As the global understanding of COVID-19 evolves, it is imperative that the University research and recommend safe, effective, and efficient ways to reopen for fall 2020. On Monday, May 11th, Dr. Peterson named thirteen key personnel who will lead a task force that will coordinate the University's preparedness, operational effectiveness, and continuity as it relates to the reopening.   The team will be guided by safety, science, health officials, and Chowan's educational mission, with a priority to balance the significant value of on-campus living and learning with an equal responsibility to protect community health and safety. 

The task force members will lead teams in their areas with involvement from others when appropriate.  The task force leaders include:

Danny Moore, Chair
Kim Bailey
Danny Davis
Sher-Ron Laud
Meredith Long
Pat Mashuda
Keith Reich
Montrose Streeter 
Emily Terry 
Daniel Wilson
Brandon Zoch
Dr. Francis Taylor
Joy Taylor, RN

Due to the fluidity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University will prepare for a variety of contingencies and will plan ahead to be equipped to act should there be changing circumstances. The first stage of planning will begin this week as officials assess various fall academic calendar plans. 

Currently, North Carolina is operating under Governor Cooper’s Phase I plan to reopen the state.  It is anticipated that Phase II will begin sometime around May 25th, but it is contingent upon direction from state officials. 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.  The University will defer to the respective Vice Presidents for each area to determine the return to campus date of their employees once the state enters Phase II. Those who remain on campus and those who come to perform duties are required to continue to adhere to the CDC safety protocols.