NC State moves undergraduate classes online amid COVID-19 clusters

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina State University Chancellor Randy Woodson announced Thursday that all undergraduate in-person instruction will shift to remote learning after hundreds of students had to be quarantined due to the coronavirus.

Woodson attributed the switch, which starts on Monday and will remain in place through the rest of the fall semester, to “those who did not take personal responsibility.”

“Battling the spread of COVID-19 is a challenging endeavor even when everyone is practicing safety measures. Unfortunately, the actions of a few are jeopardizing the health and safety of the larger community,” he said.

The chancellor said in the last two days, the university identified three COVID-19 clusters in off-campus and Greek houses that can be traced to parties and behavior that defies the governor’s orders.

Thursday evening, the university identified two additional clusters of COVID-19 cases. One cluster is at the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house, with seven positive cases.

The second cluster is connected with two private residences located near Park and Bagwell Avenues in Raleigh. Between the two residences, they currently have five positive cases between them that have been linked through contact tracing.

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According to university officials, 95 students and two employees have tested positive for the virus since Aug. 10, when classes started. There are more than 500 students currently in quarantine and isolation, mostly off campus, who have either tested positive or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.

Contact tracers are also investigating other potential off-campus clusters.

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On-campus housing will remain open with restrictions. The university hopes to keep housing open through the rest of the semester, but said it will make changes to protect students and staff if necessary.

“With oversight from dedicated staff and Resident Advisors, and the continued outstanding cooperation from student residents, we are confident that the spread of the virus can be limited. We’ll continue proactively monitoring the virus with the hope of keeping on-campus housing open throughout the semester,” Woodson said.

As for the students who choose to go home because they do not feel comfortable staying on campus, Woodson said they can cancel their university housing contract with no penalty. They will also be reimbursed the prorated amount for housing and dining based on the number of days they lived on campus.

“Students, we want to provide you flexibility to make the best choice for you, your family, and your unique situation. Either way, you are part of our Pack and we are here to support you,” he said.

The chancellor made it clear that the university remains open, it will just look different next week then it ever has before.

“We understand that these changes may be frustrating for some and a relief for others. Know that the top priority in every decision that we’ve made – and the ones we’ll make in the future – is to keep our community safe and well,” he said.

Woodson said he is disappointed that the university had to make the changes, but he is hopeful that students will return to campus in the new year.

UNC-Chapel Hill shifted to full remote learning on Wednesday after reporting several COVID-19 clusters on campus.

Here’s how UNCC plans to handle fall semester as schools grapple with COVID clusters

Cox Media Group