Chowan University is preparing to be open for fall 2020
President Peterson shared with the Board of Trustees in a virtual meeting on April 30th that the University intends to safely resume in-person teaching and residential life for the fall 2020 semester. Along with the senior team, he has been working through various scenarios to resume on-campus operations this fall. The plans are contingent upon the situation surrounding the pandemic and guidance from Governor Cooper and, state and local health officials.
On April 23rd North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper extended the state’s stay at home order through May 8th and introduced his plans for a three-phase lifting of restrictions based on virus trends. The University will continue to operate as it has since the stay-at-home order took effect in March with faculty and staff working primarily remotely and classes delivered online. For staff currently performing duties remotely, the University plans to follow state recommendations and announce a plan to strategically phase employees return to campus to ensure the health and safety of the entire campus community. Summer courses, as they have been historically, will be delivered through online instruction.
The overall theme across all sectors throughout the pandemic has been uncertainty and transformation. As a primarily residential campus, Chowan students have adapted to a new way of learning and engaging with peers, most, including faculty, citing that they are eager to return to campus. The University recognizes that while the plan is to resume classes in person, it will be under a “new normal.” The top priority of the University is and will remain, the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.
“As we have throughout this ever-changing situation, we will keep you informed on procedures and decisions as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic” reassured Dr. Peterson. The administration is planning and preparing to ensure a safe return for students, employees, and visitors. The University will provide additional return-to-campus information updates as soon as possible.