Chancellor Robin Cummings announced that the start of the spring semester will be delayed by two weeks until February 1. (Submitted Image).
by Zachary C. Young, Editor-in-Chief
Published Jan. 11, 2021
The spring semester at UNCP is set to begin Monday, February 1. Chancellor Robin Cummings hosted a WebEx Wednesday evening to discuss the change in the Spring schedule. The original start date was set for Tuesday, January 19, but a spike in COVID cases caused the school’s administration to delay the return of students and classes.
During the town hall meeting on January 7, Chancellor Cummings said that the university has been consulting state and local health authorities regarding the best pathway for continuing face to face classroom instruction.
Cummings also urged students to check their emails regularly for updates regarding the recent changes to the semester.
This two-week push back now has the final day of exams set for Friday, May 21.
The Graduate School Commencement is on May 21 at 7 p.m. The Undergraduate Commencement is Saturday, May 22 at 9 a.m.
Students who live on campus are required to submit proof of negative COVID-19 testing. Testing must be completed within three to five days before moving into their housing for the semester. In addition to on-campus residents, student employees must also show proof of a negative test. Students who live in off-campus apartments will be randomly tested if attending face-to-face classes and/or need access to campus for laboratory work.
Move-in for residential students is slated for January 27 through January 30. Students will receive an email from Housing and Residence Life to sign up for a move-in time. Students may have only two people to help with their move in process.
An additional faculty and staff town hall is scheduled for January 12, at 4 p.m., and a student town hall will be held at 10 a.m. on January 13.
Student Health Services will be providing tests for those who may be asymptomatic on January 27-28, February 17, March 18 and April 8.
UNC Health Southeastern posted on their Facebook page on January 6 that all staffed beds are occupied. Patients are being instructed to contact their family physician or local clinics if they are experiencing health conditions that do not require emergency care.
According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Robeson County had 226 cases of COVID on January 7. This marks the highest single-day total for the county since the pandemic began.
“Persons with true emergencies, such as trauma or chest pain, should not hesitate to come in for emergency care. Individuals who seek emergency care for minor health issues will likely face extensive delays,” said Jason Cox, UNC Health Southeastern Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.