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Office of the Chancellor

Fall 2021: Planning for a Return to Normal

March 10, 2021

NC State community,

Thank you for your continued commitment to following NC State’s community standards and doing your part to keep our Pack safe and healthy. Because of your dedication and the safety precautions we’ve taken — including a robust testing program — we’ve been able to keep our community safe and our university moving forward.

Given the current trends and projections, I am thrilled to announce that NC State is planning for a normal fall 2021 semester, to the fullest extent possible.

We are encouraged by the decreasing numbers of COVID-19 infections throughout our city and state, and by the increasing pace of the vaccine rollout. NC State will launch its on-campus vaccine clinic on March 22. Until then, we encourage everyone who is qualified to get vaccinated to do so as soon as you can.

Our goals and expectations for the fall include the following:

  • Students and faculty will be in face-to-face classes.
  • Residence halls will return to full occupancy.
  • Staff will be back in offices and/or returning to normal workplace activities.
  • Buildings and facilities, including dining operations, NC State University Libraries and the Wellness and Recreation Center, will return to normal hours and increased capacity.

We also intend for the university to return to pre-pandemic modes of course delivery, residence living and overall operations.

Of course, NC State may need to continue implementing a number of safety precautions already in place, and we will follow all state and UNC System guidelines. We are prepared to continue our testing and vaccine programs throughout the fall. We will also continue to work closely with health care professionals in making all campus decisions. We will take all precautions necessary to keep our community safe, and we will adjust plans as needed.

Look for many more details about fall operations over the coming weeks and months, and keep up to speed with updates on the Protect the Pack site. Meanwhile, please take this time to begin planning your return to a full-time campus experience.

In addition, we encourage you to remain vigilant throughout the spring semester. Keep wearing your face coverings, maintaining physical distance, washing your hands and getting tested. As soon as you are eligible, get the COVID-19 vaccine. Please keep doing all you can to protect the Pack.

W. Randolph Woodson
Chancellor