COVID-19 Update from the President

On this Saint Patrick’s Day, I am thankful for the pot of gold (and blue) that is Charleston Southern University. At the end of the rainbow, there are no leprechauns, but instead mighty Bucs who take their place at the foot of the Cross. Our low COVID numbers are proof of God’s sovereignty and your faith, resilience, and dedication to keeping each other BUCSAFE!

Lucky for us, the reflection pond is already green, so enjoy your day as we make our way to the first of May. And, like the real Saint Patrick, who planted over 200 churches and helped lead more than 100,000 people to Christ before his death on this date in the year 461, let’s impact our spheres of influence for the good of others and the glory of God.

Our Numbers

Here are our numbers as of March 16, 2021: 

• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ISOLATION: 9 
  Of these 9 students, 2 reside on campus, 7 reside off campus, and 7 are confirmed positive.
• TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE: 16
  Of these 16 students, 9 reside on campus, 7 reside off campus. 
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ISOLATION: 2 (2 confirmed positive)
• TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN QUARANTINE: 10

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.

Mask Protocol Updates

Masks may now be removed in the library by students using a workspace individually while maintaining proper social distancing. Masks must be worn when using library computers, moving between spaces, and during conversations. Remember that to remove your mask in the library you must be solitary, stationary, and seated!

Graduation

Save the date(s)—if you haven’t already! We will celebrate two graduations this spring. A commencement ceremony for August 2019, December 2019, and May 2020 graduates will be held on Friday, April 30^th. Our grads from August 2020, December 2020, and May 2021 will walk the stage on Saturday, May 1^st. Both events will be held at 6 p.m. on CSU’s campus at Buccaneer Field/Whitfield Stadium.

Vaccine Availability

You may have noticed that finding vaccination appointments is comparable to scoring good concert tickets these days. After South Carolina advanced to Phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination plan last week, the supply has yet to meet the demand. This is true nationwide. The following groups are eligible to make COVID-19 vaccination appointments: ages 55+, ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, special needs persons, and frontline workers (i.e., K-12 and higher education, childcare, healthcare, law enforcement, transportation, retail, food service, government, etc.). For those interested in making an appointment, you can do so online at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator or call 1-866-365-8110. Many on our campus have found success in waiting lists at local pharmacies or by continually checking the scheduling websites of providers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart.

To learn more about the state’s plan, visit here. For additional information on COVID-19 vaccines, check out scdhec.gov/vaxfacts or charlestonsouthern.edu/bucsafe/resources. As a reminder, students and faculty members experiencing symptoms in the 24-48 hours immediately following their vaccine should reach out to Prof. Laurel Glover for direction regarding the need for short-term virtual attendance.

Stay #BUCSAFE

Anyone teaching, learning, or working on campus should complete the LiveSafe screening each day. Make it a part of your morning routine before you leave the house—some set a recurring weekday alarm on their phones as a reminder!

Remember, you may reach out to the University Pandemic Task Force at covid19@csuniv.edu with questions or concerns. This email address is monitored Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Any emails received after 5 p.m. on Friday will be addressed on Monday.    

Stay safe, stay focused, stay healthy, and stay faithful to the Lord and His provision as we work together to continue enjoying a healthy CSU! As always, let’s spread the Word, not the virus.

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