Noah Caldwell, of Charlotte, a first-year environmental science major at Appalachian, takes a to-go boxed lunch during Appalachian’s extended spring break. Take-out is the order of the day for Appalachian’s Campus Dining since Gov. Roy Cooper’s March 17 issuance of an executive order to close restaurants and bars for dine-in customers, with delivery and take-out options continuing. Photo by Marie Freeman
BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State University has developed a coronavirus information website to provide the latest university information and guidance related to COVID-19, including the following:
- The latest updates concerning university operations for students, faculty and staff, as well as COVID-19 information specific to multiple campus units.
- Preventative measures to take to avoid contracting and/or spreading the virus and steps to take if you think you may have COVID-19, as well as the actions Appalachian is taking to prevent COVID-19 on campus and protect students.
- Resources for health care guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), U.S. Department of State (State Department) and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Department (AppHealthCare).
In a message to campus last week, Chancellor Sheri Everts said, “Across our campus, faculty, staff and students are exhibiting tremendous ingenuity, determination and resourcefulness as we pull together to safeguard and protect our community. Please know I recognize and appreciate your efforts. Be assured, we are working together to keep our community safe and our academic mission on course.”
Greg Simmons, an instructional technology consultant in Appalachian’s Center for Academic Excellence, has been running webinars in preparation for online instruction. Appalachian State University will transition from in-person instruction to online courses and other alternative course delivery methods March 23. Photo by Marie Freeman
Appalachian remains open and is making operational modifications and taking precautions to support social distancing. The university has extended its spring break until 8 a.m. March 23, after which time in-person instruction will transition to online courses and other alternative course delivery methods.
“Our faculty and staff are employing their expertise to quickly and creatively address many questions and logistical considerations, and I greatly appreciate their resourcefulness and expertise,” Everts said.
The university’s emergency response team is working closely with AppHealthCare, NCDHHS and the University of North Carolina System to monitor the COVID-19 situation and prepare in the event it should affect Appalachian’s campus.
As part of her duties to keep Appalachian Community members safe, Sandra "Martha" Brown, a public safety telecommunicator for the Appalachian State University Police Department (APD), fields calls and dispatches APD officers to assist those in need. Brown also helps direct callers to sources of important non-emergency information amid the COVID-19 situation. APD remains ready to act in the event the virus should affect Appalachian’s campus. Photo by Marie Freeman
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, cost-effective education. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
What do you think?
Share your feedback on this story.
![How NCInnovation Is Rethinking Economic Development in North Carolina [faculty featured]](/_images/_posts/2026/02/rethinking-economic-development-600x400.jpg)
