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All University of South Carolina system institutions will be closed through the end of the spring semester. Columbia campus virtual instruction will continue through the conclusion of final exams in May. Details can be found on the coronavirus landing page.

College of Nursing

College of Nursing Information

College of Nursing Coronavirus Policies and Procedures

The College of Nursing is prepared to respond effectively to the novel coronavirus outbreak. We are still coordinating with the university and community partners on several issues. Thank you for your patience as we establish a consistent plan across all areas of the college. As the university's information and plans evolve, please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, ideas, or suggestions regarding your work. The Dean's office will collect these inquiries and do our best to respond. Should any of our policies or practices change as a result off the outbreak, we will work to inform you as quickly as possible.

The College has established a phone line during the next few weeks while remote for students who have questions not related to their coursework and for external stakeholders. If you need to speak to someone in the college, please call (803) 312-1169 during the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm. 

 

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The University of South Carolina is working with the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to actively monitor the novel coronavirus outbreak and any potential impact to our campus community.

 

  • The university is requiring us to report a daily census for faculty and staff.
    Please let your supervisor and Becki know by 9am each day if you are:

    • Ill or taking leave and not working that day
    • Coming in to the building

     If you are working remotely as usual – you do not need to report anything.

  • Guidelines For Supervisors of Student Employees During University Closure
  • On-Campus Work Form Please send form to Dean Andrews and cc: Becki Dangerfield if you plan to come to campus.

  • Time Reporting During COVID-19 Event
    Our university is committed to limiting the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and keeping our students, faculty, and staff safe. The College of Nursing is flexible as we consider options for allowing employees to work remotely to maintain operations and services. Please communicate with your supervisor.
    Non-exempt (staff) who submit weekly timesheets should report time in the following manner:

    • All time actually worked should be reported in the normal manner, using ITAMS code: WORKED-Hours Worked.
    • Time not worked as a result of the campus closure and the social distancing directive should be reported using the following COVID code, “S/L COVID S/L COVID Illness.”All leave earning employees are authorized to use available sick leave to cover time not worked, even if they are not diagnosed with the virus.
    • Employees who are caring for a family member who is ill may use code: “FSL COVID S/L-Family COVID Illness”

    Exempt employees who report time on a bi-monthly basis (all faculty and staff exempt from earning overtime) are to report time not worked using the COVID codes in the manner described above for non-exempt employees.

    Employees may also elect to use compensatory time, annual leave or leave without pay depending on their preference and available balances.

    • Employees who use compensatory time should use code: “COMP-TAKEN Comp Time Taken”
    • Employees who use annual leave should use code: “A/L COVID A/L COVID Illness”
    • Employees who use leave without pay should use code: “LWOP COVID Unpaid Leave COVID Illness”

    For leave earning employees who do not have available sick leave, sick leave may be advanced. HR 1.06, Sick Leave, allows the advancement of up to 15 days of sick leave with the approval of the Vice President for Human Resources or their designee. During the COVID-19 event, approval will be expedited. Documentation from a licensed health care provider will not be required. All advanced leave will be repaid as the employee earns future sick leave. Certain employees who meet required criteria may be eligible for leave from the university leave pool.

    Temporary employees are not eligible for leave with pay for absences from work. 

     Job Classification Definitions

    • Non-exempt and Exempt status is determined for staff by the State Office of HR and USC.  All staff in the CON know their status and it is also printed on their position description three blocks below the employee’s name.
    • All Faculty positions are Exempt.
    • Non-exempt Employees: Employees of the University of South Carolina who are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and who are subject to both the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the law.  Non-exempt employees are required by law to report time on a weekly basis.
    • Exempt Employees: Employees of the University of South Carolina who are exempt from both the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) due to employment in a bona fide executive, administrative, professional or outside sales capacity.  Exempt employees are required to submit a bi-monthly timesheet reporting time away from the office (i.e., Annual Leave, Sick Leave, FMLA, Court Leave, etc.).
  • Faculty Evaluation Process: Letter From the Provost  3/27/2020

General Information/Reminders 

 IT Support is available 8:30am - 8:00pm, Monday-Friday.  Please be aware of the following means of contact:

  • Email nurshd@mailbox.sc.edu - IT staff will be monitoring and responding in the appropriate manner. Please do not email requests to the staff directly. 
  • Text one of the following numbers with your request:
    • Ryan 803-237-5579
    • Rachel 803-216-1196
    • Carl 803-528-1220
  • Remote Control of your CON workstation
    • Rachel (in some instances) will be able to remotely connect with your workstation to troubleshoot select issues.

IT Staff will be intermittently in the CON until we are told we cannot be in the office.  This will be on an as needed basis.  Please have patience during this challenging time. 

  • CON Laptop/Charger: When working off-site, we highly recommend using the newly distributed CON laptops as these have the latest security software, vpn client and management tools.  Please remember to bring your charger from the CON with when working remotely.
  • Desktop Computers: If you currently only have a desktop computer which you use on-campus, please submit a ticket to nurshd@mailbox.sc.edu requesting a laptop.
  • Files: Ensure that you have access to your files from outside the office should the need occur. Examples include: OneDrive, SharePoint, K Drive.    If you use a shared drive, ensure you can access your files remotely via a VPN or by moving your files to a secure location such as OneDrive.

Working Off-Site

Please review the following information.  The same information is also available in the below pdf:

VPN Testing
Note: According to DOIT the VPN infrastructure will be getting a major upgrade this Saturday March 14th from 9AM – 12PM and will not be available during this time.  This upgrade should address many of the issues that have been reported to us.

On-Campus Testing
If possible, while you are on campus, please take the time to do a test run of the VPN system, to make sure you can find the client, are able to login and that Duo Multifactor authentication in directed to your cell phone that you have immediate access to.

Off-Campus Testing
Starting Monday March 16, please work with your supervisor to schedule some time to work remotely, off-campus to test your VPN connection as well as other programs that you will need access to.  Please do your testing from the location which you would be spending the most time working off-campus.  Supervisors, please work with your staff to stagger their hours so that on-campus coverage minimums are met.  Users should only need a couple of hours to test and possibly troubleshoot any issues.

IT Support
IT staff are monitoring the help desk ticketing system.  Submit tickets as per normal to nurshd@mailbox.sc.edu
In addition to our normal help desk ticketing system, you may reach our staff at the following EMERGENCY USE numbers:

  • Ryan 803-237-5579
  • Rachel 803-216-1196
  • Carl 803-528-1220

Login Credentials/DUO Multifactor
Please verify that you know your login credentials for any system that you will need access to when working off-site.  The most important is your usc login credentials, which you use to get into your computer, blackboard, email, onedrive, etc.

If you need to reset your password or change your Duo Multifactor Authentication Settings, please visit the my.sc.edu site

Video Conferencing options for meetings
If you need to meet with an individual via video conference, you can do so by one of the following methods:

  • Basic Zoom Account (Free 1 on 1 Meetings)

  • Please review the following information on how the CON will be utilizing zoom:

    • One on One Meetings
      Account Needed: Basic Account (Free)
    • Re-occuring offsite Meeting with multiple attendees
      Account Needed: Full-time Licensed Account Assigned to user (We have limited numbers of accounts)
    • One-time offsite Meeting with multiple attendees
      Account Needed: Temporary Licensed Account Assigned to user (We have limited numbers of accounts)
    • Test Proctoring
      Account Needed: Licensed Account (We have limited numbers of accounts)
      We will be combining usage of examsoft and zoom as a way to proctor the exams, with the students connecting to zoom and using video from their phones.  These users have already been identified who will be hosting/proctoring the accounts.

    Unfortunately, we are not able to provide a fully licensed account to everyone who requests one, as there are a limited number of accounts that we have at our disposal.  

    Some users have already been identified and have been provided a licensed account.  For example;  managers of groups who need to meet with their staff as well as faculty/researchers who frequently need to host zoom meetings. If you have a licensed zoom account and can host meetings for others/share your account, please let your group of colleagues know.

    If you will not be hosting (starting and running a zoom meeting), please do not request an account. 

    Please email nurshd@mailbox.sc.edu with your justification for needing an account, how you will be utilizing it and for how long. 

  • Blackboard Collaborate (Currently available in your Blackboard courses)

If you are in need to host a meeting with multiple individuals, please submit a ticket the nurshd@mailbox.sc.edu and we can work with you on temporarily assigning a zoom license.

Mapping K Drive Instructions

If you need access to the K drive off-site, you may have remap the drive after connecting to vpn.  Also, your connection may still be available to your system, you just need to test opening it.  Here are instructions to re-establish the mapped K drive.

  1. Open File Explorer (windows key + e or select the folder on your taskbar) and select This PC.
  2. Click the Map Network Drive button in the ribbon menu at the top, then select "Map network drive." (This is under the Computer tab, which should open automatically when you go to This PC, as above.)

The Map Network Drive window will open.   To map the drive you need, the designations are as follows:

DRIVE:  K

\\cosslahamlet\data

DRIVE:  H

\\cosslaportia\apps

 Be sure to check the box that says “Reconnect at sign in”and then Finish. If you are off campus, you need to connect to the VPN before you will be able to map/connect to the drive.  The drive should then appear in Windows Explorer.  When you are not connected to the VPN you may get an error or see a red X next to the drive.

Webcam and Headset for Recording/Video Conferencing
Please remember to bring your CON assigned Webcam and headset (if needed) to your off-site location for use with your video conferencing or distance delivery platforms.

We have a limited number of webcams available for distribution if you need one assigned.  Also note, your new laptops have a webcam and microphone embedded in them.

Guidelines for Working Remotely
Supervisor Responsibilities for Employees Working Remotely

  • Check-in daily with employees by email, be available and responsive, hold video or telephone conferences if necessary/requested.
  • Provide guidance on assignments and tasks, and be flexible with those under your supervision who have homecare responsibilities while working at home. Do your best to assign other members of your team if help is needed.
  • Give a clear outline of expectations and responsibilities.
  • Ensure employees have the resources that are needed to work remotely.
  • Collect where possible weekly reports at the end of the week.
  • Approve weekly timesheets for non-exempt employees as usual.

Employee Responsibilities for Working Remotely

  • Work your regular hours if at all possible, but if due to childcare or other needs, work at the time most suitable for you. Prioritize your work, and if limited in time do the high priority work first. Should childcare or other home responsibilities impair your ability to work, communicate these with your supervisor.
  • Check-in with your supervisor at least daily, and track your hours worked in ITAMS as you would have in the office.
  • Employees should seek approval from their supervisor prior to working beyond their normal work hours. 
  • Be available by phone/email during core business hours, and be as responsive as is possible to all communications.
  • Ask questions on assignments as needed. If possible, plan your workday as you would have if you were in the office.
  • Provide your supervisor with weekly status reports of your workday.
  • Remember you may be working with confidential information, and treat the confidentiality of your work accordingly.

Working From Home Tips

Examplify (Examsoft) Support
Please inform students who are having issues with examplify download and installation or other software related issues to work directly with examsoft.

If you are having issues with your Examplify software of the Examsoft portal, students can reach Examsoft by telephone at 866-429-8889 for the fastest support. 

You may also email us at support@examsoft.com or start a chat from the website examsoft.com/support

Remote working technology resources
Learn how to remotely access secure resources, forward your phone and connect to colleagues through a variety of technology resources provided to all employees through the Division of IT.

  • New Update on Student Clinicals thru March 31, 2020
    The Association of American Medical Colleges recommended this afternoon that all health science students be removed from direct clinical care for the next two weeks (through 3/31/20). In light of this, the UofSC legal department has asked us not to place students in clinical learning environments through 3/31/20.  This will include graduate and undergraduate nursing students (and will also include medical and pharmacy students).

  • As a result of class cancellations during the week of March 16-22, 2020, the following changes to the academic calendar have been made: 

    • Part of Term 30 (Standard Part of Term): Last day to withdraw with grade of 'W' has been changed to April 6. 
    • Part of Terms 3B (Spring II), 3A2, 3B0, 3B1, 3B2, 3B3, 3BA: Refund and course withdrawal dates have been adjusted using a start date on or after March 23. 
  • Keep Teaching Academic Continuity Planning
  • Cancellation Procedures by Program
  • Virtual Advising:  The UAC and the University have several mechanisms by which you can advise virtually. As classes are cancelled next week, you will need to determine ways you can still advise your students.
  • For undergraduate clinical questions, please contact the course coordinator.
  • For graduate program questions, please contact the program director:
    AGACNP - Amy Dievendorf
    FNP - Sheryl Mitchell
    PMHNP - Phyllis Raynor
    NA - Kate Jones
  • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) FAQs
  • Elsevier Assistance  - Suzanne Sutton is coordinating ATI and Elsevier questions from UofSC Columbia faculty, contact her  with questions.
  • Academic Updates from Prisma Health 3/24/20
  • May Commencement Ceremonies: tentatively rescheduled for August 7 and 8, 2020
  • Reimbursements and Advisories
  • Travel Memo to Faculty and Staff

  • In an effort to provide relevant real time travel information, please alert your travelers to the following:
    In order to receive a credit/voucher for airfare, the reservation MUST be cancelled BEFORE the travel date.  Travel agencies and airlines are not automatically cancelling flights.  The travelers must contact them and request the reservation be cancelled.
    Please check with the airlines concerning specifics regarding cancellation procedures and policies.

  • Leadership Summit
  • Cockcroft Sessions
  • Cancer Survivorship Center Lecture
  • Sigma Theta Tau Induction Ceremony
  • AONL Conference
  • Research and Scholarship Day
  • The Conversation’s Visit 
  • Midlands Heartwalk (fundraising is still encouraged)
  • SEC Athletic Events for remainder of Spring semester
  • COACHE Town Hall
  • Training courses offered by the Division of Human Resources’ Office of Organizational and Professional Development 
  • Scholar/Donor Luncheon
  • GIve 4 Garnet 
  • Convocation Ceremony
  • Graduation Ceremonies
  • President's Update 3/27/20
  • Letter from the President 3/19/20
  • President's Letter to Parents and Families 3/26/20
  • Register for Carolina Alert
  • Amazon/Gamecock Pantry Wish List
  • How You Can Help The Kids at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital

  • If you have any media/interview requests please let Jan Johnson know. The UofSC Communications Office has asked that we keep them in the loop on all requests.

  • Sherene Chavous is checking snail mail and fed ex packages weekly.  If you are expecting something in the mail, please let her know, and she can reach out to you when it arrives. 

  • Update on Facilities
    Facilities staff is heavy cleaning the academic buildings prior to students coming back or by the end of the current two-week campus closure. In order to accomplish this task, facilities is securing or locking rooms after they have completed sanitizing. Each room that is sanitized will have a certification posted on the door with contact information and locked.

  • Accessing campus buildings
    All buildings are currently locked in the same manner as happens during the winter break. If you need access to a building, please notify your supervisor. If for unforeseen reasons, you are locked out of a building and you need access, you may also call USCPD at 803-777-9111.

  • The UofSC Communications Office is publishing faculty Q&A’s on various topics related to COVID-19. They would like to speak to a faculty member on “how our nursing community is being impacted by COVID-19.” If you are interested and willing please contact Jan Johnson.

  • Educate Your Legislator on the PPE shortage
    Find your representative.
    All healthcare workers need access to the necessary PPE for their protection while providing care. That includes the N95 respirator, isolation gown, eye protection, and gloves. #ANACOVID19Chat

  • CON Nursing Steps to the Beat Heart Walk Team
    At this time, we have postponed the silent auction until a later date due to COVID-19.  The silent auction will be conducted at a later time when faculty, staff and students are not concerned about this illness and the impact on family and friends. Once we conduct the online silent auction, all proceeds from the silent auction will still benefits the American Heart Association.  Thank you for all you are doing to help eradicate this illness, your donations thus far, and your support of our team. The walk will still happen virtually on March 28th and I hope you will join us on the fun.  We have two great ways you can engage:
    1. Take photos of you and your family walking in your neighborhood/around your house or getting active in your own way.  Share “why you walk” with us by using the hashtag #MidlandsHeartWalk and tagging us on social media @MidlandsAHA and @UofSCNursing. 
    2. Donate to our team.
    For more information on how to participate in the Virtual Heart Walk, please see this infographic.  If you haven’t already joined the AHA Facebook event group, be sure to do so HERE for the latest information! Thank you for keeping the enthusiasm high! We can’t wait to see your pictures and videos.  

  • Blood Shortage: Find a blood drive near you. 

  • The American Red Cross SC Volunteer Opportunity

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