App Strong. App Resilient.

With national, state and local efforts to return students to classrooms underway, and a nationwide increase in COVID-19 vaccine supply, App State is preparing for the full return of students, faculty and staff to campus for the fall 2021 semester.

• App State’s COVID-19 positivity rate has been and continues to be consistently lower than the state's positivity rate — view the university’s COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest data.

• View North Carolina’s current COVID-19 data and vaccination progress.

• Additionally, the COVID-19 County Alert System has been updated with five tiers — from least to most severe they are: low (green), moderate (light yellow), significant (yellow), substantial (orange) and critical (red). The April 1 update showed no counties in the “critical community spread” category. Watauga County remains in the “significant community spread” category.

To maintain our low transmission rates, we must continue to be careful and responsible to protect others, as well as ourselves.

• Be sure to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Keep following the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash) and avoiding crowds, even after being vaccinated. 

Please remember 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

North Carolina is vaccinating all adults, and App State’s Community Vaccine Clinics are open to everyone in North Carolina ages 18 and over. 

• This week, App State administered 943 vaccines at a clinic 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 15, from 10 a.m - noon —  open to everyone in North Carolina ages 18 and over. Register now and choose an available appointment time.

• After vaccination, download App State digital swag including a Facebook frame and cover images, gifs and Zoom backgrounds.

Additional COVID-19 Vaccines Resources: 
App State's COVID-19 Vaccines page • Vaccines for COVID-19 (CDC) • COVID-19 Vaccine Information (NCDHHS)

Spring 2021 face coverings distribution — replacements available

More than 121,000 washable, reusable face coverings have been issued to students, faculty and staff this semester. If you need a replacement, visit the Plemmons Student Union Information Desk or the Parking & Transportation Office.

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

Student Activities and Resources

Upcoming activities

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

University Recreation offers a variety of outdoor activities, including:

• Outdoor trips, including climbing and canoeing — register now.
• Outdoor sports, including soccer, flag football, and kickball — register now.

APPS Front Desk Concert: Fortezza
April 9, premieres at 12 a.m., free pre-recorded virtual event 
Join APPS for a pre-recorded, acoustic concert by Fortezza — an avant-garage punk band from Asheville — view other Front Desk Concerts and upcoming APPS events.

Appalachian Young People’s Theatre: “With Two Wings” by Anne Negri
April 9-10 at 7 p.m. and April 11 at 2 p.m., free live streaming events, registration required
A coming of age story that puts a unique twist on the Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus that is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Asian Fest: AAPI in the Spotlight keynote with Kabir Akhtar
April 12, 6 p.m., free virtual event, registration required
Kabir Akhtar is an Emmy award-winning director and editor known for his work on “Never Have I Ever,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “New Girl,” “Arrested Development” and more. Hear about his experience as an Asian American in Hollywood along with a Q&A session. 

NEW at University Recreation (UREC): Adaptive Climbing at the SRC
April 19 at 6 p.m. and April 21 at 3:30 p.m., free in-person events, registration required
UREC is excited to announce a new adaptive climbing program at the Student Recreation Center’s climbing wall. Adaptive climbing allows anyone, regardless of their ability level, to enjoy the adventure of climbing.

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

Resources for students

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

Key Metrics

Key Reminders and Updates

Spring Commencement

April 9 is the deadline for graduating students who wish to register for a Spring 2021 in-person Commencement ceremony — scheduled for May 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12. These students received an initial email on April 1 with a link to register, as well as reminder emails April 5-9. Registered graduates will receive additional information later this month. Visit the university’s commencement website for the latest details.

On-campus COVID-19 testing continues 

COVID-19 testing remains an important component of our mitigation strategy. Free, on-campus COVID-19 testing is available for students, faculty and staff at twice weekly events, in addition to targeted testing and testing for students at Student Health Services. No appointments required — bring your Banner ID and AppCard. Check the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for the latest schedule and location information. 

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.