BUCSAFE Update from the President

In one week, we have transitioned to colder weather, Christmas décor, and a three percent increase in Community Immunity at CSU! Wow! So many of you uploaded your proof of vaccination or recent recovery from COVID, and for that I am thankful.  

The University Pandemic Task Force has randomly selected the winners of three Amazon gift cards and a $2,000 scholarship this week. We are excited to announce them in next week’s communication. For now, we’ll share a few from our surprise giveaways last week. These students, faculty, and staff received a CSU sweatshirt and Buc Bucks. Congrats! 

There are more giveaways ahead, but the one thing we should all get excited about is reaching 70% Community Immunity. Let’s keep getting after it!

To be eligible for the drawing, upload your proof of vaccination here.  

Our Numbers

Here are our numbers as of November 9, 2021: 

• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ISOLATION: 11
  Of these 11 students, 0 are being housed on campus,  and 10 are isolating off campus. 7 are confirmed positive and 4 are pending.
• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE: 7
  Of these 7 students, 1 is being housed on campus,  and 6 are quarantining off campus.  
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ISOLATION: 1 (confirmed positive)
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN QUARANTINE: 0

ISOLATION is reserved for actively symptomatic or known positive cases, and QUARANTINE is reserved for those who have been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive or who has symptoms. People in QUARANTINE are NOT ill – we are simply watching them to ensure they do not become symptomatic. LEARN MORE

Community Immunity Status

As of November 9, 2021:

• Students: 36.8%
• Faculty and Staff: 67.8%
• TOTAL: 41.8%

Our goal is to reach 70% community immunity on campus, which includes proof of vaccination and/or evidence of natural immunity among those who have recently been infected with COVID-19. Natural immunity includes those who have had a positive COVID test July 1, 2021, or later. 

Event and Meeting Guidelines

After a thorough review of community transmission levels, the task force has requested that we increase Lightsey Chapel’s occupancy capacity. Beginning TODAY, maximum capacity in the Chapel will now be at 50%. This increase from 375 to 750 is a huge WIN and an exciting step forward for our campus. As numbers continue to improve on and around campus combined with a steady increase in our Community Immunity percentage, we will continue to reap the benefits at CSU. 
 
Remember, we must remain vigilant and flexible with every pivot in the guidance. For now, students and employees should continue to submit their on- and off-campus event proposals at least two weeks prior via the Event Form. Please do not email your event to the task force. It is important to submit via the application link in order to receive a timely response.    

 Our latest guidelines have not changed, including:    

• Visitors may not attend events at CSU,  with the exception of the Office of Enrollment and outdoor sporting events.
• All campus meetings are highly recommended to be conducted virtually for now.  For any meetings that must be conducted in person,  please host outdoors. 

Health Resources

At least until November 30, SCDHEC and MAKO Medical continues to offer convenient and FREE PCR testing under the white tent in the football stadium parking lot.  The opportunity is available  from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. every weekday.  

Fetter Health Care, our on-campus healthcare partner, is in the Student Center lot every Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. In addition to walk-up appointments for your medical needs, Fetter offers immunizations and rapid testing with advance notice. To book vaccines, COVID tests, or to schedule an appointment off campus, call 843-466-6129.
   
Please continue to reach out to Dr. Laurel  Glover  if you’re experiencing symptoms, have been exposed to the virus, or otherwise find it necessary to pursue testing. Do NOT go to class or to work if you feel sick.  Take care of yourself and others by staying home.   

Stay #BUCSAFE

If you thought Monday looked like Christmas, today will surely beat that. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Bucs will bring thousands of boxes around the Reflection Pond in a similar fashion to the Wise Men. Only our red and green boxes will be sent worldwide to children who will receive tangible gifts and the Gospel.  

Joy is a gift from God. Scripture reminds us in John 15 that if we remain in His love, God’s joy will follow. The small gifts of love filling these Operation Christmas Child boxes may bring happiness, but what is presented to these children—the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ—brings JOY. Let’s pray each box brings that opportunity to each child. 

I can’t wait to start counting (and praying over) those boxes. 

As always, Bucs, let’s spread the Word, not the virus.  

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