App Strong. App Resilient.

This week, our Remote Learning/Teaching Period (Nov. 25 - Dec. 14) continues. Residential students have returned home; the exam period has begun, and it will continue through Wednesday, Dec. 9. We will celebrate our newest graduates with a virtual Fall Commencement on Friday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m.

• Nov 25 - Dec 14: Remote learning/teaching period, includes fall 2020 exams and faculty grading period.

• Dec. 3 - Dec. 9: All exams for the fall 2020 semester will be held online, with the exception of courses that require clinical or lab-based assessments.

• Dec. 15 - Jan. 18: The university will remain open with reduced operations with the exception of the Winter Break closure (Dec. 24 - Jan. 1) and the state holiday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday (Jan. 18).

• Jan. 19: First day of spring 2021 semester classes.

For students remaining in Boone during exams, the Plemmons Student Union is open for on-campus study through Dec. 11, with adequate space for social distancing — see facility hours. Belk Library and Information Commons is also open through Dec. 11 (group study rooms are not available) — see hours of operation. Legends is closed.

App State’s Resiliency Toolkit offers information that can be especially helpful this time of year, including methods for managing stress, the benefits of gratitude, tips for staying active during winter months and how to create a pandemic pod, emotional regulation, ways to resolve conflict, and more.

As we begin to look ahead to the spring semester, it is critically important that you continue to check your App State email over the break for information about returning to campus, operations updates, and other important news and reminders.

Holiday and Winter Break Departure and Return Plan Reminders:

As winter break approaches, be sure to familiarize yourself with the university’s Holiday and Winter Break Departure and Return Plan. It includes guidance for returning home, travel and holiday gatherings. Important reminders are below.

Students, please take these actions before the end of the semester

• Return your textbooks either via a prepaid UPS shipping label by Dec. 15 or in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 15 to the on-campus dropoff location (where books were picked up in August).

• Return your parking pass if you will not be returning to campus in the spring for a prorated refund to your student account. The permit can be delivered in person or mailed, along with your Banner ID, to the Parking & Transportation office.

• Return your library books and materials. Turn in all materials borrowed from Belk Library and Information Commons, using any remote campus book drops or bringing them into the library. If you still need the items after winter break, you have the option to mail them back, or books and materials can be renewed online or on the phone. Technology equipment cannot be renewed remotely.

• Opt-in before Dec. 31 to keep your campus mail box if you are living off campus next semester. 

Guidance for a safer winter break and holiday season

• The university recommends students, faculty and staff take these key action steps to have a safer winter break and holiday season. Most critical are:

• Get tested for COVID-19 prior to and after traveling, even if you have no symptoms. Take advantage of the university’s free COVID-19 testing events or check the NCDHHS No-Cost Community Testing Events page for no-cost events across North Carolina.

• Limit your activities and exposure to others to the greatest extent possible.

• Continue to follow the 3Ws (Wear, Wait, Wash).

• If you have a concern about a student, staff or faculty member who may have COVID-19, you can submit a “Care and Concern” report to ensure the university is aware of their positive test result. In addition, if you have a concern about a student, you can report that concern to the Dean of Students.

The Remote Learning Period and the Time Between Fall and Spring Semesters:

Campus building access will vary during the Remote Learning/Teaching Period (Nov. 25 - Dec. 14) and the time between fall and spring semesters (Dec. 15 - Jan. 18). A key or card swipe may be required for access. Contact your department chair or administrator with questions. In addition, as campus areas prepare for the end of the semester and winter break, hours of operation will vary. Please visit area websites for more information. 

Building access and climate control

• Through Dec. 10, campus building access will vary — some buildings will be locked and will require a key or card swipe for access.

• From Dec. 11 - Jan. 11, most academic buildings will be locked for safety and security and will require a key or card swipe for access.

• Beginning Friday, Dec. 11, at 5 p.m., temperatures in most academic and support buildings will be lowered to maximize energy and cost savings. Building temperatures will be returned to normal on Friday, Jan. 11, to prepare for the first day of spring semester classes. Visit Facilities Operations’ COVID-19 Operations page for details and additional information.

• The university is closed for winter break from Dec. 24 - Jan. 1.

Campus operations

• Campus Dining will operate through Dec. 11 with reduced operations.

• The Meals for Mountaineers program will be available weekdays from Dec. 11 - Jan. 14 providing chef-inspired meals at no charge to App State students, staff and faculty in need.

• Student Health Service will operate through Dec. 11.

• The AppCard Office is currently open by appointment only through Dec. 11. If you need assistance while the office is closed for winter break, email dining@appstate.edu.  

• Parking permit holders (students, faculty, staff) may park in any open lot, including parking decks, Nov. 23 - Jan. 18 regardless of permit type.

Key Metrics

Latest News:

COVID-19 testing

• Free COVID-19 testing events for students, faculty and staff will be held each Wednesday in December through Dec. 16 from noon - 5 p.m. No appointments are required. Walk-up and drive-up testing will be available. Visit the university’s COVID-19 Testing page for all upcoming testing events.

• Students can also contact Student Health Service for an appointment through Dec. 11. Tests are conducted weekdays during clinic hours Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Visit the NCDHHS No-Cost Community Testing Events page for no-cost events across North Carolina.

Updates from App State Athletics

• App State vs. Louisiana (ESPN): On Friday, Dec. 4, at 8:30 p.m., the Mountaineer football team will take on Louisiana in Kidd Brewer Stadium, in the final home game of 2020.

• Spectator restrictions remain in effect for all sporting events:

• Read the Football Spectator Info for Dec. 4 Home Game press release.

• Read the App State Men's and Women's Basketball Spectator Update press release.

Communications and updates

Additional campus updates and information:

• Messages from Chancellor Everts. Weekly updates affecting campus planning, preparations and responses to the pandemic.

• Read the previous COVID-19 update from App State. Key campus operations information, including safety and community expectations.

• App State’s coronavirus website, which includes the university's COVID-19 Dashboard.

Information coming soon:

• Guidance on telework and alternative work for staff during the Remote Learning/Teaching Period (Nov. 25 - Dec. 14) and the time between fall and spring semesters (Dec. 15 - Jan. 18).

• Information about spring 2021.