The below message was shared with faculty, staff and students via Chowan University email on March 17th.

Please carefully review the message below from President Peterson: 

As of this morning, March 17th, the latest update regarding our county’s Community Level of risk for Covid-19 is low in Hertford County.  Staying true to my commitment to following the CDC, I approve our previously agreed upon stance to become mask-optional, effective today, March 17th.  

Mask optional, allows faculty and staff the option to require students, colleagues, etc., to wear masks in classrooms, labs, and offices.  Please note that outside classrooms, labs, and offices, students, faculty, staff, and visitors may choose to wear a mask or not, without issue.  All students, faculty, and staff should continue to carry a mask at all times.  

Additionally, beginning Wednesday, March 24, we will conduct random testing of 5% of all unvaccinated students, faculty, and staff.  Athletics will continue to test per our medical team’s recommendation and in accordance with guidelines established by Conference Carolinas, and the NCAA.  

We encourage you to support each other and be thoughtful in your choices and respect those around you. The University recognizes that members of the community may choose to wear a mask and we support those who choose to continue to do so.

Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep the Hawk community safe. The senior staff monitors what is happening in North Carolina and in our immediate area. We will make adjustments for the campus as deemed appropriate. The top priority of the University is the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and campus community. The University will continue to develop and revise guidelines that address the expectations of all members of the community, personal safety practices, staffing options, workplace environments, emotional wellbeing, on-campus visitors, modification of facilities, and workplace education as we continue on-campus life.