Welcome to the first day of spring classes

Dear UNCSA Community,

Today we finally begin our spring semester, and we are all thrilled to have students back on campus after the long winter break. The campus simply is not the same without you, and it makes our lives more joyful to see you here doing what you love.

On that note, I am happy to announce our spring performance season, a robust series of virtual performances and screenings that will be available via livestream and on demand — mirroring the creative evolution of an arts and entertainment industry facing the effects of the pandemic. I am so proud to share the work of our talented student- and faculty-artists with our community, and to reach even more people online.

As classes and productions commence, I want to take a moment to remind everyone of the critical importance of staying vigilant to protect our campus from COVID-19 and update you on additional measures we’ve implemented to safeguard our community.

First, I’m reminding everyone on our campus that it is essential to recommit to our Community Health Standards that require wearing masks, social distancing, hand washing or using hand sanitizer frequently, wiping down high-touch surfaces, performing a daily self-screening, and reporting positive tests and exposure. There are now at least three new variants of the coronavirus circulating that seem to be more contagious. It is more important than ever not to let your guard down. As an additional way to keep our campus safe, we made testing a requirement for returning to campus this spring, and I sincerely thank you for your participation in that process. The testing uncovered several positive cases that otherwise could have precipitated the spread of COVID-19 on our campus, so know that your efforts made a difference.

We will also resume our surveillance testing program beginning this Friday, Feb. 12. Please note that North Carolina is currently under a Modified Stay-At-Home Order, requiring people to be at home from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Face coverings are still required in all public indoor settings, and restrictions on individuals gathering are still in place. These rules will be in effect at least through Feb. 28. See the FAQs for more information.

We know many of you have questions about vaccination. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) manages the planning and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines with local public health departments and health care providers. As with states around the country, N.C. is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine in groups. You can learn more about the rollout at “Find your spot to take your shot.” We will share information about processes and protocol for the vaccine regarding our campus community when it becomes available.

As more and more people are vaccinated this spring and summer, I am increasingly optimistic that we can take some steps toward being together in person more often as a campus community, to celebrate our common purpose and achievements. We are hoping — and currently making plans for — an in-person commencement in May, and will share more information as plans are finalized.

Finally, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our faculty and staff, who continue to press forward for the good of UNCSA in these challenging times. I am aware of the sacrifices they make to accommodate the increased workload for this new normal. I can’t thank you enough, and want you to know that your contributions are seen, recognized and appreciated. 

I am excited to see what our community will create this semester as we face the challenges of the pandemic and are inspired to reach even greater artistic heights. Fighting Pickles are strong and resilient, and together there is nothing we cannot accomplish. I wish you great success this semester.

Sincerely,


Brian Cole 
Chancellor