Latest NinerNotices

Latest NinerNotices

March 24: Follow Up to Carjacking Incident

This message is sent in follow up to yesterday’s NinerNotice about a carjacking on campus at approximately 2 p.m. 

At approximately 8:30 p.m. last night, the vehicle was recovered by CMPD in their North Division. The suspect was located with the vehicle and arrested. 

The suspect, Mark Jordan Williams II, is charged with six felonies, including robbery with a dangerous weapon, felony possession of stolen property and being a felon in possession of a firearm on a campus. Additional charges are pending. He is being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail. 

The recovered vehicle was able to be returned to its owner. 

Next NinerNotice
There are no additional NinerNotices planned for this incident.

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March 23, 2023: NinerNotice: Carjacking Reported on Campus; No Ongoing Threat

Today, Thursday, March 23, shortly after 2 p.m., the UNC Charlotte Police Department received a call from CMPD that a carjacking in Lot 5, near the intersection of Van Landingham Rd. and Martin Village Rd. on the perimeter of campus, had been reported to them. 

Officers responded immediately to a student who reported their car was taken at gunpoint.  There were no injuries reported. 

The 4-door, burgundy Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was seen leaving campus via Old Concord Rd. toward W.T. Harris Blvd.  The suspect is described as a Black man in his late twenties, wearing a black sweatshirt, a black head covering and dark pants. The gun he brandished is described as a pistol with camouflage markings. 

There is no ongoing threat to campus, but you may continue to see increased police presence in the area. 

UNC Charlotte Police Department is working with CMPD on the investigation. If you have any information, call UNC Charlotte Police at 704-687-2200. 

Next NinerNotice
An update on the investigation will be provided when it becomes available. 

This notice was updated at 4:27 p.m. to reflect the addition of the suspect description. 

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Oct. 7: Annual Lockdown System Test Oct. 10

The annual tests of the NinerAlert and campus lockdown systems will occur at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 10, and will last approximately 10 minutes. The tests will include main campus and the Dubois Center.

The tests assess the functionality of the campus lockdown and emergency notification systems, helping the Department of Safety and Security train and prepare for emergency situations. 

Please note: Though you will receive NinerAlerts, this is only a test, and the initial and “all clear” alerts will be marked clearly as test messages. In the event of an actual emergency, the test will be canceled and you will receive directions through the alert system. 

What you should know:

• Exterior campus doors will be automatically locked. You will not be able to enter a building from an exterior door during this time, but you will be able to exit the building if necessary.
• Key card access will not allow you into a building. Key cards will not unlock the doors during this test.
• Interior doors will not be affected. Movement within a building will not be impacted.
• No action is required of you. Students, faculty, staff and visitors should continue their daily functions.
• You may notice UNC Charlotte police officers, along with other Department of Safety and Security personnel, around campus. They will be testing the lockdown functionality.

Those who have visitors or other scheduled events during this time are encouraged to share this information with their guests.

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Aug. 31: NinerNotice: Information about Friday’s Football Game and Campus Changes

The Charlotte 49ers will take on William & Mary on Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. Important game day protocols have been established to preserve the safety of the campus community. Additionally, changes to campus operations, including class schedules and parking will be in place. 

Please review these reminders:

Classes at 2 p.m. and Later
As shared by Provost Joan Lorden over the summer, faculty are required to make alternate arrangements for all classes that are scheduled for main campus starting at 2 p.m. or later on Friday, Sept. 2. Please refer to the UNC Charlotte Schedule Interruption Guidelines for more information. Changes to classes will be communicated directly from faculty members to students.

 Employees Leaving Campus by 4 p.m. and Accounting for Time

• Because of expected congestion, employees not attending the game are encouraged to exit campus by 4 p.m.
• The University, however, will be open and appropriate staffing levels are required to provide access to resources during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Departments with second- and third-shift operations should likewise anticipate staffing needs for that evening.  
• Supervisors are encouraged to allow staff to use leave time, compensatory time and/or alternate arrangements to weekly work schedules to make up for any lost hours from exiting campus early. 
• Staff who plan to stay past 4 p.m. should park on the east side of campus (East Decks 1-3, Lots 5, 5a, 6), so they don’t have to relocate midday.
• If you have additional questions about work schedules on game day, please contact Gary Stinnett, associate vice chancellor for human resources, at gwstinne@uncc.edu or 704-687-0644.

Football Tickets

• Students -- Game day information can be found on the student game day info page.
• Faculty and Staff -- Single-game tickets can be purchased on the Charlotte 49ers website. 

Campus Parking and Traffic
The campus will experience high traffic, restricted parking and restrained movement from
3:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Allow extra time to exit or enter campus during these hours.

There will be parking and traffic changes in place during the game, including the following:

• Phillips Road will be closed to all but emergency and service vehicles. Campus entrances/exits open for general use on game day will be the main entrance off University City Boulevard and the entrance at John Kirk Drive and Van Landingham Road.
• All vehicles parked in Resident Lot 25 must be moved by 5 a.m. on Friday, September 2. Vehicles not moved to North Deck will be towed to Lot 6 at the owner’s expense; the tow fee is $85. No other resident (blue) lots are impacted.
• At 3:30 p.m., event lots are restricted to gameday parking permits only. Event parking begins at 4 p.m. Vehicles in event lots must have a football parking permit.
• Students, faculty and staff who usually park in CRI 2, CRI 3, or Lot 23 must park in CRI Deck for the day. Those who usually park in Lot 26 should park in North Deck. Vehicles without football permits may be towed from Union Deck rooftop, West Deck rooftop, and CRI Deck rooftop.
• At 5 p.m., regular Niner Transit service switches to Football Shuttle service until one hour post-game. The Marriott to Football Stadium Gate 1 shuttle will begin operating. You may use the Football Shuttle to get around campus even if you are not attending football events. Use PassioGO! to for real-time transit tracking.    

Paratransit
Niner Paratransit will continue to support ADA transportation needs for non-attendees, as well as a shuttle service for game attendees from CRI Deck to stadium Gate 1 loop.

Visitor Parking
Visitors must park in East Deck 1 or South Village Deck visitor parking and pay the visitor fee of $5 for the first hour and $2 for each additional hour; $15 maximum, unless they have a game day prepaid permit or use credit or debit to park at Cone Center. Football permits may be purchased through Charlotte 49ers Athletics.

Getting to the Game
Don’t want to pay for parking? Consider taking the LYNX light rail to the game. Direct bus service to the Football Stadium is available from the UNC Charlotte Main Station. Students who have paid the Miscellaneous Transportation Service Charge may ride light rail and CATS buses fare-free with their 49er ID. Faculty and staff may purchase a CATS All-Access Transit Pass at a reduced rate.

More Information and Questions
Learn more about game day parking and transportation changes. Questions? Contact the Parking and Transportation Communication Center at 704-687-0161.

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April 20: Recent Auto Break-Ins on Campus

In the past week, the University has experienced a series of auto break-ins in the area of South Village Deck. All of the break-ins have occurred in the overnight hours and in tandem with similar incidents in the University City area. 

All owners of the affected vehicles were contacted after the property damage was discovered, and there were no reports of theft. 

In addition to standard surveillance of all parking areas on campus, UNC Charlotte police have increased security protocols in that area – including the addition of a police tower and increased police patrols, among other measures, to deter criminal activity.  

University police are working with CMPD to investigate the incidents. Anyone with information should call 704-687-8300. 

All members of Niner Nation are encouraged to follow these safety reminders: 

• Park in well lit areas if possible. 
• Lock your vehicle when you leave it. 
• Remove all valuables from your vehicle. 
• If you must leave valuables in your car, place them inside your trunk and out of view. 
• Immediately report suspicious activity by calling 704‑687‑2200 or using the LiveSafe App.

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April 1: Updates and Reminders about COVID-19 Safety Protocols

We are following up on the March 18 NinerNotice with updates to campus safety protocols. 

There are several changes that will be effective on Monday, April 4, and they are outlined below as a reminder. 

As we continue to see manageable trends with COVID-19, we are also changing the indoor gathering restriction currently in place. Beginning Monday, indoor events will be allowed to take place at the full capacity of the room. 

We will continue watching on-campus infection numbers and other key metrics closely. If we need to resume additional measures for the health of our community, we are prepared to do so quickly and will communicate changes to you promptly via NinerNotice. 

Additionally, please remember on-campus testing and booster shots remain available to all members of the campus community (more information below), and masks are available for pick up in the Popp Martin Student Union, Atkins Library and the Career Center for individuals who wish to wear one. When worn correctly, face masks provide some protection against the spread of COVID-19. 

Here is what else you can expect beginning Monday, April 4: 

Wastewater-based testing for residential students Note: The mitigation testing requirement for off-campus students and faculty/staff ended on March 21.	Screening testing of residence hall students based on wastewater results is no longer required. However, wastewater surveillance will continue and residents will be notified if the virus has been detected in their building so they may choose to be tested. You can access a test Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the South Village Crossing (SoVi) testing site. No appointment is necessary.
Campus COVID-19 and wastewater reporting	The COVID-19 dashboard previously located on the Emergency Management website has been replaced by a wastewater dashboard on the Niner Nation Cares website. It includes information about the levels of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in campus wastewater samples.
Niner Health Check	Daily completion of the Niner Health Check is no longer required. However, you will continue to receive the health check every day. Should you become ill with COVID-19 symptoms, please complete the form. Simply delete the email if you do not need it.
Consolidation of asymptomatic testing centers; no registration required	Asymptomatic testing will continue to be offered Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the South Village Crossing (SoVi) location. Signage will direct you to the correct location. No appointment is necessary for testing.  Note: Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 should continue to contact the Student Health Center at 704-687-7400 to schedule a test.
Masks on Niner Transit and in the Student Health Center	Federal and state mandates continue to require masks on Niner Transit and in the Student Health Center.
Travel guidelines	The latest travel guidelines for faculty and staff are available on the Travel Office website.
Exit testing	The University will not specifically offer exit testing ahead of the end of the semester. However, anyone who desires a COVID-19 test may receive one through the on-campus testing center in SoVi. No appointment is required.

 

As always, thank you for your ongoing support, patience and cooperation. 

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March 18: Update on COVID-19 Protocols

Niner Nation, as announced in our Feb. 28 NinerNotice, we are following up on additional changes to our campus safety measures.

Yesterday, Gov. Roy Cooper announced the state would move to a more endemic approach to managing COVID-19, and we are also transitioning to the same approach on campus. This means we understand the virus will be here for quite some time, but with strong vaccination rates and good personal choices about safety, it is manageable. 

With that in mind, we are making some changes to campus protocols over the next few weeks.

However, as we have learned all too well over the past two years, COVID-19 can be unpredictable. If we need to resume additional measures to protect our campus, we are prepared to do so quickly and will communicate changes to you promptly. 

Please review the information below closely and retain this email for your records so you may refer back to it as needed.

What's Not Changing

	Details
Access to on-campus testing	On-campus COVID-19 testing will continue to be available to members of the campus community, regardless of vaccination status. Please see additional information below for details.
Access to on-campus boosters	On-campus COVID-19  vaccine boosters will continue to be available on Thursdays. See the Niner Nation Cares website for more information.
Gathering sizes	Indoor gathering size restrictions of one-half of the room’s occupancy remain in place for now. We will continue to reassess this safety measure and keep the campus updated on any changes. There are no outdoor gathering limits.
Travel guidelines	University travel restrictions for unvaccinated employees remain in place. This protocol will continue to be reevaluated, and updates will be provided to employees.
Masks on Niner Transit and in the Student Health Center	Federal and state mandates continue to require masks on Niner Transit and in the Student Health Center.
Availability of masks	Face masks continue to be available to members of the University community in the Popp Martin Student Union, Atkins Library and the Career Center for individuals who wish to wear one. When worn correctly, face masks provide some protection against the spread of COVID-19.
Submission of vaccine information	The University continues to accept vaccine and booster information using the online portal.

What's Changing

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March 8: Telephone Service Restored

On-campus telephone service is restored to police dispatch.

For emergencies
Dial 911 from any campus phone or dial 704-687-2200 from a cell phone. 

For non-emergencies
Dial 704-687-8300 to reach Police and Public Safety. 

University police are always available through the LIveSafe App. 

Next NinerNotice
Unless there is an unexpected change, no additional NinerNotices will be sent about this incident. 

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March 8: Issues with on-campus telephone service into police dispatch

The University is currently experiencing problems with the campus phone system into police dispatch. 

OneIT is investigating the issue with the provider, but no restoration time is known. 

In case of an emergency, please use the information below to contact UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

Cell phones
For emergency service, call 980-475-7629 to reach University police. 

You can also dial 911. You will be directed to CMPD 911 who will notify University police of the issue.

LiveSafe
You may also use the LiveSafe app to contact UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

Next NinerNotice
Another NinerNotice will be sent when the issue is resolved. 

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March 7: Telephone Service Restored

On-campus telephone service is restored to police dispatch.

For emergencies
Dial 911 from any campus phone or dial 704-687-2200 from a cell phone. 

For non-emergencies
Dial 704-687-8300 to reach Police and Public Safety. 

University police are always available through the LIveSafe App. 

Next NinerNotice
Unless there is an unexpected change, no additional NinerNotices will be sent about this incident. 

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March 7: Issues with on-campus telephone service into police dispatch

The University is currently experiencing problems with the campus phone system into police dispatch. 

OneIT is investigating the issue with the provider, but no restoration time is known. 

In case of an emergency, please use the information below to contact UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

Cell phones
For emergency service, call 980-475-7629 to reach University police. 

You can also dial 911. You will be directed to CMPD 911 who will notify University police of the issue.

LiveSafe
You may also use the LiveSafe app to contact UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

Next NinerNotice
Another NinerNotice will be sent when the issue is resolved. 

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Feb. 28: Update on Campus Mask Guidance

As we announced on Feb. 17, the University is monitoring and assessing ongoing COVID-19 safety protocols as cases of infection continue to fall in the county and state.

On Friday, Feb. 25, the UNC System issued guidance that makes face masks optional in all indoor settings on all campuses of the System effective March 7. 

Therefore, effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, March 7, face masks will be optional on UNC Charlotte’s campus. This includes classrooms and other academic spaces. 

• Until March 7, face masks will be required in classrooms, Atkins Library and at indoor gatherings. 
• If you are unvaccinated or at high risk for complications, you are still strongly encouraged to wear a mask after March 7. 
• Proper usage of face masks reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection to yourself and others, especially when you are in close proximity to others in confined spaces. Masks will continue to be available for members of the University community at these locations: 
  • The information desk in the Popp Martin Student Union
  • Atkins Library
  • Niner Central
  • University Advising Center
• Please note: Federal and state regulations still require a face mask on NinerTransit and in the Student Health Center.

As announced in the Feb. 17 NinerNotice, other COVID-19 safety measures will remain in place until at least the week following spring break.  

Testing

• The University’s mitigation and wastewater-based testing protocols for anyone not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster when eligible, will continue as planned. This includes the requirement that following spring break, March 7-13, ALL students and employees who are NOT up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations are required to complete a COVID-19 test within the week of March 14-18. 

Events and Gathering Restrictions

• Indoor gatherings and events will continue to be limited to 50% of the space’s room capacity, but masks will not be required beginning March 7. Attendees are always welcome to wear masks if they prefer to do so. 
• Outdoor gatherings have no restrictions.

Looking Forward

We continue to move in the right direction toward the end of the changes made necessary by COVID-19. Thank you for your patience and continued cooperation.

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Feb. 17: Update on Campus COVID-19 Safety Protocols

Yesterday evening, Wednesday, Feb. 16, Mecklenburg County announced they would lift the county’s indoor mask mandate beginning Saturday, Feb. 26.

This decision is based on downward trends in the county’s COVID-19 positivity numbers. This is good news, indicating we are moving past the peak in the omicron surge.

However, people in the following categories are advised to continue wearing masks in all indoor settings: 

• If you have tested positive in the past five days
• If you fall within a high-risk category
• If you are unvaccinated
• Requirements for face masks still exist in healthcare settings and on mass transit, as required by state and federal mandates. 

In light of the county’s announcement, the following updates will be in place for the University community effective Saturday, Feb. 26: 

Masks

The University will continue requiring masks in specific, limited areas — classrooms, Atkins Library, the Student Health Center, on NinerTransit and at indoor gatherings (see below). Beginning Saturday, Feb. 26, masks will no longer be required in other locations on campus. 

Even with this new guidance, you are encouraged to wear a mask to further reduce the risk of infection to yourself and others, especially when you are in close proximity to others in confined spaces. For example, this may include in hallways, in elevators, when waiting in line in buildings or in residential community spaces. 

Employees may make their own choices about asking visitors in their personal office space to wear a mask. 

Masks will continue to be available for members of the University community at these locations: 

• The information desk in the Popp Martin Student Union
• Atkins Library
• Niner Central
• University Advising Center

Events and Gathering Restrictions

• Outdoor gatherings: The University will remove restrictions limiting attendance and masks at outdoor gatherings. Event organizers may still encourage masks for attendees, but they will no longer be required.
• Indoor gatherings: The University will increase indoor gatherings to 50% of the space’s room capacity WITH the requirement of masks during the event. You may inquire on room capacity when booking a space. 
  • This updated protocol will be revisited the week following Spring Break. 
  • No exceptions to this new updated protocol will be granted.
• Athletics events: Athletics events will continue to be held under the guidance provided by Conference USA.  

Testing Protocols

The University’s testing protocols for anyone not up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster when eligible, will continue as planned. We will continue to evaluate our plans, based on evolving data and guidance from public health officials, and keep you updated through NinerNotices and on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Spring Break Re-Entry Testing
Following spring break, March 7-13, ALL students and employees who are NOT up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations will be required to complete a COVID-19 test within the week of March 14-18. 

• This includes on-campus residential students. 
• You may be tested on campus by registering using the mitigation testing form in the portal on Niner Nation Cares or by submitting an off-campus test result. Please note: The test must be conducted by a pharmacy or other healthcare provider. At-home tests will not be accepted. 
• Off-campus test results submissions must be from a test conducted between March 12-18.
• This test will count toward that week’s mitigation testing requirement for all eligible employees and non-residential students, and there will be no additional wastewater-based testing that week for residential students. Mitigation and wastewater-based testing will resume as scheduled the following week. 

COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters and Flu Shots

• COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters: COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are available on campus each Thursday through Vax Van. You may register here. 
• Flu Vaccines: There is still time to get a flu vaccine for protection in this cold/flu season. The University will host flu vaccine clinics on the dates below: 
  • Wednesday, Feb. 23, 9 to 11 a.m. Register here. 
  • Tuesday, March 1, 1 to 3 p.m. Register here. 
  • Both clinics will be held at the Student Health Center

755 Days

The first NinerNotice about COVID-19 was sent on Jan. 24, 2020. No one imagined that 755 days later, we would still be dealing with this situation. But for more than two years, this community has come together – even when asked to do hard, challenging things – to make sure our campus community is safe.

Thank you for all you have done to support your fellow Niners. Your help and cooperation made – and continue to make – our success possible.

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Jan. 14: Additional Details for Jan. 24 Return to In-Person Instruction

Niner Nation, we are looking forward to welcoming students back to in-person instruction beginning Monday, Jan. 24. 

Public health experts are predicting omicron infections will peak in North Carolina as early as this week, and our two-week remote start has allowed us to move past the post-holiday surge. 

As we move forward with the semester, it will be critical we continue with safety measures to ensure COVID-19 remains manageable on campus.

Below are important things to keep in mind. 

Please review this message carefully and retain it so you may refer back to it. 

Masks

Masks remain required on campus. You should wear a well-fitted mask that fits securely over BOTH your nose and mouth and contains multiple layers. N95 or KN95 are the best choices, followed by surgical masks. Other masks do not provide as much protection as these options, but can be enhanced by double masking or adding a filter.

If you need a surgical mask, you may pick one up from any of the following locations beginning Jan. 24: 

• The information desk in the Popp Martin Student Union
• Atkins Library
• Niner Central
• University Advising Center

Booster Shots and Testing Requirements

All students and employees who are eligible for a booster shot must have one to continue being exempt from on-campus testing requirements. You may submit your documentation for both the vaccine and the booster through the online portal.  If you have received your booster, please let us know as soon as possible so you may be removed from the testing pool. 

Any employee or student who does not meet vaccination and booster specifications must participate in re-entry and weekly mitigation testing until they are vaccinated and then boosted. 

Review the information on this webpage to understand which testing requirements may be applicable to you.

Register for a vaccine or booster
Vaccines and booster shots (Pfizer and Moderna) will be offered on campus every Thursday and Friday in partnership with Vax Van. Register for an appointment here. 

Re-entry testing
Re-entry testing will be conducted through Jan. 28 for faculty, staff and students not meeting vaccination specifications. You must be tested PRIOR to returning to your residence hall or reporting to class or work. You must be tested on campus.

• You should register for a test by using this form (the mitigation testing registration form) and proceed to the testing site before going to your residence hall, class or work location. 
• You will wait 10-15 minutes for the results of your test and then be given proof of negative results to take with you.

Mitigation testing for employees and off-campus students
Mitigation testing for qualifying employees is already underway, and those who are required to participate will receive a reminder each Friday. Note: If your return to campus was delayed, you will be subject to mitigation testing beginning the week following your return. 

Mitigation testing for qualifying off-campus students will begin on Jan. 31, and reminders will be sent every Friday beginning Jan. 28. 

Wastewater-based testing for residential students
Residential students will be required to participate in wastewater-based testing as they did in the fall semester. More information will be provided to you by Housing and Residence Life (HRL).  

Important Assignment Reminder for Move-In

As a reminder, in consideration of those undergraduate students moving into residence halls Jan. 19-21 while classes are in session, we will make the following accommodations:

• For undergraduate students, there should be no assignments due or tests administered Jan. 19-21. 
• Any undergraduate student who must miss class Jan. 19-21 to move into a residence hall will have their absence excused. Housing and Residence Life will provide verification as necessary.
• Faculty members with questions should reach out directly to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@uncc.edu. 

Quarantine and Isolation Requirements

Please review this information to familiarize yourself with the latest quarantine and isolation updates made to align with the most recent CDC guidance. 

Events, Gatherings and Athletics

Events and Activities
Events and activities will have additional safety measures in place to help reduce the risk of spread of the omicron variant. Virtual events remain an option when possible. For in-person events, capacity will be limited to 30 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Masks are required indoors, and groups should have ample space for physical distancing regardless of indoor or outdoor location. 

Exceptions to this standard may be requested through the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs' Office or the Provost's Office. These safety measures will be in place until at least March 1, as the University continues to monitor health conditions closely.

Athletic Events
Athletic events will allow spectators, in alignment with Conference USA guidelines, but all guests must wear a mask. 

Next NinerNotice
The University will continue to monitor COVID-19 numbers closely. Any changes to the protocols above will be announced by NinerNotices, on Niner Nation Cares and through the University's social media channels. Thank you for your continued flexibility and your help in keeping Niner Nation healthy. 

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Dec. 31: Classes to be Held Virtually for Two Weeks for Spring Semester

Additional Academic Information

• Academic Calendar: The two-week delay in the start of in-person classes does not change any other dates for the spring semester’s academic calendar. 
• Accommodating Move-In: Faculty are asked to provide accommodations to students during the delayed move-in period. Please see more information below. 

Housing and Residence Life (HRL)

• For undergraduate students, there will be no assignments due or tests administered Jan. 19-21. 
• Any undergraduate student who must miss class Jan. 19-21 to move into a residence hall will have their absence excused. Housing and Residence Life will provide verification as necessary.
• Faculty members with questions should reach out directly to the Office of Academic Affairs at academicaffairs@uncc.edu. 

Off-Campus Students and Employees

• If you are currently staying at your permanent residence away from the Charlotte area, we encourage you to remain there until the start of in-person classes if you are able. 
• Prior to the start of in-person classes, you must have proof of a COVID vaccination, including a booster if eligible, on record or a negative re-entry test conducted prior to returning to class. See more information about booster shots and re-entry testing below.

• Supervisors are asked to work with employees to facilitate teleworking and reduce the risk of community spread from Jan. 4-24, ensuring offices remain open to provide critical services. 
• All employees must have proof of a COVID vaccination, including a booster if eligible, on record or a negative re-entry test conducted prior to returning to campus. See more information about booster shots and re-entry testing below. 

Testing, Health and Safety

• Pfizer, Moderna or other WHO-approved two-dose vaccination: You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the authorized vaccines six months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. 
  • If it has been at least six months since your last shot and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot. 
  • If it has not yet been six months since your second shot, you are still considered exempt from testing requirements until you reach the six-month mark. 
• Johnson and Johnson (one dose): You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the authorized vaccines two months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. 
  • If it has been at least two months since your vaccine and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot.
  • If it has not yet been two months since your vaccine, you are still considered exempt from testing requirements until you reach the two-month mark. 
• Register for a vaccine or booster: Vaccines and booster shots (Pfizer and Moderna) will be offered on campus every Thursday and Friday in partnership with Vax Van. Register for an appointment here. 

• You should register for a test by using this form (the mitigation testing registration form) and proceed to the testing site before going to your residence hall, class or work location. 
• You will wait 10-15 minutes for the results of your test and then be given proof of negative results to take with you.

• Employees: Weekly mitigation testing will begin on Jan. 10 for employees who have returned to campus. Those who are required to participate will receive a reminder and registration link every Friday beginning Jan. 7. 
• Off-campus students: Weekly mitigation testing for off-campus students will begin Jan. 31. Those who are required to participate will receive a reminder and registration link every Friday beginning Jan. 28. You are encouraged to be tested on campus, but you may submit an off-campus test if you choose.  

Dining, Parking and Bookstore

• SoVi Dining will open for dine-in and takeout as scheduled starting Jan. 6.  
• Other dining operations will open as dictated by demand. 
• Check Dine on Campus after Jan. 4 for updates about locations open and hours of operation.

Athletics and Events

• Athletic games: Men's and women's basketball games during this time will be conducted without spectators except for a limited number of participants' family members. Refund information will be communicated to ticket holders soon.
• Events: Events scheduled before Monday, Jan. 24, will be postponed or moved to virtual delivery. Event organizers will communicate directly with participants. 

 

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Dec. 27: Reminder about Changes to Campus Testing Requirements

• Eligibility: Once you are considered eligible (more information is below for each vaccine) for a booster shot according to CDC guidelines, Charlotte must have a record of that vaccination or you will be required to participate in re-entry and weekly mitigation testing.
  • Re-entry Testing: On-campus re-entry testing will be conducted Jan. 4 through Jan. 14. You will be required to be tested PRIOR to returning to your residence hall or reporting to class or work. More information about re-entry testing and registration will be sent on Jan. 1. You must be tested on campus.
  • Mitigation testing: Weekly mitigation testing will begin on Jan. 15. Those who are required to participate will receive a reminder and registration link every Friday beginning Jan. 14. You are encouraged to be tested on campus, but you may submit an off-campus test if you choose. 
  • Review the information on this webpage to understand which testing requirements may be applicable to you.

• Timeline and Submission: You must receive a booster shot according to the established CDC timelines and submit a copy of your updated vaccination card or other vaccination record here to remain exempt from testing requirements. Boosters are considered effective immediately. 
  • Pfizer, Moderna or other WHO-approved two-dose vaccination: You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the authorized vaccines six months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. If it has been at least six months since your last shot and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot. 
  • Johnson and Johnson (one dose): You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the other authorized vaccines two months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. If it has been at least two months since your vaccine and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot. 

• Locating a Booster: If you need help locating a vaccine or booster, visit the Niner Nation Cares website. The University will host additional booster clinics in January, and more information will be shared on Jan. 1. 

• Exemptions: If you believe you qualify for an exemption to testing for a medical condition, religious belief or absence from campus, you may complete a form for review using the online portal. Exemptions are granted only in rare circumstances, and requests for blanket exemptions from all testing will not be approved.

• If you have already submitted your booster record and received approval or received your booster on campus, you DO NOT need to resubmit. 
• More information on re-entry and mitigation testing will be sent to everyone who is required to participate no later than Jan. 1. 

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Dec. 23: Changes to Campus Testing Requirements

The University is continuing to monitor the increasing spread of COVID-19, including the more transmissible omicron variant. To protect the health of our campus, the University is updating who must participate in re-entry and mitigation testing when we return from winter break.

Beginning Jan. 4, anyone who is vaccinated and is eligible for a booster but has not received one must participate in re-entry testing and ongoing mitigation testing until a booster shot is received. 

If you have received your booster, please submit that documentation as soon as possible so we may remove you from the testing pool. If you haven’t received your booster, please do so as soon as possible.

All employees and students who are unvaccinated are required to participate in re-entry and mitigation testing as they did in the fall semester. 

Thank you for continuing to do all you can to protect the health of Niner Nation. It is because of you that we were able to complete the fall semester successfully. 

Please read this entire message carefully for additional information and retain it for your records so you may refer back to it. 

What you need to know: 

• Eligibility: Once you are considered eligible (more information is below for each vaccine) for a booster shot according to CDC guidelines, Charlotte must have a record of that vaccination or you will be required to participate in re-entry and weekly mitigation testing.
  • Re-entry Testing: On-campus re-entry testing will be conducted Jan. 4 through Jan. 14. You will be required to be tested PRIOR to returning to your residence hall or reporting to class or work. More information about re-entry testing and registration will be sent on Jan. 1. You must be tested on campus.
  • Mitigation testing: Weekly mitigation testing will begin on Jan. 15. Those who are required to participate will receive a reminder and registration link every Friday beginning Jan. 14. You are encouraged to be tested on campus, but you may submit an off-campus test if you choose. 
  • Review the information on this webpage to understand which testing requirements may be applicable to you.
• Timeline and Submission: You must receive a booster shot according to the established CDC timelines and submit a copy of your updated vaccination card or other vaccination record here to remain exempt from testing requirements. 
  • Pfizer, Moderna or other WHO-approved two-dose vaccination: You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the authorized vaccines six months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination series. If it has been at least six months since your last shot and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot. 
  • Johnson and Johnson (one dose): You are eligible to get a booster shot with any of the other authorized vaccines two months after completing your primary COVID-19 vaccination. If it has been at least two months since your vaccine and you have not received a booster, you will be in the testing pool until you receive a booster shot. 

You are still considered fully vaccinated before your required booster date and are not required to participate in testing until after that time. 

• Locating a Booster: If you need help locating a vaccine or booster, visit the Niner Nation Cares website. The University will host additional booster clinics in January, and more information will be shared on Jan. 1. 
• Exemptions: If you believe you qualify for an exemption to testing for a medical condition, religious belief or absence from campus, you may complete a form for review using the online portal. Exemptions are granted only in rare circumstances, and requests for blanket exemptions from all testing will not be approved.

Additional Information

• If you have already submitted your booster record and received approval, you DO NOT need to resubmit. 
• More information on re-entry and mitigation testing will be sent to everyone who is required to participate no later than Jan. 1. 

Please continue to pay close attention to your email over the next couple of weeks for additional updates. 

Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and patience as we continue to assess evolving conditions and information to keep Niner Nation safe in the new year.

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Dec. 20: Update on COVID Protocols for Spring Semester

UNC Charlotte is committed to keeping its students and employees safe. The University is closely monitoring the rising cases of COVID-19 locally and nationally, including the spread of the omicron variant, and the anticipated spike after the holiday season. 

Ongoing monitoring and modifying protocols
To protect the health of our community, it is possible we may have to modify the testing, safety and operational protocols shared with you previously. Should that happen, you will be notified through email, social media and by posts on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

We appreciate the flexibility you have demonstrated throughout the pandemic and ask for your continued patience and cooperation over the next several weeks as guidance continues to evolve.

Vaccination is your best protection
Please get vaccinated. The best way to protect yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19 is to be vaccinated and receive a booster. If you need help locating a shot, visit the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Stay connected for the latest information
During the winter break, please check your email and other University channels periodically to ensure you have the latest information prior to returning to campus. 

Thank you for your commitment to protecting Niner Nation.

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Dec. 16: Vaccine Booster Submission Form Now Open    

UNC Charlotte employees and students who have received a COVID-19 booster are now able to submit that information to the University to update their vaccination record. You are encouraged to submit your information now should the CDC’s guidelines for full vaccination change in the future. 

Note: If you received the booster on campus, you do not need to submit additional documentation at this time. 

Acceptable forms of documentation

• A photo (JPEG, PNG) of your vaccination card showing the booster dose. 
• Official document from the North Carolina COVID Vaccine Management System (CVMS).
• Other official vaccination documentation from the healthcare provider administering the booster shot that shows:
  • Your name
  • Date of vaccination
  • Location of vaccination
  • Type of vaccine

Helpful FAQs

• Am I required to submit documentation of my booster shot? 

  • Not at this time. However, you are encouraged to do so should CDC guidelines for full vaccination change going forward. 

• If I received my booster shot on campus, do I need to submit my record? 

  • No, if you received your booster shot on campus, you do not need to submit any additional documentation. 

• Is there still time to get a booster or vaccine? 

  • Yes! If you need help locating a booster shot or vaccine, please visit the Niner Nation Cares website. 

• Will the University provide booster shots again in the spring? 

  • Yes, we will hold additional vaccine and booster clinics in January. Monitor Niner Insider and Niner Nation Cares for more details. 

• Am I required to get a booster or a vaccination? 

  • Consistent with other institutions in the UNC System, UNC Charlotte is not requiring vaccinations or boosters for employees or students at this time. However, you are encouraged to be vaccinated to best protect yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19.

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Dec. 10: Update on Omicron Variant

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Dec. 1: Important information on COVID-19 safety measures

• When: Dec. 6 through Dec. 16
• Where: Student Union, South Village and EPIC
• Cost: Free to all students and employees
• Required: No
• More information: Registration is available here using the mitigation testing form. 

 

Nov. 9: On-campus telephone service restored On-campus telephone service is restored. You may use on-campus phones normally and can reach on-campus numbers using a cell phone.  For emergencies Dial 911 from any campus phone or dial 704-687-2200 from a cell phone.  For non-emergencies Dial 704-687-8300 to reach Police and Public Safety.  University police are always available through the LIveSafe App.  Next NinerNotice Unless there is an unexpected change, no additional NinerNotices will be sent about this incident.

Nov. 9: Issues with on-campus telephone service    

The University is currently experiencing problems with the campus phone system. 

OneIT is investigating the issue with the provider, but no restoration time is known. 

Cell phones must be used for all phone calls. 

Emergency Calls

This problem impacts emergency calls to campus dispatch. 

Cell phones
For emergency service, call 980-475-7629 to reach UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

You can also dial 911. You will be directed to CMPD 911 who will notify University police of the issue.

LiveSafe
You may also use the LiveSafe app to contact UNC Charlotte Police and Public Safety. 

Next NinerNotice
Another NinerNotice will be sent when the issue is resolved.

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Oct. 19: Information about Thursday's Football Game and Campus Changes

The Charlotte 49ers will take on the Florida Atlantic Owls on Thursday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. Important game day protocols have been established to preserve the safety of the campus community. Additionally, changes to campus operations, including class schedules and parking, will be in place.

Please review these reminders:

Classes at 2:30 p.m. and later
As shared by Provost Joan Lorden over the summer, faculty are required to make alternate arrangements for all classes that are scheduled for main campus starting at 2:30 p.m. or later on Thursday, Oct. 21. Please refer to the UNC Charlotte Schedule Interruption Guidelines for more information. Changes to classes will be communicated directly from faculty members to students.

Employees leaving campus by 4 p.m. and accounting for time

• Because of expected congestion, employees not attending the game are encouraged to exit campus by 4 p.m.
• The University, however, will be open and appropriate staffing levels are required to provide access to resources during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Departments with second- and third-shift operations should likewise anticipate staffing needs for that evening. 
• Supervisors are encouraged to allow staff to use leave time, compensatory time and/or alternate arrangements to weekly work schedules to make up for any lost hours from exiting campus early.
• Staff who plan to stay past 4 p.m. should park on the east side of campus (East Decks 1-3, Lots 5, 5a, 6), so they don’t have to relocate midday.
• If you have additional questions about work schedules on game day, please contact Gary Stinnett, associate vice chancellor for human resources, at gwstinne@uncc.edu or 704-687-0644.

Face Coverings
We want you to wear a mask. All spectators ages five and up should wear masks throughout the game (fans may pull down their masks when actively eating or drinking). Masks are required on all shuttle buses.

Student Tailgating
Reserved tailgate permits are available for students to request for Thursday’s game vs. Florida Atlantic. A limited number of tailgate permits are available in Navy Lot 26, Red Lot 25, Purple West Deck Rooftop, Magenta Lot 14, and Blue Lot 7. Please complete the request form. You will be notified via email regarding availability and assignment. Students may request one tailgate space per student ID with a maximum of two per organization/group to maximize the space available for all. Please indicate your organization name when completing the form so that spaces can be assigned appropriately. Tailgate passes cannot be duplicated and are only valid for one entry.

Tailgate lots open at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21. Students must begin breaking down their tailgate at 7 p.m. and are expected to dispose of all trash, recycling, charcoal, etc. in designated receptacles. Students are encouraged to make their way to Jerry Richardson Stadium no later than 7:10 p.m.

Failure to abide by the University Tailgating Policy or failure to act in a responsible manner could result in the closure of Navy Lot 26 for the remainder of the 2021 season.

Tickets
Students -- Game day information can be found on the student game day info page.
Faculty and Staff -- Single-game tickets can be purchased on the Charlotte 49ers website.

Campus Parking and Traffic
The game day event parking and traffic management plan will be in effect all day. Expect high traffic volume, restricted parking and restrained movement around campus from 4:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

• At 5 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, Lot 25, Lot 26, Lot 7, Lot 7a, Lot 14, Lot 23, Lot 29, Lot 29A, CRI Lots 2 and 3, and the rooftop levels of Union Deck, West Deck and CRI Deck will convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• At 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, Cone Deck, Union Deck, West Deck, and CRI Lots 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A will close and convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense
• Campus entrances will close to general traffic by 4:30 p.m. this Thursday except for the main entrance off University City Boulevard and the east entrance off John Kirk Drive. Phillips Road will be closed to all but emergency and service vehicles.

Football Parking Map

Resident Students

• Lot 25 is designated for football parking. All vehicles parked in Lot 25 must be moved before 5 a.m. Thursday or risk being towed to Lot 6; tow fee is $85. Park your vehicle in North Deck or another R (blue) lot instead. No other resident (blue) lots are affected by football.

Learn more about game day parking and transportation changes. Questions? Contact the Parking and Transportation Communication Center at 704-687-0161.

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Oct. 19: On-campus Water Determined Safe for Use

After multiple tests of the water supply and in consultation with Charlotte Water, on-campus water has been determined to be safe for use -- including from water fountains and bottle-filling stations. 

The University will continue to test campus water regularly until the larger advisory is lifted. 

Follow the Charlotte Water Twitter account for the latest updates on water usage in other areas of the city. 

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Oct. 19: University Under Boil Water Advisory (updated)

As a result of an overnight water line break, much of the City of Charlotte is under a boil water advisory. This includes some buildings on campus. 

The city is advising caution for any area that lost water pressure last night. The water is still safe for showering and hand washing, but you should avoid consuming the water without boiling it while the advisory is in place. If boiling water is not possible, such as in residence halls, use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. 

Water fountains on campus should not be used during this time. Dining options will be open as usual on campus with necessary safety precautions in place. 

The latest information about the advisory is available on the Charlotte Water Twitter account. 

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Sept. 22: Information about Friday’s Football Game and Campus Changes

The Charlotte 49ers will open their C-USA season with a home game against the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders on Friday, Sept. 24. Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m. Important game day protocols have been established to preserve the safety of the campus community. Additionally, changes to campus operations, including class schedules and parking will be in place. 

Please review these reminders:

Classes at 2:30 p.m. and later
As shared by Provost Joan Lorden over the summer, faculty are required to make alternate arrangements for all classes that are scheduled for main campus starting at 2:30 p.m. or later  on Friday, Sept. 24. Please refer to the UNC Charlotte Schedule Interruption Guidelines for more information. Changes to classes will be communicated directly from faculty members to students.

Employees leaving campus by 3 p.m. and accounting for time

• Because of expected congestion, employees not attending the game are encouraged to exit campus by 3 p.m.
• The University, however, will be open and appropriate staffing levels are required to provide access to resources during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Departments with second- and third-shift operations should likewise anticipate staffing needs for that evening.  
• Supervisors are encouraged to allow staff to use leave time, compensatory time and/or alternate arrangements to weekly work schedules to make up for any lost hours from exiting campus early. 
• Staff who plan to stay past 3 p.m. should park on the east side of campus (East Decks 1-3, Lots 5, 5a, 6), so they don’t have to relocate midday.
• If you have additional questions about work schedules on game day, please contact Gary Stinnett, associate vice chancellor for human resources, at gwstinne@uncc.edu or 704-687-0644.

Face Coverings
We want you to wear a mask. All spectators ages five and up are asked to wear a mask throughout the game (fans may pull down their masks when actively eating or drinking). Masks are required on all shuttle buses. 

Tailgating
Tailgating on campus is permitted, however, Lot 26, which houses the student tailgate, will be closed for Friday’s game vs. Middle Tennessee. Students are still permitted to tailgate in smaller groups in other locations.

Tickets

• Students -- Please claim your ticket through the online system.
• Faculty and Staff -- Single game tickets can be purchased on the

Charlotte 49ers website. 

Campus Parking and Traffic
The game-day event parking and traffic management plan will be in effect all day. Expect high traffic volume, restricted parking and restrained movement around campus from 3:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

• At 12:01 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24, Lot 25, Lot 7, Lot 7a, Lot 14, Lot 23, Lot 29, Lot 29A, CRI Lots 2 and 3, and the rooftop levels of Union Deck, West Deck and CRI Deck will convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game-day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• At 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, Lot 26, Cone Deck, Union Deck, West Deck, CRI Deck and CRI Lots 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A will close and convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game-day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense
• Campus entrances will close to general traffic by 3:30 p.m. this Friday except for the main entrance off University City Boulevard and the east entrance off John Kirk Drive. Phillips Road will be closed to all but emergency and service vehicles.

[Football Parking Map] 

Resident Students

• Lot 25 is designated for football parking. All vehicles parked in Lot 25 must be moved before 5 a.m. Friday or risk being towed to Lot 6; tow fee is $85. Park your vehicle in North Deck or another R (blue) lot instead. No other resident (blue) lots are affected by football. 

Niner Transit Football Shuttle

• Regular Niner Transit routes will start to transition to football service at 3:30 p.m. with full football shuttle service in place by 4:30 p.m. Regular service resumes an hour after the game ends. Football shuttles appear as dark and light brown icons on the UNCCNextRide app. View the football shuttle map.
• The Shopping Shuttle will not operate on Friday; service will resume at 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 25.

Learn more about football game day parking.

Questions? Contact the Parking and Transportation Communication Center at 704-687-0161.

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Sept. 19: COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves six students residing in both on-campus and off-campus residences. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow safety and testing protocols: Students, faculty and staff should adhere to campus face-covering requirements, and, if unvaccinated, should continue to participate in the ongoing mitigation testing. The Niner Nation Cares website has more information. 
• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Niner Nation Cares website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Sept. 15: COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves six students residing in both on and off-campus residences. **

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow safety and testing protocols: Students, faculty and staff should adhere to campus face covering requirements, and, if unvaccinated, should continue to participate in the ongoing mitigation testing. The Niner Nation Cares website has more information. 
• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Niner Nation Cares website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

**Please note this has been updated to reflect the students were both on and off-campus residents. 

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Sept. 1: Off-Campus COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves five students residing in off-campus residences. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow safety and testing protocols: Students, faculty and staff should adhere to campus face covering requirements, and, if unvaccinated, should continue to participate in the ongoing mitigation testing. The Niner Nation Cares website has more information. 
• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Niner Nation Cares website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Sept. 1: Information about Friday’s Football Game and Campus Changes

The Charlotte 49ers will open their season with a home game against the Duke Blue Devils on Friday, Sept. 3. Kick-off is at 7 p.m. Important game day protocols have been established to preserve the safety of the campus community. Additionally, changes to campus operations, including class schedules and parking will be in place. 

Please review these reminders:

Classes at 2:30 p.m. and later

As shared by Provost Joan Lorden over the summer, faculty are required to make alternate arrangements for all classes that are scheduled for main campus starting at 2:30 p.m. or later  on Friday, Sept. 3. Please refer to the UNC Charlotte Schedule Interruption Guidelines for more information. Changes to classes will be communicated directly from faculty members to students.

Employees leaving campus by 3:30 p.m. and accounting for time

• Because of expected congestion, employees not attending the game are encouraged to exit campus by 3:30 p.m.
• The University, however, will be open and appropriate staffing levels are required to provide access to resources during normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Departments with second- and third-shift operations should likewise anticipate staffing needs for that evening.  
• Supervisors are encouraged to allow staff to use leave time, compensatory time and/or alternate arrangements to weekly work schedules to make up for any lost hours from exiting campus early. 
• Staff who plan to stay past 3:30 p.m. should park on the east side of campus (East Decks 1-3, Lots 5, 5a, 6), so they don’t have to relocate midday.
• If you have additional questions about work schedules on game day, please contact Gary Stinnett, associate vice chancellor for human resources, at gwstinne@uncc.edu or 704-687-0644.

Face Coverings
The University wants all spectators ages five and up to  wear masks throughout the game (fans may pull down their masks when actively eating or drinking). Masks are required on all shuttle buses. 

Tailgating
Tailgating on campus is permitted, however, Lot 26, which houses the student tailgate, will be closed for Friday’s game vs. Duke. Students are still permitted to tailgate in smaller groups in other locations.

Tickets

• Students -- Please claim your ticket through the online system.
• Faculty and Staff -- Single game tickets can be purchased on the Charlotte 49ers website. 

Campus Parking and Traffic
The game-day event parking and traffic management plan will be in effect all day. Expect high traffic volume, restricted parking and restrained movement around campus from 4 p.m. until 11 p.m.

• At 5 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3, Lot 25, Lot 26, Lot 7, Lot 7a, Lot 14, Lot 23, Lot 29, Lot 29A, CRI Lots 2 and 3, and the rooftop levels of Union Deck, West Deck and CRI Deck will convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game-day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• At 3:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 3, Cone Deck, Union Deck, West Deck, and CRI Lots 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A will close and convert to football parking. Vehicles without a game-day permit will be towed at the owner’s expense
• Campus entrances will close to general traffic by 4 p.m. this Friday except for the main entrance off University City Boulevard and the east entrance off John Kirk Drive. Phillips Road will be closed to all but emergency and service vehicles.

[Football Parking Map] 

Resident Students

• Lot 25 is designated for football parking. All vehicles parked in Lot 25 must be moved before 5 a.m. Friday or risk being towed to Lot 6; tow fee is $85. Park your vehicle in North Deck or another R (blue) lot instead. No other resident (blue) lots are affected by football. 

Learn more about football game day parking and transportation changes. Questions? Contact the Parking and Transportation Communication Center at 704-687-0161.

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Aug. 30: Off-Campus COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves ten students residing in off-campus residences. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University has notified all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow safety and testing protocols: Students, faculty and staff should adhere to campus face covering requirements, and, if unvaccinated, should continue to participate in the ongoing mitigation testing. The Niner Nation Cares website has more information. 

• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Niner Nation Cares website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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July 29: Change in On-Campus Face Covering Requirements

In alignment with the most recent recommendation from the CDC and in consultation with UNC System and public health officials, face coverings will be required in all indoor spaces on campus effective Monday, Aug. 2. This decision is made in consideration of the rising cases of COVID-19, including the high rate of transmission in Mecklenburg County per the CDC, and for the safety of our campus community. 

More information: 

• This requirement is for all individuals regardless of vaccination status. 
• It applies to all spaces, including Atkins Library, dining halls, recreational facilities, common spaces and residence halls. 
• The only exceptions to this requirement are when students are in their personal residence hall rooms or when employees are in their personal offices.  Anyone 

Important Notes:

• The change in face covering requirements does not affect the University’s plans for a return to full operations this fall, including face-to-face instruction.
• This change does not affect the expectation of the return to on-campus work for University employees. 

Vaccine information
Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against COVID-19. If you have not been vaccinated, please do so. If you need help locating a vaccine site, please visit the Niner Nation Cares website. 

If you have already been vaccinated, please let us know by completing the COVID-19 reporting form. Once your form is approved, you will be exempt from the University’s testing requirements for the fall and daily completion of the Niner Health Check. 

Stay Informed
We will continue to assess the situation closely and provide updates to the campus community. More information about what to expect for the fall semester with testing, face-covering requirements and other safety protocols will be shared by Wednesday, Aug. 4. 

Please continue to monitor your University email account closely in the coming days.

Thank you for your cooperation in protecting the health of Niner Nation.

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July 19: One COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves five students residing both on and off campus. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing.

Vaccination

• Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. 

• If you have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, let the University know through the COVID-19 vaccine reporting form. Those who receive the vaccination and submit the reporting form with the appropriate documentation will be exempt from completing the daily Niner Health Check and the requirement to participate in random mitigation testing.

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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May 14: Most COVID-19 Safety Mandates Lifted in North Carolina

Today, Friday, May 14, Governor Roy Cooper announced that effective at 1:30 p.m., the following changes would be in place for North Carolina with some limited exceptions: 

• No statewide mask (face covering) mandate

• No mandatory mass gathering limits

• No mandatory capacity limits

• No mandatory social distancing requirements

It is still strongly recommended for unvaccinated people to wear a face covering. Additionally, anyone who feels better protected or has received advice from their healthcare provider to wear a face covering should continue to do so. 

What this means on campus
The University will not impose any additional restrictions beyond those in the executive order. Face coverings and other social distancing protocols, while still encouraged for unvaccinated people, will not be required with one exception:

• The governor’s executive order specifies that face coverings must continue to be worn when on public transportation. This includes Niner Transit.  

Additional information will be shared next week to help employees as they prepare to return to pre-pandemic hours and operations on campus.

Commencement information
Commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday morning will continue as planned. We look forward to welcoming all ticketed graduates and their guests.

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April 29: Summer Exit Testing and Vaccine Information

COVID-19 exit testing will be offered to UNC Charlotte employees and students ahead of the summer break. The University is making this testing available to help protect the community and prevent transmission of the virus. Results from the tests are expected within 36 hours.

Members of the campus community may schedule an appointment Tuesday, May 4, through Friday, May 7, and Monday, May 10, through Friday, May 14. 

Additional details: 

• Who: Any employee or student of UNC Charlotte 
• When: Tuesday, May 4, through Friday, May 7, and Monday, May 10, through Friday, May 14 (no testing Saturday and Sunday)
• Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day
• Where: The Student Health Center
• Cost: Free
• Test: Molecular/PCR test based on a nasal swab sample
• Appointments: Appointments can be made online through the Student Health Portal (employees, too). Please do not call the Student Health Center to schedule. 
  • Once tested, please note on your next Niner Health Check that you are awaiting test results for "mitigation testing."

Already vaccinated? Don’t forget to let us know!
You are encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and to let the University know when you do through the COVID-19 vaccine reporting form.

While the University is not requiring the vaccination, there are benefits to receiving the shot and submitting the reporting form.

If you receive your vaccination and submit the reporting form with the appropriate documentation, you will be exempt from the daily completion requirement for the Niner Health Check and the requirement to participate in random mitigation testing. You will also be exempt from quarantine requirements during contact tracing -- as long as you remain asymptomatic. 

Additionally, as a thank you, if you submit documentation of your vaccination by June 15, 2021, you will be entered to win one of several prizes, including your choice of a free parking permit for the upcoming academic year or $500 on your 49erID card.

Read more about the exemption and the official rules for the incentives on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Need help finding a vaccination location? 
All North Carolina residents 16 years of age and older are now eligible to receive the vaccination. You can find a list of resources to help you locate a vaccine in your area on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

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April 13: Update on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

This morning, the CDC and FDA issued a statement recommending a pause on the use of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine until a full review is completed based on reports of a serious side effect, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), experienced by six people in the United States. More than 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the U.S. CVST is a very rare but serious blood clotting condition. According to the CDC, all six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, and symptoms occurred six to 13 days after vaccination. 

UNC Charlotte will not offer any future clinics administering the J&J vaccine until the CDC and FDA have concluded their review and further public health guidance is issued. We are investigating our ability to offer Moderna and Pfizer vaccines through on-campus clinics going forward. Additionally, Atrium Health is offering Pfizer through community events at Bank of America Stadium. More information can be found on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

We are in contact with the UNC System Office, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, and Atrium Health to seek guidance on appropriate next steps. 

It is important to remember that mild side effects from all three COVID-19 vaccines are normal and expected. These include a mild fever, body aches, tiredness, nausea and pain at the injection site. These symptoms usually pass within a day or so and can be treated at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. 

According to the CDC, more serious symptoms of a CVST include: severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain and shortness of breath. If you have had the J&J vaccine and experience any of these symptoms within three weeks after vaccination, you should contact your primary health care provider or the Student Health Center. If the symptoms are severe, call 911. General questions about the J&J vaccine can be directed to COVIDvaccine@uncc.edu. 

Getting a vaccine remains critical in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Remember that the rates of complications after having COVID-19 are much higher than rates of vaccine complications. Visit myspot.nc.gov and filter by brand of vaccine to find additional options in your local area.

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April 9: One COVID-19 Cluster Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed one COVID-19 cluster through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. The cluster involves six students residing in both on- and off-campus residences. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow the 6W’s: It is important that you continue following the 6W’s to protect our campus community, including wearing your face covering and maintaining proper physical distancing from others. 
• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. The University will also continue to offer opportunities with Atrium for the vaccination. The next clinic will be on Monday, April 12. More information on registration was sent directly to faculty, staff and students via University email. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

Next NinerNotice
NinerNotices will continue to be sent as needed and as warranted by new information.

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April 5: Two COVID-19 Clusters Identified

UNC Charlotte has confirmed two COVID-19 clusters through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. One cluster involves six students residing in off-campus residences, and the other involves five students residing on campus. 

The students are isolating and receiving appropriate medical care. The University is notifying all close contacts to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Safety and Vaccination

• Continue to follow the 6W’s: It is important that you continue following the 6W’s to protect our campus community, including wearing your face covering and maintaining proper physical distancing from others. 

• Vaccination: Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others from contracting the virus. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for resources in locating your shot. The University will also continue to offer opportunities with Atrium for the vaccination. The next clinic will be on Monday, April 12. More details and registration information will be shared as soon as they are available. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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March 25: State Announces Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine and Restrictions

Update on North Carolina Vaccine Distribution

On Thursday, March 25, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State of North Carolina will open COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Group 4b, which includes multiple people residing in close group living facilities such as students living in residence halls, starting March 31. All North Carolina adults will be eligible beginning April 7. 

Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Students

UNC Charlotte has partnered with Atrium Health to facilitate vaccine distribution to students, as it did for employees earlier this month. More information is forthcoming and will be shared via University email directly with students. 

What Students Should Do Right Now

Establish a MyAtriumHealth account to ensure you are able to quickly register for a vaccine when appointments become available.

You do not have to be an Atrium patient to sign up for an account. 

• Go to my.atriumhealth.org.
• Click Sign up Now to create an account.
• Answer the questions and then fill out the information to create an account. (Note: You may be asked a series of questions or be asked to take part in a soft credit check in order to verify your identity when you create your account. If you have any issues, there will be a number at the top of the page you can call for assistance.) 
• This will also allow Atrium to notify you when you are eligible for the vaccine. 

If you already have a MyAtriumHealth account, you are all set. Just make sure you can log in using your username and password. 

You are free to receive your vaccine at your provider of choice. You do not need to provide documentation of your vaccine to the University, but you should retain your vaccination record. Additional information about external vaccine resources is available on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Easing of additional COVID-19 restrictions

On Tuesday, March 23, Governor Cooper announced that the state would ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions beginning Friday, March 26, at 5 p.m. 

This executive order lifts the 11 p.m. curfew for on-site alcohol consumption, increases mass gathering limits and modifies the capacity limits for certain businesses and facilities. The mask mandate and public health restrictions remain in place. An FAQ can be found on the state’s website.

Here is what you can expect at UNC Charlotte at this time:

• UREC:

  • A mask must be worn at all times, covering the mouth and nose, when in the building, including when exercising and participating in intramural sports. Also, masks are to be worn for outdoor intramurals and sport clubs.
  • The staff will maintain manageable capacities, to ensure safety.  
  • Group fitness and pool activities will continue. Reservations for the indoor pool (outdoor pool remains closed due to weather) and group fitness classes are required. 
     
• Athletics: The executive order permits up to 50% capacity of sports arenas and stadiums for indoor and outdoor events as long as state-mandated safety requirements (i.e. six feet of social distancing between seating pods, fans wearing masks, etc.) are maintained.
   
• Events and meetings: The University will allow for a maximum limit of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors for events and meetings based on the capacity of the space and the need to maintain physical distancing. Exceptions to this standard may be granted only by Chancellor Gaber after review by the appropriate vice chancellor or the provost. Begin your request through CRES to check availability and capacities based on your event needs.
   
• Dining: Dine-in seating will be limited to 75% capacity indoors, and table seating will be increased to no more than six people.
   
• Movie theater: The movie theater in the Popp Martin Student Union will open at 50% capacity with physical distancing protocols in place.
   
• Commencement: We are continuing to plan for our in-person commencement ceremonies this May. The UNC System Office has been in contact with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to determine how this new executive order will affect planned commencement exercises. We will share more information as it becomes available. 
   
• Group gatherings at UNC Charlotte: For any space not specifically addressed above, the University will move to the group gathering limits of a maximum of 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors, based on space capacity and the need to maintain physical distancing.
   
• Teleworking: Chancellor Gaber shared a message on March 18 outlining the expectations on a return to pre-pandemic hours and regular operations on campus, as well as information on accommodations for health conditions and ongoing teleworking. Please review the message carefully. 
   
• Personal safety protocols: The personal safety protocols, such as following the 6Ws, physical distancing, the daily Niner Health Check, wastewater testing, mitigation testing and others, are still in place.

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March 2: Update on North Carolina Vaccine Distribution

On Tuesday, March 2, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that the State of North Carolina will open COVID-19 vaccine distribution to Group 3b, which includes UNC Charlotte faculty and staff, starting March 3.

All employees and students are encouraged to receive the vaccine for their health and the health of the community as we prepare for the fall semester and the return to more normal operations. Similar to other colleges and universities, UNC Charlotte does not currently require the COVID-19 vaccine.

Faculty and Staff
UNC Charlotte has partnered with Atrium Health to make the vaccination available to any employee (non-student) who desires one. More information regarding the dates and times of the vaccine clinic(s) is forthcoming and will be shared via University email. 

Students
The University will also partner with Atrium to offer vaccinations to our students as soon as students are eligible to receive the shot -- in groups 4 or 5. More information will be shared as soon as it is available. 

What you can do right now
Establish a MyAtriumHealth account to ensure you are able to quickly register for a vaccine when it is available. 

You do not have to be an Atrium patient to sign up for an account. 

• Go to my.atriumhealth.org.
• Click Sign up Now to create an account.
• Answer the questions and then fill out the information to create an account.
• This will also allow Atrium to notify you when you are eligible for the vaccine.

If you already have a MyAtriumHealth account, you are all set. Just make sure you can log in using your username and password. 

Please note: Establishing an account does not mean you will be able to register immediately for a vaccine appointment, but it does speed up the process when you can. The University will send more information to employees and students when they are eligible to sign up for a vaccine clinic through Atrium.
 
You are free to receive your vaccine at your provider of choice. You do not need to provide documentation of your vaccine to the University, but you should retain your vaccination record. 

Additional Information

• COVID-19 Vaccine Information
• COVID-19 Vaccine Fact vs. Fiction
• Atrium Health COVID-19 Vaccine
• Atrium Health COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

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Feb. 26: State of NC Announces Easing of Some COVID-19 Restrictions

On Wednesday, Feb. 24, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced that the state would ease some of its COVID-19 restrictions beginning Friday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m. 

This executive order lifts the Modified Stay-at-Home Order, increases mass gathering limits and modifies the capacity limits for certain businesses and facilities. The mask mandate and public health restrictions remain in place. An FAQ can be found on the state’s website.

In addition, Mecklenburg County Public Health’s COVID-19 directive will expire on Friday, Feb. 26, at 5 p.m.

Here is what you can expect at UNC Charlotte at this time:

• UREC:

  • A mask must be worn at all times, covering the mouth and nose, when in the building, including when exercising.
  • The staff will maintain manageable capacities to ensure safety.  
  • Group fitness and pool activities will resume. Reservations for the indoor pool (outdoor pool is closed) and group fitness classes are required. 
     

• Athletics:

  • The latest information on attendance policies for Charlotte 49er games is available here.

• Events and meetings: The University will maintain a maximum limit of 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors for events and meetings, based on the capacity of the space and the need to maintain physical distancing. Exceptions to this standard may be granted only by Chancellor Gaber after review by the appropriate vice chancellor or the provost. Begin your request through CRES to check availability and capacities based on your event needs.

• Dining: Dine-in seating will continue to be limited to 50% capacity, and tables will continue to be limited to no more than four people.

• Movie theater: The movie theater in the Popp Martin Student Union will open at 30% capacity with physical distancing protocols in place.

• Group gatherings at UNC Charlotte:

  • For any space not specifically addressed above, the University will move to the group gathering limits of a maximum of 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors, based on space capacity and the need to maintain physical distancing.

• Teleworking: Employees who are in student-facing roles, student-facing offices or who are unable to telework to perform their roles remotely are expected to be in the office on a rotational basis, as coordinated by their supervisor. In all other roles, supervisors should encourage teleworking if possible. All COVID-19 safety protocols outlined in offices and units’ reopening plans remain in effect. 

  • Staff returning to on-campus work will be eligible for random selection in ongoing mitigation testing. 
    ​
• Personal safety protocols: The personal safety protocols, such as following the 6Ws, physical distancing, the daily Niner Health Check, wastewater testing, mitigation testing and others, are still in place.

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Feb. 1: Update on County Health Directive

The Mecklenburg County Public Health has extended its health directive, with some modifications, until Sunday, Feb. 28, to help the county slow the spread of COVID-19. 

Here is what you can expect at UNC Charlotte during this time: 

Students and Faculty

• In-Person Classes: In-person classes will resume as planned on Monday, Feb. 22. We have consulted with health department officials, and we are in agreement that the rigorous safety protocols put in place by UNC Charlotte permit us to continue as planned. 
• Phase 2 Re-Entry Testing: Re-entry testing will continue as planned for identified students and faculty. If you have been identified for re-entry testing, you will receive more information by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5. Please review the categories of students/faculty required to be tested. 
• Move-in: Move-in will continue as planned for on-campus residents in February.
• UREC: UREC will continue to be open with the following modifications: 
  • No group classes will be held.
  • The pool remains closed. 
  • A mask must be worn at all times when in the building, including when exercising. 

Staff

• Teleworking: The University will continue maximizing the use of teleworking. Any employee not needed on campus for the Feb. 22 return to in-person classes should work from home.
• Phase 2 Re-Entry Testing: Any staff member previously identified for re-entry testing and who will be working on campus Feb. 22-28 is encouraged to participate in re-entry testing as scheduled. You will receive more information by 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5.

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Jan. 13: County Issues Health Directive for Three Weeks

On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Mecklenburg County Health Department issued a specific directive for three weeks to help the county slow the spread of COVID-19. In support of these recommendations, the following adjustments are in place at UNC Charlotte until Tuesday, Feb. 2:

Employees

• Teleworking: The University will further maximize the use of teleworking during this time. Any employee who can work from home should do so. Only employees who cannot perform their duties from home should report to campus.

Students

• UREC: UREC will continue to be open with the following modifications: 
  • No group classes will be held.
  • The pool is closed. 
  • A mask must be worn at all times when in the building, including when exercising. 
• Residential Students with Exceptions: Those students with exceptions to move into their residence halls this week can continue to do that. 
  • Please remember: You should wear a face covering at all times when in public spaces on campus. 
• Re-Entry Testing for Phase 1: Re-entry testing for residential students and students with meal plans in Phase 1 will continue as planned. If you are required to complete re-entry testing in January, you will receive information by 5 p.m. today, Wednesday, Jan. 13. Please visit the Niner Nation Cares website for more information. 

Please note: This does not change the University’s spring plans as announced on Monday.

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Dec. 22: Atkins Library Closing Early

• Student Union available -- Students may use the Student Union for study space today and tomorrow until 7 p.m.  Common study space is available throughout the building, and additional private spaces for studying or testing are available. Students may request access to these rooms from the Information Center on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Available laptops -- Students who were planning on using library computers for online exams may check out a laptop computer in Atkins today until 7:30 p.m. or in the College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) laptop vending machine on the first floor of CHHS at any time.
• Returning materials -- Laptops and other equipment due on Dec. 23 can be returned by 7:30 p.m. today or when the library reopens in January. Books and DVDs can be returned to library and campus book drops any time.
• Virtual services -- The library’s virtual services (chat and email) will be available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday for assistance and questions about library materials.

Atkins Library and several other buildings are temporarily without water as crews work to repair a water line break. 

Affected buildings:

• Atkins Library
• Cone University Center (North)
• King
• Smith
• Prospector

During this time, the following will be unavailable: 

• Restrooms -- Use neighboring buildings during normal business hours. Atkins Library visitors may use Colvard South restrooms after normal business hours via swipe access with their 49er ID cards. 
• Handwashing stations -- Use neighboring buildings or the hand sanitizing stations throughout the affected buildings. 
• Bottle filling stations -- Please bring your own water or use campus vending machines. 
• Please note: Because the boiler is also affected in Atkins, temperatures may be cooler than normal. 

Estimated restoration time: 

• The estimated restoration time is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23. 

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Dec. 17: Off-Campus COVID-19 Cluster

UNC Charlotte has confirmed an off-campus COVID-19 cluster involving five students residing in a private residence through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. 

The students are isolating off campus, receiving appropriate medical care. The University is working with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to ensure all close contacts are notified to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Dec. 16: Follow-up on Residence Hall Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling, the University has since completed 102 COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted areas (81% of the population). No positives were found, but testing is ongoing. 

All residents who tested negative have been cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. Anyone who tests positive will be placed in isolation, and any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine.

Unless clusters are found in the remaining tests, no additional campus notifications will be sent. 

Future wastewater signal and surge testing notifications
Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, wastewater signal and surge testing notifications will be announced in Niner Insider, the University's new daily email. Families, please sign up to receive this publication. Students and employees receive the email automatically. Cluster notifications will continue to be sent as NinerNotices. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Dec. 15: Residence Halls Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in three residence halls. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence halls for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff in the hall have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in their buildings until they can be tested for COVID-19.

During this time, all residents of the buildings are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

Future wastewater signal and surge testing notifications
Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, wastewater signal and surge testing notifications will be announced in Niner Insider, the University's new daily email. Families, please sign up to receive this publication. Students and employees receive the email automatically. Cluster notifications will continue to be sent as NinerNotices. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Dec. 12: Follow-up on Residence Halls Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater testing on Thursday, the University has since completed 152 (92%) of the necessary COVID-19 tests of students and staff across the three impacted areas. No positives have been found, but testing remains ongoing.

All residents who tested negative have been cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. Anyone who tests positive will be placed in isolation, and any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine.

Unless clusters are identified in the remaining tests, no additional campus notifications will be sent.

Future wastewater signal and surge testing notifications

Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, wastewater signal and surge testing notifications will be announced in Niner Insider, the University's new daily email. Families, please sign up to receive this publication. Students and employees receive the email automatically. Cluster notifications will continue to be sent as NinerNotices.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

---

Dec. 10: Update on COVID-19 Testing in Residence Halls

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling, the University has since completed 68 COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted area (82% of the population). Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 3%, and no clusters were found. 

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence hall will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

Additionally, three other residence halls are undergoing testing as a result of wastewater signals identified today. Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19.

Future wastewater signal and surge testing notifications
Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, wastewater signal and surge testing notifications will be announced in Niner Insider, the University's new daily email. Families, please sign up to receive this publication. Students and employees receive the email automatically. Cluster notifications will continue to be sent as NinerNotices. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

---

Dec. 9: Residence Hall Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in one residence hall. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence hall for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff in the hall have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19.

During this time, all residents of the building are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

Future wastewater signal and surge testing notifications
Beginning Monday, Jan. 11, wastewater signal and surge testing notifications will be announced in Niner Insider, the University's new daily email. Families, please sign up to receive this publication. Students and employees receive the email automatically. Cluster notifications will continue to be sent as NinerNotices. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

---

Dec. 3: Follow-up on Residence Halls Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling earlier this week in two residence halls, the University has since completed 75 COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted areas (94% of the population). Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 2%, and no clusters were found. 

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

Unless clusters are found in the remaining tests, no additional notifications will be sent. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process. 

---

Dec. 2: Two Residence Halls Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in two residence halls. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence halls for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the halls have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the buildings until they can be tested for COVID-19.

During this time, all residents of the buildings are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

---

Nov. 20: Off-Campus Cluster

UNC Charlotte has confirmed an off-campus COVID-19 cluster involving 11 students residing in private residences through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. 

The students are isolating off campus, receiving appropriate medical care. The University is working with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to ensure all close contacts are notified to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Nov. 19: Follow-up on Outstanding Residence Halls Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling earlier this week, the University has since completed most of the testing of students and staff in the remaining  impacted areas: 

• Residence Hall One: 86% of testing complete, less than 1% positivity rate
• Residence Hall Two: 77% of testing complete, less than 3% positivity rate
• Residence Hall Three: 92% of testing complete, less than 3% positivity rate. 

One cluster was found involving five total individuals in two of the residence halls above. 

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

Unless additional clusters are identified in the remaining tests, no additional campus notifications will be sent. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Nov. 18: Update on COVID-19 Testing in Residence Halls

Residence halls undergoing testing
The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in two additional residence halls. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence halls for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the halls have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in their building until they can be tested for COVID-19 today, Wednesday, Nov. 18.

During this time, all residents of the buildings are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

Follow-up from previous notification of testing
As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling earlier this week in two other halls, the University has since completed 82% of necessary COVID-19 tests in one of the two impacted areas. Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 2%, and no clusters were found. Testing is still ongoing.

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

Additional information about the results from the remaining buildings undergoing testing will be forthcoming.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

---

Nov. 16: Two Residence Halls Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in two residence halls. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence halls for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the halls have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

During this time, all residents of the buildings are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

---

Nov. 12: Follow-up on Residence Hall Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling earlier this week, the University has since completed 85% of the necessary COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted area. Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 1%, and no clusters were found. Testing is still ongoing.

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

Unless clusters are identified in the remaining tests, no additional campus notifications will be sent. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process. 

---

Nov. 11: One residence hall undergoing testing for COVID-19

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in one residence hall. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence hall for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the hall have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19 today, Wednesday, Nov. 11. 

During this time, all residents of the building are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

No additional residence halls are affected at this time. 

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

Next NinerNotice
NinerNotices will continue to be sent as information becomes available.

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Nov. 10: Cluster in Athletics

UNC Charlotte 49ers Athletics Department announced today a cluster of eight cases of COVID-19 involving the baseball team. The positive cases were discovered through self-reporting of symptoms by individuals in the Niner Health Check and regular testing required by Conference USA. 

The individuals are in isolation with proper medical care, and the University's contact tracing team is currently notifying any affected members of the UNC Charlotte community to begin quarantine protocols. All baseball activities have been suspended until further notice. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check.

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Nov. 6: Cluster in Football, Game Postponed

UNC Charlotte 49ers Athletics Department announced today a cluster of seven cases of COVID-19 involving student-athletes and staff with the football team. The positive cases were discovered through self-reporting of symptoms by individuals in the Niner Health Check and  regular testing required by Conference USA. The individuals are in isolation with proper medical care, and the University's contact tracing team is currently notifying any affected members of the UNC Charlotte community to begin quarantine. 

In accordance with safety guidelines, the game scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at Middle Tennessee State University has been postponed. More information on a rescheduled date will be shared as soon as it is available. 

Athletics will continue to test all student-athletes and staff, following established University, conference and NCAA safety protocols. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Nov. 6: Spring 2021 Update

General

Thanksgiving COVID-19 exit testing for students and employees
As announced on Oct. 12, to help protect Niner Nation and prevent community spread as individuals return to their hometowns, the University is partnering with the Mecklenburg County Health Department to provide free COVID-19 tests for students ahead of Thanksgiving. Employees are also now eligible to participate in this testing. 

Tests will be conducted on campus by eTrueNorth and results will be available within 72 hours of testing. Because of capacity, testing is limited to UNC Charlotte faculty, staff and students. 

Registration will open on Monday, and you will receive the link in your @uncc email account. You must register for an appointment by Friday, Nov. 13. 

Learn More

 

Spring COVID-19 entry testing
COVID-19 testing will be required for all students living, learning or working on campus in spring 2021 prior to the start of the semester. 

Testing will also be required for all faculty and staff working on campus with frequent/close contact with students or the public during the spring semester. 

You will have the option to be tested on campus or by a provider of your choice. Off-campus testing will need to be based on a sample taken within 72 hours prior to your return to campus. On-campus testing is free and will be offered Jan. 15-19.

More detailed instructions and registration for testing times will be shared later this month.

Flu vaccine attestation due Nov. 16
As a reminder, all students, faculty and staff are required to complete a flu vaccine attestation by Monday, Nov. 16. The attestation asks you whether or not you have received the flu shot recently. If you have, you will be asked to provide the date and location of the vaccination. If you haven’t, you will need to get a flu shot or select one of the approved exception reasons.

• The flu vaccine attestation is sent directly to your @uncc email account. Please search “flu vaccine attestation” in your inbox to locate it.
• Failure to complete the attestation will result in the suspension of NinerNET credentials until the form is completed. 

A final on-campus flu shot clinic will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Student Activity Center (SAC). No appointment is required, and there is no cost for the shot with most insurance providers. Please bring a copy of your insurance card with you to the clinic.

Upcoming town halls
Don’t forget the University is hosting two upcoming town halls to answer your questions about spring 2021. The sessions will also be recorded and posted on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

• Students and Families -- TODAY, Friday, Nov. 6, 1:30-2:30 p.m.
• Faculty and Staff -- Friday, Nov. 13, 10-11:30 a.m.

Parking updates
Faculty/staff spring permits will go on sale Jan. 1, 2021. Student spring permits will go on sale Jan. 15, 2021. Proration schedules for permits will be updated on the PaTS website by Dec. 1, 2020.

Contact the Parking and Transportation Communication Center at 704-687-0161 with questions or to discuss your parking options for spring.

A new way to stay connected 
Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, the University will launch a new daily email to provide students, faculty and staff with a one-stop-shop location for the University’s main news and updates. This new communication will take the place of the weekly Inside UNC Charlotte email. Our goal is to provide our campus community with a timely, centralized format for information, especially when so much is occurring virtually. Families, you are invited to sign up here. More details are coming soon!

Students and Families

Pass/no credit option 
As Provost Joan Lorden announced on Oct. 29, the Faculty Council has approved a pass/no credit option for the fall 2020 semester. Details are being finalized and will be shared with students as soon as available. You should consult with your academic advisor if you have any questions about how choosing this option might affect your degree progression. 

Class registration, course delivery and advising
Class registration for spring 2021 will open as planned on Monday, Nov. 30.  When registration opens, all course delivery methods should be final (in-person, remote, hybrid) and updated in the system. 

Academic advising will continue to be available to students as normal after the University moves to online learning following the Thanksgiving holiday. Please work directly with your advisor on any questions you have about class selection or degree progression. 

Commencement
The University has not made a decision about spring 2021 commencement ceremonies, but we will provide additional information to graduates and their families no later than Feb. 28, 2021. As a reminder, we will celebrate 2020 graduates (May, August and December) virtually on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. More information is available on the commencement website. 

Dining update
Dining Services is developing amended spring meal plans and full-semester meal plans that will be available to students who remain on campus after spring break. More information will be provided by Dec. 1, 2020. 

Housing update

• Fall exceptions:  Although the priority deadline for exception requests to stay in residence halls after Thanksgiving break has passed, you have until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to submit a request for approval and 12 p.m. (noon) on Friday. Nov. 20,  to revoke a previously approved request. If you do not revoke your approved exception request by 12 p.m. on Nov. 20, you will continue to have access to your residence hall through the remainder of fall semester and will not receive a prorated refund of your fall semester rent charges.
• Extenuating circumstances: If you choose to cancel your housing contract because of extenuating circumstances related to COVID-19, including an online-only course schedule for spring semester, you may submit an appeal of your spring semester housing charges through the Tuition, Housing, Dining Appeals process. We understand that students and their families continue to make difficult decisions, and this is a process we can use to review individual circumstances fairly and consistently.  
• Spring exceptions: Housing and Residence Life will provide information about exceptions to stay in residence halls after spring break to residential students once the semester has begun. Similar to the fall semester, we anticipate providing students with the opportunity to request approval to remain on campus after spring break to support their academic progression, employment or other critical support needs. 

Welcome-back-to-campus kits
Welcome-back-to-campus kits have been mailed to all commuter students who updated or added their local mailing address in Banner. If you did not receive a kit, you may pick one up at Barnes & Noble Charlotte located in the Popp Martin Student Union. Kits will be available for the rest of the fall semester or until supplies last. Kits are limited to one per 49er ID.

Important Dates to Remember

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Nov. 5: Follow-Up on Residence Halls Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling on Monday, the University has since completed 70% of the necessary COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted areas. No positives have been found, but testing remains ongoing. 

All residents who tested negative have been cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. Anyone who tests positive will be placed in isolation, and any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. 

Unless clusters are identified in the remaining tests, no additional campus notifications will be sent. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

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Nov. 4: Three Residence Halls Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in three residence halls. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the three residence halls for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the halls have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in their buildings until they can be tested for COVID-19 on Thursday, Nov. 5. 

During this time, all residents of the buildings are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Oct. 29: Follow-up on Residence Hall Testing

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling on Oct. 28, the University has since completed 176 COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted area. Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 1%, and no clusters were found. 

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. Any close contacts within the residence halls will be placed in quarantine. The University’s contact tracing team is notifying any additional close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period. All other residents who tested negative will be cleared by Housing and Residence Life to resume their normal activities. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Oct. 29: Off-Campus COVID-19 Cluster

UNC Charlotte has confirmed an off-campus COVID-19 cluster involving five students residing together in a private residence through its Niner Health Check, testing and contact tracing protocols. 

The students are isolating off campus, receiving appropriate medical care. The University is working with the Mecklenburg County Health Department and property management to ensure all close contacts are notified to begin quarantine and receive necessary testing. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period -- ex: same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Oct. 28: Residence Hall Undergoing Testing

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in one residence hall. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence hall for the privacy of its students and staff, but all residents and staff of the hall have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19 on Thursday, Oct. 29. 

During this time, all residents of the building are required to remain in place except to attend medical appointments. Meal service will be provided.

No additional residence halls are affected at this time. 

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process. 

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Oct. 17: Follow-up on testing in three residence halls

Oct. 16: Three Residence Halls Undergoing Testing for COVID-19

As a result of an uptick in on-campus COVID-19 cases, the University is proactively testing all residents of three residence halls to help mitigate spread of the disease. There are currently no clusters in these halls, but there have been confirmed cases. A cluster is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases.

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence halls for the privacy of residents, but all residents and staff of the halls have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in their respective buildings until they can be tested for COVID-19. Meal service will be provided. 

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. Any close contacts will be notified through the University’s contact tracing team.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Oct. 13: COVID-19 Cluster in Athletics

UNC Charlotte 49ers Athletics Department announced today a cluster of seven cases of COVID-19 involving student-athletes and staff with the Men’s Basketball Team. The positive cases were discovered through self-reporting of symptoms by individuals in the Niner Health Check, the University's contact tracing protocols and regular testing required by Conference USA. 

The individuals are in isolation with proper medical care, and the University's contact tracing team is currently notifying any affected members of the UNC Charlotte community to begin quarantine protocols. All practices and in-person meetings for the basketball team have been suspended until all remaining student-athletes and staff are cleared through subsequent testing. 

Athletics will continue to test all student-athletes and staff, following established University, conference and NCAA safety protocols. 

Cluster notification
A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as a minimum of five cases with illness onsets or initial positive results within a 14-day period and a plausible epidemiologic linkage between cases (present in the same setting during the same time period (ex:  same shift, same classroom, same physical work area); that is consistent in likely timing of exposure; and has no other more likely source of exposure for identified cases (ex: household or close contact to a confirmed case in another setting). The University will notify the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students.

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Oct. 12: Coronavirus Update

General

Flu shot attestation opens Wednesday
Beginning this Wednesday, Oct. 14, you will receive a link to complete a flu attestation. This year, UNC Charlotte is requiring all employees and students to attest that they have received a flu shot or qualify for an applicable exception by Monday, Nov 16. Medical, religious and personal beliefs are accepted categories for an exception. 

On-campus flu shot clinics will continue to be offered. For upcoming dates and more information, visit the Niner Nation Cares website. Questions? Email emergency@uncc.edu.

Reminder: Please complete an exception or health check by 11:59 p.m tonight
Thank you to the more than 95% of the University community who have completed their Niner Health Check regularly. Beginning tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 13, students and employees who have not completed a health check in 20 or more days and who do not have an exception on file, will be locked out of their NinerNET credentials until an assessment is completed. 

If you still need to take action, please do so as quickly as possible to avoid suspension of your credentials. 

Win a chance for a $1,000 credit on your 49er Account
As a thank you to the many members of Niner Nation who are doing all they can to support the health of our University community, UNC Charlotte is offering four total chances to win $1,000 on your 49er Account. 

All faculty, staff and students are eligible by: 

• Completing the Niner Health Check at least 75% of all days between Oct. 12 and Nov. 16, 2020  (27 out of 36 days). Note: Completing an exception form disqualifies you from the drawing.
• Completing the flu shot attestation (acknowledging you have received the vaccine or claiming an exception) by Nov. 16. 
• Being enrolled or employed by the University as of Nov. 20, 2020. 

Prize winners will be randomly selected and notified through their UNC Charlotte email by 5 p.m. E.T. Nov. 20, 2020.  Read the official rules for more information. 

Students and Families

University to offer students COVID-19 testing ahead of Thanksgiving break
The University plans to offer free COVID-19 testing for those students residing in the Charlotte area before they return home for the Thanksgiving break. This is part of an effort not only to keep our campus community safe, but to help protect our students’ loved ones and the surrounding communities during holiday travel. 

This testing is not required, but it is highly encouraged. To help us plan appropriately, please indicate your interest in receiving a test by completing this short form. It does not obligate you to or exclude you from testing when it takes place. More information will be shared about testing times by the first week of November. 

Update your mailing address for your welcome-back-to-campus kit
Commuter students who did not pick up their welcome-back-to-campus kits will receive an email requesting that they confirm, update or add their mailing address in Banner. All changes must be made by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14. 

On-campus dining availability
Dining Services continues to adjust hours of operation to account for patron traffic, student need and sales patterns. Use Dine on Campus to stay up to date. 

After-hours print services
If Atkins Library is closed, resident students may use the printing stations at the Belk, Hunt and Martin Hall service desks. Any student may use the printer stations located in the Student Union until 11 p.m. View the full list of locations.

Faculty and Staff

Open Enrollment starts this week
This year’s enrollment period, Thursday, Oct. 15, through Saturday, Oct. 31, is shorter than usual and begins earlier this year. To help you prepare, the Benefits Office has created a webpage on the Human Resources website that highlights important Open Enrollment information. With the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person enrollment assistance may be limited and customer service response times may be longer, so please start reviewing your options now.

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Oct. 5: Follow-up on Residence Hall

As a result of the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during routine residence hall wastewater sampling on Oct. 2, the University has since completed 155 COVID-19 tests of students and staff in the impacted area. Based on the tests, the positivity rate is less than 1%, and no clusters were found. 

Anyone who tested positive is now in isolation, receiving proper medical care. On Saturday morning, the University’s contact tracing team notified any close contacts of those with positive test results to begin an appropriate quarantine period.

There are no reports of any COVID-19-related symptoms in residents of the building. The University continues to monitor the health of the students within that building and the larger community through the Niner Health Check. All students, faculty and staff should complete the assessment as required. 

Wastewater testing will continue at all on-campus residence halls to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Research shows it is likely the disease presents in wastewater several days before the onset of symptoms, assisting the University in preventing outbreaks of the virus. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

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Oct. 2: Coronavirus Update

General

Niner Health Check exception form now open
The exception form for the Niner Health Check for the fall semester is now open. Individuals who live outside of a 30-mile radius of UNC Charlotte and are not living, working or studying on campus for any reason will qualify for an exception as will individuals who are on long-term leave from the University.

Please note: To allow for the integration of the exception process, no suspension of NinerNET credentials will take place prior to Monday, Oct. 12. 

Niner Health Check + flu attestation = a chance to win
As a thank you to all members of the UNC Charlotte community who are completing their health checks and flu attestation, the University will offer two students, a faculty member and a staff member (four prizes in total) a chance to win a $1,000 credit on their 49er account at the end of the semester. More details will be shared in a future NinerNotice, but all you have to do is complete your health checks each day and your flu attestation by Nov. 16. For a full list of upcoming flu shot clinics, visit the Niner Nation Cares website.  Please note: Completing an exception form for the Niner Health Check disqualifies you from eligibility. 

North Carolina moving to Phase 3
As Governor Roy Cooper announced on Sept. 30, North Carolina will move to Phase 3 of the state’s phased reopening plan at 5 p.m. today, Friday, Oct. 2. This phase will be in place until Friday, Oct. 23. There will not be any changes to University operations during this time. UNC Charlotte will continue to limit mass gatherings on campus to 10 people inside and 25 people outside, which is stricter than what is allowed by the state’s reopening plan. Exceptions to this restriction may be requested through the appropriate vice chancellor or provost. 

Updated Mail and Package Services hours

• Mail window hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Package window hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Smart Locker package pick up: Any time Prospector building is open.

Department mail has resumed regular delivery.

Employees

Community Service Leave (CSL) Updates
As mentioned in a July HR update, permanent employees who wish to volunteer time with non-profit organizations on COVID-19 activities may use up to 80 hours of expanded Community Service Leave (CSL). This special CSL leave expires Dec. 31, 2020, and is counted separately from an employee’s regular allocation of CSL. Employees may use up to 24 of the 80 hours to volunteer with the Board of Elections to assist with 2020 early voting and/or election day activities. For more information including how to use this leave, visit the HR website. 

Separate from the 80 hours of special CSL leave mentioned above, the list of eligible activities for the child involvement aspect of regular Community Service Leave (CSL) has been expanded until Dec 31, 2020. In addition, on Aug. 17, the Office of State Human Resources “reset” the balances for annual CSL allotments for all state employees eligible for CSL. For more information, visit the HR website. 

Employee leave bank reminders
UNC Charlotte created the COVID-19 Leave Bank so employees can donate leave to colleagues who cannot work due to specific COVID-19-related reasons and who have exhausted their accrued leave. The employee also must have exhausted all personal leave and all accrued paid time off. More information is available on the HR website.

If you are an eligible employee and are able, please consider donating sick, vacation or BONREG leave to the COVID-19 leave bank by completing this form.

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Oct. 2: Residence hall undergoing testing for COVID-19

The University’s wastewater testing has detected the presence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in its routine sampling in one residence hall. 

UNC Charlotte is not identifying the residence hall for the privacy of its residents, but all residents and staff of the hall have received information directly from Housing and Residence Life. 

Per established protocols, all residents are required to remain in the building until they can be tested for COVID-19 on Friday afternoon. 

During this time, all residents of the building are required to remain in place except to pick up to-go meals, accept meal delivery and attend medical appointments. 

At this time, no residents of  the residence hall  have reported symptoms of a COVID-19-related illness, and no additional residence halls are affected at this time. 

Residents will remain under this directive until their test results are returned approximately 24 hours after specimen collection. Those testing positive or identified as a close contact of anyone who tests positive will be placed in quarantine/isolation in accordance with the University’s on-campus quarantine/isolation protocols. 

In an effort to further protect the campus community, UNC Charlotte is using wastewater testing because studies have indicated it can identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 days before symptoms appear. 

If you think you have COVID-19
Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status through the daily Niner Health Check. 

Privacy statement
The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.  

Next NinerNotice
NinerNotices will continue to be sent as information becomes available.

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Sept. 30: Coronavirus Update - Flu Shot Clinics

General

Reminder: Flu shot clinics under way
In partnership with Publix, UNC Charlotte is offering on-campus flu clinics for employees and students beginning today, Wednesday, Sept. 30. No appointments are necessary, and there is no cost with appropriate insurance cards. Publix will also provide a $10 gift card to participants. Clinics scheduled to date include: 

• Wednesday, Sept. 30 (until 4 p.m.): Lucas Room - Cone Center
• Wednesday, Oct. 7 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Lucas Room - Cone Center
• Tuesday, Oct. 13 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Student Union, Room 340
• Thursday, Oct. 22 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Student Union, Room 340
• Monday, Oct. 26 (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.): Lucas Room - Cone Center

As a reminder, everyone is required to attest that they have received a flu shot or qualify for an applicable exception by Monday, Nov. 16. Students and employees will receive an email with the attestation form beginning Wednesday, Oct. 14.

You do not need to receive your flu shot on campus. Additionally, please remember that getting a flu shot will provide protection for next semester, too. 

Please note: On-campus flu clinics are only available to UNC Charlotte employees and students.

Visit the Niner Nation Cares for more information and flu shot FAQs. 

Students and Families

Town hall available on demand
Did you miss last week’s students and families’ town hall? You can watch it on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Employees

Employees’ town hall available on demand
If you were unable to attend our virtual employees’ town hall on Monday, you can watch it here.

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Sept. 25: Coronavirus Update

General

Niner Health Check exception form
In consideration of feedback that many students and employees do not plan on being in Charlotte and on campus this fall, we’re working to develop an exception form for the Niner Health Check. We are committed to the health of our community, but we want to be reasonable as circumstances continue to evolve.This form will exempt specified individuals, including those who do not plan to be on campus this semester, from completing the Niner Health Check daily. More information will be shared next week. In the meantime, please continue to fill out the Niner Health Check.

Please review the FAQ on the Emergency Management website for more information. 

Clarification of in-person instruction and other questions
In a recent video, Chancellor Gaber addressed the four most frequently asked questions following Tuesday’s announcement about fall plans. If you have any additional questions about classes after reviewing the video, please email academicaffairs@uncc.edu.

Parking update 
The deadline for a full parking permit refund has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020. 

Requests for permit refunds after Sept. 25, 2020, will follow the standard request procedures and refund schedule. To request a refund, review the standard prorated refund procedures, and complete the Parking Permit Refund/Exchange Form online. 

Contact the PaTS Communication Center at 704-687-0161 or unccpark@uncc.edu if you have questions regarding permit refunds. The Communication Center is open beginning each Monday at 5 a.m. and continuing 24 hours through Friday at 10 p.m.

Dining Update 

Meal plan refunds for resident students
Resident students with the 100 Block, 160 Block and Daily Plan meal plans will receive a refund if they choose not to return to campus housing after Thanksgiving. Refund rates and amended meal plan prices are available on the Auxiliary Services website. 

Students canceling their housing contract
Students who cancel their housing contract may cancel their meal plan through the housing cancellation process. 

Resident upperclass students and commuters
Upperclass students and commuters may make changes to or cancel their meal plan until Oct. 9, 2020, at noon. Students must fill out the Fall 2020 Meal Plan Selection Form.  Students who cancel their meal plan by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25 will not be charged the $25 administrative fee.

Flu shot attestation 
On Wednesday, Oct. 14, all employees and students will receive an email with a flu shot attestation asking if they have received the flu shot or, if not, which exemption they are claiming (such as medical, personal or religious). This attestation is required to be completed by Nov. 16. Regular reminders will be sent. More information can be found online.

Welcome-back kits
Students living on campus will receive their kits at check-in. Other students may pick up their kits on campus starting Oct. 1 by East Deck and the quad outside of the College of Health and Human Services and the College of Education. A 49er ID card will be needed. Any student not picking up their kit will have it mailed to them. Faculty and staff kits have been delivered via interdepartment mail. 

Please check your contact information in Banner
Please make sure your mailing address, alternate email and cell phone number are updated in Banner so the University can mail your welcome-back kit or reach you if needed. 

Students and Families

HRL update 
Housing and Residence Life will offer multiple options to accommodate residential students impacted by the changes in class formats and the decision to move to all online/remote instruction following Thanksgiving break. 

Residents can choose to: 

• Cancel their housing contract without penalty by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25
• Continue to reside on campus following Thanksgiving break by requesting an exception to stay
• Return their room key prior to leaving for Thanksgiving break to receive a prorated refund for the remainder of fall semester (their key will be returned when residence halls reopen for spring semester).

Information on all three options has been emailed directly to residential students from Housing and Residence Life.

Town hall available on demand
Did you miss today’s students and families town hall? You can watch it on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Faculty/Staff

Updated Employee Return to Campus Guide
The Employee Return to Campus Guide has been updated and posted to the Niner Nation Cares website. You will find updated information regarding health and safety practices, cleaning standards and other resources. 

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Sept. 17: Coronavirus Update - Football

UNC Charlotte 49ers Athletics Department announced today the football game scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, against UNC Chapel Hill has been canceled. The decision was made because several members of the offensive line were placed into quarantine following the University’s COVID-19 contact tracing protocols. The loss of eligible players prohibits the team from safely playing the game.

Over the past two weeks, there have been three positive cases of coronavirus found in football student-athletes through regular testing required by Conference USA. The individuals are in isolation receiving proper medical care, and all other affected individuals were notified to quarantine for 14 days by University contact tracers. 

Since June 10, 3,150 tests have been administered by Athletics with 20 total positives across all student-athletes, coaches and support staff. Athletics will continue to test all student-athletes and staff, following established University, conference and NCAA safety protocols. 

This announcement does not impact the status of the home opener versus Georgia State scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26.

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Sept. 10: Coronavirus Update

General

Phase 2.5 updates
Continuing through at least Oct. 2, 2020, North Carolina is in Phase 2.5 of the state’s reopening plan. More information can be found in the state’s FAQs.

Below are some updates for the University during Phase 2.5:

• Gym facilities: University Recreation facilities will be open in two phases. This week, through Sept. 11, a variety of outdoor and select indoor activities are available. Starting Sept. 12, UREC will be open with less than 30% capacity. Most activities will require a reservation. More information can be found at urec.uncc.edu. 
• Gathering sizes: UNC Charlotte will continue to adhere to a gathering standard of 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. This is different from the Phase 2.5 standard of 25 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. Exceptions to this standard may be requested through each division’s respective vice chancellor. 

Welcome-back-to-campus kits
All faculty, staff and students will receive a welcome-back-to-campus kit. Each kit contains disposable and reusable face coverings, hand sanitizer, a thermometer and information regarding campus resources. Kits are limited to one per person. Distribution will be as follows:

On-campus residents: 

• Students living on campus will receive their kit during move-in. Students who are already living on campus should have received their kit. Please contact HRL if you have not received yours.

Commuter students:

• Pick-up locations will be set up outside of Prospector and in the CHHS and COED quad across from the Student Union during the first week of October.  You will need to present your 49er ID card to retrieve your kit.

Faculty/Staff:

• Kits have been delivered to your department through interdepartmental mail. You will need to come to campus to retrieve your kit.

All other students:

• Your kit will be mailed to you. You will receive an email the second week of October to confirm your mailing address.

Face covering availability
In addition to providing reusable and disposable face coverings in welcome-back-to-campus kits, disposable face coverings will be available to anyone who needs them on campus. They can be picked up at the visitor’s desk in the Popp Martin Student Union at no cost and are being added to vending machines for purchase for $1. If you have questions about face coverings, please email emergency@uncc.edu. 

Parking refund deadline reminder
The deadline for a full parking permit refund is 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15. Request a refund here. All requests received after this date will be subject to the standard proration schedule and a $25 admin fee.

Students

Earlier this week, some courses on Canvas were unable to be viewed, and others did not have an instructor assigned. These issues should now be resolved. If you are still experiencing issues with accessing a course on Canvas, email academicaffairs@uncc.edu and provide the following information:

• Course Name
• Course Number
• Instructor Name
• Class Meeting Date(s)/Time(s)

This FAQ might be helpful for other Canvas-related inquiries.

Faculty and Staff

UNC Charlotte opting out of employee payroll tax deferral
UNC Charlotte has made the decision to opt out of the temporary payroll tax deferral offered in a federal executive order and in effect through the end of the year. This decision was guided by direction received from the University of North Carolina System Office and after careful review of the facts surrounding the order.  

No action on your part is needed. There will be no changes to your payroll tax deductions as a result of this executive order. If you have any questions, email the Payroll Department at PayrollDept@uncc.edu.

Questions about teleworking or other accommodations
Employees should first work with their supervisors on teleworking or other accommodations needed as a result of COVID-19-related concerns. If additional support is needed, please contact Cindy Edwards, employee relations manager, at 704-687-0658 or ckedward@uncc.edu. 

Child Care Assistance
The North Carolina Office of Human Resources has identified the following resources for state employees who need assistance with child care and work-life balance during COVID-19.

• NCDHHS Child Care Hotline - Families and caregivers in need of child care for children up to age 12 can call the Child Care Hotline at 1-888-600-1685 to be connected directly to care options in their community that meet their families’ needs.
• NCDHHS Child Care Provider Search - Find a child care provider in your area.
• NCDHHS Child Care Subsidy Information - Find assistance to help pay for child care.
• Smart Start - Helps working parents pay for child care and provides health and family support services. 
• NC Head Start - Supports low-income children and their families.
• NC Pre-K Program - Designed to provide high-quality educational experiences for eligible four-year-old children.
• NC Child Care Resource and Referral Council - Assists with finding child care that best meets the needs of your child and family.
• Child Care Aware of America - Serves the U.S. Military and Department of Defense families by providing fee assistance and respite child care programs.

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Sept. 1: Off-Campus COVID-19 Cluster

The Mecklenburg County Health Department has confirmed an off-campus COVID-19 cluster involving eight students residing together in two private residences. These students isolated appropriately and have since recovered. The University has been and will remain in close contact with the health department on all COVID-19 matters.

A “cluster” is defined by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services as five or more cases that are deemed close proximity or location. The University is committed to notifying the UNC Charlotte community of known clusters involving employees and students, even when located off campus. Anyone in the UNC Charlotte community experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches or a cough, should immediately contact their medical provider or the Student Health Center and visit the Emergency Management website for additional information about updating the University on their COVID-19 status. All faculty, staff and students are asked to commit to the #NinersPledge to uphold community standards that will help keep Niner Nation safe. 

While UNC Charlotte has not yet started classes for the fall semester, the University is providing notice of this COVID-19 cluster in order to raise campus and community awareness. The University will not broadly communicate details about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Those who need to know about individual positive cases will be notified during the contact tracing process.

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Aug. 31: Coronavirus Update

General

Niner Health Check 
UNC Charlotte will launch Niner Health Check tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 1, for all employees and on-campus students. It will launch Monday, Sept. 7, the start of fall classes, for all students. 

Niner Health Check is a daily assessment that helps keep the University community healthy by screening for symptoms of COVID-19 and connecting faculty, staff and students to testing resources if necessary. 

The assessment consists of a daily four-question survey that will take less than two minutes to complete. Read more about what you can expect and the important role your participation will play in protecting Niner Nation. 

Early detection system for COVID-19
The University will begin regularly sampling and monitoring the wastewater at several campus residence halls to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  Research suggests that evidence of the disease presents in wastewater several days before the onset of symptoms. Read more. 

Parking refunds and enforcement
You will be able to request a full parking permit refund if your parking needs have changed due to the delayed in-person start date. Refund instructions and important deadlines will be sent this week from Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS) to your @uncc email account.

Faculty/staff and visitor areas continue to be enforced. Full campus enforcement resumes Sept. 7. You will be required to have a permit or to pay for visitor parking to park on campus at this time. 

If you would like a chance to win free parking for the spring semester, tell us how you are going to commit to the #NinersPledge to protect your health and the health of all Niners. 

Students and Families

New Student Convocation Sunday, Sept. 6
We are looking forward to welcoming our new students to the UNC Charlotte community!  You are invited to join us for this live virtual event that will incorporate student and faculty voices, academic messages and university traditions. Tune in on Sunday, Sept. 6, at 4:49 p.m. at livestream.uncc.edu or youtube.com/unccharlottevideo.  Additional virtual college programming follows the event on Sunday and throughout the first week. View the virtual event agenda and more info at studentconvocation.uncc.edu. 

Town Hall available 
If you missed our families/students town hall live on Wednesday, Aug. 26, you can watch it anytime on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Amended meal plan options
Students received information from Dining on Friday, Aug. 28, regarding amended meal plan options. Meal plans are available for use beginning today, Monday, Aug. 31. However, students who do not use any portion of their meal plan on or before Sept. 25 will automatically be reassigned to the corresponding amended plan and refunded the difference. 

Learn more about your options for meal plan selection, and contact the Meal Plan Office (704-687-7337) with any questions.

See Dine on Campus for open dining locations and operating hours.

Textbook pickup and shipping
Barnes & Noble Charlotte will remain open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you  selected in-store textbook pickup, you may pick up your books any time the store is open or email sm276@bncollege.com to have textbooks shipped to you. 

Graduate student onboarding portal 
The Graduate School has launched a graduate student onboarding portal to welcome all new graduate students to the fall 2020 semester.

Faculty and Staff

COVID-19 Leave Bank update
The COVID-19 Leave Bank remains available for employees who have exhausted all personal leave and all accrued paid time off and who still require time away from work related to COVID-19. More information is available on the HR website.

If you are an eligible employee and are able, please consider donating sick, vacation or BONREG leave to the COVID-19 leave bank by completing this form.

Reminder about Labor Day
Because Monday, Sept. 7, is the start of online classes, UNC Charlotte will be open. Employees have been given a floating holiday to use in place of the University being closed that day. You have until Dec. 31, 2020, to use this leave.

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Aug. 17: Coronavirus Update

General

Statement on Chapel Hill’s Announcement

As you may have seen, UNC Chapel Hill announced this afternoon it would move its undergraduate classes online beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19, in response to outbreaks of COVID-19 clusters in Chapel Hill  over the past several days. 

Following guidance from the UNC System, UNC Charlotte and other System institutions will proceed as planned with on-campus instruction.

We are in close contact with local public health officials and are continually assessing our current protocols to make any necessary changes to further protect the health and safety of campus.

In light of UNC Chapel Hill’s announcement today, we offer these updates and reminders: 

• Residence hall contracts: We have put in place extraordinary health and sanitation measures to provide a safe on-campus housing experience, but we recognize some students and families may be concerned about returning to on-campus living. We will allow students to cancel their on-campus housing contract for the upcoming semester without penalty until Friday, Aug. 21 at 11:59 p.m., by going to the Housing and Residence Life (HRL) website. Students who have canceled the housing between July 16 and today will receive a credit for cancellation penalties. Please note you must contact HRL to void your contract. Not moving in is not sufficient notification. For students who choose to live in residence halls this fall, distancing measures will be in place, including reducing room occupancy, to further achieve de-densification in the buildings. 

• Care of on-campus residents: UNC Charlotte is prepared to care for any on-campus student who becomes ill. We have designated quarantine and isolation space identified and have plans in place to deliver food and other necessities to affected students. 

• Large social gatherings: Large social gatherings (more than 25 people outside and 10 people inside) are strictly prohibited under the governor’s executive order, and they are a danger to you and to others. Those found to be in violation of this order will be held accountable under the Code of Student Responsibility and could be subject to further legal action as a Class 2 misdemeanor. Please do not risk your health and the health of Niner Nation by hosting or attending large events. 

• Self-identification of at-risk status: The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines those most at risk for complications from COVID-19 as people above the age of 65 and/or those with underlying health conditions. We have sent emails to both employees and students asking you to identify if you or someone in your immediate household is at high risk of complications because of these underlying conditions. 

  • Students: If you or anyone in your household identifies as being at risk from one of these conditions and you wish to discuss options for changes in your course schedule to accommodate your concerns, please contact your academic advisor directly.
  • Faculty and Staff: If you or anyone in your household identifies as being at risk from one of these conditions, please complete this form. 
     

• Niner Health Check: This fall, the University will launch Niner Health Check, an online daily assessment to help keep Niner Nation safe. You will receive a daily email with a link, instructing you to complete a short survey about your health to ensure it is safe for you to come to campus. Here is what you can expect: 

  • Timing: You will begin receiving emails daily with a link to the Niner Health Check on Monday, Aug. 31.  
  • Questions: The confidential survey will ask if you have been around anyone with COVID-19, are undergoing testing for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms of the virus. Depending on your answers, you will be encouraged to stay home, asked to seek testing or cleared to come to campus. 
  • Text reminders: Beginning Monday, Sept. 7, the start of classes, you will also receive a daily text reminder to the number on file in Banner reminding you to complete the survey. Please make sure your cell phone number is current by visiting Banner Self Service. 
  • Until Niner Health Check launches: You should be monitoring yourself daily for symptoms of COVID-19. If you believe you are ill or you have been exposed to anyone who has the virus, remain at home and contact your health care provider for additional guidance. Complete our current online reporting form so we can make sure you get the support you need. 
  • More information: We will share more information with you about checking your symptoms and the Niner Health Check soon at your @uncc email account. 
  • Take the #NinersPledge: It is critical every member of Niner Nation adhere to the community standards outlined in the Niners Pledge -- both on and off campus.  Commit to the pledge, and share your commitment on social media for a chance to win a free semester of parking. Learn more and review the official rules on the Niner Nation Cares website. 

The University continues to monitor this situation closely. We remain in discussions with the UNC System and public health officials regarding local conditions and taking the appropriate actions to protect the health and well-being of Niner Nation. 

We will continue to keep you updated. Please closely monitor your @uncc email account for the latest information. 

Building access update

Building access returned to normal today, Monday, Aug. 17. A 49er ID card will no longer be required to access buildings during normal operating hours. The following are exceptions to this change and will remain on swipe-access only: 

• King

• Reese

• Cato

• Price Counseling Center

• PORTAL

• Cameron

• Woodward

• Foundation

• URec

Lockdown override test Thursday

On Thursday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m, the University will test the lockdown mechanism and first-responder override system. For approximately 15 minutes, you will be unable to enter buildings even with your 49er ID card. Please note: This is not a test of the NinerAlert system. 

Parking reminders

• • Parking enforcement resumed today, Monday, Aug. 17, in faculty/staff areas (Cone Deck, East Deck 1, Union Deck, Lot 11A, Lot 15, Lot 29 and CAB lot).

  • Visitor areas (East Deck 1, Cone Deck and Union Deck) will require payment and gates will be down.  

  • Full campus enforcement begins on Sept. 7. 

  • You can purchase a permit online. 

CDC alters international travel guidance

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have altered their guidance for individuals returning from international travel. There is no longer a requirement or recommendation to quarantine for 14 days unless you have been around someone who has COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms of the virus. 

Students/Families

Hybrid classes finalized

Times and locations for hybrid classes are now finalized. You can view details and your entire schedule by following the instructions outlined on the Niner Central website. 

Town hall available online

Did you miss our recent virtual students and families town halls? Watch the most recent one online on the Niner Nation Cares website. If you have questions that aren’t addressed, please complete our inquiry form.

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Aug. 5: Coronavirus Update

Today, Wednesday, Aug, 5, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced he is extending Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan until at least Friday, Sept. 11, in an ongoing effort to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The University will begin classes on Monday, Sept. 7, as previously announced.  

We will continue to provide additional details about what you can expect when you return to campus in the weeks ahead. Visit the Niner Nation Cares website for the latest.

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July 15: Coronavirus Update

General

North Carolina remains in Phase 2 until Aug. 7
Yesterday, Tuesday, July 14, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced he was extending the Safer at Home Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan until at least Friday, Aug. 7,  in an ongoing effort to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). Teleworking remains strongly encouraged at the University under Phase 2. Campus offices and departments may continue phased reopenings after receiving approval to do so through the Returning to Campus plan. Please see more information about the K-12 public schools reopening announcement under Faculty/Staff.

Students and Families

Classroom instruction methods updated
The majority of course schedules for students enrolled in the fall 2020 semester are complete. To check classroom instruction methods, follow these steps. The instruction method listed for classes should not change unless required for reasons of health or safety. These types of situations could include UNC System guidance changes; local/state public health directives; or related developments as a result of the pandemic. If this happens, students will be notified. 

In-class meeting times for hybrid courses are still in development. The Office of the Registrar will email students in the coming weeks when their schedule is finalized with times and classroom locations for these classes. If a class is hybrid, it will be indicated following the steps linked above. 

While students are continuing to enroll for the fall, we expect approximately 50 percent of classes will be delivered in person (either face-to-face or hybrid), while the others will be delivered remotely.

GradGuard available for fall
Effective for the upcoming fall semester, UNC Charlotte has partnered with GradGuard to offer Tuition Insurance Protection to students and their families. 

Enrolling in Tuition Insurance Protection is completely optional. It is a personal insurance policy between GradGuard and the student or payer. This policy can reimburse up to 100% of nonrefundable school costs after a full withdrawal for a covered illness (including COVID-19), injury or psychological condition. More information can be found on the Niner Central website. Please note: Tuition Insurance Protection from GradGuard does not cover adjustments, disruptions or withdrawals due to changes in University operations as a result of COVID-19, such as changes to instruction delivery methods, the availability of housing and dining plans, or other adjustments to campus operations made by UNC Charlotte or directed by the UNC System or public officials.

Faculty and Staff

K-12 public school plans
Yesterday, Governor Cooper announced that all North Carolina K-12 public schools will be a combination of in-person and remote instruction. At minimum, all schools will operate under “Plan B,” a mix of remote and in-person learning. Local school districts may also choose to operate under “Plan C,” which is full remote learning. At this time, we do not know how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and surrounding counties will choose to operate. We do know, however, that either option may present challenges for some of our employees. We are consulting with the UNC System and are awaiting further guidance on what support will be available. Human Resources will share more information directly with employees as soon as possible.

Reminder: Return to campus guidance available
If you have not yet done so, please review the Employee Guide for the Return to Campus and the Niner Nation Cares website. We will continue to update this information in the weeks ahead. Additionally, stay tuned in early August for our fall education campaign focused on the 6Ws WE can all do to protect the health of Niner Nation.

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July 2: Coronavirus Update

General

Face Covering Information
In accordance with updated guidance from state and system officials, everyone is expected to wear a face covering that covers your nose and mouth whenever you are indoors on the University’s campus, including The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, unless you are alone in a personal space. This requirement is regardless of the distance between you and others. Students should consult the Housing and Residence Life website for more information about requirements in residence halls. Visit Niner Nation Cares for more information about fall semester. 

Parking Information

• Parking permits for the 2020-21 academic year will be available for purchase through UNCC MyPark beginning Aug. 1. Permits are valid beginning Aug. 15. Be sure to purchase a permit before returning to campus. 

• Starting July 6, parking will operate in a Level 3 status. Parking will only be enforced in restricted areas, such as reserved spaces and ADA. View all of PaTS modified services. 

Students and Families

Course Delivery Update
The Office of the Registrar is finalizing all course delivery methods in Banner. The final step is the hybrid courses, which they are working on now. We expect this to be completed in the next one to two weeks. When it is, we will send an email to students to let them know they can log in to Banner to see their final class schedules. Stay tuned for more information. 

Scheduling Virtual Information Sessions
We are working to schedule a variety of virtual informational sessions for students and families so we can answer the questions you have about the start of the academic year. More information will be shared as soon as dates are finalized.  In the meantime, please review the Niner Nation Cares website, then complete this form to let us know what’s on your mind as you think about the return to campus. It will help us make sure we’re addressing your concerns in the information sessions.

Faculty and Staff

Human Resources Message
Some employees experienced a delay in receiving the message from HR on Friday, June 26. If you missed it, please review the information about changes to administrative leave, a new leave donation system, upcoming employee information sessions, and additional details about face coverings for employees. 

Campus Signage
A working group is developing a variety of signage options for the return to on-campus operations as part of a comprehensive fall operations communications strategy. Departments and units are asked to please refrain from making their own signs. More information and ordering should be available to managers in the next one to two weeks. In the meantime, please reach out to ba-comms@uncc.edu with any questions. 

Mail and Package Services
Mail Services will deliver to mailrooms on campus on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through the end of July. Departments are encouraged to have their outgoing mail ready for pick up by 10 a.m. View all of Mail and Package Services’ operational updates.

Questions?
Please continue to use the inquiry form to submit your questions. We will get back to you as soon as we can, and we will use your questions to inform online FAQs. 

Next NinerNotice
NinerNotices will be sent as information becomes available. 

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June 17: Coronavirus Update

Please see below for important updates regarding the start of the fall semester and the return to on-campus operations. Students and families, please pay special attention to the fall FAQs. Faculty and staff, please review the return-to-campus guide. 

General

Classes starting Sept. 7 as announced
The University will begin classes on Monday, Sept. 7, as previously announced on May 4. The decision to delay the start of our academic calendar was based on several factors, including public health guidance and our unique location in Charlotte. Our top priority is the safety of our students, faculty and staff, especially those members of Niner Nation who may be most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina, and with phased reopening and the unpredictability of the virus, we want to allow additional time between the projected peak of the virus in Mecklenburg County and the beginning of the academic year. Cases of the virus are rising and public health officials estimate the surge to be even later this summer than originally predicted. While the scope, speed or resurgence of this pandemic is unpredictable, extra time to prepare means we can have plans in place to ensure a successful academic year. The academic calendar is posted on the Niner Central website.

• Final Exams: Final exams begin Dec. 17. We also know time with family is important to our students, faculty and employees. In-person exams will be scheduled first, allowing students and faculty the flexibility to leave campus before the winter break begins on December 23. Online/remote exams will continue as planned. Exam delivery will be communicated by instructors on the first day of class.

Return-to-campus packets and face coverings
When classes resume in the fall, everyone will be expected to wear a face covering in classrooms and anytime you are within six feet of others. Before the start of classes, the University will provide return-to-campus packets to all faculty, staff and students that contain reusable and disposable face coverings, hand sanitizer and other items. Disposable face coverings will also be available in campus vending machines. Stay tuned for more information. 

Working groups planning for fall
Focusing on six guiding principles, leaders from across campus are involved in the development and execution of the plans directing the University's ongoing response to COVID-19. Oversight is provided by the Policy Group, which includes the Chancellor, the Chancellor’s Cabinet and other associate vice chancellors and directors. The Incident Management Team (IMT) provides the infrastructure for the operational response and provides coordination to 22 working groups. More information is available on the Emergency Management website.

Air quality on campus
One of UNC Charlotte’s 22 working groups planning the return to fall classes is focused solely on air quality. After extensive assessments of guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and many other industry best practices, the group has determined our building air systems meet and exceed the current recommended air changes per hour. The air change is the number of times air enters and exits a room in an hour. This means the air circulating through our buildings is being properly cleaned and is safe. It is also important to note that there are no reports of air distribution systems spreading COVID-19 or other infectious diseases such as the flu. 

The working group will continue to increase the frequency of filter changes as an additional precaution. They will also increase the monitoring of building automation and control systems to ensure all systems remain functional and are prepared to act quickly in the event of emergency failure. 

Students and Families

Fall FAQs now available
We know you have many questions as you prepare to return to campus in the fall. We have started a fall semester FAQ on the Niner Nation Cares website, and we will continue to add more answers as we have them.  As we get closer to the start of classes, the Niner Nation Cares website will become a centralized source for the latest information. We are committed to keeping you updated, and we will provide more complete return-to-campus guidance to you no later than mid-July.

Fall move-in for residential students
Move-in week will take place Aug. 31 through Sept. 6. Move-in appointments will limit the number of residents moving into each hall on a given day to ensure physical distancing. Appointments can be scheduled online in early August. Residents will receive an email from HRL with additional details. 

Laptop requirement for new students
The University has implemented a new laptop requirement for new students in the fall semester, both undergraduate and graduate. While this is not applicable to returning students, some colleges have computer requirements for their majors. Laptops will still be available for short-term checkout from Atkins Library, and desktop computers will be available in the library and computer labs.

Course delivery and tuition and fees
On Friday, June 12, Provost Joan Lorden shared information with students about the instructional methods that will be used in the fall semester. This includes in-person, a hybrid of both in-person and remote, and synchronous and asynchronous online learning.

• Synchronous = live, online teaching in recurring weekly time slots

• Asynchronous = materials and instructors are available, but no "designated class meeting time"

All course delivery methods will be finalized in Banner by early July. Students will receive email communication when this is done. Assigned face-to-face meeting times for hybrid courses may not be finalized until later. We expect most students will have a combination of hybrid/face-to-face instruction and online instruction.

Based on direction from the UNC System, tuition and fees for the fall semester will follow the standard model that is calculated on program type, not course delivery. Additionally, while safety precautions will be in place, all campus services will be available to students during the fall semester.

Faculty and Staff

Return-to-campus guide
As faculty and staff begin to return to campus ahead of the start of fall classes, the University has developed a guide with information regarding health and safety practices, cleaning standards and other resources. We also know all the information you need won’t be found in this version of the guide. There are still questions to be answered, and we are working diligently to get the needed information to you. We will provide an updated version of this document before classes resume. A similar document will be developed for students and families, too. 

Next NinerNotice
Additional NinerNotices will be sent as more information becomes available.

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May 20: Coronavirus Update

Today, Wednesday, May 20, Governor Roy Cooper announced North Carolina will enter Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan on Friday, May 22, at 5 p.m. More information can be found in the state’s Phase 2 FAQs.

Here is what you can expect during Phase 2 at UNC Charlotte:

• Maximized teleworking is encouraged.

• For those individuals who cannot telework, social distancing of at least six feet between all individuals should be maintained.

• Individuals should wear a face covering when around others. (Please note: This is a new instruction based on updated guidance from the state and CDC.)

• No employee may return to work without permission, and no department or area may allow employees to return without seeking approval as outlined below in this document.

  • Visit the Emergency Management website for more information on plans to return to work on campus. 

• Gyms and other recreational facilities will remain closed. 

• Modified dining options remain available on campus.

• On-campus camps (for youth 18 and under) remain canceled for the summer. Those that can transition to online or remote delivery can continue. 

• Conferences and events are canceled through July.

Please note: The state’s phased reopening plan outlines what can happen in each phase. It isn’t a requirement for what must happen. The University is able to set a pace for returning to campus operations that makes sense for us. Information about the University’s current reopen plan is available here. Updated information will continue to be shared with the UNC Charlotte community through NinerNotices, the COVID-19 webpage and the Niner Nation Cares website. 

Next NinerNotice
NinerNotices will be sent as updated information becomes available.

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May 18: Coronavirus Update

General

Camps and Events

Camps -- All in-person camps at UNC Charlotte scheduled for July and August have been canceled. Any camps that can transition to an online or remote delivery may continue. 

• Camps are defined as those events involving youth, less than 18 years in age.

• Camps that include overnight stays in the residence halls are also canceled.

• Camps on Campus (organized by Continuing Education) -- Participants will receive more information from camp organizers regarding full refunds. More information about Camps on Campus, including new virtual Online Youth Programs for Summer 2020, is available online. 

• Other Camps -- Information about Athletics and other camps will be shared with participants by event organizers. 

Events and Conferences -- All other events and conferences at UNC Charlotte and those sponsored by the University at off-campus locations are canceled through July 31. Information about events and conferences beginning Aug. 1 will be shared by June 30. 

Dining Updates

• Crown Commons will continue providing brunch and dinner takeout service. The door rate has been reduced to $6.

• Straight Declining Balance meal plan rollover funds from 2019-20 meal plans will be available for use through Aug. 11, 2021.

• Summer 2020 meal plans will not be available for purchase.

• More information.

49er Card Office

• The Meal Plan and 49er Card Office is open virtually from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to serve students and employees who need replacement or temporary cards and card account or meal plan information.

• If you need in-person service, the office is now open by appointment Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

• More information.

Students and Families

Fall Study Abroad

Due to the continuing uncertainties surrounding COVID-19 and following guidance issued by the UNC System, UNC Charlotte has made the very difficult decision to cancel all fall study abroad programs. The Office of Education Abroad (OEA) will work with students and faculty over the coming days to minimize the impact of these cancellations on students’ programs of study.  

For more information about the study abroad program cancellations, visit edabroad.uncc.edu/health.

Pass/No Credit Grading Option Now Available

Students have until 5 p.m. on  Monday, June 1, to make grade elections. You have the option to replace standard letter grades for Spring 2020 courses with pass/no credit (for undergraduates) or pass/unsatisfactory (for graduate students). No credit (N) is not an option in the graduate grading scale. Students should review pass/no credit option details before making a decision.

To replace a grade, use the P/N or P/U grading election option in Banner Self Service available through My UNC Charlotte. Do not send grading petitions to your advisor. More information is available on the Niner Central website.

A special note for U.S. veterans: If a U.S. veteran using the G.I. Bill opts to take no credit (NC) for a course grade, then they will either be required to pay all of the funds back from the first day of the term (including BAH, tuition, fees, book funds, etc.) or they may be allowed to repay prorated debts through the last day of attendance. 

Students can reverse their election for no credit by submitting an academic petition:  

• Undergraduate petition: https://ugpetition.uncc.edu/login

• Graduate petition: https://gpetition.uncc.edu/login

CARES Act Fund Distribution Under Way for Students

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides approximately $12 million in funding to UNC Charlotte for distribution to qualifying undergraduate and graduate students to help cover expenses related to the disruption of spring 2020 campus operations due to COVID-19.  The University is pleased to have already posted over 6,000 awards to students' accounts as of Friday, May 15, and additional grants will be forthcoming. 

Eligibility and Distribution of Funds

• The funds are distributed to those students identified as having the highest need based on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Approximately 74% of the funds will be given to students with the most significant need in the form of block grants in set amounts.

  • A student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) will be used to determine if they qualify for block grant funding, and only those students with the most significant need will be given a block grant. 

  • No application is needed to be eligible for the block grant because distribution is based on the student's FAFSA information. 

• The other 26% of the CARES funding will be given out in emergency aid throughout the summer and fall via an application review process. 

  • Students who do not receive CARES Act block grant funding, or whose financial situation has changed since filing their FAFSA, may request funds by completing this Emergency Aid application. 

  • Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for funds using the Emergency Aid application.

• Requests will exceed funding availability. Not everyone who meets the criteria will receive grant funds.

Please review details about eligibility requirements and FAQs on the Niner Nation Cares website.

Textbooks and Class Materials

• Summer books and course materials are available for purchase online through the bookstore. Hard copy materials ship free. Digital materials are available immediately after purchase for download.

• Reminder: Free ebooks through VitalSource and Barnes and Noble College will end on May 25, 2020. All ebooks that are checked out at that time will be automatically returned.

Next NinerNotice
We will continue to send NinerNotices as needed when updates and new information are available. 

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May 4: Coronavirus Update

General

Plans for fall semester
If you missed it, please review the message from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois earlier today about plans for the fall semester. 

NinerNotices over the summer
As we transition into the summer months, NinerNotices will shift from weekly to an as-needed basis. We will continue to keep you informed on important updates as we move toward the fall semester. Additionally, our inquiry form remains open to answer your questions during this time. We hope everyone has a safe, healthy summer!

Changes to Niner Transit Bus System
Over the summer months, Niner Transit will implement the following changes:

• Starting tomorrow, May 5, Niner Transit will stop operating the apartment bus shuttles.

• Starting May 9, one Silver and one Green line will operate on weekends, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Starting May 11, one Green and two Silver lines will operate on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• More information is available on the PaTS website. 

Students

Pass/unsatisfactory grading option for graduate students
All graduate students will have the option to select Pass/Unsatisfactory for each of their Spring 2020 courses. Please note: No Credit (N) is not an option in the graduate grading scale.

Graduate students are required to have a 3.0 GPA in their program of study in order to graduate. Graduate students are held to a higher standard and, as a result, are suspended when they earn a grade of U or an unacceptable number of C grades. A student can elect a Pass (P) grade to replace a C grade this semester. Students who earn a U or an unacceptable amount of C grades will be suspended or terminated, as appropriate. This process will not change for spring, and suspensions or terminations will be effective for Fall 2020. 

Graduate students are advised to consult with their program director before making a grade change selection, if relevant. 

Textbook returns
Last week’s Niner Notice listed the textbook rental return deadline as June 15. This date did not take into account the recent extension. Textbook rentals need to be returned no later than Aug. 29. You can access prepaid shipping labels here.

Faculty and Staff

Work beginning May 9
Governor Roy Cooper's stay-at-home order is currently expected to expire on Friday, May 8. If there is no extension of the order, the state will enter phase 1 of the governor's reopening plan at that time. Phase 1 includes the directive that liberal teleworking continue, and the University will abide by this instruction. All employees who are teleworking should continue to do so. If you cannot telework and believe you need to return to campus to carry out your duties, you should contact your supervisor directly to discuss your situation. Additional information about administrative leave and other COVID-19-related HR policies will be shared with employees as soon as further guidance is received from the UNC System. 

Faculty Staff Textbook Loan Program
Faculty and staff who took advantage of the Faculty Staff Textbook Loan (FSTL) Program should either contact Linda Burke (lburke10@uncc.edu) to set up a time and date to return their textbooks or mail them back to the store at their own cost.

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April 27: Coronavirus Update

General Information

A Message of Care for Niner Nation
UNC Charlotte Dean of Students Christine Reed Davis recently sent a message of care for students, but there are lessons that everyone in Niner Nation can use, including six reflection questions to help keep you grounded during these challenging times. You can view the video here.

New COVID-19 Reporting Form
UNC Charlotte cares about the health and well-being of our students and employees. If you have been diagnosed or evaluated by a healthcare provider for COVID-19, please complete this form to aid us in providing adequate support to our campus community.  This form replaces the University’s self-quarantine reporting form. 

Send Your Best Wishes to the Class of 2020
In recognition of the original May commencement dates, UNC Charlotte is creating a video compilation of what graduating means, straight from the voices of May graduates, their loved ones, and the faculty and staff closest to them. Review this information for how you can send your best wishes to the Class of 2020. 

Phased On-Campus Reopening Guidance
The University is reviewing the on-campus reopening guidance issued by the federal, state and local government, and we are in close contact with the UNC System for additional instruction. We will share more information with the campus community as it becomes available. 

For Students

Information about Academic Probation and Suspension
Courses selected for pass/no credit in spring 2020 will have no impact on a student's spring semester GPA or overall cumulative GPA. Because of the extraordinary circumstances due to COVID-19 this spring, UNC Charlotte will not be implementing the usual academic suspension process at the end of the spring 2020 semester. Any student on probation from fall 2019 who does not meet the cumulative requirements for good academic standing, at the end of spring, will be classified as "Special Probation." Students who were in good standing prior to Spring 2020 whose cumulative GPA fell below 2.0 this semester will be placed on Academic Probation as normal. Please review this FAQ for additional information on this and other topics related to the pass/no credit option. 

Check Out New Virtual Resources -- Including Virtual Events
Navigating a new virtual approach to life and education is a big change. To help students successfully manage this changing landscape, Student Affairs recently launched go.uncc.edu/virtual to provide virtual resources from different areas of the University and the community related to wellness, counseling, learning and fun, including a list of virtual events from the Campus Events web calendar.

Reminders about HRL Move Out
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) will continue with its planned move out, continuing through Friday, May 8. Social distancing and safety measures will be in place; the extension of North Carolina’s stay-at-home order will not delay this effort. 

• Textbooks from Barnes & Noble Charlotte

  • Students who wish to participate in textbook buyback can sell their books online and ship them for free with the Barnes & Noble Charlotte buyback tool.

  • Textbook rentals are due June 15 and must be shipped to the store. Prepaid shipping labels are available here.

  • Textbooks for summer courses will be available for purchase online and will ship for free. May 25 is the last day to receive a refund on any summer textbooks.

• Returning Items from Atkins Library 

  • If Moving Out of Residence Halls: Students may return library books (including Interlibrary Loan) to any campus book drop location. Students with laptops or library equipment other than books to drop off during scheduled move out dates may contact Mark Price to make an appointment to return the equipment to the library at a specified time. Returning library materials during move out is optional, and late fines will not be charged for overdue items at this time. Only lost or damaged items will incur fees for repair or replacement.

  • If Not Returning to Campus for Move Out: Anyone with library books or DVDs to return who has left the Charlotte area or is unable to come to campus may request a postage-paid label to return books by mail. Please visit the library updates page for more information on this option. Laptops and other equipment cannot be returned by mail at this time.​

For Faculty and Staff

• Administrative Leave and Families First Coronavirus Response Act
  Employees can expect to hear more information via email from Human Resources by Friday, May 1, on the status of administrative leave and the application of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).  FFCRA is legislation that extends provisions of family and medical leave and sick leave to employees with COVID-19-related absences. 

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April 23: State Stay-At-Home Order Extended

Today, Thursday, April 23, Governor Roy Cooper extended the stay-at-home order for North Carolina through Friday, May 8, in an ongoing effort to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

This order includes UNC Charlotte and supersedes Mecklenburg County’s order, which expires April 29. 

There are no additional measures necessary by the University to comply with this extension. As previously directed, employees should continue to work from home until further notice. Additional information will be shared with the campus community in Monday’s scheduled NinerNotice. 

Additional Resources

• State information

• University information

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant further communication, the next NinerNotice will be sent on Monday, April 27.

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April 20: Coronavirus Update

Niner Nation Cares Website Launch
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many things for the UNC Charlotte community. Living rooms have been transformed into classrooms, students and professors are interacting through computer screens and campus events are being held virtually. What hasn’t changed is our care for and commitment to 49er students and alumni. 

The University recently launched NinerNationCares.uncc.edu, a care portal to make navigating these uncertain times a little easier for students. Alumni Affairs has also created a site with centralized resources for alumni.

CARES Act
The recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides funding to state and local governments, including educational institutions. The UNC System is expected to receive approximately $179 million in support, with UNC Charlotte's anticipated funding totaling around $24 million. The legislation prescribes that 50 percent of the funding, approximately $12 million, must go to direct aid for students in the form of modest emergency aid grants and the remaining funds are for the financial impact to the University from the COVID-19 pandemic. Because the federal legislation is complex, guidance from government agencies and the UNC System Office is forthcoming. We appreciate your patience as we work through how the funds provided can be used. More information will be shared with campus in the next several weeks. 

Wellness Support Available for Students and Employees
UNC Charlotte cares about the health and wellness of our students and employees. This means supporting our community in focusing on personal wellness during this time. The Price Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, the Student Health Center and the Center for Wellness Promotion can help students maintain emotional and physical health through online, telehealth services, including individual appointments with medical and mental health providers and health educators. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helps faculty and staff through such services as telephone counseling support and assistance in financial and work-life decisions. You are encouraged to take advantage of these resources available at no cost to you. 

Volunteer from the Comfort and Safety of Home
Yesterday kicked off National Volunteer Week. We can’t participate as we have in the past, but there are still opportunities to give back to the Charlotte community without leaving the safety of your home.  Read more. 

Housing, Dining and Parking Refunds
Last week, the University processed dining, housing and parking refunds to eligible students, faculty and staff totaling approximately $14 million.  Students who received a refund should have received direct email communication from Niner Central, and employees with parking permits should have received an email from Parking and Transportation Services (PaTS).  Answers to a number of frequently asked questions about refunds are available for review.

Student Emergency Relief Fund
For those who are able, there is still time to make a donation to the Student Emergency Relief Fund. To date, the University has awarded more than $333,000 to approximately 900 students thanks to the generosity of donors. However, more than 700 additional students have requested support from the fund. All donations go to meeting that need. 

Student Mail Forwarding
Students who receive mail on campus and did not receive an exemption to remain on campus should fill out the Change of Address webform to have their mail forwarded to their current address.

Fact or Fiction?
We understand rumors are expected in such uncertain times. However, it is important to have correct information. Below are the facts to rumors we’ve heard circulating recently.

Rumor: Since the University is offering pass/no credit options this semester, I do not have to complete any additional coursework in order to get a grade of pass (P). 
Answer: Students should complete all assigned coursework through the remainder of the semester. Students will receive a letter grade for the entire semester’s work. Students then can either accept the letter grade or request a grade of pass or no credit.

Rumor: The University will not have in-person classes in fall 2020.
Answer: At this time, typical instruction is planned for fall 2020.  Any changes to course delivery methods (in-person or remote) will be determinant upon public health recommendations.

Stay Informed
The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. Check these resources often.

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is scheduled for Monday, April 27.

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April 13: Coronavirus Update

Residence Hall Move Out Update
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is working on a safe and efficient process for remaining residential students to retrieve their belongings and complete their move out.  Residents will receive information from HRL by email later this week.

Meal Plan and Housing Refunds
Students with meal plans and/or housing contracts will begin receiving detailed emails regarding their refunds this week. These refunds will initially be processed for students who left campus by March 20, defined as those who did not receive an exception to remain in housing. As a reminder, any refund amount will first be applied to outstanding balances on students’ accounts. 

To facilitate the refund process, meal plans with swipes have now been removed from the accounts of students who are not on campus. Crown Commons and Market on Craver remain open. Optional Dining Accounts, credit cards and Straight Declining Balance plans are still accepted at these locations.

Dean’s and Chancellor’s Lists
The Faculty Executive Committee approved an exception to the Academic Policy allowing students to be eligible for the Chancellor’s List or Dean’s List if they have earned at least 9 credit hours (instead of 12) in courses graded A, B or C. This allows students to accept a Pass (P) grade in some courses, as long as the student accepts letter grades in at least 9 credit hours. This exception applies only to Spring Semester 2020. This exception can be found in the Academic Honors policy here as well as in the current Catalog.

SOAR Moving to Online Delivery
The Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) program will be hosting virtual sessions this summer. Admitted students have been notified of this program change and will have access to the SOAR reservation system beginning May 1. 

Face Covering Advisory
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised everyone to wear a cloth face covering when in public. The University encourages all mandatory employees who must be on campus to wear a face covering, and those who need one may pick them up at the Popp Martin Student Union or the Facilities Operations and Parking Services (FOPS) building. The FOPS lobby is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

For information on how to make and clean a cloth face covering, visit the CDC website. 

Reminder about Prorated Parking Refunds
On Thursday, April 9, Chancellor Dubois announced the University would be able to offer prorated refunds for parking to eligible students and employees. Read more in his letter to the community. Additional information will be sent to parking permit holders in the coming days. 

Stay Informed
The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. There is also a page where the University is tracking confirmed cases of COVID-19 affecting the campus community. 

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is scheduled for Monday, April 20.

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April 7: Coronavirus Update

Update on South Village Move Out
This evening, Mecklenburg County announced that current projections for COVID-19 overflow patients are lower than original estimates, which means social distancing efforts and stay-at-home orders are having positive results in our community. The University has been notified by the county that the options for standing up a mass care facility are under review, including the request made of UNC Charlotte. Pending a final decision by the county, Chancellor Dubois has suspended the second phase of the move-out for South Village residence halls this week. Please read this message from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois for more information. 

Refunds Update

Housing and Dining: As stated in the March 30 NinerNotice, the University is developing plans to provide prorated refunds for housing and dining for the spring 2020 semester for eligible students. Here is the latest information: 

• Make sure your information is updated. Login to Banner Self Service at my.uncc.edu and make sure your direct deposit information is updated. If you have not signed up for direct deposit, refunds will be sent to the mailing address the University has on file. In Banner Self Service, go to the Personal Information tab to make sure your address is correct. 

• Timing: Eligible students will receive their refunds by April 30, 2020. Per UNC System Office guidance, the refund period begins March 21, the day after students were requested to leave campus, through May 8. Please note: The refund period will differ for those students who remained on campus beyond March 21. 

• Outstanding charges: If you have a balance due on your student account, any refunds will first be applied to the outstanding balance. The remainder will be disbursed to you via direct deposit or check.

• Additional communication: Students who are eligible to receive refunds will receive an individualized email from Niner Central in the coming days with additional information, including the refund amount, any amount applied to an outstanding balance, and the net amount that will be disbursed.

Parking:  The UNC System Office will not authorize UNC Charlotte to issue prorated parking refunds. 

Summer Classes 
All summer classes (first half, second half and the full-term) will be delivered online/remote. Curriculum and meeting times for first-half and full-term courses will be finalized April 10, and second-half summer courses will be finalized by April 20. Students may continue to register but should be aware of these course finalization dates since there may be changes to currently scheduled required meeting days and times as instructors plan to move to remote instruction. Summer classes start on May 18. Classes for the second-half summer term begin June 29. As we work to update Banner and our student billing systems, students will not see new charges for tuition and fees reflected on their accounts until approximately April 17.  More information is available on the Niner Central website.

Summer Camps, Conferences and Events
All summer camps, conferences and events are canceled through June 30. Decisions for July 1 and forward will be made no later than May 18. Please see additional information below. 

• Camps on Campus: More information about Camps on Campus, offered through Continuing Education, is available at http://go.uncc.edu/camps-update. 

• CRES events and camps: Conference, Reservations and Event Service (CRES) staff will reach out to event organizers with more information. 

• Center City: UNC Charlotte Center City staff will contact event organizers directly with more information. 

Caps and Gowns
Caps, gowns and honor cords are available for online ordering through Oak Hall. Please visit the Commencement website for more information. Please note: A decision on the rescheduled commencement will be made in May. More information will be shared with graduates and their families as soon as possible.

Temporary Off-Campus Niner Transit Routes
To help students who live in surrounding off-campus housing near the University, Niner Transit has added three temporary bus routes with service to the Popp Martin Student Union, where to-go food service and grocery essentials are still available. Visit the PaTS website for more information.

Crown Commons and Market on Craver
Crown Commons and Market on Craver in the Union are open for takeout service and essential items. Curbside pickup is available for Market on Craver mobile orders. Learn more about curbside pick up. 

Stay Informed
The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. There is also a page where the University is tracking confirmed cases of COVID-19 affecting the campus community. 

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is scheduled for Monday, April 13.

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March 30: Coronavirus Update

Today, the UNC System announced that institutions will be able to provide students prorated housing and dining refunds for the spring semester. The University is committed to working with the System to provide these refunds as soon as possible. We are working diligently to finalize the details, and expect to have more information to share about the refund process in the next few weeks. 

Summer Classes and Fall Registration
Registration for all summer terms and the fall semester opened as scheduled today, March 30. All courses for the full summer term and the first-half summer term (Session A) will be completely online. The decision for whether or not to move the second-half summer term (Session B) fully to online will be made by May 18, prior to the payment due date. Classes for the second-half summer term begin June 29. More information is available on the Niner Central website. 

Communication about Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
UNC Charlotte is committed to keeping faculty, staff and students informed about confirmed cases of COVID-19 that may affect the campus community. However, sending a NinerNotice for each case is no longer practical because of the prevalence of community spread of the disease and because most employees and students are no longer on campus. Instead, we have launched a new webpage on the Emergency Management website where we will list known, confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving faculty, staff or students. The page will be updated every Monday, and you can access it at any time. We will also include a link in our weekly Monday NinerNotice. We will continue to work with local health departments to communicate directly with individuals who may have been exposed on campus to an individual with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis.

Camps on Campus
Camps on Campus will cancel summer camps scheduled in June. Camps scheduled in July and August will remain open if the University offers in-person classes for the second-half summer term. The decision for whether or not to cancel July and August summer camps will be made by May 18. More information is available at go.uncc.edu/camps-update.

HR Reminders
Earlier today, Gary Stinnett, associate vice chancellor for human resources, sent an email to all employees with information about administrative leave and compensation for mandatory, on-campus employees. Please review his message if you haven’t already. 

Popp Martin Student Union
Popp Martin Student Union has transitioned to swipe-card access. Students and employees can access the building using their 49er ID card from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 

Fact or Fiction?
We understand rumors are expected in such uncertain times. However, it is important to have correct information. Below are the facts to rumors we’ve heard circulating recently.

Rumor: The Student Health Center is closed.
Answer: This is false. The Student Health Center is open and serving students who need health care, though students are asked to call first before visiting the Center. More information is available on the Student Health Center website. 

Stay Informed
The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. Check these resources often.

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is scheduled for Monday, April 6.

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March 28: Center City COVID-19 Case

The University has been notified that an evening contract worker assigned to UNC Charlotte Center City has been diagnosed with COVID-19. The individual is in isolation and receiving proper medical care. Classes were online during the time of possible exposure, and we have been advised the threat to staff is low. Employees who may have been in contact with this individual will receive direct communication from the University with additional information. 

To protect individuals’ private health information, UNC Charlotte will not identify employees or students diagnosed with COVID-19. 

Please follow the stay-at-home orders and adhere to social distancing practices during this time to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. 

Next NinerNotice
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is planned for Monday, March 30. 

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March 27: Statewide Stay-At-Home Order

Today, Friday, March 27, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued a stay-at-home order for the state in an effort to fight the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This order will be enforced beginning at 5 p.m. on Monday, March 30, and is effective for at least 30 days. 

The order is similar in nature to the stay-at-home order issued by Mecklenburg County on Tuesday, March 24, except it is in effect for all of North Carolina. 

Because the University is adhering to the order by Mecklenburg County, no additional changes to operations are necessary beyond those shared in the March 25 NinerNotice. However, it will extend our actions from 21 days under the county order to 30 days under the state order. 

Please review the additional resources below: 

• State resources pages

• County resources page

• University resources page

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March 25: Coronavirus Update

Additional Information about Pass/No Credit Grading
The Faculty Council, which determines grading policies, is currently considering a proposal to allow students the option to request Pass/No Credit to replace a letter grade for any or all of their Spring 2020 courses. Students will receive their letter grades as normal for the semester, and then will have a time-limited option to accept the letter grade (which counts toward GPA), or request a "Pass" or "No Credit" on their transcript, neither of which count toward or against GPA. Students and faculty will receive more information about these options by March 27.

Additional Information about County’s Stay-at-Home Order
Yesterday, Mecklenburg County issued a stay-at-home order that will be in effect for 21 days beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 26. This order is an effort to combat the ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Please review the information below carefully as there have been some changes to campus operations based on this order. Designated by the county order as an “essential” institution, the University will continue to operate, but we are taking actions to further reduce the number of people on campus. 

What this means: 

Everyone

• You should remain in your place of residence, leaving only for the essential reasons outlined in the county order. These include travel to necessary work functions and medical appointments and to purchase necessary supplies at grocery stores, pharmacies, or other essential businesses. Outdoor exercise is also permitted. More information is available on the Mecklenburg County website. 

Faculty and Students

• Online and remote delivery of classes will continue uninterrupted. Students should continue to follow the guidance of instructors on assignments. Faculty should consider the limitations on student movement, social distancing protocols and access to materials in making assignments.

• Students: Unless you were granted an exception by Housing and Residence Life to remain in a residence hall, you should not come to campus. 

• Faculty: Unless you have received an exception to conduct essential research activities, you should not come to campus. Research and Economic Development will be in touch with faculty with more information about the types of research that qualify for an exception. 

Staff
Only staff who perform work in functions designated by the University as essential should report to campus -- and only if instructed by their supervisors to do so. All other employees should work remotely or be placed on COVID-19 Administrative Leave. Reminder: Employees who are teleworking should do so until further notice.

• All supervisors who previously designated employees as mandatory will be contacted by divisional leadership to review those designations again in light of this order. 

• If you are unclear if your duties can be performed remotely, consult your supervisor directly. 

• Human Resources will provide additional information to supervisors this week about other HR-related updates related to COVID-19. 

Additional Campus Services
Effective at 8 a.m. Thursday, March 26, no one other than those employees designated as essential and those students remaining in residence halls should be on campus. Buildings will require a 49er ID card to enter via swipe access. 

Library and Campus Computer Labs: Atkins Library will close effective 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, and all computer labs will be closed effective 5 p.m. Wednesday. 

• Borrowing laptops: Students who need to borrow a laptop from the University to complete their academic work should visit or contact Atkins Library prior to closing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Options for laptop pick up after 4 p.m. today are being finalized by staff and will be posted on the library’s website. 

• More information on virtual services are available on the library’s website. 

Dining:

• Crown Commons will continue providing brunch and dinner takeout service.

• Market on Craver will be open in the Union.

• Please visit the Auxiliary Services Operational Changes webpage for more information.

Student Union: 

• The Student Union will close today, March 25, at 7 p.m. The building will then be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. 

• The Campus Salon and Norm’s will close today at 5 p.m.

• Movies are canceled, and Union Station, Barnes and Noble Charlotte and NinerTech are closed until further notice.

CAPS and Student Health Center: CAPS and the Student Health Center will continue to provide services. Please visit their respective websites for hours and more information. 

Transportation:

• Niner Transit will operate the Silver and Gold Routes from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

• Paratransit service is unavailable until social distancing restrictions are lifted. 

• Please visit the Auxiliary Services Operational Changes webpage for more information.

Events: All events of 10 more people, regardless of location, are canceled until further notice. No exceptions will be granted by Chancellor Dubois. 

Mail Services: Mail Services will be open on a reduced schedule. Departmental mail will be held at Lower Prospector for pick up by the authorized department contact. Please visit the Auxiliary Services Operational Changes webpage for more information.

Receiving and Stores: Central receiving will remain open to accept packages from FedEx and other carriers. There will be staffing from 7:30-10:30 a.m. each day to assist campus customers. To contact Receiving and Stores, call 704-687-0372. Please leave a message if no one is available to answer this phone. 

Additional Resources

• Mecklenburg County FAQs

• UNC Charlotte FAQs

Next NinerNotice
Unless changes warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice is planned for Monday, March 30. 

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March 24: Stay-at-Home Order by Mecklenburg County

Today, Tuesday, March 24, Mecklenburg County issued a stay-at-home order in an effort to combat the ongoing spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). This order includes UNC Charlotte and is in effect beginning 8 a.m. Thursday, March 26. 

Because of previous measures taken by the University, including teleworking and online and remote delivery classes, we believe we are positioned to respond quickly to this order, but additional changes may be needed. The University will review the order in detail and provide more information to the community as soon as possible.

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March 23: Confirmed case of COVID-19

Please see below for the latest information from UNC Charlotte.

Please note: There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving UNC Charlotte faculty, staff or students. 

Pass/No Credit
The University’s Faculty Council is considering options to address the possibility of pass/no credit grading for classes this semester. More information should be shared with the campus community by the end of the week. 

Atkins Library
Atkins Library remains open but with limited hours. The library will be open until 7 p.m. today (Monday, March 23) and then move to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Students needing laptops can still access them from Atkins. More information is available on the library website.

Administrative Leave
UNC Charlotte is in close contact with the UNC System about administrative leave beyond the current authorization through March 31 for employees who are unable to work remotely as a result of COVID-19. We will share more information as soon as possible. 

Teleworking Until Further Notice
As a reminder, all non-mandatory employees who can should telework until further notice and beyond March 31. For more information, please review the working remotely information on the Emergency Management website. 

Returning to Residence Halls for Check Out
Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is establishing a plan for students and their families to return to residence halls to complete check out for the spring semester. Dates and times for this will be shared once the University is confident it can ensure the safety and well-being of students, families and HRL staff during this process. Students and families are asked not to return to the residence halls unannounced.  

Supporting Our Community
Chancellor Philip L. Dubois shared this morning several ways the University is supporting our students, alumni, families and employees as we come together as Niner Nation to get through this difficult time. Please review the assistance that is available and the ways you may be able to help. 

Commencement Reminder
As Chancellor Dubois announced Friday, May’s commencement ceremonies have been postponed as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The University is reviewing ways to honor graduates and their academic accomplishments. We expect to make a decision in May on the date of an in-person ceremony for Spring 2020 graduates.

CATS On Modified Schedule
The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has announced modified schedules for its services, including light rail, beginning Wednesday, March 25. Please visit the CATS website for more information. 

Additional Resources for Students

• Ebooks available: To help facilitate the transition to online learning, Barnes & Noble College and VitalSource have made free ebooks available for the remainder of the semester. For more information, please visit the VitalSource information page on the Auxiliary Services website.

• Returning rented textbooks: Rented textbooks can be returned by mail. For information about printing a free shipping label, please visit Barnes and Noble Charlotte’s Rental Book Return webpage. 

• Financial literacy: Personal financial security and well-being are vital components of overall health and wellness. Brad Yeckley, assistant director for financial literacy in Student Assistance and Support Services, has compiled five tips to help students (and anyone) navigate this unprecedented time.  

Mail Services
Mail service for the United States Postal Service (USPS) will continue through Mail and Package Services unless a carrier cannot access a department or a University department requests a hold. Departments must designate an authorized department contact to pick up mail and packages held at Prospector in the event mail cannot be delivered. Please visit the department’s website for more information. Students who need to forward mail and packages should fill out the Change of Address webform. 

Fact or Fiction?
We understand rumors are expected in such uncertain times. However, it is important to have correct information. Below are the facts to rumors we’ve heard circulating recently.

Rumor: The University is closing and the semester will end in two weeks. 
Answer: This is false. While the University has shifted to a virtual and remote status, it is still very much open. Our students are learning, and our employees are working. Should there be a change to the University’s official operating status or the academic semester, you will be notified. 

Rumor: Only faculty are being paid during this time. 
Answer: This is false. All permanent staff and faculty, and all currently assigned student workers and temporary employees, remain in full paid status either through teleworking, completing essential duties on campus using enhanced safety and social distancing protocols, or the use of paid administrative leave. 

Rumor: Administrative leave for COVID-19 only applies to the University’s administrators.
Answer: This is false. All eligible full-time and part-time employees qualify for paid administrative leave for COVID-19. 

Rumor: Some students need to pay extra now to have their exams proctored electronically.
Answer: This is false. Students will not have to pay extra to have their exams proctored electronically because of the move to online and remote delivery classes as a result of COVID-19. Proctoring with the Respondus system is available to all students for free. 

Stay Informed
The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. Check these resources often.

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice:
Unless changing circumstances warrant earlier communication, the next NinerNotice will be sent on Monday, March 30.

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March 17: Coronavirus Update

In addition to the changes announced in the earlier email from Chancellor Philip L. Dubois, please see the additional information below: 

Building Access: Effective at 5 p.m. on Friday, March 20, all buildings will be on swipe access with rare exceptions. This means anyone who remains on campus will need to have their 49er ID card to enter buildings. 

Library and Computer Labs: Atkins Library and college computer labs will remain accessible as long as the University remains open. However, you will need a 49er ID card to access the facilities and social distancing protocols will be enforced at all sites.  Colleges may require sign-in at computer labs. Please visit the Atkins Library website for information about hours and college websites for information on sites and hours for their computing facilities.

Events: New federal guidance is that all gatherings of 10 or more people should be avoided, and we encourage you to follow the federal standards. Based on these guidelines, UNC System guidance and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), all events scheduled through Conference, Reservations and Event Services (CRES) are canceled through the academic semester. CRES will be in touch with event owners with more information. Additionally, all University events of 50 or more people, regardless of location, are canceled until further notice, and no exceptions will be granted by Chancellor Dubois as Mecklenburg County has prohibited all such gatherings. Please note: No decision has been made at this time about commencement, pending further guidance from the UNC System.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: If you have not reviewed the information sent by Chancellor Dubois this morning, please do so. It contains important information about classes and labs, residence halls, reimbursements and administrative leave. 

Stay Informed

The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices and emails: We will send NinerNotices every Monday and more email communication as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. Check these resources often.

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Next NinerNotice
Unless new information warrants earlier communication, the next NinerNotice will be sent no later than Monday, March 23.

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March 16: Coronavirus Update

Please see below for the latest updates from UNC Charlotte.

There remains no confirmed case of COVID-19 on campus. 

Classes: As announced in the March 12 NinerNotice, all classes that can be online or delivered remotely should continue as planned this week. All other classes are suspended this week and will move to online/remote delivery by Monday, March 23. Faculty will communicate directly with students about when remaining classes will move to online/remote delivery.  

Student Employees: Student workers should work with their supervisors to discuss tasks that can be completed remotely or safely on campus through social distancing protocols. 

Residence Halls: All on-campus residential students are strongly encouraged to return to their permanent residences if circumstances permit. More information will be shared directly with residents by Housing and Residence Life (HRL). 

• On-campus international students should contact the International Student and Scholar Office to discuss their specific needs. 

Reimbursements: We know there have been questions about partial refunds for dining plans, housing and parking. We are not prepared to make these decisions pending guidance expected from  the UNC System. We will let you know if we receive any updates. 

Self-Quarantine: As a reminder, any student or employee who fits the criteria below is advised to self-quarantine for 14 days:

• You have returned from any international travel. 

• You have been in close contact with anyone who has traveled to areas of concern for COVID-19 or has been ordered to quarantine because of exposure to the virus.

Any employee or student who is self-quarantining is required to fill out a self-quarantine form. More information is available on the Emergency Management website. 

Please note: This direction has been updated because all international travel has now been elevated to a Level-2 or Level-3 CDC warning. This is in line with the University's previous instructions for all people returning from countries with a Level-2 or Level-3 warning to self-quarantine This is not retroactive but effective as of Monday, March 16. It is important to remember this situation is fluid and these instructions will continue to evolve. Please continue to check this page often for the latest information. 

Changes based on Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order
The following are additional steps that will be taken by the University based on direction from UNC System Interim President William Roper following review of Governor Roy Cooper’s March 14 executive order. 

Study Abroad: All students currently studying abroad, regardless of location, have been recalled, in accordance with a UNC System directive. Additionally, all summer programs have been canceled. The Office of Education Abroad is communicating directly with affected students. 

Events: As outlined in the March 12 NinerNotice, all events of more than 50 people are canceled without an exception granted by Chancellor Dubois. 

• 2020 TIAA Lecture Series -- The 2020 TIAA Lecture Series on April 1 featuring American journalist and author Elizabeth Kolbert has been postponed. Information about a new date will be forthcoming. 

Additional Resources

Free broadband: Charter Communications is offering free Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription. More information can be found on the Charter Communications website. Please note: The University does not endorse Charter Communications or its services. This is shared only as a resource for employees or students who may benefit from the offer. Individuals should investigate all terms associated with service to decide if it is right for them. 

Stay Informed

The University is committed to keeping the campus community updated during this rapidly evolving situation.

• NinerNotices: We will send notices every Monday and more as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information. Check these resources often. 

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts. 

Next NinerNotice
Unless new information warrants earlier communication, the next NinerNotice will be sent no later than Monday, March 23.

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March 12: Important Information about Campus Operations

• All classes that are currently delivered online or through another remote-delivery method will continue uninterrupted.
• Any class that can be easily transitioned to remote delivery by the original date of Monday, March 16, should plan to do so.
• All in-person classes that cannot transition to remote delivery are suspended for the week of March 16-20. This includes labs, studios and performance-based classes. More information on these classes will be shared next week.
• It is the responsibility of faculty members to communicate with their students about the status of their class.
• Internships, clinical placements, and field experiences may continue at the discretion of the supervising entity.

• NinerNotices: We will send notices every Monday and more as warranted.

• Website: We will continue to keep the Emergency Management website and FAQs updated with the latest information.

• Social Media: We will communicate with you on social media via the NinerAlerts Twitter and Facebook accounts and the University’s main Twitter and Facebook accounts.

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March 11: Update on Guidance from UNC System

The University has received additional guidance from the UNC System regarding how it should operate in response to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

University officials are meeting now to determine how this guidance will be implemented at UNC Charlotte. 

However, we do know the following, based on direction from the UNC System and effective Monday, March 16 through March 31. We will assess the situation each Monday and communicate regularly with the campus community.

Effective Monday: 

• We will move to online instruction wherever possible. Our goal is to return to in-person instruction as soon as reasonably possible.

• Some classes, such as those with labs, will continue to require in-person instruction and attendance. 

• Teleworking will be encouraged to the maximum extent possible. Mandatory employees will be required to report to campus as directed by their supervisors. 

• Events and gatherings of 50 or more people will be cancelled or postponed unless otherwise authorized by the Chancellor. A process for requesting exceptions is being established. Additional guidance for event organizers is forthcoming. 

• University-sponsored in-state travel to gatherings of 50 or more people is suspended, and all travel outside the state is suspended, unless otherwise authorized by the Chancellor or Provost. A process for requesting exceptions is being established. 

More information on all of these items will be provided in another NinerNotice by 6 p.m. Thursday, March 12.

Please continue to monitor your email.

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March 10: Update Regarding the North Carolina State of Emergency
 

Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency in North Carolina today in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). This type of declaration is typically issued before an emergency occurs to free state resources, alter state regulations, and change authorities within state government to allow for a quicker response. It does not mean there is imminent danger to the University community.

UNC Charlotte is in close contact with local, state and System officials, including the System’s Coronavirus Coordinating Group appointed last week by Interim UNC President Bill Roper to identify, evaluate, and coordinate a consistent, evidence-based, and effective response. Dr. Roper has asked the campus chancellors not to make any additional operational decisions for each campus until the Coordinating Group meets late tomorrow morning and can provide further guidance.  We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

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March 9: Monday Update

• You recently returned from any country with a Level-2 or Level-3 warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
• You have been in close contact with anyone who has traveled to one of these areas
• You have been in close contact with anyone who has been ordered to quarantine because of exposure to the virus.

• If you do not see your location of travel on the CDC's list, you have not been in close contact with someone who has been to one of the locations on the CDC’s list, and you have not been in close contact with someone who has been ordered to quarantine because of exposure to the virus, no action is required by the University.

• However, if you believe you have unique personal circumstances that have put you at risk for contracting the virus, you should self-quarantine. Faculty and supervisors have been directed to provide maximum flexibility to students and employees during this time.

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March 6: Coronavirus Update
 

Here are the latest decisions by the University

Changes to self-quarantine recommendations: Out of an abundance of caution, the University is expanding its recommendation for self-quarantine for travelers. 

If any of the following situations apply to you, you are strongly encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days and avoid returning to campus until after that time. These include:

• Recently returning from any country with a Level-2 or Level-3 warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

• Being in close contact with anyone who has traveled to one of the above areas or anyone who has been ordered to quarantine because of exposure to the virus

Information about self-quarantine

• Stay home. Do not come to campus. This will protect your health and the health of others. If you experience symptoms during quarantine, notify your healthcare provider right away. 

• You should self-quarantine for 14 days.

• Notify the Student Health Center at 704-687-7400 to alert the University you are self-quarantining. Please note: This notification is for campus health reasons. It does not replace notifying others. For that information, see below. 

• Students: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should proactively contact your instructors to request accommodation. Documentation of travel to an affected area may be required. Instructors have been asked to provide maximum flexibility to any student who has been asked to self-quarantine in order for them to complete class requirements. 

• Faculty: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should consult the UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: Schedule Interruption Guidelines and contact your department head to discuss alternative arrangements. Additionally, you should contact your students to update them. More guidance is available online. If your student is asked to quarantine, please use your best judgment and provide maximum flexibility in assessing their necessary absence to help keep classrooms healthy spaces. If you need additional guidance, the Dean of Students Office is available to provide support. 

• Staff: If you are asked by the University to self-quarantine and not ordered by health officials, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time should be accounted for through comp time, sick leave or vacation time, or made up. Teleworking is also possible with approval of the supervisor. Consult the Flexible Work and Telework Arrangements for Employees and the ITS Standard for Teleworking for additional information. If you are ordered by public health officials to self-quarantine, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time is forgiven. In both situations of self-quarantine, documentation of travel to an affected area may be required. 

Changes to University-sponsored travel: 

• Countries with a Level-3 CDC warning: As previously communicated, all University-sponsored travel to countries with a Level-3 CDC warning is canceled. 

• Countries with a Level-2 CDC warning: Anyone with University-sponsored travel is strongly encouraged to reconsider this trip. If you cancel, the University will ensure your costs are recovered. If you choose not to cancel, you will be subject to self-quarantine upon your return. 

• All other travel: Anyone with University-sponsored travel who has concerns about continuing with their plans should cancel regardless of the destination. The University will ensure your costs that cannot be refunded are recovered. 

• An important note: This is a rapidly evolving situation. Please monitor the CDC website for the latest countries with Level-3 and Level-2 warnings. Faculty and staff, please contact travel@uncc.edu for any questions regarding your University-sponsored travel costs or reimbursement. Students, please contact your trip organizer for any questions regarding travel costs or reimbursement. 

Events and visitors on campus: 

• Visitors to campus: For the health of our campus, please inform any planned visitors of the guidance for self-quarantine outlined above and reconsider their visit to campus until this situation is resolved. 

• Events: At this time, no decision has been made about campus events. However, this is a rapidly evolving situation. The University is continuing to monitor guidance from the CDC and state and local health officials. We will communicate with campus if changes to events are needed.  

Stay home if you are sick from cold and flu, too: If you are sick with a respiratory illness, like a cold or the flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading the infection to others. This is especially important since the symptoms of these viruses are similar to those of coronavirus (COVID-19). They include coughing, sneezing, fever and sore throat.  Stay home when exhibiting symptoms and for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to seek medical care. Faculty have been instructed to offer maximum flexibility to students, and employees should have sick leave to account for any necessary absence. Please protect your health and the health of your fellow Niners. 

What else the University is doing

Sanitizing campus spaces: The University is taking additional sanitizing measures throughout campus. Learn more in this FAQ. 

Continuing to monitor the situation: This is a fast-moving and fluid situation. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to lead a cross-divisional team that is monitoring the situation locally and around the world. Visit the Emergency Management website to learn more. 

Streamlining questions: An inquiry form has been created to help streamline questions from the campus community. 

What else you should do

Continue to practice good hygiene: WASH YOUR HANDS for at least 20 seconds, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses. You are also encouraged to clean your own areas, such as countertops, doorknobs, electronics, etc. for added protection.

Consider a new greeting: Avoid handshakes and consider different ways to say hello and goodbye. A pickaxe with your hand makes a great greeting for your fellow Niners. Also consider an elbow bump, a wave or a simple smile and nod. 

Review the University’s FAQ: The University is maintaining an FAQ page on the Emergency Management website. It has sections for faculty, staff, students and families and will continue to be updated until this situation is resolved. 

Next NinerNotice:
The University will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as needed.

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March 4: Coronavirus Update

The University is currently monitoring the case of coronavirus in Wake County, North Carolina, and the situation nationally and globally.

In light of the evolving situation, the University has taken additional action in some areas. Please review the information below. 

What the University is doing

• Recalling students in Italy and South Korea: In addition to canceling spring break programs to China, South Korea, Japan and Italy, the University has recalled students already abroad in Italy and South Korea. Upon their return, these individuals are being asked by the University to self-quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution. They are also subject to any re-entry requirements in place by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The Office of International Programs is working directly with these students to facilitate their return and the completion of their academic work. No decisions have been made about any other study abroad programs at this time. However, all locations are being monitored regularly and decisions will be made as warranted.

• Canceling University-sponsored travel to affected areas: All University-sponsored travel to countries with a Level-3 warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been canceled. This includes China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. The University will not pay or reimburse for travel to these areas until further notice. If you have questions, please complete this form. No decisions have been made on travel to any other areas at this time. 

• Streamlining questions: An inquiry form has been created to help streamline questions from the campus community. Please complete the form and a team of individuals will get you the answer you need. You may expect an answer within 24 hours Monday through Friday. Inquiries on the weekend may have a longer response time.

• Continuing to monitor the situation: This is a fast-moving and fluid situation. The Office of Emergency Management continues to lead a cross-divisional team that is monitoring the situation locally and around the world. They are in contact with state officials and are tracking the information being released by the North Carolina Division of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The group has been meeting regularly since January to monitor the situation and any next steps needed by the University. The Office of Emergency Management is also maintaining a website with the most recent information, including FAQs and any changes to University-sponsored or affiliated programming on this page.

What you should do

• Avoid travel to the affected areas: You should avoid all non-essential personal and business travel to the affected countries (China, South Korea, Iran and Italy).

  • If you must travel to areas where the virus has been identified, be aware of the latest advisories, protocols and re-entry requirements from CDC and the U.S. State Department.  

  • Register with Emergency Management: Anyone who must engage in personal travel to these areas or has already traveled to these areas should register with the Office of Emergency Management by emailing emergency@uncc.edu. In the email, the traveler should identify that the travel is personal (not University-sponsored). Everyone traveling to Level-3 countries will be asked by the University to self-quarantine upon their arrival back to the U.S. and may also be ordered to self-quarantine by health officials after screening in airports. You should prepare now for missed work and classes. See below for additional information.

• Understand self-quarantine: If you have traveled to affected areas, you may be ordered by public health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution. For your health and the health of the campus community, we ask you to comply with these requests. If you are ordered to quarantine by public health officials, you must contact the Student Health Center to notify the University of the order. They can be reached at 704-687-7400.  This applies to faculty and staff as well. 

  • Students: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should proactively contact your instructors to request accommodation. Documentation of travel to an affected area may be required. Instructors have been asked to provide maximum flexibility to any student who has been asked to self-quarantine in order for them to complete class requirements.

  • Faculty: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should consult the UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: Schedule Interruption Guidelines and contact your department head to discuss alternative arrangements. Additionally, you should contact your students to update them. More guidance is available online. If your student is ordered to quarantine, you will be notified by a representative of the Dean of Students Office. 

  • Staff: If you are ordered by public health officials to self-quarantine, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time is forgiven. If you are asked by the University to self-quarantine and not ordered by health officials, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time should be accounted for through comp time, sick leave or vacation time, or made up. In both situations, documentation of travel to an affected area is required.

• Know the facts: There is misinformation about the virus circulating. Make sure you have the facts by visiting these resources from the CDC: Share the Facts, Stop the Fear and Stigma Related to COVID-19.

• Always practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses. 

• Know the symptoms: If you have traveled to any of the affected areas and believe you are exhibiting symptoms, please seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at 704-687-7400. This includes faculty and staff.
   

Next NinerNotice
The University will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as needed.

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Feb. 27: Coronavirus Update Before Spring Break

UNC Charlotte officials continue to monitor the evolving situation surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19). There have been additional cases confirmed in the United States and other countries in Asia and Europe. 

There are still no confirmed cases in North Carolina or any cases affecting the UNC Charlotte campus. However, the team continues to monitor the situation and is prepared to act quickly as needed to protect the health of the campus community. 

Ahead of spring break, please review the information below. 

What the University is Doing

• Canceling Select Study Abroad Programs: To ensure the health and wellbeing of our students, the University has canceled spring break study abroad programs to China, South Korea, Japan and Northern Italy. Affected students and faculty have been contacted by the Office of Education Abroad. There have been no decisions on any other programs beyond those occurring during spring break. More information is available on the office’s website. The Office of International Programs will work with students and faculty to minimize the impact of these cancellations on students’ programs of study.
   

• Communicating with Students and Faculty Already Abroad: The University is in regular communication with those students and faculty currently studying abroad in areas identified as affected by the virus and will continue to be until this situation is resolved. There are no reports of any UNC Charlotte students or faculty studying abroad being ill. 
   

• Monitoring the Latest Information: The Office of Emergency Management is leading a cross-divisional team that is monitoring the situation locally and around the world. They are in contact with state officials and are tracking the information being released by the North Carolina Division of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The group currently convenes twice weekly to discuss the situation and any next steps needed by the University. The Office of Emergency Management is also maintaining a website with the most recent information, including FAQs and any changes to University-sponsored or affiliated programming on this page.
   

What You Should Do

• Avoid Travel to the Affected Areas: You should avoid all non-essential personal and business travel to the affected countries (China, South Korea, Japan and Northern Italy). 
   

  • If you must travel to areas where the virus has been identified, be aware of the latest advisories, protocols and re-entry requirements from the U.S. State Department.  
     

  • Anyone who must engage in personal travel to these areas should register with the Office of Emergency Management by emailing emergency@uncc.edu. In the email, the traveler should identify that the travel is personal (not university-sponsored).
     

  • As an important reminder, pursuant to University Policy 602.7, Travel Authorization and Reimbursement, University-sponsored travel will be reimbursed only if pre-authorized via the completion of a Travel Authorization form signed by the appropriate departmental supervisor. Individuals who intend to engage in University-sponsored international travel must submit their Travel Authorization form to the Travel and Complex Payments Office at least two weeks in advance of international travel. The Travel Office will use travel authorization information to track faculty/staff potentially traveling to affected countries for University business purposes.
     

• Know the Facts: There is misinformation about the virus circulating. Make sure you have the facts by visiting these resources from the CDC: Share the Facts, Stop the Fear and  Stigma Related to COVID-19.
   

• Always Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses. 
   

• Know the Symptoms: If you have traveled to any of the affected areas and believe you are exhibiting symptoms, please seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at 704-687-7400. This includes faculty and staff. 
   

Next NinerNotice
The University will continue to monitor this situation and will provide updates as needed. 

 In a Wednesday, Feb. 19, NinerNotice, UNC Charlotte shared that Mecklenburg County Health Department officials were investigating two potential cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the University community.  

Since that time, all individuals currently requiring testing have been notified, and the testing is ongoing at the Student Health Center and the Mecklenburg County Health Department.

The risk to the general campus population is believed to be low.  Unless there are additional cases of TB identified, there will be no need for further campus communication.  

Additional Resources

• Video from information session with Mecklenburg County Health officials

• Emergency Management Website

• FAQ

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Feb. 21: University will return to normal operations at 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 21

• Students -- If students are unable to reach campus, they should contact their professors directly.
• Faculty -- If faculty are unable to reach campus, they should contact their students directly.
• Staff -- If staff are unable to reach campus, they should contact their supervisor.

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Feb. 19: Health Department Investigating Two Potential Cases of Tuberculosis

UNC Charlotte has been informed by Mecklenburg County Health Department officials that they are investigating two potential cases of tuberculosis (TB). The two affected individuals, both of whom reside off campus, are receiving medical treatment and are following standard isolation protocols. 

The risk to the general campus population is believed to be low.  

TB is most commonly transmitted to people who have prolonged close contact with someone with active TB. Although it is spread through the air, casual contact does not typically place anyone at risk. People with TB disease can be treated if they seek medical help. The disease is curable with appropriate treatment.

What the University is doing

• Assessing Need for Further Testing -- The University is working closely with  the Mecklenburg County Health Department to identify any student, faculty or staff member who may have been in contact with the students and requires testing at this time. The health department makes this determination, and any individual who requires testing received an email this afternoon to their @uncc email account with this information: 

  • From: Student Health Center

  • Subject line: ACTION REQUIRED: Review important health information 

  • Please note: If you did not receive this email, you are not required to be tested.

• Holding Public Health Information Meetings -- The Mecklenburg County Health Department and University officials will hold three public information sessions to explain more about TB and answer any additional questions. The sessions will be held on: 

  • Wednesday, Feb. 19,  5:30 p.m., Student Union Theater

  • Thursday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m., McKnight Hall, Cone Student Center

  • Friday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m., Lucas Room, Cone Student Center

  • If you cannot attend in person, the Thursday event will be streamed online. 

• Practicing Additional Cleaning Measures -- In addition to daily procedures and out of an abundance of caution, the University is increasing the sanitization of high-traffic areas and any classrooms used by exposed individuals.

What you can do

• Be Knowledgeable -- Review the University’s FAQ, visit the Centers for Disease Control website or attend one of the University’s information sessions (times above). Being informed is the best way to understand your risk, which is low to the general campus population.

• Watch for More Information -- The University will continue to keep you updated through NinerNotices. Pay attention to your inbox or the Emergency Management Facebook or Twitter accounts for more information. 

• Practice Good Hygiene -- Continue to follow good hygiene practices to help protect against common respiratory infections . Wash your hands, sneeze and cough into your sleeve or tissue (not hand), and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of other infections. 

Next NinerNotice
The next NinerNotice on this issue is expected by end of day on Monday, Feb. 24.

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Feb. 11: Follow-up on incident at Lynch Hall

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Feb. 11: Incident today in Lynch Hall

There is no reason to believe there is a threat to campus. 

If you have any information about this incident, please contact UNC Charlotte Police at 704-687-2200. 

 

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Feb. 7:  University Operating Normally Today

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Feb. 6: University Monitoring Severe Weather Overnight

• The University will continue to monitor weather conditions this evening and overnight.
• University officials will assess any weather-related impacts to campus and the immediate area.
• There will be barricades set up around the Toby Creek area to prevent foot traffic overnight.
• If there is a need to alter the University’s operating condition, tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 7, you will be notified via NinerAlert by 6 a.m.

• Continue to exercise caution and respond to any weather alerts and/or NinerAlert messages you receive.
• Review what to do during severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding.
• Learn more about how to react to a seek shelter NinerAlert by watching this video.
• Avoid the Toby Creek area.
• Avoid walking and driving through flood waters. Remember: The water could be deeper than it appears. This is especially true at night when it is harder to seem.  Turn around, don’t drown!

• Unless there is an unexpected change, there will be no additional NinerNotices issued about this situation.
• You may receive additional NinerAlerts for weather events overnight.
• If there are any University condition changes for Friday, Feb. 7, you will be notified via NinerAlerts by 6 a.m. These alerts will be clearly labeled as an operating condition change. Please note: There will be no NinerAlerts sent if there is no change to operating conditions.

UNC Charlotte is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in China and the related cases reported in the United States, including one at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. 

At this time, there have been no reported cases of the virus involving the UNC Charlotte community.

The University has established protocols to respond to infectious diseases. We are prepared to act quickly in the event there are reports of symptoms of or exposure to the virus by our faculty, staff or students.

Please remember:

• Always practice good hygiene: wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. 

• Review the Centers for Disease Control’s information about coronavirus.

  • For most people who have had the illness, symptoms were mild (like a cold or flu) and lessened after several days. The symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and sore throat.  

• If you have traveled to any of the affected areas in China and believe you are exhibiting symptoms, please seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at 704-687-7400. 

Next NinerNotice
Unless there is an unexpected change, there are no additional NinerNotices planned on this topic.