Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

MESSAGE TO USCB STUDENTS FROM CHANCELLOR AL M. PANU
Friday, May 22, 2020

After thoughtful consideration of recommendations from internal working groups,
I write to share the decision for
USCB to welcome students for face-to-face instruction during the 2020-21 academic year.

Because your well-being remains our priority,
university life will be meaningfully enhanced to adhere to guidelines and advice
from the CDC, SCDHEC, and local public health authorities.

USCB will adopt new social-distancing protocols and a revised academic calendar.
Experts suggest that a resurgence (if any) of COVID-19 in the Lowcountry
is likely to accompany colder weather in late November.
Therefore, face-to-face classes will begin
Wednesday, August 20 and conclude Wednesday, November 24.
The modified fall semester will run straight through (no Fall Break)
in order to meet federal financial aid and academic accreditation requirements.
Further, for the fall semester, students will not return after Thanksgiving Break.
Instead, you will finish the semester remotely.

Fall 2020 Semester Calendar:
August 20: Classes begin
September 7 (Labor Day): No classes
October 15-16: Fall Break is cancelled; Normal class schedules will be followed
November 3 (Election Day): Remote classes will be held
November 24: Face-to-face classes end
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Break
November 30-December 2: Remote classes will be held
December 3-4: Remote reading days
December 7-14: Remote final exam period

USCB’s collective “new normal” will require the individual cooperation of every single Sand Shark.
Maintaining social distance, wearing face masks in public spaces, washing/sanitizing hands regularly,
limiting unnecessary travel/commuting, and screening routinely for signs of illness
are best practices for all of us.

We will provide details and instructions about new protocols, enhanced technologies,
move-in dates, and more in the coming weeks.

Fins Up!

Student resources are posted:
https://www.uscb.edu/student_life/student_services/coronavirus-resources/index.html
Wishing you and yours continued good health.
Additional USCB updates – if any – will be posted: https://www.uscb.edu/coronavirus/.
We encourage you to remain abreast of official developments:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html https://www.scdhec.gov/health/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19