App Strong. App Resilient.

As April begins, we enter our final month of spring semester classes and begin looking ahead to commencement and summer. Chancellor Everts’ March 19 message to campus shared that the upcoming fall semester is expected to look more like fall 2019, but vigilance is critical. 

North Carolina’s current COVID-19 data, trends and vaccination progress are promising; however, as variants continue to spread and restrictions are eased across the country, new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are beginning to rise nationwide. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends continuing to protect yourself and others by getting a COVID-19 vaccine and following the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash). Additionally, consider wearing a layered face covering and avoid crowds until enough people can be vaccinated. 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 monitor and respond to the latest COVID-19 circumstances.

Latest News

COVID-19 Vaccines Update

Due to increased vaccine supply, AppHealthCare — the local public health department covering Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties — has opened vaccine eligibility to all adults.

• This week, App State administered 1,970 vaccines at two vaccine clinics for students, faculty, staff, and community members. The university’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated with weekly vaccine numbers each Monday.

• The next App State clinic is scheduled for Thursday, April 8 from 9 a.m - 4 p.m. — App State students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to register and choose an available appointment time.

• Visit the university's COVID-19 Vaccines page to register for an upcoming App State vaccine clinic and to view additional local vaccine providers and distribution centers and other COVID-19 vaccine-related resources.

• Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated and the different COVID-19 vaccines.

• As a reminder, review the CDC’s vaccine-related guidance:

• Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine
• Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
• When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Student Resources and Activities

Resources for students

• A “Student Resources” link has been added to the Engage Weekly e-newsletter shared by the Division of Student Affairs. The link gives students quick access to the Engage portals of resource-providing units on campus.

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:

• Mental health and wellness resources
• Academic support
• Comprehensive support for students

Additional Resources for Students:
Academic Affairs • Office of the Dean of Students • Mountaineer Emergency Fund • Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store • Student life • Department directory

Stay engaged, stay safe!

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

9th Annual Coffee Buzz 5K
April 4-18, virtual race with participation fee, registration required
The annual Coffee Buzz 5K event supports the Landon Hill Memorial Scholarship for future Mountaineers studying abroad.

Egg Stravaganza
April 6, 3-5 p.m., free in-person event
Join APPS for a socially distanced egg hunt in Durham Park — free food and prizes! 

Diversity Celebration
April 8-9, free in-person and virtual events
App State’s annual Diversity Celebration will feature a festival on Sanford Mall, a performance by award-winning slam poet Paul Tran, drive-in movie night and more.

More Events and Activities:
Earth Month • AppalachianToday • Engage • Campus Activities • University Recreation • Turchin Center

Key Reminders

Summer/Fall 2021 Schedule of Classes

• The Summer/Fall 2021 Schedule of Classes has been published on the Office of the Registrar website. Early Registration for Summer/Fall 2021 is April 1-15. 

On-campus COVID-19 testing continues 

• Free, on-campus COVID-19 testing is available for students, faculty and staff each week. No appointments required — bring your Banner ID and AppCard.

• There will be no testing event Saturday, April 3; however, an event is scheduled for Monday, April 5.

• Check the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for the latest schedule and location information. 

Continued on-campus safety protocols

• Gov. Cooper’s face coverings executive order remains in effect and face coverings continue to be required for students, faculty, staff and visitors when on campus.

• Students, faculty and staff continue to be 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, faculty and staff prior to coming to campus.

• Review all recommended personal safety protocols here.

COVID-19 leave guidance reminders

• Human Resources’ Employee Resources regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus) page includes links to HR communications, return to campus guidance, information about teleworking, and leave information. 

• The university’s Returning to Campus page includes additional information about a phased return of faculty and staff, as well as guidance for supervisors.

Key Metrics

Communications and Updates

Spring Commencement

Spring 2021 Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for May 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. Three ceremonies are scheduled for each day.

• Graduating students who wish to participate in Commencement ceremonies in person must register by April 9. These students received an email on April 1 with a link to register and the university’s commencement website has been updated with this information and other details.

• All in-person ceremonies will be livestreamed.

• A virtual conferral of degrees by Chancellor Everts will be posted to the university’s commencement website on May 7.

Continued COVID-19 response efforts

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 regularly with local public health consult with the NCDHHS COVID-19 response team as needed. Read more:

Messages from Chancellor Everts • Previous COVID-19 update from App State • App State’s coronavirus website and dashboard • Resources for faculty and staff • Department directory

Information Coming Soon

• Additional information about COVID-19 vaccines.

• Information about reopening of certain campus facilities.

• Information for employees working remotely about returning to on-campus work.