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Coronavirus Updates

Being Flexible in Thesis/Dissertation Defenses

March 13, 2020 by Stanchina, Karla

Social distancing measures related to the Coronavirus may prevent a thesis or dissertation committee from meeting face-to-face. When illness or caution prevent someone on the committee from attending the defense, remote participation is appropriate.

The Graduate School will be very flexible regarding defenses. Committee chairs and students should agree on the best method for a given defense. ALL committee members must participate in the defense, whether in person or virtually. This flexibility extends to students who need to defend remotely.

It is the chair’s responsibility to ensure that all committee members sign-off on the final defense form. Scanned signatures are allowed and additional time will be extended so that a form can be signed by all members. When this is not possible, we will accept the defense form with the chair’s signature, accompanied by emails from each committee member stating their approval.

Please remember that milestone forms are needed in order for the Graduate School to clear students for graduation. Please do your best to send the forms electronically as soon as possible following a defense.

Final and proposal defense thesis forms should be sent to Julie Green (jhgreen@uncc.edu) and final and proposal defense dissertation forms should be sent to Aura Young (Aura.Young@uncc.edu).

This flexible interpretation of our policy will remain in effect for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester.

Graduate Assistant Contract Details

March 13, 2020 by Stanchina, Karla

Existing contracts for GAs should not be shortened or reduced in hours except under the most extreme circumstances. If a program wishes to change a contract for any reason, they should contact the Graduate School at gradassist@uncc.edu first to discuss. As a reminder, under this special circumstance only, GAs are eligible for Paid Administrative Leave as long as they remain on their current contract. It is critical to keep a student’s contract in place to ensure no disruption in the students’ pay. The Graduate School monitors any change or cancellation of a graduate assistantship.

Being Timely in Recruitment

March 13, 2020 by Stanchina, Karla

With closures to many testing centers around the world, particularly in China, we encourage holistic review of available application materials for 2020 summer and fall applicants. In light of required English language proficiency and testing center closures abroad, Graduate Admissions is investigating the possibility of using a Remote English Proficiency Assessment tool on an interim basis. Stay tuned on more information.

Of utmost importance is the timely review of application materials for applicants so they may be nominated for graduate assistantships and funding prior to the April 15th National Signing Day. If you need assistance with the review process, please contact Graduate Admissions.

With your help, we can enroll the 2020 fall class. If you don’t already, please consider the following:

Communicate regularly with your applicants and enrolled students
Help new and continuing students connect to your program in multiple ways (FacebookLive events, emails, chats, WebEx, phone calls)
Encourage all students who are ‘eligible to enroll’ to do just that~
Offer virtual Information Sessions for prospective students as well as applicants offered admission (Graduate Admissions can help!)
Explore resources to support Graduate Enrollment Management online at: https://egem.charlotte.edu
Make timely recommendations for admission, funding, and assistantships
Support continuing students in new, creative ways, as necessary

CTL Resources Boost Teaching During Crisis

March 12, 2020 by White, Brian

The Center for Teaching and Learning has developed an extensive resources to help faculty remain productive during crisis.

Included are a worksheet to help develop a continuity plan for courses and tips for staying productive while working remotely.

Learn more by visiting the CTL’s website

GPDNet Will Serve as Resource During Coronavirus Pandemic

March 12, 2020 by Stanchina, Karla

In the coming days, the UNC System and our Chancellor will be issuing guidance as to how various units work through the coronavirus pandemic. We do plan to operate under the guidance provided.

Please know that GPDNet will be an active resource for the most up-to-date information regarding Graduate School process and policy. Our goal is to be as flexible as possible with graduate students and faculty when it comes to graduate enrollment management, graduate academic affairs and graduate student affairs. Next week we will launch an FAQ here on GPDNet as a new resource. We will also send out email blasts to our GPD/C audience as warranted by changes and updates. Once again, please bookmark GPDNet, and use the Comments box below if you have questions you’d like answered by Graduate School staff.

ETS to Offer GRE, TOEFL Online; IELTS Posts Closings

March 10, 2020 by White, Brian

ETS announced this week they are implementing a secure online GRE and TOEFL® testing solution to allow students in some areas affected by the coronavirus outbreak to take the test from home until test centers reopen.

In a related move, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has published a list of testing centers that have been temporarily closed and is encouraging students who are ill to stay away.

ETS said, in a published statement, “We are targeting this solution to be introduced by the end of March in selected locations outside Mainland China. ETS is also working closely with the relevant government agencies in Mainland China on ways to launch this solution there as soon as possible.”

For updates on testing, visit IELTS or check “Important Updates” on the ETS website.

Natl. Society of Black Engineers Postpones Meeting

March 10, 2020 by White, Brian

Concerns over the spread of coronavirus has delayed the annual convention of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), originally planned for San Antonio in late-March. The event will be rescheduled.

Another recruiting opportunity will be available when the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) holds its annual conference in September. The conference will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando Sept. 21-24.

For updates on both conferences, please visit NSBE and NOBCChE.