App Strong. App Resilient.

The university remains open, with emergency management protocols activated and operational modifications and precautions in place.

App State faculty and staff continue working steadily, in accordance with UNC System expectations and our educational mission, to assess and adjust every aspect of the Appalachian Experience to keep health and safety at the forefront. As the university continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation, please be sure to carefully and regularly review messages from App State.

Latest News

COVID-19 vaccines update

As previously reported, the university’s application to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to be a community-facing COVID-19 vaccination distribution center is pending.

• Visit the university's COVID-19 Vaccines page for the latest information. To indicate your interest in receiving the vaccine, complete local public health’s vaccination interest form.

• Visit NCDHHS’ vaccines page to find your vaccine group and view information about North Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine plan, or call the COVID-19 vaccine help center at 888-675-4567 — staff is available to answer general vaccine-related questions Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Visit NCDHHS’ vaccine data dashboard for North Carolina vaccine-related data, and review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination page for vaccine-related guidance.

Wastewater testing in residence halls

To help with COVID-19 early detection and rapid response, wastewater testing will begin this month for a limited number of residence halls with support from the Department of Biology. This is the continuation of a pilot project begun in collaboration with the UNC Institute of Marine Sciences last fall. Wastewater testing, combined with randomized surveillance testing of students, will help guide decisions regarding follow-up testing in residence halls.

Sanford Mall campfire and Student Union outdoor fire tables

Three propane-burning fire tables are set up on Howard Knob Patio of the Plemmons Student Union for outdoor, distanced socializing. Students may enjoy them from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. daily as weather conditions permit. Face coverings are required. The wood-burning campfire on Sanford Mall will also be available as weather permits.

New menus at Campus Dining

The Campus Dining culinary team has developed new menu items to increase variety and customization options — read more about what’s new on the menu at App State. Share feedback about your dining experience via this Campus Dining Comment Card form or scan the Comment Card QR code at Campus Dining facilities.

Student Engagement and Activities

Be a Volunteer!

Appalachian and the Community Together (ACT) provides service experience opportunities for students — view a database of volunteer opportunities in Boone or online.

• The Community Fellows Program includes local volunteer trips to nonprofit organizations serving Watauga and surrounding counties — such as Hunger & Health Coalition, Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Life Village (virtual). Students, register for these service opportunities via Engage (log-in required).

Have fun, stay safe!

Visit this Student Life page, which is regularly updated with ways to stay engaged and have fun while staying safe. Three highlights:

Winter Chill 2021
Feb. 8 - 12, free virtual and in-person events.
Join APPS for a week of events featuring: Instagram activities, goodie bags, MYO Snowglobes, Drag Bingo with Latrice Royale, a movie night & Disney Trivia with High School Musical's Kaycee Stroh!

Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis
Feb. 11, 7 p.m., free virtual event.
A virtual conversation with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson — a leading voice in the climate conversation and co-editor of the new anthology All We Can Save: Truth, Courage, and Solutions for the Climate Crisis.

ESports and in-person intramural sports
Dates vary, free events, registration required.
Participate in one of University Recreation’s (UREC) Esports and/or in-person intramural sports — cornhole, human foosball, indoor volleyball, pickleball and more.

More Events and Activities:
AppalachianToday • Engage • Campus Activities • University Recreation

Key Reminders

Continued personal safety protocols

• The extension of North Carolina’s Modified Stay at Home Order is in effect until at least Feb. 28 — read the FAQ document here. Additionally, the Jan. 6 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) secretarial directive remains in effect — read the FAQ document here. Continue to limit your activities and exposure to others to the greatest extent possible and follow the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash) — review all recommended personal safety protocols here.

On-campus COVID-19 testing

• App State offers free COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff each Wednesday and Saturday from noon - 5 p.m. Walk up or drive up. No appointments required — bring your Banner ID and AppCard. Winter weather can affect the testing schedule, so check the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for the latest schedule and location information. Note that lines tend to be shorter between 3 - 5 p.m.

Face coverings distribution update

• As a reminder, face coverings continue to be required for students, faculty and staff when on campus. Distribution continues of five new, washable, reusable face coverings that feature adjustable ear loops and three-ply construction with a middle-layer filter. Email safety@appstate.edu with questions.

• Students, faculty and staff who have not yet received new face coverings can pick up theirs in the Plemmons Student Union at the Information Desk, across from Cascades Cafe, during regular business hours.

• App State’s Online & Transfer Services and the Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies are in the process of mailing new face coverings to students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate App State Online programs.

University Housing reapplication deadline

• The Housing Reapplication for the 2021-22 academic year is open through Feb. 7 for current on-campus students and/or students who received a COVID-19 exemption. View Housing Reapplication details here.

Family Weekend

• A virtual Family Weekend has been scheduled for March 26-28. Visit the Family Weekend website for details.

Key Metrics

Resources and Communications

App State resources

• The student counseling center offers short-term individual counseling, group counseling, emergency services and more — all through Telemental Health. Begin by visiting its Getting Started webpage.

• Check out their Spring 2021 Feel'n Good Workshops schedule for sessions to help you reduce isolation, build new coping skills and increase mental well-being — open to all App State students, advance registration not required.

Please reach out if you need assistance. There are many people at the university who are here to help you. If you aren’t sure who can help you, here’s where you can start:

Mountaineer Food Hub • Mountaineer Emergency Fund • Resources for students • Resources for faculty and staff • Department directory

Communications and updates

Chancellor Everts continues to meet regularly with UNC System President Hans and System leadership, as well as with her vice chancellors and emergency management team. University representatives meet with local public health Monday-Friday and on weekends as needed, and consult regularly with the NCDHHS COVID-19 response team. Read more:

Messages from Chancellor Everts • Previous COVID-19 update from App State • App State’s coronavirus website and dashboard

Information Coming Soon

• Additional information about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Information about how App State is participating in contact tracing.
• App State Athletics spring attendance update.