Category: Alerts

  • COVID-19 update for Friday, 03/06/20

    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.

    At the time of this communication, we can confirm the following:

    • No confirmed positive cases on campus.
    • No confirmed positive cases in South Carolina.
    • No changes to Spring Break – we have communicated travel advisories and policies to students, faculty and staff.
    • No plans to move classes online.
    • Clemson has recalled all 385 students studying abroad this spring.
    • All returning students have or will undergo health assessment screening.

    CURRENT STATUS

    Persons Being Tested at Clemson University: 0
    Confirmed Positives at Clemson University: 0

    UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION 

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. As part of those efforts, we have created a new university webpage to house all important campus notifications, resources and latest news. You can find it here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    Some of the resources include:
    COVID-19 Glossary of Terms
    Travel Information and Advisories
    Contact Information for Key Offices
    Personal Heath Recommendations
    Frequently Asked Questions

    UNIVERSITY TRAVEL GUIDANCE

    All international travel has been suspended. The university has provided updated guidance and procedures for domestic travel.

    • Clemson has suspended all international travel.
    • We discourage non-essential domestic travel.
    • All future travel should be booked through university’s contracted travel agent.
    • Definition of “essential” travel will be determined on the department level.

    ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

    There are no changes to the academic schedule, including spring break. The university continues to develop plans for all scenarios as the situation develops, and the priority objective of the university remains to complete the academic semester.

    RETURNING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    Students who were spending the spring semester abroad have begun to arrive back in the United States. Those students have been instructed to work through Redfern Health Center on health assessment screening before returning to campus. Please know, many of these students are returning from low-risk areas, and may be quickly cleared to return.

    As you can imagine, this is a stressful time for those returning from abroad. Those returning should be welcomed back as part of the Clemson community, and not stigmatized or ostracized from scholarly and social activities.

    We are here to support students and employees. If you need additional support, students should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and employees should utilize resources available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

    Resources

    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

    U.S. Department of State

    Contact Numbers for Major Airlines

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information 

    Issued by University Relations

     

  • COVID-19 update, 03/05/20

    There remain no confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Clemson University at this time. 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. You can find up-to-date information on the university’s COVID-19 information web page – https://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/student-health/COVID-19.html.

    We are providing the following information related to domestic travel.

    UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED TRAVEL

    • Effective immediately, departmental evaluation of all future university-affiliated travel is required. A directive related to future domestic travel processes is being communicated to university business officers.
    • The university encourages students, faculty and staff to find alternate means of conducting their studies and business associated with non-essential travel.

    PERSONAL AND SPRING BREAK TRAVEL

    • The university has no plans to cancel the scheduled academic spring break.
    • Students living on campus who wish to avoid travel over spring break DO have the option to stay in their on-campus room or apartment.
    • Faculty, staff and students should consider their own health status and exercise caution and judgement in planning domestic travel. Check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention state and territorial health department websites for the latest information before embarking on your trip.­­­­­­

    International travel policies and procedures for students, faculty and staff were previously communicated. These new procedures are designed to outline the heightened efforts the university is taking to address the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

    Faculty/Staff International Travel Information

    Student International Travel Information

    Resources

    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

    U.S. Department of State

    Contact Numbers for Major Airlines

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information

  • COVID-19 Campus Update, 03/03/20

    There remain no confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Clemson University at this time. 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.

    UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION 

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. As part of those efforts, we have created a new university website to house all important campus notifications, resources and latest news. You can find it here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    STUDENT, FACULTY AND STAFF TRAVEL 

    Earlier today messages with revised travel policies and procedures for students, faculty and staff were sent out from Provost Bob Jones, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations Tony Wagner and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Chris Miller. These new procedures are designed to outline the heightened efforts the university is taking to address the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

    Faculty/Staff Travel Information

    Student Travel Information

    CLEMSON STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS 

    Yesterday, the university recalled all 385 students studying outside of the United States this semester. Officials have established screening and education procedures to address the health and safety of returning students as well as the community of Clemson students, faculty and staff located throughout the state of South Carolina.

    We have seen questions about WHY we made the difficult decision to recall all of our students from around the globe.  As we’ve communicated directly to them, the guidance from the CDC and other experts is that they may face unpredictable circumstances:

    • Travel Restrictions including potential mandatory quarantines abroad
    • Challenges in returning home including U.S. Government quarantines
    • Challenges accessing health care while abroad
    • Unanticipated costs due to prolonged stays abroad
    • Potential delays in progress towards degree at Clemson

    ALL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

    The screening process for students, faculty, staff and guests returning from outside the United States is developed in accordance with CDC and DHEC guidelines. All those coming to any Clemson University location will be required to comply with University screening procedures, including any necessary period of restriction from campus.

    Students, faculty and staff who have traveled internationally are restricted from all University facilities until properly screened and approved for access by University Health Officials.

    WHAT YOU CAN DO 

    You can help lower the risk of transmission by consistently practicing simple, everyday non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):

    • Staying home when you are sick
    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
    • Covering your coughs and sneezes.
    • Washing your hands.
    • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects.
    • Being prepared and informed.

    RESOURCES

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

    U.S. Department of State

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page

    Issued by University Relations

  • Faculty and Staff Travel Advisory: 03/03/20

    Faculty and staff,

    As we continue to monitor the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), our team is working diligently to ensure your safety and wellbeing. As such, we want to provide the following information, guidance and policy.

    Business Travel

    For those who are planning travel outside of the United States, effective immediately and until further notice, international travel is not authorized, even if previously approved.

    Any exception to this travel advisory will require review by the High-Risk Travel Advisory Committee pursuant to the University’s High-Risk Travel Policy. Please contact OGE@clemson.edu for further instructions.

    Unauthorized international travel to any location will not be reimbursed and may result in disciplinary action.

    For those who are currently outside of the United States, Clemson University strongly encourages return as soon as practical to avoid travel delays, minimize health risks, and support University operational continuity. Clemson University will work with you to ensure a smooth transition.

    If you are hosting a visitor from outside the United States, please be aware that your guest may be subject to screening and/or quarantine.

    Personal Travel

    For the foreseeable future and until further notice, we strongly encourage you to avoid personal international travel. Your choices could have impacts on other employees, students, and the community.

    As the virus continues to spread throughout the world, we encourage you to monitor locations you may be considering, both domestic and international, per the CDC’s website.

    We anticipate as this situation evolves, there will be additional screening and quarantine requirements mandated by government entities.

    If you choose to travel to an impacted area, share your intentions with your supervisor. In the event a situation results in your inability to return to campus, you will need to work closely with your supervisor to understand the choices available to you. Telecommuting may be an option, or you may be asked to take leave or leave without pay.

    Thank you for your attention on this matter.

    Bob Jones, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs/Provost
    Tony Wagner, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations/CFO

    Resources
    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    U.S. Department of State
    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information 

  • Student Travel Advisory: 03/03/20

    Dear students,

    As we continue to monitor the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), our team is working diligently to ensure your safety and wellbeing.

    We write to you today to provide the following information, guidance and policy as it pertains to travel. We understand this could be disruptive to your upcoming plans, but unfortunately the situation warrants these measures.

    University-Related Travel

    Effective immediately and until further notice, university-related international travel is not authorized, even if previously planned or already registered with the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad.

    Any exception to this will require specific approval pursuant to the University’s High-Risk Travel Policy.

    Unauthorized international travel to any location could result in serious consequences – possibly causing disruptions to your academic progress, funding allocations, reimbursements and potentially jeopardizing the status of your student organization.

    Personal Travel

    In order to protect yourself, and those around you, we recommend that for the foreseeable future you avoid international personal travel as well. If you do choose to travel to a high-risk location, please register travel directly into the student travel registry, and understand that you will be subject to additional screenings and/or quarantine requirements before you can return to the Clemson campus.

    As the virus continues to spread throughout the world, we also encourage you to monitor domestic locations you may be considering as detailed on the CDC’s website.

    We anticipate as this situation evolves, there may be additional screening and quarantine requirements mandated by government entities.

    Thank you for your continued scholarly approach to the semester. I wish you continued success in your studies, and thank you for your attention to this important safety information.

    Sincerely,

    Bob Jones, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
    Chris Miller, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students

    Resources

    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    U.S. Department of State
    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information