Provost’s Weekly Roadmap Implementation Update

July 2, 2020

Dear Carolina Community, 

The best way to limit the spread of the virus is to practice physical distancing and wear a face covering or face mask. Our recent Roadmap messaging generated questions and some confusion across campus. To clarify, students, staff, faculty and visitors should remain at least 6 feet away from other people whenever possible in all indoor and outdoor settings, including classrooms. 

The classroom operations team has worked with each of the schools to map out ideal classroom configurations. All schools have been required to put forward a comprehensive plan for fall 2020, including how to configure classrooms consistent with CDC 6 feet physical distancing guidance, when feasible. We have configured our classrooms to accommodate 6 feet of physical distancing for students participating in on-campus learning this fall, so that will be the standard for our classrooms unless a school requests and the University grants an exception. 

The Roadmap has been modified to provide greater clarity on each person’s responsibilities while on campus. This includes being careful to avoid large groups and crowded areas. Indoors, anyone on campus must wear a face covering or face mask and maintain 6 feet of physical distance or observe facility specific requirements. Outdoors, a face covering or face mask is required when 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible. 

The Roadmap will continue to evolve with guidance from infectious disease researchers, public health experts and our campus community. We have made these additional updates this week.  

Health and Wellness 

If a member of the Carolina community – including students, faculty and staff – tests positive for COVID-19, we will follow standard contact tracing protocols to identify and communicate directly with those who had close contact with the individual. 

Consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations, schools, departments and units should not communicate about COVID-19 positive cases broadly to their populations. The University will determine the release of non-identifying communications about clusters of positive results based on approved guidelines.

Academics & Instructional Delivery 

There are several important updates on the Academics and Instructional Delivery pages 

• We have clarified what you can expect from the different course delivery options that may make up your fall schedule: Face-to-Face/Hybrid, HyFlex, Remote and Recitation, and Remote Only. 
• As a reminder from last week’s update, students can view their registered classes, times, and delivery options in Connect Carolina as of July 1. Only new and incoming students will be able to make changes to their registration through July 22.  
• Courses with more than 35 students will be taught remotely unless a request by the school’s dean is approved by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost. 

We are collecting these updates and other communications on the Carolina Together website, and you can contact me with your questions, concerns and feedback using this form. 

Thank you for your continued efforts towards a safe campus environment this fall. I hope you and your families enjoy a safe and happy holiday weekend. 

Bob Blouin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost