Coronavirus FAQs

Protocols for responding to infectious diseases are established and the University is prepared to act quickly for any reports of symptoms of or exposure to the virus by students, faculty or staff.

UNC Charlotte administration and health staff are working in collaboration with campus partners, as well as local and state resources, to protect the health and well-being of the campus community.

More information can be found in the latest NinerNotices.

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.

Students and employees can protect themselves by learning to spot and report phishing and spam. A key giveaway is the sender address: Does it end only in uncc.edu? If not, think twice. Read more in this article: Don’t fall for phishing and spam. 

In general, practice due diligence with every online interaction, and never give out your passwords or personal information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or bank account information.

Symptoms may include fever, cough and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

Review the Centers for Disease Control’s website.

Quarantine means separating a person or group of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease but have not developed illness (symptoms) from others who have not been exposed, in order to prevent the possible spread of that disease. Quarantine is usually established for the incubation period of the communicable disease, which is the span of time during which people have developed illness after exposure. For COVID-19, the period of quarantine is 14 days from the last date of exposure, because 14 days is the longest incubation period seen for similar coronaviruses. Someone who has been released from COVID-19 quarantine is not considered a risk for spreading the virus to others because they have not developed illness during the incubation period.

More information about the North Carolina Order can be found by reading the order and reviewing information on the state resources page.

More information about the County Order can be found on the mecknc.gov website and their FAQs.

No, there will not be an operating conditions change, but in accordance with the stay-at-home order, campus operations will be limited. 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.

Yes, as a critical trade, considered essential by the county, construction work will continue with all of the provisions of social distancing.

Yes, University employees should continue to work from home until further notice.

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 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.

Students who need to borrow a laptop from the University to complete their academic work should visit or contact Atkins Library prior to its closure at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25. Options for laptop pick up after 4 p.m. are being finalized by staff and will be posted on the library’s website.

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. 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.

Yes - however, each business partner should identify their respective essential employees and provide this information along with each employee’s 49er ID information as well as days and work hours to Gail Keene at pgkeene@uncc.edu as soon as possible. You may also contact University Business Partners at 704-687-7993.

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.

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.

It is recommended that if you feel sick, you should stay home and seek medical attention. If you have traveled to any affected area and believe you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, 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. It is also recommended you self-quarantine, if applicable.

You should consult with your normal health care provider. 

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.

The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it. A facemask should be used by people who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms. This is to protect others from the risk of getting infected. 

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.

UREC
University Recreation maintains a cleanliness policy that requires each patron to wipe down equipment post use, utilizing provided cleaning wipes. We also highly recommend that patrons wipe down equipment prior to use. In addition, employees perform additional cleaning measures on all equipment, and sanitize common areas, such as restrooms and locker rooms, daily.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has information listed on their website about how individuals, businesses and others can prepare.

Due to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following the guidelines of a UNC System Directive, UNC Charlotte has canceled all spring and summer study abroad programs. Upon their return to Charlotte, these individuals have been asked by the University to self-quarantine for fourteen days out of an abundance of caution. These individuals are also subject to re-entry requirements in place by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The Office of Education Abroad will work with students and faculty over the coming days to minimize the impact of these cancellations on students’ programs of study. 

We have no one in directed self-quarantine on campus. Those who have elected to self-quarantine have been encouraged to do so off campus.

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. 

Due to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following the guidelines of a UNC System Directive, UNC Charlotte has cancelled all spring and summer study abroad programs. The Office of Education Abroad 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.

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. 

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. 

You should extend maximum flexibility (including excused absences) to students who have been ordered by health officials, asked by the University or are voluntarily choosing to self-quarantine in order for them to meet course requirements. Ensure they have filled out the self-quarantine form to notify the University.

The following sources should provide additional information:

• The Center for Teaching and Learning
  • Instructional Continuity Planning
  • Events and Workshops
  • Kaltura is also available for pre-recorded lectures and videos
• WebEx is available for online live lectures. Learn more.

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. 

GA/TA/RA (graduate assistant, graduate teaching assistant, graduate research assistant) contract hours, length or salary should be maintained during the coronavirus (COVID-19) campus transition. The Graduate School monitors any requested change through eGA as part of its regular operating procedure. We encourage faculty and staff to work with their graduate students holding assistantships to determine how their duties and responsibilities can be completed remotely if possible.

All classes, including lab sections, will be online or remote effective March 23 and for the remainder of the semester. Students engaged in dissertation, thesis or other individualized instruction should contact their faculty advisor/instructor.

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.

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

If your student informs you they may have COVID-19, or have been tested or evaluated for it, you should ensure they have contacted the Student Health Center. The Student Health Center will coordinate with the student on test results and with the Mecklenburg County Health Department on  any further notification that would be necessary to other members of the University community. To allow the Health Department to follow its established contact tracing and communication protocols, you should not initiate any further communication with your larger class unless you are directed to by a health official.

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

• Please review the University's policy on emergency events and your organization’s mandatory and non-mandatory staff position designations. Should the University suspend operations, your essential staff will need to understand if they can telework or if they are required to report to campus. In addition, your non-essential staff will need to understand that they should not report to their work location during suspended operations.
• Given the fluidity of this situation, we recommend that supervisors also discuss the possibility of telework during suspended operations with non-essential campus staff and student workers. UNC Charlotte encourages supervisors to be flexible and creative in considering temporary telework arrangements so that the work of your department continues.

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 are a staff 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.

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.

Management may request/require that an employee potentially exposed to COVID-19 work remotely during the 14-day incubation period. If the employee in question has been cleared to return to work, but there is still concern from coworkers, it is at the supervisor’s discretion to allow other teleworking arrangements. Supervisors may also enforce other social distancing practices to minimize contact.

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.

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.

In alignment with UNC Charlotte’s current teleworking and social distancing practices for faculty and staff, Learning and Organization Development is offering virtual workshops using online instruction tools such as WebEx wherever possible. Our goal is to return to in-person workshops as soon as the campus is reasonably ready.

If you are currently enrolled in a workshop between March 16 - April 30,  check your email for information from the workshop facilitator.

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. 

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. Mail Services will also 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.

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 temporary and student workers 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. This leave is to be based on the employee’s average hours worked per week over the course of a month. Detailed information on requesting this leave in WTE can be found online.

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.

As information becomes available, the University will distribute NinerNotices as necessary to keep everyone informed. You may also receive communication from Student Affairs with information specific to students. 

Due to the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and following the guidelines of a UNC System Directive, UNC Charlotte has cancelled all spring and summer study abroad programs. The Office of Education Abroad 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.

If you are ordered by health officials, asked by the University or are voluntarily choosing to self-quarantine, you should proactively contact your instructors to request an 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 course requirements. You should also fill out the self-quarantine form.

You are encouraged to rethink any non-essential travel. If the travel cannot be avoided, please email emergency@uncc.edu. 

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. We are working to develop a thoughtful plan to recognize and celebrate your UNC Charlotte accomplishments. The University is considering in-person ceremony options in either August or December, and we expect to finalize these plans by May. Our commencement website will also be updated with FAQS and the latest information.

All on-campus students were required to leave the residence halls by Friday, March 20, unless an exception was granted by Housing and Residence Life (HRL). 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.

On March 30, 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.

Atkins Library will close effective 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, and all computer labs will be closed effective 5 p.m. Wednesday. 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. There is also access the internet at any of the almost 20,000 campuses that use eduroam. 

Student workers should work with their supervisors to discuss tasks that can be completed remotely or safely on campus through social distancing protocols. The University has provided additional staff information on the Emergency Management Coronavirus website.

All classes, including lab sections, will be online or remote effective March 23 and for the remainder of the semester. Students engaged in dissertation, thesis or other individualized instruction should contact their faculty advisor/instructor.

The internet can be accessed at any of the almost 20,000 campuses that use eduroam. Many companies are also taking extraordinary measures to make sure students get or stay connected from their homes. More information.

Registration for all summer terms and the fall semester opened as scheduled on 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.

Students are encouraged to proactively and respectfully share feedback with instructors if they are having difficulty with the instruction. Faculty members had to quickly shift to online delivery, so patience is appreciated. If an issue cannot be resolved by contacting the instructor, then students should contact the department chair of the department where the course is housed.

Active temporary and student workers 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. This leave is to be based on the employee’s average hours worked per week over the course of a month. Detailed information on requesting this leave in WTE is listed online.

 Atkins Library will close effective 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, and all computer labs will be closed effective 5 p.m. Wednesday. 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. 

UNC Charlotte Resident Advisors (RAs) have a work agreement but are not required to stay on campus if they experience extenuating circumstances. Housing and Residence Life has offered to release any RA from the work agreement who chooses to leave campus prior to the end of their contract. Those RAs leaving early will be compensated until March 31. RAs who remain on campus will be compensated until May 10 which is the normal end of their agreement.

Yes, the Faculty Executive Committee has voted to create an exception to the UNC Charlotte grading policy for spring 2020. This change gives students the option to request Pass/No Credit grades to replace standard letter grades for any or all of their Spring 2020 courses at the completion of the semester. Instruction for all courses will continue, and faculty will provide letter grades as usual at the end of the semester. Students who wish to accept their letter grade for a course will still have that option. View the message from the Provost and view the entire exemption.

Yes, there is no reason to believe it is not safe for your child to be on campus. However, all on-campus students were required to leave the residence halls by Friday, March 20, unless an exception was granted by Housing and Residence Life (HRL). Residence halls will be secured and you can return at a later date to retrieve your items. This is to ensure social distancing and protect the health of all students.

Yes, all on-campus students were required to leave the residence halls by Friday, March 20, unless an exception was granted by Housing and Residence Life (HRL). Additionally, they should seek medical care and inform the Student Health Center of any positive testing for coronavirus. Your student and your family should also prepare to self-quarantine in your home. 

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. We are working to develop a thoughtful plan to recognize and celebrate your UNC Charlotte accomplishments. The University is considering in-person ceremony options in either August or December, and we expect to finalize these plans by May. Our commencement website will also be updated with FAQS and the latest information.

On March 30, 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.

All undergraduate admissions tours are canceled, no matter the number of attendees. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is not allowing in-person interactions, but representatives are available via email or phone at admissions@uncc.edu or 704-687-5507. Prospective students can also view the virtual campus tour.

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.

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.