1. COVID-19
  2. Coronavirus FAQs

Coronavirus FAQs

Coronavirus FAQs

The CDC has more information and a list of additional FAQs related to coronavirus.
Information regarding UNC Charlotte’s response to coronavirus will be shared via NinerNotice as applicable.
Niner Nation Cares has additional information and FAQs
If you do not see your question answered here or on Niner Nation Cares, please fill out this form. 
Quick Links:
General Health, Wellness and Prevention Faculty Staff
Families Events Travel  

 

General

Yes, there are a few confirmed cases of COVID-19 involving the campus community. More information. 
Yes, there are individuals in the state who have tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website has more information.

All buildings will require a 49er ID card to enter via swipe access. However, no one other than those employees designated as essential and those students remaining in residence halls should be on campus.

An inquiry form has been created to help streamline questions from the campus community. Just fill out the form and a team of individuals will get you the answer you need.
No. No University employee has lost their job due to any changes from the COVID-19 situation.
An updated list of available campus services can be found on the Auxiliary Services Operational Changes webpage and on the respective student and family, faculty and staff information pages.

Health, Wellness and Prevention

Everyday actions to help prevent the spread of germs and viruses include:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
The Student Health Center has the ability to administer the sample collection for those for whom it is deemed necessary. All tests are processed at an off-site laboratory to determine results.
Yes, 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.

Classrooms and common areas 
Technicians are increasing the frequency of their current cleaning measures of high-contact surfaces in academic buildings, such as doorknobs, light switches, desks and tables, with EPA-registered disinfectants and sanitizers. The University is also stocking additional cleaning products to meet potential needs.

Dining Facilities
Dining Services staff sanitize tables with disinfectant cleaner in the dining halls and retail dining locations after each meal period. Utensils are changed out in the dining halls between meals.

Housing and Residence Life (HRL)
HRL cleans and sanitizes all bathrooms daily, and heavily-trafficked areas twice per day. Facilities are equipped with hand sanitizers in lobby areas for easy access for students to keep their hands free of germs. In addition, staff have been briefed on appropriate cleaning methods related to the coronavirus and are staying up to date on information from the CDC and implementing recommendations as they are made available. 

Niner Transit
Niner Transit, Paratransit and shuttle vehicle interiors are cleaned daily with special cleaners and attachments. Buses are equipped with alcohol-based sanitizer dispensers or wipes for passenger use.

Please click here for additional cleaning information as we reopen. 

Faculty

As information becomes available, the University will distribute NinerNotices as necessary to keep everyone informed. The Provost’s Office will also distribute information that is specific to faculty. 

The following sources should provide additional information:

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. 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. 

Employees can access their University phone number from a computer or mobile device through Jabber. See how to download and install Jabber here.

Staff

As information becomes available, the University will distribute NinerNotices as necessary to keep everyone informed. You may also hear from Human Resources or your department on any information specific to staff members. 

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. 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. 

All employees should work remotely or be placed on COVID-19 Administrative Leave if they are not a staff member who performs work in functions designated by the University as essential should report to campus -- and only if instructed by their supervisors to do so. Employees who are teleworking should do so until further notice. UNC Charlotte's commitment to safely and effectively meet the public health challenge presented by COVID-19 extends to ensuring that University employees can work from home or another remote location whenever necessary in the coming weeks. Teleworking (or telecommuting) arrangements are not new, but because they may be unfamiliar to employers and managers who have never done so, please review University Policy 101.22 Flexible Work and Telework Arrangements for SHRA and EHRA Non-Faculty Employees to help you and your team navigate potential teleworking scenarios.  In the event a teleworking is implemented by the University administration on a more widespread basis, employees may be required to work from alternate sites off campus (including their homes) in order to meet the operational needs of the University. 

Information about teleworking can be found in Policy 101.22 and in these remote technology tips.

Review this FAQ for instructions.

Employees should not come on campus unless they perform work in functions designated by the University as essential only if instructed by their supervisors to do so.

Your supervisor will determine your status and let you know if you are mandatory. Those employees whose presence has been determined to be mandatory to University operations during certain types of adverse weather or emergency events and whose services support critical University activities or infrastructure are considered mandatory employees. When required to report to work during these events, the employee is expected to use sound judgment with respect to maintaining personal safety given their individual circumstances, but also to make a substantial and good faith effort to reach the work site in a timely manner.

Mandatory employees will receive notice from an appropriate supervisor, requiring that the employee report to work on campus regardless of operating condition.

Non-mandatory employees (including temporary and student employees) who are unable to telework will receive paid administrative leave if they cannot telework because their position duties cannot be performed remotely and reasonable alternate remote work is not feasible or productive. More information can be found on the staff information page.

Any mandatory or non-mandatory employees (including temporary and student employees) who are sick due to symptoms of a cold, flu or COVID-19 or who are caring for a dependent with such symptoms will receive paid administrative leave. All other medically related absences will utilize regular forms of leave such as sick, vacation and bonus leave, or shared leave if previously approved. More information can be found on the staff information page.

Employees are designated as mandatory to work on-site due to the nature of their work for the University and are expected to perform those duties as required if instructed by their supervisors to do so. If a mandatory employee cannot report for some reason, they should contact their supervisor to discuss the reason.  Situations in which a mandatory employee cannot report to work as directed will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Willful failure of a mandatory employee to report for or remain at work may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

Mandatory or non-mandatory employees (including temporary and student employees) who cannot work because they have childcare or eldercare needs due to COVID-19-related facility closings will receive paid administrative leave for the period of time they are unavailable. More information can be found on the staff information page.

ComPsych is the designated partner for the University's Employee Assistance Program.  For more information about this program, please visit the HR website. Employees can reach GuidanceResources by:

  • Calling 1- 877-603-8259                 TDD:  800-697-0353

  • Logging on to www.guidanceresources.com (Company Web ID: UNCC)

ComPsych has also created a digital toolkit of its services and resources concerning the COVID-19 outbreak. This toolkit will be updated as needed during the evolving situation. 

Employees can access their University phone number from a computer or mobile device through Jabber. See how to download and install Jabber here.

Employees should coordinate with their supervisor and departmental business officer regarding the business need to purchase such items. For more information, please refer to the Guidance on Supplies and Equipment Expenses While Teleworking information document.

Active permanent employees who cannot work remotely, do not have reasonable alternative remote work or qualify for other reasons as noted on the Emergency Management website are eligible for Administrative Leave COVID-19. Detailed information on requesting this leave in Kronos can be found online.

Submissions of the High Risk Special Consideration Form and Request to Return to Work Form will be reviewed by Human Resources on a case-by-case basis and individuals will be contacted as quickly as possible.

Families

The University is communicating to the campus community about coronavirus through NinerNotices. Families can sign up to receive NinerNotices.

Given the evolving nature of COVID-19 and based on current federal health guidance, UNC Charlotte’s May commencement ceremony will need to be postponed. The most updated information can be found on the commencement website.

Undergraduate admissions is not holding in-person tours while campus operations are restricted. However, we invite you to watch a live information session via Zoom where you can learn more about the university and ask your questions. View a schedule of the live sessions here. Admissions counselors are available via email or phone at admissions@uncc.edu or 704-687-5507. Prospective students can also view the virtual campus tour.

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. All events of 10 more people, regardless of location, are canceled until further notice. No exceptions will be granted by Chancellor Dubois. Previously, all events scheduled through Conference, Reservations and Event Services (CRES) have been canceled through the academic semester.

Travel

University-sponsored travel is travel by faculty, staff or students that is paid for by UNC Charlotte. This includes travel arrangements paid for in advance and travel reimbursements. 

First reach out to the airline to request credit towards a future flight, or a refund of the flight cost. In the current environment, most, if not all, airlines are offering some version of credit, regardless of ticket type or purchase method. 

Note that the University will not simply pay a traveler the cost of an airline ticket for a cancelled trip if the traveler has not attempted to obtain a credit or refund first.

Please be aware that most basic trip cancellation insurance offered by airlines generally does not cover cancellations due to an “epidemic.” COVID-19 is currently designated as a “global pandemic” by the World Health Organization.

Most other costs for faculty and staff travel should be refundable, e.g., hotel reservations and, in the current situation, registration fees.

The funding source for costs already incurred related to University-sponsored travel that has been cancelled due to COVID-19 is not expected to change. In other words, departments should be prepared to fund their respective sunk travel costs.

If additional costs are incurred by faculty and staff related to COVID-19 -- e.g., cancellation fees, costs to fly an employee back to Charlotte from an affected area -- then these costs should be recorded via the COVID-19 Expense Tracking Google Form. These expenses will be analyzed and tracked centrally. Any funding decisions will be made through the Associate Vice Chancellor for Finance.
Follow the University’s Travel Manual guidance, specifically in Section II.1.6, Cancellations, regarding charges related to canceled travel. Make all efforts possible to recoup any costs already paid. As always, continue to exercise care in incurring expenses and treat University funds as if they were your own.
Contact travel@uncc.edu with any additional questions.

Per Office of State Budget and Management guidance, travel is limited until further notice, to instances involving public safety and health, job requirements, economic development opportunities and emergency situations related to the custody and/or care of persons for whom the state is responsible. If using discretionary funds, exceptions may be granted.

All in-state gatherings of 10 or more people are suspended, and all travel outside the state is suspended, unless a current exception is authorized by the Chancellor or Provost. University P-Cards should not be used to pay for registration fees, flights or accommodations unless an exception has been granted or the travel meets the criteria below.

You can begin booking travel on: For trips that begin in:
May 11 November or later
June 1 October or later
July 1 September or later

 

Departments and/or grants may have travel guidelines that are more restrictive than the University's. Please consult your business officer and/or research administrator prior to making travel arrangements.