Thursday, April 30, 2020

Dear Campus Community:
 
I want to be sure you’ve seen the latest message from UNC System Interim President Bill Roper, which reflects the theme of my communication to you earlier this week: We are all committed to bringing our faculty, staff and students back to campus as quickly, and as safely, as possible. I understand how much more meaningful the UNCW experience is in person, versus from afar, and this applies not only to all of you but to our prospective students and their families, our alumni, and our community.
 
As I indicated on Monday, I have commissioned a Planning Team to examine our short- and long-term plans from all possible angles. Under the leadership of Dean Charlie Hardy (CHHS), and by soliciting input from many campus constituents, this Planning Team will comprise operational workgroups dedicated to these critical areas:
 

• Health and Safety
• Research and Innovation
• Student Success
• Teaching, Instructional Design and Course Scheduling and Accreditation
• Facilities, Dining, Housing and Operations  
• Campus Life, Services, Events, Athletics and Community Engagement
• Business and HR Operations
• Resource Management 

 
The Planning Team will develop a set of guiding principles and critical planning variables for fall 2020 and determine a set of possible models to address various scenarios related to COVID-19. Their ultimate objective is to develop a recommendation for my leadership team and me. Please know that at the foundation of this planning will be the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community. I expect the team will provide a recommendation by May 30, 2020, though that timeline could shift and work will continue beyond that date. We will keep you apprised of the team’s progress, as well as our plans for reopening, as decisions begin to firm up.
 
Thank you for your continued dedication and patience. I am eager to once again be able to say this to you all in person: Go Seahawks!
 
Jose V. Sartarelli