June 2020 Provost’s Corner

Dear faculty and staff,

Words cannot do justice to what so many of you are experiencing and the way you are feeling in the wake of George Floyd’s death. We want you to know that we see you, we are listening, and are working to find ways to respond that will respect the dignity of Black lives.

I encourage everyone to read the recent statement from the Chancellor’s Cabinet. Please also engage with the resources provided in Vice Provost Sheri Schwab’s letter as a starting point for personal education and taking action.

We want to make sure that when racist words and actions take place, that faculty, staff and students have a way to make these known. Please report anything of this nature to NC State’s Bias Impact Response Team so we can handle situations in an appropriate, timely manner.

We know, however, that the burden of doing the work to improve as a university starts with us. As we move forward, we will keep our communication consistent and transparent regarding our efforts.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes have been made to the Fall 2020 calendar in order to maintain the health and safety of faculty, staff and students. This includes beginning the semester August 10, nine days earlier than originally scheduled, along with the elimination of fall break, among others. These changes will allow the semester to end prior to Thanksgiving. 

Additional details of the upcoming semester are being developed by 10 reactivation task forces, with final details to be released later in June. For all NC State COVID-19 updates, visit https://www.ncsu.edu/coronavirus/.

As a university, we recognize that we are facing several challenges. But we are committed to knowing and doing better, and I look forward to working with you toward that end.

To keep up with all academic and faculty- or staff-related developments, follow @NCStateProvost on Twitter.

Until next time,
Warwick Arden
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost