Coronavirus Memos and Communications
Below are memos and communications from some of the offices at ECU in response to the coronavirus, listed in chronological order.
Associate VC Koch and Assistant VC Lilley (COVID Coordination Committee) – February 28, 2022 – Update to ECU’s COVID-19 Policies (pdf)
Effective March 7, 2022 face coverings will be optional in indoor settings unless those settings are subject to mandatory face covering or other PPE requirements and unless returning to work from quarantine or isolation; weekly testing for unvaccinated students, faculty, or staff ending.
Human Resources – February 17, 2022 – Amendment to the updated COVID-19 Leave Provisions Effective January 13, 2022 (pdf)
Temporary change to allow state employees to use volunteer days with supervisor approval to serve as a substitute teacher or activity for the schools extended to April 15, 2022.
Associate VC Koch and Assistant VC Lilley (COVID Coordination Committee) – February 16, 2022 – Guidance for events and face coverings (pdf)
Effective February 21 gatherings can have food served both indoors and outdoors as long as there is space to social distance three feet or more; face coverings still required in some indoor situations but relaxed in others; surveillance testing continues.
Human Resources – January 18, 2022 – Updated COVID-19 Leave Provisions Effective January 13, 2022 (pdf)
With supervisor approval, employees can use community service leave to work in North Carolina public schools and private schools in roles to help with staffing shortages; paid administrative leave available for employee absences due to quarantine or isolation order when the employee cannot telework under certain conditions; form attached.
Associate VC Koch and Assistant VC Lilley (COVID Coordination Committee) – January 11, 2022 – Guidance for events (pdf)
Recommendation to hold events virtually until February 15 and to avoid providing food that is eaten at events.
VC Hardy – January 6, 2022 – SPRING 2022 COVID UPDATES (pdf)
Information about Temporary Online Delivery, discontinuation of medallion system, assessing your risk, and changes to the self-reporting form. Attachments included were Assessing Your Risk – Spring 2022, Temporary Online Delivery, and Faculty FAQs for Spring 2022.
Interim Provost Hayes – January 4, 2022 – Spring 2022 Guidance (pdf)
Notice of changes to COVID self-reporting for students in Spring 2022, information about attendance.
Chancellor’s Office – December 1, 2021 – COVID-19 vaccinations related to federal contracts (pdf)
Announcement of next phase to bring ECU employees who work in relation to federal contracts in compliance with federal vaccine mandate; employees working in offices supporting federal contracts or receiving funding from federal contracts will be required to provide documentation of vaccination, begin the process of being vaccinated, or request an exemption.
Human Resources – November 23, 2021 – 2021 Departmental Holiday Celebration Guidance (pdf)
Guidance provided to departments regarding in-person gatherings; reminders about mask requirements.
VC Hardy – November 1, 2021 – COVID BOOSTER VACCINATIONS (pdf)
ECU Student Health Services will have a booster clinic for J&J and Moderna vaccines; review of the current guidelines on who is eligible for boosters.
Chancellor’s Office, Academic Council – October 26, 2021 – Federal Contractor Vaccine Mandate (pdf)
ECU to mandate vaccines for employees who work on or in connection with a federal contract or in the same location as employees working on a federal contract unless they qualify for an exemption based on medical disability or sincerely held religious belief; first phase will be employees directly supported by and working with federal contractors; affected employees will be notified by October 26, 2021; suggested timelines for receiving 1st and 2nd doses for Moderna and Pfizer vaccines included to meet the Dec. 8th federal deadline.
Chancellor’s Office – October 4, 2021 – Commencement Update (pdf)
ECU will hold two in-person commencement ceremonies at Minges; both will be on Dec. 17 with one at 9 AM and the other at 1 PM; assignments of each college to one of the two ceremonies will be announced in early November.
Human Resources – September 23, 2021 – Employee COVID-19 Testing Program (pdf)
Announcement of random COVID-19 screening testing of employees.
VC Hardy – September 9, 2021 – Virtual Town Hall: Campus COVID-19 Protocol (pdf)
Announcement of virtual town hall to discuss Campus COVID-19 Protocol.
Chancellor Rogers – September 9, 2021 – Matrix Scoring, Community Expectations (pdf)
No change in risk level or Community Expectations, increased case counts still happening, listing of improvements, concerns, and control measures taken as ECU weathers the surge in cases.
VC Hardy – September 2, 2021 – Additional Updates (pdf)
Information about possibility of some courses shifting to temporary online delivery, medallions that students may show as proof of compliance with the Community Expectations, and an Assessing Your Risk document.
Chancellor Rogers – September 1, 2021 – Vaccine Mandate in Clinical Settings (pdf)
COVID-19 vaccines required for university faculty/employees engaging in direct patient care as a clinician, direct patient care with students or site visits for students, and/or who enter health care agencies that are under vaccine mandates to collect research data or oversee student research projects; must be vaccinated by December 1st or seek a medical or religious exemption by Nov. 1, 2021
Chancellor Rogers – August 31, 2021 – COVID-19 Mitigations (pdf)
Announcing updates to the COVID-19 dashboard to show rates of vaccination; campus operating at an elevated risk; all faculty must wear masks while teaching; surveillance testing, contact tracing, and signage and communications will increase, and dining halls switching to grab and go options
Human Resources – August 25, 2021 – Campus compliance update for employees (pdf)
No need to upload vaccination documentation to myPIRATEchart now that the Attestation survey is in place; they will provide information about documenting vaccine status as needed; updates to vaccination status should be sent to employeerelations@ecu.edu.
VC Hardy – August 23, 2021 – Important Info for Faculty (pdf)
Compilation of information for faculty about face coverings, messages they will receive if a student tests positive for COVID-19, university sponsored group trips, and surveillance testing for students and employees; attachments included: Employee Testing, Face Coverings, Student Testing Info.
Interim VC Van Scott – August 20, 2021 – COVID Research Guidance Update 08.2021 (pdf)
Encouraging researchers to vaccinate and take precautions as COVID numbers rise in the area.
Academic Council – August 19, 2021 – Reporting Experiential Learning activities in ELI – due Sept. 3, 2021 (pdf)
Announcement that directors of experiential learning programs must enter student assignments into the ELI system by Census Day (September 3), in part to help with contact tracing efforts.
VC Hardy – August 19, 2021 – COLLABORATIVE OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES (pdf)
Announcement of programs, resource page linked.
Interim VC Mitchelson – August 18, 2021 – Attestation (pdf)
Reminder to respond to attestation survey by August 20, 81% of employees have responded thus far.
Director Lewis – August 12, 2021 – Microphones and Voice Amplification for Instructional Use (pdf)
Information for faculty about voice amplification options for faculty and how to request those resources.
Faculty Senate – August 10, 2021 – Open Forum – Fall 2021 Classroom Instruction (Tuesday, 8/17, 2:10-4 PM) (pdf)
Announcement of open forum for faculty to pose questions to panelists from the Return of Pirate Nation Fall 2021 planning team, supplemental syllabus resources (see link just below) attached. Note: forum was shortened to be 2:10-3:10 PM and to have Dr. Ron Mitchelson present instead of Dr. Grant Hayes.
Chair of the Faculty Martinez/Faculty Senate – August 9, 2021 – Fall 2021 Syllabus Language Guidance (pdf)
Distribution of supplemental syllabus resources developed in response to the Return of Pirate Nation documents.
Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Co-Chair Fall 2021 Planning Committee Mitchelson – August 5, 2021 – Vaccination & Testing Survey (pdf)
Email announcement of survey to attest vaccination status.
Chancellor Rogers – August 3, 2021 – COVID-19 Campus Face Covering Update (pdf)
ECU’s face covering requirements updated in response to increasing numbers due to the Delta variant; face coverings required in all indoor spaces in most cases.
Chancellor Rogers – July 26, 2021 – Return of Pirate Nation (pdf)
Announcement of the update of the Return of Pirate Nation site to include guidance for Fall 2021.
HR – July 2, 2021 – Updated COVID-19 Leave Provisions Effective July 1, 2021 (pdf)
Updated leave provisions effective through end of public health emergency or revised or rescinded; revisions to the use of COVID-19 Paid Administrative leave; additional 80 hours of special community service leave for COVID-related projects must be used by June 30, 2021; attachment included to make requests
Chancellor Rogers – July 1, 2021 – Update to campus on face coverings (pdf)
ECU will continue to require face coverings in certain indoor situations as campus returns to full density; guidance will be re-evaluated on Sept. 15, 2021.
Special Assistant to the Chancellor/Co-Chair Fall 2021 Planning Committee Mitchelson – June 1, 2021 – Reminder – Fall Semester Planning Town Hall (pdf)
Email reminder of the town hall scheduled for June 1st, complete with Teams link.
Chancellor Rogers – May 26, 2021 – Campus compliance and immunization update for employees (pdf)
Announcement of anticipated requirements for employees and students returning to campus to show proof of vaccination (via upload of vaccine card images to myPIRATEchart) or to submit to periodic COVID-19 testing.
Chancellor Rogers – May 5, 2021 – Planning for Employee Return to Campus (pdf)
Timeline for the return of employees to campus, with any teleworking employees returning on July 12, 2021 or July 26, 2021 at the latest; requirement that units submit a return plan and communicate that plan to employees by June 14, 2021.
Interim Provost Hayes – May 5, 2021 – Course Delivery Modes – deadline May 12 (pdf)
Request for instructors to review course delivery modes and have all changes made prior to May 12.
VC Hardy – April 26, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics (pdf)
Sharing information about more opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members 18 and older to get vaccinated.
Interim VC Van Scott – April 13, 2021 – Guidance for Research Travel (pdf)
Information about how requests for university-affiliated travel outside of North Carolina will be considered and that it is still prohibited except under special circumstances.
VC Hardy – April 13, 2021 – MODERNA VACCINATIONS (pdf)
Announcement that ECU’s clinic is offering the Moderna vaccines; Johnson & Johnson vaccine offerings suspended following CDC and FDA recommendations to pause.
Dean Gemperline – April 8, 2021 – Graduate School Grading Accommodation Spring 2021 (pdf)
Announcement of Graduate School’s grading accommodation guidelines.
VC Hardy – April 6, 2021 – ECU Spring 2021 Commencement Times Announced (pdf)
Times for three commencement ceremonies announced (two undergraduate and one graduate), with information about how ticket information will be communicated.
VC Hardy – April 5, 2021 – ECU COVID-19 Vaccine Availability (pdf)
Announcement of planned distribution of vaccines for ECU students and faculty/staff 18 years or older during College Week.
Chancellor Rogers – March 25, 2021 – Fall 2021 Planning Team Membership (pdf)
Announcement of members of the Fall 2021 planning team.
VC Hardy – March 25, 2021 – VACCINES FOR ECU STUDENTS OR OLDER (pdf)
Announcement of collaboration between ECU, Vidant Health, and Pitt County to vaccinate ECU Students 18 or older living on-campus or off campus with roommates; information for students to get the vaccine.
VC Hardy – March 24, 2021 – COVID VACCINE (pdf)
Announcement that Student Health Services will have some vaccine inventory for those with preexisting conditions as defined in Group 4 and ECU students, faculty, and staff members from Groups 1-3.
Chancellor Rogers – March 18, 2021 – Planning for Fall 2021: Return to Campus (pdf)
Announcement of plans to return to campus in Fall 2021; planning team will be created; plan for face-to-face courses with safety precautions; housing will be at normal capacity; full operations for dining services and student recreation centers.
Interim VC Van Scott – March 15, 2021 – COVID-19 Research Guidance (pdf)
Updates to the research guidance in response to some relaxation of restrictions
Interim Provost Hayes – March 12, 2021 – Follow Up: Rental Regalia Available for Faculty (pdf)
Guidance for faculty planning to attend one of the in-person commencement ceremonies, given that the rental must be secured before the decision about whether a faculty member will be able to attend
Interim Provost Hayes – March 11, 2021 – RE: Spring Semester Evaluations (pdf)
Announcement of changes to the previous policy for Undergraduate Student Evaluation and COVID-19 announced the Interim Chancellor’s March 8 email, which changes the Pass grade to a D- (see updated policy, here)
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 8, 2021 – Spring Semester Evaluations (pdf)
Announcement of the Interim Chancellor’s decision to override the Faculty Senate recommendations to not offer a pass/fail option in Spring 2021 and to not change the way faculty are evaluated by students through the SOIS; inclusion of documents explaining the new initiatives to replace those recommendations: Undergraduate Student Evaluation and COVID-19 (updated by email from Provost on March 11, 2021) and Faculty Evaluation and COVID-19
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 5, 2021 – Spring 2021 Commencement (pdf)
ECU is planning to hold in-person commencement ceremonies at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium on May 7; more information at http://commencement.ecu.edu
HR – March 4, 2021 – Updated COVID-19 Leave Provisions (pdf)
Updated leave provisions effective through June 30, 2021 or until revised or rescinded; employees may use paid work time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and can fill out this form for COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave if the employee cannot return to work the day they receive the vaccine or the following day
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 3, 2021 – Vaccine update for employees, March 3, 2021 (pdf)
Opening of COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Group 3 announced, which includes some college and university instructors and support staff; information regarding the vaccine
VC Hardy – March 2, 2021 – Students and Post-Vaccination Effects (pdf)
Reminders for faculty of protocols for student COVID-19 cases, information about students and vaccinations for COVID-19
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – January 29, 2021 – Barnes & Noble selected to operate university bookstore (pdf)
Barnes & Noble college taking over management and operation of university bookstore as a result of revenue losses related to COVID-19 and changes in textbook industry
Interim Provost Hayes – January 28, 2021 – ECUP / SHS Vaccine Administration (pdf)
Announcement of the groups for the vaccine and the current status of the vaccination efforts
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – January 25, 2021 – COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Workers Needed (pdf)
Posting for vaccine clinic workers
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – January 19, 2021 – Important update regarding COVID-19 vaccinations (pdf)
Note: sent from Office of the Chancellor on behalf of Jason Fotlz, D.O.; information for scheduling vaccine appointments for all ECU faculty and staff who are age 65 and older and their spouses who are age 65 and older
Interim VC Van Scott – January 12, 2021 – Guidance for Research During the Post-Holiday COVID Surge (pdf)
Asking faculty to consider postponing or putting on pause non-essential studies involving direct face-to-face interactions that are not COVID-19 related or that would not have clinical benefit to patients
Interim Provost Hayes – January 5, 2021 – Survey of Student Opinion of Instruction (SSOI) (pdf)
Reminding evaluators that the SSOI should never be used as the sole basis for evaluating teaching and that the scores may be affected by pandemic-related circumstances
HR – December 22, 2020 – COVID-19 Resilience Website for Faculty and Staff (pdf)
Announcement of a website created by the UNC System Office Human Resources with resources related to mental health and well-being, resilience, equity, and stress management
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – December 3, 2020 – Furloughs announced for senior administrators (pdf)
Furloughs announced for 23 senior administrative leaders
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – November 20, 2020 – Remaining vigilant (pdf)
Exhortation for faculty, staff, and students to be vigilant against pandemic fatigue and to maintain the 3Ws
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – October 7, 2020 – Navigating Spring 2021 (pdf)
Discussion of planning for spring 2021 and what was learned from fall
Interim Provost Hayes – September 30, 2020 – Proctoring (pdf)
Encouraging faculty to use alternatives to proctoring, listing of resources
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – September 25, 2020 – Campus update regarding furloughs (pdf)
More furloughs of employees in auxiliary and receipt-based areas, and likely more to come
Interim Provost Hayes – September 10, 2020 – Missed Instructional Time Survey (pdf)
Link to survey to document how missed instructional time from August 24 and August 25 (transition to online instruction due to COVID-19) was handled
Interim Provost Hayes – September 9, 2020 – Emergency Grading and Academic Record Notations due to COVID-19 (pdf)
Undergraduate students can convert grades to pass/fail designation December 2-15, transcript will have a note about the global public health emergency
Interim Provost Hayes – September 2, 2020 – Pass/Fail Option for Fall 2020 (pdf)
Pass/fail option for undergraduate students implemented, pass/fail will not count toward GPA but will count toward semester hours and toward applicable curricular, major, continuation, and graduation requirements
Interim Provost Hayes – August 31, 2020 – Course Scheduling for Spring 2021 (pdf)
ECU to return to 15-week format as default scheduling format in Spring 2021, block scheduling can still be utilized by departments at their discretion
HR – August 28, 2020 – September Leave Provisions, Childcare Resources, and FFCRA Update (pdf)
Leave provisions effective August 1, 2020 extended through September 30, 2020, through December 31, 2020 employees can use Literacy, Tutoring, and Mentoring Community Service Leave, information about childcare resources and intermittent leave.
Interim Provost Hayes – August 26, 2020 – Electronic PAD Exceptions for Tenure & Promotion 2020-2021 (pdf)
Exceptions to Electronic PAD process will be granted to faculty with an Americans with Disabilities (ADA) accommodation
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – August 26, 2020 – Message for faculty and staff as ECU transitions to remote instructions (pdf)
Video message (embedded link in the pdf) with separate messages for students and staff to explain the reason for the pivot and provide words of encouragement
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – August 23, 2020 – ECU adjusting fall semester because of COVID-19 (pdf)
Undergraduate courses will move to online instruction beginning Wednesday, August 26, courses suspended on August 24 and August 25, faculty will follow the Interim Regulation on Making Up Missed Instructional Time Due to Suspension of Instruction, deadline to withdraw without financial penalty for the first 8 week session moved to Friday, August 28, students will begin moving out of residence halls and move out period concludes on August 30
Interim Provost Hayes – August 23, 2020 – Fall 2020 Instruction (pdf)
Announcement of sessions to help faculty transition their in-person courses to online, links to resources and information to help faculty make the move, acknowledgement of difficulties and further planning needed to transition lab sciences, art studios and performance classes
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – August 18, 2020 – COVID Update (pdf)
Even though UNC Chapel Hill moved courses online, ECU will still proceed with on-campus instruction
Interim Provost Hayes – August 17, 2020 – Electronic PAD and Recommendations for Tenure & Promotion 2020-2021 (pdf)
Authorization of submission of an electronic PAD and workflow for submission of recommendations, documents outlining the workflow, folder format and naming conventions for tenure and promotion cases and promotion only cases
Interim Provost Hayes – August 17, 2020 – Extensions to Personnel-Related Deadlines (pdf)
Deadlines for the promotion and tenure timeline are extended to allow for the implementation of an electronic PAD process, revised dates were attached
Interim Provost Hayes – August 12, 2020 – Face Covering Exemptions (pdf)
Process for requesting exemption from the face covering regulation is outlined
VC Hardy – August 10, 2020 – Student Affairs Protocols/Processes RE: COVID-19 (pdf)
Procedures for all of the Student Affairs offices
VC Hardy – August 5, 2020 – Information Pertaining to Classroom/University Expectations – Students and COVID-19 (pdf)
Procedures for dealing with students who do not comply with regulations for wearing masks and other classroom expectations.
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – August 4, 2020 – Mask Compliance Expectations on Campus (pdf)
Reminder that everyone is expected to wear a mask when in public places and to try to maintain six feet of distance from others, link to the regulation that requires it and a video describing scenarios and clarifying mask expectations
Dean Gemperline – July 29, 2020 – Guidance for Graduate Assistants Participating in Research and Teaching Activities (pdf)
Information for faculty and staff supervisors of graduate assistants and graduate assistants about policies and guidance created in response to returning to in-person activities and mitigating the spread of COVID-19.
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – July 27, 2020 – COVID-19 Symptoms Self-Screening Signup (pdf)
Announcement of program for employees to receive text and email reminders every day that will include the link to the self-screening website for daily COVID-19 symptoms monitoring, encouraging employees to enter their mobile phone number into PiratePort so they receive the message through text
HR – July 27, 2020 – August 1 COVID-19 Admin Leave Provisions (pdf)
Employees must now use their leave if they are not expected to work onsite but cannot telework. Employees must now use their leave if they need FFCRA-eligible leave benefits but have exhausted them, but once they exhaust their own leave they will receive up to 160 hours COVID-19 paid administrative leave through December 31, 2020
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – July 24, 2020 – Campus Update (pdf)
Discussion of the directive from BOG Chair Ramsey to submit plans for 25-50% budget cuts, announcement of committee for fiscal sustainability, UNC System issued memo extending and expanding authority of chancellor to use temporary furloughs, temporary salary reductions, and reductions-in-force for non-faculty, guidance from UNC System coming for procedures for faculty
Interim VC Van Scott – July 24, 2020 – Undergraduate Research during COVID (pdf)
Announcement of guidelines for students carrying out wet laboratory research and for undergraduates working on research at the Brody School of Medicine
Interim Provost Hayes – July 23, 2020 – Guidance on Fall 2020 Proctoring (pdf)
Faculty are encouraged to avoid using assessments that would require proctoring or to use other options, if proctoring is used it must be on the syllabus, inclusion of other resources
Interim VC Van Scott – July 20, 2020 – ELI Reporting (pdf)
Clarification provided about which types of experiential learning programs need to report (follow-up to this memo from Academic Council)
Academic Council – July 13, 2020 – Adoption of ELI (Experiential Learning Inventory) (pdf)
Students in experiential learning programs must be entered into a new Experiential Learning Inventory by Census Day (August 21, 2020)
Interim Provost Hayes – July 9, 2020 – New Guidance from DHS and Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)(pdf)
New guidance on Fall 2020 international student visa eligibility, in which students at universities that move completely online are not allowed to stay in the US
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – July 2, 2020 – Update on the Return of Pirate Nation (pdf)
Announcement of updates to the Return of Pirate Nation website and additional resources posted there to answer questions fielded during the town hall meetings
Interim Provost Hayes – June 29, 2020 – Faculty Resources for Course Formats and Canvas Transition (pdf)
Release of resources guide to help faculty adapt their courses to the shortened course formats and transition to Canvas
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – June 25, 2020 – July 1st Return of Pirate Nation Virtual Town Hall (pdf)
Link to second town hall to take place on July 1, 2020 and reminder that the Return of Pirate Nation website will be updated regularly
Dean Gemperline – June 25, 2020 – Guidance on Writing Graduate Assistantship Contracts and Job Duties for Fall 2020 and Onward (pdf)
Updates on the status of the Graduate Assistantship budget, information about graduate assistantships and how to proceed through various scenarios
Chair Popke – June 23, 2020 – ECU Re-Open Plan (pdf)
Reminding faculty about the Town Hall to discuss the Return of Pirate Nation plan, and announcing formation of Ad Hoc Faculty Senate Committee on Instruction
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – June 22, 2020 – Return of Pirate Nation (pdf)
Announcement of the Return of Pirate Nation website and the plan for returning to campus; guides for employees, students, and visitors coming soon; reminder of virtual town hall
HR – June 17, 2020 – July 1 COVID-19 Administrative Leave Provisions (pdf)
UNC System Office leave provisions effective July 1, 2020 which reduce the amount of COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave to 1/3 (down from 2/3) of an employee’s pay once FFCRA benefits are exhausted
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – June 16, 2020 – Return Updates (pdf)
Plan for Return of Pirate Nation will go live on Monday, June 22nd and will have a dedicated website, virtual town hall scheduled for June 24 at 3-4 p.m.
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – June 11, 2020 – Furloughs for some employees (pdf)
Announcement of emergency temporary furloughs for some units in institutional auxiliary and/or receipt-supported enterprises; employees will be notified this week
Dean Gemperline – June 1, 2020 – Monthly newsletter for GPDCs (pdf)
Notification to all faculty about newsletters being released by Dr. Kathy Cox from the Graduate School, and attachment of the most recent newsletter
Interim Provost Hayes – May 29, 2020 – Modified Academic Calendar 2020-21 (pdf)
Release of the modified academic calendar for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, which adds two 8-week blocks to each semester, in addition to a revised 15-week schedule.
HR – May 29, 2020 – June 1 COVID-19 Admin Leave Provisions (pdf)
COVID-19 Paid Administrative Leave use reduced to match that provided by Families First Coronavirus Response Act; employees can use accrued sick leave, vacation leave, and bonus leave interchangeably through December 31, 2020.
Interim Provost Hayes – May 26, 2020 – ECU Study Abroad (pdf)
All study abroad programs cancelled for Fall 2020, as well as university-related international travle by faculty, staff, and students.
Academic Council – May 19, 2020 – Resumption of Animal Research Activities (pdf)
Animal research activities slated to gradually return to full operation; must be approved before return
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – May 18, 2020 – Athletics Fiscal Sustainability Report (pdf)
Release of the Athletics Fiscal Sustainability Working Group Report (pdf)
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – May 18, 2020 – CARES Act Funding Update (pdf)
Announcement of the release of CARES Act funding for grants for students, links to the application for the grants, link to contribute to the Student Emergency Fund
Academic Council – May 18, 2020 – Resumption of Experiential Learning (pdf)
Experiential learning authorized to resume following approval by Academic Council, process for approval outlined on The Experiential Learning Working Group website
Interim Provost Hayes – May 14, 2020 – Block Scheduling Exceptions (pdf)
List of course types automatically excluded from block scheduling provided, link to an exception request form for exceptions beyond those automatically granted, timeline for the exceptions and scheduling changes laid out
Interim Provost Hayes – May 7, 2020 – Course Scheduling for 2020-21 (pdf)
Announcement of the 8-week block scheduling format for each semester in Fall 2020 and Spring 2021
Chair Popke – May 6, 2020 – Calendar Implementation Taskforce (pdf)
Announcing the Calendar Implementation Taskforce to work on solutions to issues presented by the 8-week block schedule of classes for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, listing of members
Dean Gemperline – May 5, 2020 – Emergency Grading Accommodation implementation details (pdf)
Pointing faculty to a series of pages on the Registrar’s website for information about how to apply the emergency grading accommodations (pass/fail)
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – May 1, 2020 – Home Stretch of the Semester (pdf)
Message of encouragement as the semester ends, link to the virtual graduation ceremony information, and video message
Interim Provost Hayes – April 30, 2020 – Important Campus Updates (pdf)
Plan to start fall semester on campus, extension of enrollment deposit deadline, Campus Living contract due May 1st, online New Student Orientation required for incoming students, live events, access to Pirate Introduction to ECU Registration (PIER)
Registrar – April 29, 2020 – Spring Semester 2020 Grade Entry is Now Available (pdf)
Grade submission deadline reminder (12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 12), Special Grade Accommodations (pass/fail) begin on May 13, 2020, instructions for changing a grade, information about thesis/dissertation grades
HR – April 29, 2020 – Extension of COVID-19 Faculty and Staff Work and Leave Provisions through May 8, 2020 (pdf)
UNC System Office extended the COVID-19 Special Faculty and Staff Work and Leave provisions through May 8, 2020
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – April 27, 2020 – Looking forward to Fall 2020 (pdf)
Highlighting contributions ECU has made to regional success, award winners, intention to return to campus in-person in Fall
Interim Provost Hayes – April 22, 2020 – Top 10 for Courses Moving Online this Summer (pdf)
Information about Distance Education Modules and Continuing Education Units, setting out technology requirements for online instruction to students, assessments and including any proctoring information in the syllabus, moving to Canvas, Quality Matters training offered through OFE, resolving incompletes, continuity of instruction and contingency planning, communication, resources for teaching online, and collaboration tools
Chair Popke – April 17, 2020 – COVID-19 Extension – Frequently Asked Questions (pdf)
Answers to frequently asked questions about the extension of the promotion and tenure timeline for probationary faculty included in an attachment, and more questions will be added on this page.
Interim Provost Hayes – April 17, 2020 – Survey of Student Opinion of Instruction (SSOI)(pdf)
SSOI will still be administered, but instructors can choose to exclude (without penalty) or include data from Spring 2020 SSOI in their Annual Reports, PADs, and/or Portfolios
Interim Provost Hayes – April 15, 2020 – Technology Guidance – Personnel Actions (pdf)
Remote options for conducting personnel actions, use of password protected environments for collaboration on and transmission of annual reports, annual letters, and progress toward tenure letters, signatures can be obtained with DocuSign, or by printing, signing, and scanning or photographing documents and uploading them to the secure environment, synchronous discussion options are MSTeams or Webex, Qualtrics for secret ballots, polling in Webex for non-secret ballots, electronic PAD option under consideration
Interim VC Van Scott – April 15, 2020 – ECU Research COVID-19 Project Survey (pdf)
Creation of a COVID-19 Response Index to collect and share COVID-19 related research projects, response through a Qualtrics survey
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – April 9, 2020 – Message from the Interim Chancellor (pdf)
Email from interim chancellor to acknowledge work done by everyone and praise the establishment of funds for student emergencies
VC Hardy – April 9, 2020 – OSRR Update (pdf)
Notice that OSRR will be operating remotely, including holding hearings (student conduct board, Title IX, Academic Integrity Board).
VC Hardy – April 8, 2020 – Format for New Student Orientation (pdf)
New Student Orientation will move to a virtual format.
VC Hardy – April 7, 2020 – Purple Pantry Pirate Pack Delivery (pdf)
Purple Pantry is providing Pirate Packs, which contain food and hygiene items that students can pick up on Wednesdays beginning April 8th, packs can be delivered if students fill out a form
VC Hardy – April 6, 2020 – Camps and Conferences Update (pdf)
All university-sponsored camps, clinics, activities, or programs associated with university units, department, or organizations are cancelled until June 30, 2020
Interim Provost Hayes – April 1, 2020 – Extension of Tenure and Promotion Schedule due to COVID-19 (pdf)
Probationary faculty members can request a one-year extension (see deadlines in memo)
Dean Gemperline – April 1, 2020 – Emergency Grading Accommodations Policy (pdf)
Rationale, background information, and clarification of implementation of the policy for graduate students
HR – March 31, 2020 – COVID-19 HR Updates-Effective 4/1-4/30 (pdf)
Updated faculty and staff work and leave provisions from the UNC System Office, mandatory permanent employees receive additional compensation for hours required at a designated University worksite, updated special leave provisions
Interim Provost Hayes – March 30, 2020 – Summer School/COVID-19 Update (pdf)
ECU will continue online/alternative course delivery through Summer Sessions 1 and 2, Governor’s statewide stay-at-home order
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 27, 2020 – Pirates Prevail (pdf)
Video message to congratulate faculty on one week of remote education
HR – March 26, 2020 – Suspension of In-person HR Office Hours (pdf)
Office hours suspended until further notice, remote options available
HR – March 25, 2020 – SHRA & CSS Evaluation Cycle Extension (pdf)
Date extended from March 31, 2020 to June 30, 2020, with evaluations for SHRA & CSS employees due August 31, 2020
Dean Gemperline – March 25, 2020 – Graduate School Update: Spring 2020 P/F Approved for Graduate Students (pdf)
Emergency Grading Accommodation applies to all students except Nursing (both undergraduate and graduate), Medical, and Dental students.
HR – March 24, 2020 – ComPsych Guidance Resources: Coronavirus Updated Toolkit and Webinars (pdf)
Information about additional resources offered by ComPsych
Interim Provost Hayes – March 23, 2020 – Resources and Support (pdf)
Pointing faculty to instructional continuity guidelines website, guidelines from system office, remote teleworking tips, online training for WebEx, information for Canvas and Blackboard, Office for Faculty Excellence trainings, computer support, IT Help Desk; reminding faculty about cancellation of face-to-face proctoring; support for students including Virtual Computing Lab, software for download, IT help, University Writing Center, Pirate Academic Success Center; faculty offices are open but everyone should work from home if at all possible, computer labs are not accessible to students, questions to verify a student’s identity while advising them, how to help students without access to internet or textbooks
Interim Provost Hayes – March 23, 2020 – Emergency Grading Accommodation for Spring 2020 (pdf)
Link included to document about undergraduate grading accommodations, including information about pass/fail, link to Tips for Online Learning for students
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 20, 2020 – Announcement regarding May 2020 Commencement (pdf)
Change commencement to virtual event
Interim VC Van Scott – March 20, 2020 – Updated guidance on laboratory research (pdf)
Labs must cease all non-critical research by Wednesday, March 25, definition of critical laboratory research, Critical Activities Request Form, Laboratory Ramp Down Checklist
HR – March 20, 2020 – Adjusted HR Operations (pdf)
Reducing in-person office hours to 11 am – 2 pm Monday through Friday
HR – March 19, 2020 – COVID-19 HR Updates (pdf)
Updates to “mandatory employee” designation, paid administrative leave guidelines, timekeeping, teleworking information per UNC System Guidance, infographics about remote work for employees and managers
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 19, 2020 – Extensions of Personnel-related Deadlines (pdf)
Listing of dates that were changed to extend deadlines for personnel processes, with attached calendar of changes
VC Hardy – March 19, 2020 – Facilities and Services Availability (pdf)
Closures of Campus Recreation and Wellness Facilities; information about operation changes to Career Services, Center for Counseling and Student Development, Dean of Students Office, Dining Facilities, Disability Student Services, Dowdy Student Stores, Health Sciences Student Center, Library Services, Main Campus Student Center, Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, One Card Office, Parking and Transportation Services, Pirate Academic Success Center, Pirate Techs, Purple Pantry, Residence Halls, Student Health Services, Transit Services, University Writing Center
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 17, 2020 – COVID-19/Coronavirus Update (pdf)
Guidance from UNC System, campus housing decisions, cancellations of summer study abroad programs and all university-sponsored student travel, university-sponsored international and domestic travel, personal travel and gatherings of 10 or more discouraged and requires clinical assessment to return to work
HR – March 17, 2020 – COVID-19/Coronavirus HR Update (pdf)
Dissemination of the Special Work and Leave Provisions from UNC System Office; working with Vice Chancellors and Director of Athletics to review and revise list of mandatory employees (per Chancellor’s memo)
HR – March 16, 2020 – CompPsych Guidance Resources: Coronavirus Tooklit and Webinar (pdf)
Information about resources offered by ComPsych
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 13, 2020 – COVID-19 and Faculty Governance (pdf)
Unit personnel committees should conduct virtual meetings, anonymous Qualtrics surveys are authorized for voting within personnel committees, Faculty Senate committees should conduct virtual meetings and utilize existing SharePoint sites, Teams are being set up for each committee, the March 31st Faculty Senate meeting will be virtual
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 13, 2020 – Facing the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 (pdf)
Suspension of university-sponsored travel, cancellation/postponement of large campus gatherings
Interim Provost Hayes – March 12, 2020 – Provost Update: COVID-19 (pdf)
Outline of changes in response to COVID-19, including limiting campus services, alternative instruction delivery, cancellation of student and public events for the next two weeks, graduate/teaching assistant employment, Continuity of Instruction Plan, recommendation to cancel in-person office hours, alternate methods of conducting job interviews, suspension of academic review process
Dean Gemperline – March 12, 2020 – Graduate School FAQ: COVID-19 (pdf)
Questions answered about payment of research/teaching/graduate assistants; what to do if you feel sick; teaching assistant duty expectations; teaching assistants and lab courses; encouragement to conduct thesis/dissertation defenses online; continuation of student research
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 11, 2020 – COVID-19 Update (pdf)
Extension of spring break, asking students not to return to campus, transition to alternative course delivery, maximizing telework for employees, restriction on hosting gatherings of 100 or more, suspension of university-sponsored travel to gatherings of 100 or more, suspension of all university-sponsored international travel, establishment of call center (252-737-5100) operational from 8 AM – 4 PM Monday – Friday, recommendation of self-quarantine for certain students, faculty, and staff
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 6, 2020 – Coronavirus Update (pdf)
Prohibition of university-sponsored travel to countries with CDC level 2 or 3, and level 3 or 4 designations by State Department, other travel concerns
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – March 4, 2020 – Spring Break and coronavirus (pdf)
Cautions to faculty and students traveling for spring break, reminders of steps to prevent spread of viral illnesses, encouraging self-quarantine for individuals returning from CDC level 3 areas
Interim Provost Hayes – March 3, 2020 – Coronavirus (COVID-19) (pdf)
University-sponsored travel (including previously approved travel) to countries with CDC Level 3 travel restrictions won’t be paid or reimbursed, ECU Tuscany program cancelled; study abroad to China, South Korea, Japan, and Italy cancelled for summer term
Interim Chancellor Mitchelson – February 27, 2020 – Monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19) (pdf)
Encouraging students to use best judgment regarding travel plans, ECU not sending students to high risk areas (China, South Korea), monitoring situation at areas of heightened risk (Italy, Japan)