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Preparation and coping tips for faculty returning to campus

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Preparation tips for faculty returning to campus

The best tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19 is vaccination. Face coverings are also helpful in some instances. If you have questions about the university's face coverings and vaccinations requirements and guidance, please contact our Emergency Management team at safety@appstate.edu or 828-262-4008.


  1. The university regularly reviews CDC, State and local public health guidance, and evaluates university policies, procedures and protocols daily, based on this guidance. To assist you in sharing the latest factual information based on public health guidance, please review the university's coronavirus and return to campus information websites.

  2. If you haven't already, get vaccinated ASAP! Read more about vaccinations, where you can get vaccinated and find university guidance and resources here.

  3. If you feel uncomfortable meeting with others in person, you have options, which include wearing a face covering and utilizing alternate meeting options. Read more about the university's guidance on face coverings here.

  4. Communicating with your students and student workers is important. Students value and respect their faculty. To assist you with sharing factual information,
    1. The university shares regular updates and guidance with the campus community that have been fully vetted and informed by the CDC as well as State and local public health. Familiarize yourself with and share the university's coronavirus guidance and resources, as well as with the university's return to campus guidance.
    2. Consider sharing why you chose to get vaccinated. Share the university's guidance and information about vaccinations and where/how students can get vaccinated on your syllabus and other student communications.

  5. Encourage your students to get vaccinated. Use this link to find a message you can customize and share with your students.


Tips for coping with anxiety

Below are some tips compiled by Beaver College of Health Sciences Dean Marie Huff, in partnership with faculty from the college.


  1. Get vaccinated.

  2. As much as possible, keep a regular routine. You will begin to feel more "normal" and less fearful the more time you spend doing your everyday activities.

  3. When it feels appropriate, share with others, including your concerns, coping strategies and how/why you decided to get vaccinated.

  4. Spend time meditating or participating in deep breathing exercises every day or whenever you begin to feel overwhelmed.

  5. Spend a few minutes outside every day. The research literature suggests spending time in nature can improve our overall mental health.

  6. Consider joining a class or working out at the facilities run by Health Promotion for Faculty and Staff, which are free for university employees.

  7. Try to maintain your nutrition and diet by eating balanced meals every day.

  8. Find ways to engage with your colleagues and friends. Staying connected with others can improve our mental health. As a starting point, think about something you've missed, such as coffee or lunch with a colleague, and plan a way to make that happen safely.

  9. Respect others' choices and needs and try to provide support, info, and encouragement while keeping your work environment as safe and comfortable as possible for yourself and others.

  10. If you have questions or concerns about the university's COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please reach out to safety@appstate.edu. A team led by Emergency Management Director Jason Marshburn and Dr. Alex Howard, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Director of Wellness and Prevention Services, meets regularly to review CDC, state and local public health guidance. This team's recommendations are presented to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellors each week, at a minimum, as well as after key decisions are announced. Chancellor Everts and the Vice Chancellors meet daily to review the latest guidance and discuss the university's COVID response and recovery efforts.

  11. If you feel like you are experiencing unhealthy levels of anxiety or stress, consider reaching out to our Counseling for Faculty and Staff office. Remember, experiencing stress and anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of and free, confidential help can be found by calling 828-262-4951 or emailing cartertj@appstate.edu.

  12. If you have concerns about students, contact the Dean of Students office. If you have any concerns about immediate harm to yourself or others, please immediately contact App State Police at 828-262-2150.