Reported vaccination rate at UNC, NC State on opposite ends as students move back to campus

College students are moving back to school in the coming days as the fall semester beckons, still unsure of what their school year will look like as the rise in COVID-19 cases brings uncertainty.

That's the case for Triangle-area universities UNC and NC State, who welcomed many students back on Thursday.

UNC is already dealing with its first case of a COVID cluster on campus. The cluster, which is five or more cases close that are deemed close in proximity or location, was related to an event in the Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

A doctor overseeing some of UNC's protocols feels confident about the plans. The protocols are evaluated daily as the school requires masks indoors and asks students to either be vaccinated or get tested weekly.

"It’s not a static point in time in terms of being able to say that this is the one plan and that we’re not going to change it," said Dr. Amir Barzin. "We’re constantly looking at projections on number of cases based on different variables. We’re also looking at the measures that we can do to see how best we can control spread. We are ready to adapt as necessary."

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said he supports a vaccine mandate for the campus community, but stressed reported vaccination rates are high among students, faculty and staff.

Students came back to the usual excitement that comes with returning to campus, but some first-year students expressed some anxiety.

"It scares me a little bit because we were in high school when COVID hit really bad and I just want a full year, especially our first year," said UNC student Gracie Holbrook.

"I would like to see the university put the health of our community above the feelings of individuals at our system office," said graduate student Amanda Smythers. "

As of Aug. 12, around 84 percent of students had reported to UNC that they are vaccinated. Dr. Barzin feels that's a good number.

The NCSU reported vaccination rate is significantly lower. NCSU representatives tell WRAL more than 25,000 people, or about 54% of the campus community, have reported being vaccinated to the university.

"I'm fully vaccinated," said NC State student Abbey. "I feel like, personally, I won't be very affected. It is disheartening we don't have as high of a vaccination rate."

"It does concern me, however, I'm vaccinated and take the mask mandate seriously," said NC State student Caleb Thomas.

At NC State, masks are required indoors for all people, regardless of their vaccination status. Also starting Aug. 16, all students, faculty and staff on NCSU's campus for any reason will be required to provide proof of vaccination or get tested weekly for COVID. Face coverings are encouraged in outdoor spaces and required on Wolfline buses.

A statement from the University says Chancellor Randy Woodson strongly recommends vaccinations for members of the NC State community.

“I’m not so concerned about COVID," said parent Chris Murphy, who was helping his daughter move in to her dorm at NCSU on Thursday. "I think dealing with kids, and student housing, I think that’s going to run its course too. You take the precautions you can take, and hope and rely on the fact that they’re young, healthy and they’re smart.“

"I feel like it is a personal choice, so I'm comfortable right now," said student Lenny Thai. "I think it is better than 50 percent."

Duke is requiring face masks and vaccinations from students and is tightening rules inside dining halls.