UNC Wilmington (UNCW) plans on having a typical fall 2021 semester following positive coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic trends in the state. In an email, Chancellor Jose V. Sartarelli detailed some of the university’s plans to transition back to a normal semester for the fall of 2021. 

UNCW expects to return to predominantly in-person classes, reopen dorms to full capacity, increase capacity in campus buildings and sports/university events and activities, return to co-curricular events and activities and return to normal office and workplace operations and hours. 

“Although spring will officially begin in just a few days, many of us are already looking ahead to fall, eager to make plans for a semester that offers us the hope of returning to typical operations,” as written in the announcement. “While we can’t predict exactly what the pandemic will look like in the future, COVID-19 cases in our community and across the state are trending downward and the number of individuals vaccinated continues to increase.”

Until then, the university will continue its remote working plans, even if people are fully vaccinated. As more guidance is received from the state and UNC System, any adjustments or information will be shared.

“Our plans for the fall are contingent on continued positive trends in the management and treatment of the COVID-19 virus. Please continue to follow UNCW’s health and safety protocols when on campus and in the community,” as written in the announcement. “The 3Ws will remain an important part of our efforts to curtail the spread of the virus now and as far into the future as deemed necessary by our campus health experts as well as local, state and national public health authorities. We are prepared to continue our surveillance testing, vaccination clinic and quarantine/isolation programs next fall as needed.”