Return to workplace update from Bob Jones and Tony Wagner

Good afternoon colleagues,

As we have communicated previously, we entered the first phase of our reopening process June 1 and said at the time we would remain in each phase at least two weeks and would be guided by data related to the prevalence of COVID-19 in our region.

We also recognize macro data trends provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) in recent days are not trending in a positive direction as of yet. It is also important to note localized data in Oconee and Pickens Counties have been more encouraging.

We pledged when we began the recovery process to provide faculty and staff a notice of at least seven days prior to asking them to return to campus, and based on the current data available we will not be bringing additional employees back to work on June 15.

Additionally, we have received significant medical advice in the past two weeks and are using it to fine-tune our approach to return. As a result, we expect to be able share a good deal more detail on what the workplace will look like upon a broader return of employees in the next week to 10 days.

The phased approach we have announced, like most things related to the pandemic, continues to evolve with time and information. Moving forward, we are more focused on a return to mostly normal operations in August and less about meeting specific “phase dates.”

At all times, we will only move forward when we feel it is safe to do so and employees will have adequate notice prior to being asked to return to their workspaces. Again, we are committed to returning to on-campus instruction and activities in August.

We hope you and your families remain safe and healthy, and will be back in touch soon with additional details as they continue to develop.

Sincerely,

Tony Wagner
Executive Vice President – Finance and Operations

Bob Jones
Executive Vice President and Provost