App Strong. App Resilient.

The university remains open, with emergency management protocols activated and operational modifications and precautions in place. Additionally, the extension of North Carolina’s Modified Stay at Home Order is in effect until at least Feb. 28, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)’ secretarial directive also remains in effect; therefore, vigilance is critical.

App State faculty and staff continue working steadily to keep health and safety at the forefront, and students, faculty and staff continue to rise to the challenge by following campus safety protocols, but we must remain focused and committed to these simple and effective actions. Together, we can continue to be strong and resilient.

Please be sure to carefully and regularly review messages from App State as the university continues to carefully monitor and respond to the latest COVID-19 circumstances.

Latest News

COVID-19 positive cases update

Our preliminary testing data for this week indicates a positivity rate for the week of just over 1.8%. However, App State has seen new cases of COVID-19 in some of our residence halls.

• All active cases and close contacts have been identified and are receiving support from the university while recovering in isolation and/or quarantining. Learn more about contact tracing and campus isolation and quarantine procedures.

• Notifications have been made to the students in the affected residence halls.

• The university is conducting follow-up testing in the affected residence halls.

• Monday's dashboard update will include cluster data for the Spring semester, as well as the weekly data for this week that includes testing data from this weekend.

COVID-19 vaccines update

On Feb. 24, North Carolina will gradually begin vaccinating Group 3, starting with anyone working in child care or in PreK-12 schools. The state plans to move to additional frontline workers on March 10. This includes university employees who are working in-person at their work site.

• Complete local public health’s vaccination interest form to indicate your interest in receiving the vaccine. 

To learn more and view vaccine-related resources, visit the university's COVID-19 Vaccines page. Additionally:

• Continue to limit your activities and exposure to others to the greatest extent possible and follow the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash) even after being vaccinated.

• Review all recommended personal safety protocols here.

AppHealthCare, our local public health department, is seeking volunteers for COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties.

• Eligible employees can use Expanded Community Service Leave for this volunteer opportunity, with supervisor approval.

• If you are interested, complete the form on AppHealthCare’s website — they will reach out as volunteer opportunities become available. 

Update on attendance at spring sporting events

In a Feb. 17 press release, App State Athletics announced that spectators at spring sporting events are currently limited to a maximum of two immediate family members per participating student-athlete. Coaches are communicating with their student-athletes and immediate family members about specific protocols.

Student Engagement and Activities

Stay engaged, stay safe!

App State offers events and activities to help students stay engaged while staying safe. Four highlights:

International Civil Rights Center & Museum virtual tour
Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m., free virtual event, registration required by Feb. 21 at 11:59 p.m.
Take a comprehensive journey through the spaces of the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro with a senior docent. 

“The Schaefer Center Presents” BalletX
Feb. 25, 8 p.m., free virtual event, registration required
A special production by Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company that includes the BalletX 15th Anniversary Season documentary and mixed repertoire selections.

“This Is Not The Play” by Chisa Hutchinson
Feb. 25 - 28, 7 p.m., free virtual event, registration required
Stereotypes, prejudice and perceptions of race and gender are at the forefront of this play about the process of creating a play.

APPS Front Desk Concert: Juniper Avenue
Feb. 26, premieres at 12 a.m., free virtual event 
A pre-recorded, acoustic concert featuring indie band Juniper Avenue from Raleigh. View other Front Desk Concerts on APPS' YouTube channel.

More Events and Activities:

AppalachianToday • Engage • Campus Activities • University Recreation • Turchin Center

Key Reminders

Face coverings update 

• Face coverings guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that wearing well-fitting face coverings and layered face coverings reduces exposure to COVID-19 by about 95% — the new washable, reusable face coverings that are being distributed to students, faculty and staff meet these requirements.

• Face coverings continue to be required for students, faculty and staff when on campus. More than 106,000 washable, reusable face coverings have been issued to students, faculty and staff this semester — distribution continues to students. Learn more about face coverings distribution here.

On-campus COVID-19 testing 

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

Required reporting

• Students, staff and faculty are required to self-report COVID-19 tests and results. Additionally, if you hear about others who may have COVID-19, use the same form to submit a “Care and Concern” report. All reported information will remain confidential.

• Daily health checks continue to be required for all students, staff and faculty prior to coming to campus.

Key Metrics

Resources and Communications

App State resources

To address isolation, loss, lack of motivation and other feelings due to the presence of COVID-19, remember your campus mental health and wellness resources:

• Students, the Counseling Center offers short-term individual counseling, group counseling, emergency services and more — all through TeleHealth. Additionally, Wellness and Prevention Services offers virtual events, peer education, addiction recovery, weekly motivation messages and more. Learn more about mental health and wellness resources for students.

• Faculty and staff, free counseling services are available through Counseling for Faculty and Staff or through the university's Employee Assistance Program.

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:

Academic Affairs • Office of the Dean of Students • Mountaineer Emergency Fund • Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store • 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.