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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

2020 News Archive

Required spring testing

Learn more from President Caslen about the new requirements for COVID-19 testing for the spring 2021 semester.

Know before you go

A message from President Caslen about the importance of students getting tested for COVID-19 before returning home for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Spring 2021 schedule

Our spring academic calendar will not include a traditional spring break. Instead, the schedule replaces the historical March spring break with an equivalent number of "wellness days" spread throughout the semester.

Student behavior after Auburn

Read President Caslen's message to students addressing the gathering at The Orchard after the Auburn football game.

Football student behavior

Read President Caslen's message to students regarding behavior during football season.

Dr. Birx Visit and COVID-19 Testing Update

President Caslen talks to students, faculty and staff about an important event on our campus and an update on COVID-19 testing on campus and in the community.

A Message from President Bob Caslen - SAFE testing

The University of South Carolina is committed to testing as many students, faculty and staff as possible. We have temporarily paused saliva testing because of a personnel shortage due to a key lab staffer becoming ill.

COVID-19 response to rising cases

President Caslen explains to faculty and staff the new measures in place in response to COVID-19 effects.

Safe Student Behavior

A message to students from Anna Edwards, Associate Vice President for Student Life, explaining the university's expectations for behavior.

An Open Letter from President Caslen as Students Return to Campus

In an open letter published in The State newspaper, President Caslen reaffirms the university's commitment to being a responsible part of the Midlands community.

UofSC begins saliva-based COVID-19 testing for campus community

The University of South Carolina will begin offering free saliva-based COVID-19 testing to all students, faculty and staff throughout the semester beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19. The SAFE (Saliva Assay Free Expedited) test is a non-invasive alternative to nasal swab tests and enables rapid test processing, typically delivering results within 24 hours.

Back-to-campus expectations for student behavior

President Caslen shares his excitement for the imminent fall semester as well as the expectation for students to wear face coverings and practice physical distancing.

Return-to-campus safety update and virtual town hall announcement

President Caslen shares that he is eager to welcome our community back next month. With the help of Provost Bill Tate and Dr. Debbie Beck, President Caslen will review some risk mitigation measures we have in place for faculty, staff and students at virtual town hall meetings on July 21 and 22.

In-Person commencement ceremony canceled

Read the message to graduates from President Caslen about the cancelation of the tentative in-person commencement scheduled for Aug. 8

Updated face covering guidance

President Caslen explains updates to the face covering policy

Student behavior in the fall

President Caslen's June 24 message to students regarding behavior expectations in the fall.

Student re-advising for Fall 2020

Read the June 5 message from Interim Provost Harding about re-advising for the Fall 2020 semester.

May 2020 Messages

Throughout the month of May, university leadership sent messages to the university community with information and updates related to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

March 2020 Messages

Throughout the month of March, university leadership sent messages to the university community with information and updates related to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

April 2020 Messages

Throughout the month of April, university leadership sent messages to the university community with information and updates related to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic.

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