Fall 2021: Stay Vigilant. Be Resilient.

As the university continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation, please be sure to carefully and regularly review messages from App State.

In her Nov. 12 message to campus, Chancellor Sheri Everts shared that our current vaccination rates continue to outpace local and state rates, and efforts remain ongoing to continue to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates on campus. She also shared that guidelines and expectations for the spring semester will be shared soon.

Keep reading for full details on COVID-19-related updates and information.

Resources:
App State's Coronavirus site • App State’s Fall 2021 Guide to Campus Operations • North Carolina’s COVID-19 Information Hub

Campus Operations Updates

Become a mental health first aider!

• Students, faculty and staff are invited to participate in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification training on Friday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. via Zoom — registration is required.
  
  
• The MHFA program gives individuals the tools and skills to help people experiencing mental health challenges. This session is a collaboration of App State’s Intercultural Student Affairs and the Appalachian Police Department.  

Students, remember your wellness and academic resources:

• The Case Management Team in the Office of the Dean of Students provides comprehensive support for students and can help identify on and off campus resources.
  
  
• The Counseling Center offers a variety of counseling services, including Emergency Counseling Services, and has resources to support students heading into the final weeks of the semester. 
  
  
• Wellness and Prevention Services offers virtual events, peer education, addiction recovery, weekly motivation messages and more.

Additional resources for students:
Academic Affairs • Office of the Dean of Students • Mountaineer Food Hub & Free Store • Wellness resources for students • Career Development Center • Student Learning Center

Travel Guidance

University-sponsored international travel requirements

The latest travel guidance and requirements for students, faculty and staff are available at App State’s University-sponsored Travel page.

Guidance for Thanksgiving break travel and gatherings

The university will be closed for students on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and for students and employees on Thursday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 26 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Begin planning ahead now for a safer holiday. 

If you are planning to travel during the Thanksgiving break:

• Visit CDC’s Travel page for resources and guidance for domestic and international travel. 
  
  
• CDC recommends avoiding any travel until you are fully vaccinated to decrease your chances of contracting or spreading COVID-19.
  
  
• Consider getting tested for COVID-19 prior to departing and after returning to the Boone area.

If you are planning to attend holiday gatherings:

• Visit CDC’s Holiday Celebrations page for guidance on safer ways to celebrate the holidays.
  
  
• If you are vaccinated, talk with family and friends who are still unvaccinated about the benefits of the vaccine and consider taking them to get vaccinated over the holiday weekend.

Resources:
University-sponsored Travel • Travel (CDC) • Travel FAQ (CDC) • Holiday Celebrations (CDC) •  Small and Large Gatherings (CDC)

Remember: Upload Proof of Full COVID-19 Vaccination or Get Tested Weekly!

Upload proof of full vaccination now!

Students, faculty and staff who have not already done so should upload proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status now. There is no need to resubmit after a booster or additional dose.

• Students and employees: Upload proof of full COVID-19 vaccination status.

Students and employees must get tested weekly if they have not uploaded proof of full vaccination 

• Take advantage of the university’s on-campus COVID-19 testing clinics — bring your AppCard and have your Banner ID ready.
  
  
• Students and employees may take an on-campus COVID-19 test for any reason — get tested for COVID-19 if you exhibit symptoms, even if you are fully vaccinated.

Vaccine resources: 
Submit proof of vaccination • Get your COVID-19 vaccination record (NCDHHS) 

Testing resources:
COVID-19 Testing • Submit Your COVID-19 Test Results • Reporting COVID-19 Cases

Protect Yourself and Others by Getting Vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19

A new CDC study highlights how the 2021-22 influenza season could further strain health care systems already overburdened by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

If you are not yet vaccinated for flu and COVID-19, get vaccinated ahead of holiday travel and gatherings to protect yourself and your loved ones. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions.

Get a flu vaccine!

CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older.

• App State’s Student Health Service provides flu vaccines to students — call 828-262-3100 for an appointment.
  
  
• AppHealthCare offers flu vaccines by appointment to community members — call 828-264-4995 for more information.  

Get a COVID-19 vaccine, booster or additional dose!

All CDC-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and reduce your risk of severe illness. 

• Student Health Service (SHS) provides COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and additional doses to students, faculty and staff. Call 828-262-3100 for an appointment.
  
  
• AppHealthCare offers COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and additional doses by appointment or walk-in to community members. A limited number of Pfizer pediatric vaccine appointments for children ages 5-11 are also available. Call 828-795-1970 for an appointment. 

Am I eligible for a COVID-19 booster?

• Many COVID-19 vaccine recipients are currently eligible for boosters, including those who work in education settings. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions and are considering a COVID-19 booster.
  
  
• Remember: If you have already uploaded proof of full vaccination, please do not submit a second proof of vaccination form to report a booster or additional dose. 

Flu vaccine resources:
Flu vaccine finder • Flu vaccine guidance (CDC) • FAQ Flu Questions: 2021-22 Season (CDC) • Flu vaccine guidance (NCDHHS)

COVID-19 vaccine resources:
COVID-19 Vaccines • Get your COVID-19 vaccination record (NCDHHS) • Vaccines for COVID-19 (CDC) • COVID-19 Vaccine Information (NCDHHS) • COVID-19 vaccines for children and teens (CDC) •  Vaccines for children ages 5-11 (NCDHHS) 

COVID-19 booster resources:
COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots (CDC) • COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters (NCDHHS) 

COVID-19 data resources:
App State COVID-19 Dashboard • AppHealthCare COVID-19 dashboard • COVID-19 vaccines dashboard (NCDHHS) • COVID Data Tracker (CDC)

Additional Information

Please remember the global pandemic is dynamic and continues to be a rapidly developing situation. Continue to read your App State email regularly — the latest information is also posted to App State’s Coronavirus site.

• The university adjusts COVID-19 safety protocols, procedure and policy according to the latest federal, state, local and UNC System guidance.
  
  
• Following CDC guidance, App State uses county-based community spread data to determine when requirements, such as wearing face coverings on campus, can be lessened or lifted.  

Additional resources:
Latest Updates • Face Coverings • COVID-19 Vaccines • Reporting COVID-19 Cases • COVID-19 Testing