Category: Alerts

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.

As of today, March 18, at 5 p.m., the University can confirm the following:

• No confirmed cases at any Clemson campus or facility.
• Zero cases at Clemson campuses or facilities being monitored.
• Online instruction has been implemented following spring break, through at least Sunday, April 5. In addition, no programs, events or activities will be held through the same timeframe.
• All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact University health services (864-656-2457) to undergo thorough medical screening.

ON-CAMPUS HOUSING UPDATE

Clemson student residents were notified earlier this week of the University’s housing modifications. All requests to remain in student housing due to extenuating circumstances were due today by 5 p.m., March 18. We received more than 1,000 requests, and nearly all have received a decision on the status of their request.

Access to all residence halls and apartments to all who do not have an approved request will be restricted beginning on Thursday, March 19 at 5 p.m.

EMPLOYEE SUPPORT INFORMATION

CCIT has developed guides for our students, faculty, and staff as a primer for technologies to help you succeed while working remotely. This page provides an introduction to relevant technologies, explains why they are important, and provides resources for getting started with each.

The Office of Human Resources has also developed this page to assist supervisors in implementing remote work.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

As we prepare for online instruction to begin next week, many of our faculty have been working this week to ensure the transition from in-person instruction to online delivery is as seamless as possible. Faculty can find resources for online instruction on the academic continuity page, and Clemson Online will continue to host virtual drop-ins via a virtual meeting space throughout the week of spring break for assistance, information or training as faculty prepares for the transition. Join us virtually anytime from 8:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. through Friday, March 20. If you have technical issues, please reach out to CCIT support at IThelp@clemson.edu.

RESEARCH OPERATIONS

The modified operations of the University have brought about several questions about research work at Clemson. We have attempted to answer those questions as best as possible with the current information available on our COVID-19 Research Continuity webpage found on the Clemson COVID website. As the situation continues to evolve, the page will be updated as new information becomes available.

Issued by University Relations

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. As of today, March 17, at 5 p.m., the University can confirm the following:

• No positive tests at any Clemson campus or facility.
• Online instruction has been implemented following spring break, through at least Sunday, April 5.
• All programs, events or activities are suspended through at least April 5.
• All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact University health services (864-656-2457) to undergo thorough medical screening.

REFUNDS, CREDITS, COMMENCEMENT AND OTHER ITEMS

The top priority of our University leadership is the safety of our students, faculty and staff, and mitigating the spread of this virus. We know financial concerns are top of mind for many in our Clemson community, and we are working diligently to provide answers as soon as possible. Similarly, many families have plans to travel for commencement and other events, and we understand the desire for quick information. As soon as decisions are made, we will communicate them to everyone.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

Our Office of Human Resources has worked diligently with the State of South Carolina Division of State Human Resources (DSHR) and advises our faculty and staff to visit with their supervisors and department heads by phone and email to explore options involving working remotely, alternative work schedules and leave to promote social distancing.

We have received many questions from employees and supervisors about their options with respect to COVID-19, working remotely, pay, leave, etc. You will find an array of resources at the end of this email.

Supervisors and department heads are encouraged to arrange for employees to work remotely, if this can be achieved while still allowing the university to accomplish its important missions. We know that this is a complex and difficult situation to juggle. Clemson University cares about our employees and their families, and we are committed to their health and safety.

Read a Special Message with Employee Instructions from the Office of Human Resources, and more information and resources for employees can be found on the University’s COVID-19 Faculty and Staff Resources website.

SCAMS AND PHISHING

Be aware of scams and misinformation. The University will only communicate updates regarding COVID-19 via Inside Clemson emails and our official University social channels.  Information regarding online scams are provided on the Cyber Security Alerts page located at https://ccit.clemson.edu/cybersecurity/cybersecurity-alerts/.

RESOURCES
Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
SC-DHEC COVID-19 Information Page
University Call Center, 864-365-0555

HEALTH INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

The health of our students, faculty and staff and community is a primary responsibility of the University. During this period of uncertainty, Clemson is providing services for your mental, emotional and physical health. If you need medical assistance, students can contact the Redfern Health Center and employees can contact the Joseph F. Sullivan Center. Both can be reached at 864-656-2457.

COVID-19 SCREENING

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Prisma Health are providing a free virtual screening to any individual in South Carolina. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, access the free virtual visit and use the promo code ‘COVID19’ at checkout. For general questions related to COVID-19, call the DHEC care line at 1-855-472-3432. Staff are answering calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Medical University of South Carolina
Prisma Health

MENTAL HEALTH

Any person with a Clemson.edu email address has access to an online program called Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) facilitated by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in Student Health Services. There are nine online treatments with multiple modules from which you can select to best address your concerns. If you have questions about utilizing this service, please contact CAPS at 864-656-2451.

Students can call the Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for consultation or concerns at 864-656-2451. In case of emergency or crisis after CAPS business hours, students can access the counselor on call via the Clemson University Police Department at 864-656-2222 and ask to speak to the counselor on call. You will be asked to give your name and phone number and the counselor will call you back.

Faculty and staff can also access the services of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More details on the EAP is available here – https://www.clemson.edu/human-resources/eap/index.html

ON-CAMPUS RESIDENT INFORMATION

Earlier today, on-campus residents received further guidance following the rapidly evolving situation and changing timelines of online instruction. The key points in that correspondence are as follows:

• Please stay away from campus if at all possible
• Extenuating Circumstances form is due Wednesday at 5 p.m.
• All residence halls and apartments available for retrieval of necessary items until Thursday at 5 p.m.
• Access will be restricted beginning Thursday at 5 p.m.
• First day to return is potentially April 5 at 8 a.m.

EMPLOYEE INFORMATION

The Office of Human Resources is working diligently with the State of South Carolina Division of State Human Resources to ensure messaging and policies are consistent with all state directives. As we learn more, further guidance will be prepared and disseminated via email, and web support will be added to the COVID-19 website.

As noted in President Clements’ letter to the community on Sunday, university employees should not report to work unless your presence on campus is deemed essential or otherwise necessary by your supervisor.  Necessary university work that can be performed remotely not on university property may be authorized by your supervisor.

SUPERVISOR INFORMATION 

Supervisors can access FAQs and guidance documents that provide timely and informative instructions for managing employees during this period of modified operations. Visit www.clemson.edu/coronavirus/supervisors.html.

CURRENT UNIVERSITY STATUS

University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire community. You can find campus notifications, resources and latest news at https://www.clemson.edu/coronavirus.

• No confirmed cases at any Clemson campus or facility.
• Zero cases at Clemson campuses or facilities being monitored.
• Online instruction has been implemented beginning following spring break until at least April 6.
• All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact University health services (864-656-2457) and complete the screening process prior to return to campus.
• No university events will be held statewide through Sunday, April 5.

RESOURCES
Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
SC-DHEC COVID-19 Information Page
University Call Center, 864-656-9513

To the Clemson community:

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the state of South Carolina, the United States and around the world.

As part of the state of South Carolina’s effort to mitigate residents’ exposure to COVID-19, Gov. Henry McMaster this afternoon ordered the closure of all public schools – including colleges and universities – through March 31.

This declaration does allow Clemson to continue with its previously announced online instruction but will require adjustments to our campus operations and access.

In addition to the governor’s declaration today, I am announcing the following University actions, effective immediately:

• The online instruction period has been extended through at least Sunday, April 5. The University will offer no in-person classes during this period.
• All University events, programs and activities have been suspended through April 5. This includes the 2020 Spring Ring Ceremony, the annual spring football game and all campus tours.
• Those students who reside on campus should plan on not returning to campus housing until at least April 5 unless they have no other viable options. Exceptions will be granted on an individual basis and additional details will be coming from housing and residence life.
• University employees should not report to work on Monday, March 16, unless your presence on campus is deemed essential or otherwise necessary by your supervisor.  Necessary university work that can be performed remotely not on university property may be authorized by your supervisor.
• Further details on how the governor’s resolution will affect work schedules will be communicated to employees as soon as possible.
• All University-related travel is suspended until April 5. Exceptions may be granted only through the high-risk travel appeal process previously established.

I want to stress that the University remains committed to completing the academic semester. Minimizing the number of people on our campuses and limiting large group interactions are the best ways to achieve that goal.

In that spirit, I am encouraging all students across the state in the strongest possible terms to conduct their online instruction following spring break from home if at all possible. If you don’t absolutely need to be on campus during this period, please stay home.

These are unprecedented circumstances and as much as I would love to see all our students back on campus immediately following spring break, it’s just not possible at this time. Following the guidance being provided is the best way to ensure that we can complete the semester and allow our students to continue their path toward a Clemson degree without interruption.

As always, we are dedicated to providing ongoing, accurate information and will share necessary information as this situation changes and further details become available. We also will continue to provide regular communication updates via emails, our website and the University’s social media channels.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Know that we are all working hard to keep the Clemson Family healthy and safe under these very challenging circumstances.

Sincerely,

President Jim Clements

Earlier today, Clemson University announced the suspension of all University events statewide through Sunday, March 29. Events scheduled for March 30 and beyond will continue to be evaluated, and any changes will be communicated as soon as decisions are made. The full announcement is available HERE.

University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire community. You can find campus notifications, resources and latest news at https://www.clemson.edu/coronavirus.

• No confirmed cases at any Clemson campus or facility.
• Zero cases at Clemson campuses or facilities being monitored.
• Online instruction has been implemented beginning following spring break until at least March 30.
• All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact University health services (864-656-2457) and complete the screening process prior to return to campus.
• There are no plans to close campus, even though instruction is moving online following spring break.
• The University announced no events will be held statewide through Sunday, March 29.

For your planning purposes, please see the below information for the week of March 16-20, the University’s academic spring break week.

MARCH 16-20, 2020

KEY INFORMATION

• University will remain open
• Encouraging students to remain at home or away from campus
• Students do have the option to remain on campus
• Limited operational schedules – as planned for spring break – will be in effect

We encourage those remaining on campus to take steps to prevent illness as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html

While the University will remain open, several on-campus facilities and services will be limited or operating on an adjusted schedule, including:

• Athletics: The Atlantic Coast Conference suspended all related activities, including competition, until further notice.
• Dining: View updated facility openings and hours of operation for spring break. Monitor @ClemsonDining for updates.
• Health Services: Redfern Health Center (students) and Sullivan Center (faculty/staff) will conduct regular hours of operation.
• Hendrix Student Center: Will adjust its hours of operation to 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. during spring break (Monday through Friday only). Dining facilities inside the Hendrix Student Center will be closed.
•  Library: Will hold a normal spring break schedule. Monitor @ClemsonLibrary for updates.
• Parking/Transit: All regular rules and regulations are in effect and airport shuttle service will continue. Monitor @Clemson_Parking for updates.
• Recreation: No recreation facilities will be open during spring break. Monitor @CU_Rec for any updates.
• Tours: No campus tours will be held until at least March 30.

RESOURCES

Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

SC-DHEC COVID-19 Information Page

University Call Center, 864-656-9513