The University of South Carolina; an excerpt:
We will begin by phasing in an increased presence on campus this summer of selected populations of students and faculty, even as summer courses remain online. This transitional, phased approach will allow us to test our mitigation measures, pilot our initiatives and further build our confidence and capacity to open our doors to the University community safely in August.
While we would like as many students, faculty and staff members as possible to return in person, doing so would not be mandatory, as we recognize that some would be uncomfortable coming back to campus in August. We respect each person’s decision to either return or delay their return, and we will expand our online course offerings to accommodate those who choose to remain away.
For those who are returning to campus, plans for academics, housing, dining and every aspect of student and campus life for the fall semester are being meticulously formed by the FPG and an increasingly broad group of campus leaders. Plans include the following:
- We will have the capacity to test every Student, Faculty and Staff member for COVID-19 upon return the campus
- We have the capacity to sustain a robust testing program throughout the entire semester
- We are reviewing several comprehensive tracing and tracking apps for early and thorough identification of at-risk contacts
- We have designated ample student housing for those who may require isolation and quarantine, and we are putting in place the support services to provide for their meals, education, and other needs
- We will increase on campus single-occupancy rooms in on-campus residence halls
- We will modify our dining practices in order to reduce close student contact in student dining facilities through “grab and go” meals
- We will make accommodations for high-risk individuals and others who choose to continue online instruction with safeguards for protection against discrimination and stigma
- We will follow clear public health protocols, including social distancing within classrooms, lecture halls, meeting rooms and sports venues, with strong encouragement of proper social distancing off campus
- We will ensure that large class sections will either meet in smaller sections or in online formats and create alternative academic offerings to accommodate safe class gatherings
- We will provide advising over the summer to help all students adjust their course schedules as needed
- And finally, as stated, no student, faculty or staff member will be required to return
