Following the recent changes to the beginning of in-person instruction, we are in a fluid environment regarding back to campus plans, testing protocols, and the use of testing information. Below are a set of guidelines to help you understand how we intend to operate in the near term. When we modify or add to these guidelines, we will share the changes with you.
Return to campus
From now until Sept. 13 (the date when students start moving into residence halls):
- All employees who have had COVID-19 tests, will not need to take second test; Provided employees have a negative test result, they are clear to come onto Clemson campuses or facilities if and when supervisors have approved physical presence/access to a campus or facility.
- All employees who have not yet been tested, should ask their supervisor when they need to be physically present on Clemson campuses or facilities, and should plan on taking a COVID-19 test within 5 days prior to coming to Clemson campuses and facilities. University-supported free testing availability will be periodically communicated to all employees.
- Employees with concerns or questions about their physical presence on campuses or facilities should seek guidance from their supervisor. If supervisors have questions or uncertainty, they should seek advice from their supervisor (i.e., up chain of command).
- Requests for in-person learning before Sept. 21 or for student move-in into residence halls before Sept. 13 should be directed to the Provost’s office (Katie Vogl; kymillr@clemson.edu); requests will be evaluated and approved by the Strategic Operations Group.
- Presence on campuses or facilities and COVID-19 testing requirements for graduate students who have research, teaching, outreach or other work obligations are the same as for all other employees.
- All research activities not previously approved for in-person activities may be considered for approval following existing protocols including the identification of essential research personnel (which will include undergraduate and graduate students) via the Associate Dean for Research in the employee’s college.
- Access to classrooms for instructors of record (i.e., all faculty, staff and graduate students who have teaching responsibilities):
o Most classroom assignments for teaching a course will not be within the same building as the instructor’s office.
o Access to the building where the classroom resides will be provided to instructors beginning Aug. 12 (and classrooms will be unlocked at that time).
o By Aug. 12, CCIT/Clemson Online support, and cleaning protocols will be ready to support instructors wishing to physically examine assigned classrooms and test the teaching technologies.
o Instructors delivering blended learning classes are encouraged to use their assigned classrooms during some or all of Aug. 19-Sept. 18.
Starting week of Sept. 13:
- A significant increase in campus and facilities activities is anticipated starting on this date. All employees expected to have a physical presence at a campus or facility should have secured approval from their supervisors and should have had a negative COVID-19 test.
- Periodically, a random sample of employees will be asked to take an additional COVID-19 test to help the University monitor the rate of infection within the employee population.
- The University at this date may streamline approvals for research activities including discontinuing the process of identifying essential research personnel; but all regular and typical approvals for chemical hygiene, safety, etc. will remain in force. Employees and students engaged in the research activities also should have a negative COVID-19 test before engaging in research activities and they will be responsible for following standard COVID-19 protocols such as social distancing, face coverings, cleaning, etc.
- Access to study spaces for students such as the library and other spaces throughout campus will be made available for students starting Sept. 14 (details to follow).
Tests and test results
- The first round of COVID-19 virus testing of employees is nearing completion; additional testing dates are being planned and will be announced soon.
- The first set of test results were announced this afternoon. Out of more than 1,950 results, there were only 41 positives. Those who tested positive are being instructed to follow the University’s isolation protocols.
- A dashboard showing test results over time will be constructed and shared when it has been completed and tested.
- Testing strategy
-
- Employees, including graduate students with teaching, research, outreach or service responsibilities, who haven’t already received a negative COVID-19 test result:
- A COVID-19 PCR test (to detect viral RNA) is required 5 days prior to arriving at the place of work; it is recognized that this ideal will not always be met because of constraints on test availability and the lag time for receiving results.
- Periodic PCR tests conducted for a random sample of the employee population will be used to monitor infection rates over time.
- The University will continue to make testing available to employees. Those who choose to get tested at a non-University location will be able to upload their results to a secure portal being designed by CCIT. Details on the portal should be available next week.
- Students moving into residence halls:
- All are required to take PCR tests and enter test results into the University’s test portal within 5 days prior to move in.
- Periodic PCR tests conducted for a random sample of the student population will be used to monitor infection rates over time.
- Students living off campus:
- A weekly random sample of students will be tested (PCR) to monitor trends in infection rates.
- General:
- Other tests, including ongoing wastewater tests for viral particles, will be used to supplement the tests listed above in order to help gauge the prevalence of COVID-19 in our community.
- In reporting or sharing tests results, the University will protect and not share personal identifiers and will comply with HIPAA guidelines.
- Employees, including graduate students with teaching, research, outreach or service responsibilities, who haven’t already received a negative COVID-19 test result:
Sincerely,
Bob Jones, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Tony Wagner, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations
Sue Whorton, President, Staff Senate
John Whitcomb, President, Faculty Senate