App State COVID-19 Updates

Chancellor Sheri Everts and the university’s COVID-19 response team continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation, and remain in regular contact with state and local public health agencies as well as UNC System leadership. Read her weekly messages to campus.

In her April 22 update to campus, Chancellor Everts shared that App State continues to keep a watchful eye on the university’s COVID-19 data and will continue to emphasize the importance of a fully vaccinated university community. She also shared metrics for total tests and vaccines administered on campus, as well as the university’s current vaccination rates — 90% for employees and 82% for students.

Keep reading for the latest public health and campus operational updates as the university prepares for the final weeks of the spring semester.

Public health updates:

As of April 18, CDC’s order requiring face coverings on public transportation — such as AppalCART — and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect.

• CDC continues to recommend that people wear face coverings in indoor public transportation settings at this time. It is also recommended that travelers review the requirements of their airline or other mode of transportation, as well as any requirements at their destination.
  
  
• Face coverings continue to be required in healthcare settings by federal and state guidelines.

COVID-19 wellness:

Watauga County’s COVID-19 Community Level remains Low, as classified by CDC. 

The university continues to offer vaccines, testing and face coverings free of charge to students, faculty and staff. Please note that some fluctuations in new active COVID-19 cases are expected over the next few weeks; therefore: 

• If you feel unwell for any reason, stay home.
  
  
• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations. Primary vaccine series and booster appointments are available at Student Health Service for students, employees and community members. Call 828-262-3100 for an appointment.
  
  
• Students and employees who get any COVID-19 shot at Student Health Service will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
  
  
• Take extra precautions if you are at high risk for severe disease.
  
  
• Follow CDC guidance for isolation and get tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms.
  
  
• View options for testing here.
  
  
• Continue to wear a face covering at your discretion and/or upon the advice of your health care provider.
  
  
  • Wearing a face covering is recommended if you are unvaccinated, symptomatic or feeling unwell, or if someone in your household is at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
    
    
  • If you need face coverings, a variety are available for pick up at the Plemmons Student Union Information Desk.
    
    
• Visit the university’s Health and Safety page for more information about App State community standards to keep protecting yourself and others. 

Keep submitting the following to the university:
Vaccination records • Positive COVID-19 tests collected off campus • Self report illness/exposure • Care and concern reports for concerns about others

Preparing for final exams and the end of the semester:

Wednesday, April 27 is the last day of classes for the spring 2022 semester. As we enter the final weeks of the semester and plan for exams and commencement, note these key dates and updates.

Spring Commencement

App State will celebrate its newest graduates at Spring 2022 Commencement on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7.

Preparing for final exams

Final exams will be held Friday, April 29 through Thursday, May 5 — view the exam schedule.

• The University Libraries will offer extended hours beginning May 1 — see hours of operation.
  
  
• The Student Learning Center offers academic resources for students, including study and test prep strategies.
  
  
• Academic coaching, workshops and more resources for students are available on the Office of Student Success' Services for Students page.
  
  
• The student Counseling Center offers a variety of counseling services, including Emergency Counseling Services, and has resources to support students heading into the final days of the semester.

Additional resources for students:
Case Management • Academic Affairs • Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store • Career Development Center • Wellness and Prevention Services

Preparing for the end of the semester

• Residence halls will close on Friday, May 6 at noon — review move out information from University Housing.
  
  
• The deadline to return physical textbooks is Tuesday, May 10 — drop books off at the University Bookstore or ship them using a trackable method.
  
  
• Return your library books and materials using any remote campus book drops, excepting technology items, or bring them into the library. You can also return books and materials by mail or can renew them online or over the phone. Technology items must be returned/renewed in person — do not return these items via the remote book drops as this may result in damage.
  
  
• If you have an on-campus mailbox and need to forward your mail, complete the Mail Forwarding Form (log-in required) to forward USPS mail from your campus mailbox to another address. Visit the USPS website for more information about mail forwarding.

Operations updates

• Campus Dining will operate an amended schedule May 4-7 and will be closed May 9-19.
  
  
• University Recreation will operate an amended schedule April 28-May 22. Summer hours will begin May 23.

Additional COVID-19 information:

Visit the App State coronavirus website for the latest updates. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Email ucinfo@appstate.edu or call 828-262-2000 for assistance.

The university’s COVID-19 response team continues to respond to every report submitted as quickly as possible and prioritizes outreach to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

• Students: Emergency Management will contact you to provide additional information. Questions? Contact safety@appstate.edu or call 828-262-4008.
  
  
• Faculty and staff: the Office of Human Resources will work with employees and supervisors. Questions? Contact millerad@appstate.edu or 828-262-3187. 

App State COVID-19 resources: 
Latest Updates • COVID-19 Vaccines • COVID-19 Testing and Reporting • Isolation and Exposure • Health and Safety • COVID-19 Dashboard

Additional COVID-19 resources:
COVID-19 Testing at AppHealthCare • Get your COVID-19 vaccination record • North Carolina’s COVID-19 Information Hub • CDC’s Quarantine and Isolation calculator