CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many college students in North Carolina are returning from winter break this week. But some of them are not heading back to campus, just yet.
What You Need To Know
UNC Charlotte, Queens University and Johnson & Wales University are beginning the semester with virtual classes
Classes at UNC Charlotte will remain online until Jan. 24 before in-person classes resume
Students are required to get tested for COVID-19 before they return to campus
UNC Charlotte announced in late December that the first two weeks of classes, starting January 10, will be conducted virtually to prevent the spread of the coronavirus on campus.
Breze Ervin, a junior at UNC Charlotte, is starting her second semester at the university.
“I don’t have to wake up and walk and find my class,” Ervin said. “Because I’m still a little bit new to the campus I don’t know every area.”
Ervin transferred from UNC Pembroke in fall 2021 after being on its track and field team for two years.
“I had a gym teacher [in middle school] that saw I was fast running,” Ervin said. “She said I should try out for the track team, and it’s been history ever since.”
Ervin is an aspiring lawyer. She decided to unlace her running shoes and focus more on her political science studies at UNC Charlotte.
“I feel more connected with my professors here,” Ervin said. “And I know I can reach out to them if I needed help in the future.”
Ervin admits it’s difficult for her to focus when her classes are online. But she’s supportive of her new school’s decision to delay the return to in person until January 24.
“I’m really happy they took this step,” Ervin said. “Especially when I think about the number of people who traveled over the holidays and could have possibly caught COVID or be asymptomatic towards it and don’t know.”
As Ervin looks ahead to the next two weeks, she’s keeping a positive state of mind even if it’s another pivot from normal college life.
“I’m going to remember this, I’m going to acknowledge it, but I’m going to move forward from it,” Ervin said. “And just make sure that I am set up and ready for my future.”
UNC Charlotte is requiring all students to get tested for COVID-19 before they return on-campus. They must also undergo regular testing if they’re unvaccinated or if they’re eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot and have not received it.
For the latest data on vaccination and case numbers at UNC Charlotte, visit its online COVID-19 dashboard.