that students cannot visit other residential spaces or rooms. 

• Campus Safety and Residence Life staff will monitor gatherings and break up groups with more than 10 people or groups in which people are not social distancing or wearing face coverings.

Eased measures:

• Restricted hours are being shortened. Students should plan to remain in their residential spaces from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1 a.m to 6 a.m Friday and Saturday. We understand that students will have obligations outside of the University, so if you need to be out of your room during the restricted hours, please contact Campus Safety at 704-233-8999 to advise them of the circumstances.

• The basketball and swimming teams can resume all activity; all other sports can begin small-group work.

As a reminder:

• If you feel sick, please contact the Health Center immediately. It’s understandable that you don’t want to go through a 14-day isolation or quarantine, but taking care of your health also means safeguarding your friends and family. It’s imperative that we catch potential cases early so we can finish the semester well.

• If you are selected for random testing by the Health Center, it is highly encouraged, though not mandatory, that you participate. This helps the Health Center catch potential clusters early.

• If you have any Covid-related questions, call our hotline at 704-733-8004.

Your Covid-Response Team

October 15, 2020

In order to help us all better manage the Covid situation on campus, we plan to give you more frequent updates on our case numbers and our approach to slowing the spread on campus.

The following numbers refer to employees and students who have reported a positive diagnosis to the Health Center or students who are in quarantine because they were identified as a close contact:

• Active Covid cases managed on campus this week: around 50.

• Total known active cases (on and off campus) last Thursday to today: between 67 and 83.

• Students in quarantine: 172 (as of this morning).

Note: The measures outlined last week to reduce the number of positive cases remain in place.

Please keep in mind that our numbers fluctuate minute-to-minute on any given day, as people come in and out of quarantine/isolation. As a reminder, you can find quarantine instructions and other health center policies here.

Caring for students in quarantine/isolation includes meal delivery three times a day, laundry service and trash pickup. Very dedicated Wingate faculty and staff have volunteered their time to make sure this operation runs smoothly. A big thank-you should also be given to the folks who are staffing our call center. Since it was set up nine days ago, more than 300 calls have been logged. If you have a Covid-related question, please call 704-233-8400.

While in quarantine/isolation, students must adhere to strict guidelines in order to keep everyone safe. Students will receive an email from Community Standards reminding them of these guidelines and the consequences for not following them. We understand a 14-day quarantine or isolation can be mentally tough. The counseling center is offering virtual group counseling sessions to students every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. until Oct. 28. Other services provided to students by the counseling center were included in a WuSync email sent on Oct. 6.

Our Health Center continues to do random testing each week and appreciates compliance from those who’ve been chosen to participate. A new testing machine is on its way that will streamline the process of dealing with potential false negatives. Tests will no longer need to be sent away for verification but can be handled in-house.

However, as the governor stated on Tuesday, testing is insufficient on its own. The three Ws make the biggest difference: Wear a face covering, wait six feet apart and wash your hands often. The recent death of an App State student reminds us of the seriousness of this virus. On Monday, North Carolina saw its largest spike in cases since July. We all need to redouble our efforts in the fight against Covid, and the time to act responsibly is now.

Lastly, more supplies are being ordered to prepare for the spring semester. Talks are also underway about what the spring semester will look like. As plans are made, we will let you know the details and include them on our Stay Safe at Wingate webpage. 
 

Your Covid-Response Team

As we continue to monitor our Covid case count and look to lower our numbers, we plan to touch base with you at least twice a week. These communications will keep you updated on our campus situation and on what actions need to happen to move us forward.

The Health Center in partnership with the Union County Health Department will continue contact tracing and testing known hotspots on campus. If a student tests positive, they are encouraged to remain on campus. This recommendation is based on guidance from the CDC in order to contain the spread of the virus. The University is also regularly in touch with the Union County Public Health Department and leaders at Atrium Health, both of which are advising us on the best next steps regarding our recent spike in Covid cases.

Over the weekend, the Health Center staff did not see a big increase in the number of positive cases. Although that news is encouraging, the new procedures outlined in President Brown’s last email will remain in place for now. This means that Campus Safety will remain vigilant when it comes to dispersing large crowds. If you have concerns or see reckless behavior, please contact Campus Safety at 704-233-8999.

Large gatherings off-campus, like the ones reported this past weekend, are also highly discouraged. Please don’t let a few hours of fun ruin the rest of the semester. Our goal is to keep everyone on our campus safe and healthy. We can only do that when everyone acts responsibly.

Continue to check your email regularly as we navigate through this Covid spike.

Your Covid-Response Team

Hello Bulldogs.

Since my last update just six days ago, the number of Covid cases on campus has risen significantly. Currently, more than 50 students are in isolation after testing positive. Our Health Center staff is looking into what may have contributed to the rapid increase since Friday. We don’t believe it was an isolated incident but most likely a combination of factors, including face-covering fatigue and gatherings.

Going forward, all of us must be more vigilant as we work to slow the spread. For several weeks, we saw that our combined diligence kept our numbers low. I’m confident we can get back to that place again, but in order to do so we will take the following steps:

• Beginning today at 5 p.m., dining facilities will begin providing to-go options only.

• The Health Center will ramp up random testing in known hotspots.

• Until further notice:

  • No visitors or gatherings will be allowed in residence-hall rooms or apartments. This means that students cannot visit other residential spaces or rooms. 

  • Campus Safety and Residence Life staff will monitor gatherings and break up groups with more than 10 people or groups in which people are not social distancing or wearing face coverings.

  • Students should plan to remain in their residential spaces from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day. We understand that students will have obligations outside of the University, so if you need to be out of your space from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., please contact Campus Safety at 704-233-8999 to advise them of the circumstances.

  • Athletic teams will pause all activities. 

• Union County Public Health will help with our contact-tracing efforts.

• Physician Assistant staff and students will help our Health Center with non-Covid-related health concerns.

• An outside company, 911 Restoration, will clean isolation and quarantine spaces quickly so the spaces can be more readily available.

• The University will monitor cases and consider additional actions if numbers continue to climb. 

The above measures will be in place until our case count improves. Continue to check your email for updates on our plans each week. 

While our numbers remain elevated, the Health Center’s priority will be contact tracing. Best practice tells us that efforts to immediately inform people of a potential exposure and place them in isolation or quarantine are imperative to slowing the spread of the virus.

For the safety of our community, if you begin to feel ill, please quarantine yourself and contact the Health Center immediately at 704-233-8102. Here is information about our quarantine protocol. The quicker the Health Center can take action regarding a possible positive case or exposure, the better it is for you and for our campus community. 

If anything regarding our status, actions or expectations is unclear, we have a hotline set up to answer Covid-related questions as quickly as possible. The number is 704-233-8400. The hotline is staffed Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It’s time to once again step up and exhibit our One Dog mentality. Please make sure you’re wearing your mask. We must do better in this regard. It takes all of us coming together to change this trend and continue our semester as productively as possible.

Rhett

Hello Bulldogs,

I have some news to share with you all regarding our ongoing fight to slow the spread of the coronavirus and ultimately keep the campus as open as possible. 

Our case count has risen over the past few days, to ten positives. Ten is still relatively low but nevertheless represents a concerning rise in positive cases. We’ve decided to pause some athletic activity because of these positive-case counts, and residents of one floor have been asked to quarantine because they potentially came into close contact with someone who tested positive. This is not the direction we want to go in. 

I’ve also heard about large gatherings taking place after students were repeatedly told to break up into smaller groups. This is a huge risk factor when it comes to spreading the virus, especially when students are not wearing face coverings. I realize that part of the college experience is social, but we can’t let our guard down.

Let’s be clear about the stakes: To continue having in-person classes and other activities, we must remain vigilant and double down on this now.

If you have been in contact with someone who has been in contact with someone who is positive, that does not mean you need to quarantine. If you are identified as a true close contact or need to take any action, you will be notified by the Health Center. Read more about what counts as a close contact.

According to our Health Center, most symptomatic students we have tested recently have not been filling out the mandatory Medicat symptom tracker. Please make sure to do so everyday. 

Faculty and staff, I ask that you lead by example but also to require that, before students enter the classroom or workplace, they show the big green “negative” dot that appears on the app. The dot is large enough to be seen from more than six feet away, so professors can ask that students hold up their phones as they enter the classroom or display the circle on their laptop screen to be able to remain in the classroom.

Our Health Center director let me know that we have received 390 rapid-test kits and expect to soon receive another shipment of about 500. These tests give us initial results within 15 minutes, not only cutting down the wait time significantly but also enabling us to use our resources more efficiently, including our quarantine and isolation spaces. The test is a swab that goes just an inch inside your nose.

I also want to share with you a tool our local and state health officials are recommending we add to our arsenal. SlowCOVIDNC is the official exposure-notification app of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. I strongly encourage you to download and use it.

This app is not the same as our mandatory Medicat symptom tracker, which should be completed each and every day before you come to work or attend an in-person class.

If anything regarding our status, actions or expectations is unclear, we have a hotline set up to answer Covid-related questions as quickly as possible. The number is 704-233-8400. The hotline is staffed Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Let’s not let up on the practices we know have been proven to work: wear your face covering, social distance, gather outside and wash your hands often. We will win this fight behaviorally before we win it medically. It takes all of us being diligent to slow the spread!

Rhett

• The number of residential students who are Covid-positive.
• The availability of quarantine spaces.
• Capacity at Atrium Health Union hospital.
• The number of employees who are ill, in isolation or in quarantine.

The governor announced yesterday that North Carolina will enter Phase 2.5 tomorrow. In this phase, gatherings can increase to 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Gyms are also allowed to operate at 30% capacity. This means the McGee Center will soon open with social-distancing guidelines and capacity restrictions in place. Be on the lookout for an email with details by Friday.

Again, I’m encouraged by the good work you all are already doing. Our phased approach has served us well so far. But once we start in-person classes, we can’t let our guard down. And if you feel sick, don’t hesitate to get checked by the Health Center. It’s also important that you continue to fill out the symptom tracker daily if you are on campus or will be for any length of time.

As we go into the Labor Day weekend, please read these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if you plan to travel. Also, please continue to check our Return to Campus page, specifically our frequently asked questions section, for any updates.

And I’d like to conclude on a different subject. I want to thank the students, faculty, staff and friends who are engaging in meaningful conversations and confronting the challenges we face in achieving a more diverse, more equitable, and more just society. Our students’ education and development requires the respectful open exchange of ideas.

Eradicating systemic racism is an enormous task. And while we debate and discuss appropriate remedies and actions, we must also empathize with those for whom our history and current events inflict personal tragedy and withering stress. The University must lean in to the rights and responsibilities that accompany free speech and free assembly. But as Dr. Nancy Randall, our vice provost for student engagement, said recently: “Words can tear down as well as lift up, and we strive to be a community that chooses the latter.”

I am proud to be part of the OneDog community, and I look forward to our difference-making work ahead.

Sincerely,

Rhett

Dear Students,

Happy first week of class! Though classes are remote, it still feels good to kick off a new semester.  If you’re a new student, remember, there are a whole host of folks here at the University here to help and support you as you make the college transition.  Reach out to your faculty members, Residence Life staff, and academic advisors to get all your questions answered.

COVID-19 Reminders

Thank you to all those students who have been following the social and physical distance guidelines we’ve asked you to follow. From all accounts, the majority of students have been vigilant. But we can’t let up now. We’ve got to stick with the public health guidelines, and continue to build on the momentum we have. A couple of reminders based on some of the feedback we received this weekend:

• Masks should always be worn inside, but also outdoors when you’re less than six feet from another person.  So even if you’re hanging out with a group of friends in the Quad, you should wear your mask if you’re within six feet of other people.

• Students who flagrantly or habitually refuse to follow published COVID-19 guidelines, or ignore requests from staff to put on a mask or social distance, may be removed from campus housing or prohibited from being on campus.  I hope it doesn’t come to that, but we don’t want the few who don’t respect the community enough to adhere to these expectations to endanger the many.

Start of Semester Notes

The 2020-2021 Undergraduate Student Handbook is available for all students to review on the University Community Standards website.  All students are responsible for knowing and understanding University expectations. As well, you’ll find this additional document with a summary of our special public health related expectationss.  As the semester progresses, we’ll continue to review these policies and keep you updated as there are changes.

Add/Drop

Quick reminder, the last day to Add/Drop a class is Thursday, August 27th.

Dear Students,

Happy Friday! Below you'll find my update on today's "hot topic," in regard to testing, quarantine, and isolation protocols.  Additionally, a brief reminder about public gatherings as we head into the weekend.  If you’ve got a question or a comment, feel free to fill out this short inquiry form.  I'll be working through the weekend to get caught up in answering your questions. Thanks for your patience.

Be a difference-maker; let's show the world that Wingate University is different and that we can open without an outbreak of COVID-19 because we follow public health guidelines faithfully.

Large Gatherings and Parties - A Brief Reminder

Yesterday, North Carolina State University also made the decision to shift to remote instruction due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases on campus.  There is growing evidence that student gatherings, both on AND off-campus, contributed to these outcomes.  As this is the first weekend with the majority of students back living on campus, a couple of reminders:

1. Masks are required in public settings (both indoors and outdoors, when within 6 feet of another person.)

2. The state limit on outdoor gatherings is 25.  The current state limit on indoor gatherings is 10.

3. Students who disregard these requirements, both on and off-campus, may be subject to community standards action.

Testing, Quarantine, and Isolation

Check out the “Health and Wellness” page of the Return to Campus website for a detailed listing of all testing, quarantine, and isolation procedures.  Some of the most important information below:

Testing

1. The Health Center will offer any patient requesting testing (whether symptomatic or not) the opportunity to be tested for current infection via nasal swab or for past infection (antibody test) via lab draw. The student or their insurance company will be billed for the cost of the test. Elective asymptomatic testing requests will be done as long as supplies are readily available. 

2. The Health Center will conduct COVID-19 testing on any symptomatic patient that presents to the Health Center. The student or their insurance company will be billed for the cost of the test.

What if I test positive for COVID-19 and need to isolate?

Students who a.) Have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or b.) Are waiting for test results, or c.) Have cough, fever, or shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to isolate themselves.  What does this mean? It means you will be moved to an isolation space on campus (currently at University Place Apartments, or Hilltop) where you’ll need to stay away from other people.  You should attend class remotely; should not go to the McGee Center, Library or other University buildings; and should not participate in campus group activities.  Campus Safety will deliver your meals.  You’ll have to stay in your isolation space until you are cleared by the Health Center to resume normal activity.

What if I have to self-quarantine?

You will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days if you have been exposed to or have been in contact with someone who has symptoms of COVID-19 and is awaiting test results or who has tested positive for COVID-19. The Health Center will determine where you need to self-quarantine.  Individuals who have been asked to self-quarantine will not be allowed to attend class/go to work; should not go to the McGee Center, Library or other University buildings; and should not participate in campus group activities; students ARE permitted to exercise alone outside while socially distancing from others. 

I know this seems harsh, but these protocols are in place to limit the transmission of COVID-19.  Those in quarantine or isolation protocol will have to stay disciplined in order to meet the quarantine requirements.  Keep in contact with friends and family.  Facetime, Zoom, or utilize Google Hangouts to keep regular interactions with people.  Human interaction and community is important!  And remember, Counseling Services is available if you’re struggling and can be contacted at counseling@wingate.edu to schedule a virtual appointment. They can provide you with support as well as additional resources. 

Bulldogs, this is our first opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to following these social distancing guidelines.  To show our community of faculty, staff, students, and parents, that our university can be different.  Let’s treat each other with respect by following these guidelines this weekend - especially when asked to do so by Campus Safety and Residence Life staff.  Hope you all have a safe weekend.  

Dear Students,

On Friday, I emailed you with some information regarding new expectations for this upcoming Fall.  Thanks to all of you who emailed me with good questions, thoughts, and ideas.  As I told you in my email on Friday, this week I would be sending you several updates about our current campus thinking regarding several “hot topics.”  Today, we’re going to talk through our mask/face covering requirements.  

Face Masks

All students will be provided with a health kit that includes three masks.  Students should plan on wearing masks whenever they are within 6 feet of another person.  It’s a good idea to carry a mask with you wherever you are on campus.  You’ll be expected to wear a mask (inside or outside) when you can’t be physically distant.  I’ve had students, faculty, and staff ask me throughout the summer, “What will happen if a student doesn’t wear a mask? What will you do?”  My honest answer is that I hope everyone will follow the guideline because it’s one of the best prevention strategies we have at our disposal.  My first request would be to ask the person without a mask to put one on.  If someone refuses to do so, they won’t be able to enter the space or participate in the program until they do so (just like at Walmart or Target.)  And if they continually refuse to wear a mask, they may be asked to remove themselves from the campus, including University residence halls and classrooms.  We also want people to wear masks that are not discriminatory, vulgar, or offensive. This is a public health guideline put in place to limit the transmission of COVID-19 from one person to another.  Having said that, I hope all students will take it upon themselves to wear a mask and to encourage others to do so.

If you’ve got a question or a comment, feel free to fill out this short inquiry form.  These questions and comments will be shared with University administrators as we continue to evaluate plans and processes throughout the semester.  As a reminder,  I’ll also be hosting a virtual Campus Life Forum tomorrow (August 19th) at 4pm for any student who has a concern about Campus Life in the Fall, and your Residence Life staff will be hosting virtual community meetings as well.

Dear Students,

Happy Move-In (Day 1!) Below you'll find my update on today's "hot topic," in regard to public gatherings and parties on campus.  If you’ve got a question or a comment, feel free to fill out this short inquiry form.  These questions and comments will be shared with University administrators as we continue to evaluate plans and processes throughout the semester. 

Public Gatherings and Parties on Campus

We’re going to ask students to follow the public health guidelines, including those related to public gatherings.  Right now, state guidance allows groups of 25 or less to gather outdoors.  In general, we’ll ask the occupancy of rooms and apartments to allow for one additional student per resident (i.e. if you live in an 8 person apartment, the maximum capacity of that apartment is 16), unless otherwise noted by our state, local, or campus health officials.  It also means if you’re within 6 feet of someone you should be wearing a mask.  Non-students guests will not be permitted in apartments and residence halls. 

I’ve been asked about parties on campus.  What I can tell you is this :

1. The more parties, and the greater number of students in attendance at those parties, the faster the virus will spread on campus.  We don't need to look any further for an example than UNC-Chapel Hill's decision this week to empty their residence halls and hold only remote learning for the rest of the semester. 

2. Students should take this seriously and follow the guidelines.  This includes parties that occur off-campus.  If individuals refuse to follow guidelines on campus, they may face community standards violations, but that all takes place after the damage is done, and the virus has spread.  We have already received reports of student parties, both on and off-campus.  If students broadly disregard these guidelines, its likely transmission will increase, people will get sick, and the University may have to send people back home as it did in March.  It’s the responsibility of every student living on campus to make this work.  It’s not a party if no one shows up. Please be responsible.

Having said that, I know this is difficult, and it's not fair.  But COVID-19 dictates the terms under which we can operate, and the guidance we are enacting is not meant to be punitive, but rather to keep people safe, and try to preserve as much of the student experience as possible.  We can do this if we are willing to make some sacrifices.

Dear Students,

We are so excited that you will be arriving on campus in the coming weeks. We have been busy all summer preparing for your arrival and working to make sure campus is safe and ready for your return. To enable us to adhere to social distancing and orders from Gov. Cooper, we are implementing a drive-thru process at Belk Stadium. All residential students will report to the McIntyre Road entrance of the stadium at their designated day.  Please refer to the arrival maps for information.

If you are no longer interested in living on campus or being a commuter/remote student, please sign up for a new time via the form in the move-in email or complete it here. 

We have prepared a list of tips and important information to ensure a safe and smooth arrival process.

1. Be sure to bookmark and frequently visit the Return to Campus webpage, where many of your questions will be answered and where you can find out more about Wingate policies.

2. Please adhere to your arrival day and time window. Switching times or moving to another day is not possible. If you arrive outside your day, you will be turned away and asked to return on your allotted day. We know this is all new, but we want to make sure that students and families arrive in a safe and orderly fashion so we can practice social distancing and minimize contact.

3. Each student will be allowed to bring no more than two guests to assist in the move-in process. In order to maintain acceptable occupancy levels and practice appropriate social distancing in our residence halls, we cannot make exceptions to this rule. Everyone from our baby Bulldogs to senior citizens counts as a guest. No additional guests will be allowed to enter any facilities. You will not want to leave family members in vehicles in Wingate in the summer, so please bring only two guests to campus with you.

4. No Wingate staffers or volunteers will be available to help you unload or move your items. This is to protect you and our staff.

5. If you or any member of your party is sick or experiencing COVID symptoms, do not come to campus. Please email our Residence Life office and they can work to adjust your arrival time.

6. Everyone will be required to wear a mask while on campus and will go through a temperature screening upon arrival.

   1. If guests have a temperature at or above 100.4, they will be asked to leave campus.

   2. Students with a temperature at or above 100.4 will be directed to the Health Center for evaluation. Keys will not be issued until direction is provided by the Health Center.

7. Please make sure that you have finalized all requirements for the Health Center, Financial Planning, and the Business Office before arriving. You can view the status of these items on your student portal.

8. You can find a “what to bring” list on our Return to Campus FAQ page. Most importantly, all students should plan to bring a thermometer, masks and hand sanitizer.

For Returning Commuter Students: Please plan on visiting us Thursday, September 3rd between 9:00 am and 1:00 pm to pick up your health kits at Belk Stadium. Please follow the signs for check-in. 

We look forward to seeing you on campus. Please call 704-233-8245 with any questions or email us at res.life@wingate.edu. We will be glad to answer them.

Thanks.

Hello Bulldogs,

We are announcing a new plan for the start of the fall 2020 semester for undergraduate students. As you know, the past few months have been something of a roller coaster as new information about the spread of the coronavirus has become known. We have been following guidelines issued by the state of North Carolina as we determine the best way to provide the Wingate experience for our students while we also think about the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

In an effort to better control the population density on campus and to give us more of an opportunity to monitor evolving conditions under these extraordinary circumstances, we are moving to online instruction beginning August 24. A phased return to residential living will occur over the next four weeks, with a hybrid system of online and in-person instruction beginning on September 8. You will receive more information from the Office of Residence Life tomorrow regarding check-in.

By August 14, you will be able to see in your WinLink account which classes will have a face-to-face component. If you are a residential student, you will then have until August 21 to notify Residence Life about whether you plan to live on campus this semester.

We are disappointed not to welcome everyone back to campus as soon as we had hoped. This decision was not easy but became obvious in the past several days. A few notes about our decision:

• The academic calendar will not change. The first day of undergraduate classes is still August 24, and exams will be held December 3-10. There will be no fall break, and students will not return to campus after Thanksgiving break.
• The delayed return for residential undergraduates does not affect graduate/professional programs. Graduate and professional students will be contacted by their program directors if there is any change to their schedules.
• If you are a residential student who moves in after August 24, you will be credited a prorated portion of your room-and-board fees.

As residential undergraduates return, we are committed to having as many of our facilities and programs open and available as prudent.

Please continue to check our Return to Campus page, specifically our frequently asked questions section, which will be updated by noon tomorrow.

Again, I know this is not the scenario most of you wanted. But we are One Dog and we will persevere through these unprecedented times together.

Sincerely,

Rhett

To complete the Pledge, go to your Checklist.

I Pledge To:

PROTECT MYSELF

• Monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19 and daily use the Medicat Symptom Checker app provided by the university
• Frequently wash and/or sanitize my hands

PROTECT OTHERS

• Stay at home or in my residence hall if I feel ill or after exposure to someone who is ill or has tested positive for COVID-19
• Contact the Health Center or local medical clinic if I have symptoms
• Agree to testing for COVID-19, if needed
• Wear the appropriate face covering in all public spaces
• Practice physical distancing 
• Be positive, sensitive and helpful to anyone around who may be troubled or struggling

PROTECT OUR WINGATE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

• If I test positive for COVID-19, I agree to self-isolate in a designated location until:
  • Ten days from the date of my positive test and my symptoms have improved and I have been fever-free for at least 24 hours OR
  • If I have been symptom free the entire time, I will isolate at least ten days from the date of my positive test, AND
  • I have been released by the Health Center or my Provider to return to class/normal activities
• Participate fully and honestly with the Health Center staff and/or local agencies for contact tracing
• Keep my personal space, shared common space, and my belongings clean and sanitized
• Limit my exposure risks to COVID-19 off campus as well as on campus  
• Strongly consider getting a flu vaccine