On Sunday, March 15, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered the closure of the state’s k-12 schools and public universities for the next two weeks.
For public universities, the governor’s order means the College of Charleston’s main campus and satellite campuses are closed, at least until April 3. The College will suspend its in-person classes and move to online/distance learning from March 23 until at least April 3 (which extends the previously announced e-learning schedule by one week).
Residence halls will remain open and the majority of student services (i.e., library, advising, counseling, health services) will continue operating on a modified schedule. However, students are strongly encouraged to return home or stay home during spring break and the e-learning schedule (March 23– April 3). For those students for whom this is not a realistic option, they are welcome to stay on campus.
Based on the governor’s announcement, all College-sponsored non-essential domestic travel is suspended until further notice.
The previously announced cancellation of college events through March 29 has now been extended through April 5.
On behalf of the College, I want to thank you for your patience and flexibility during this rapidly evolving situation. I know anxiety is high, both for you, your friends and your families. As a community, we are taking these extraordinary steps in order to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our community.
I want to remind everyone that while you are on spring break and while learning from a distance (wherever that may be) to continue to practice good hygiene (wash hands often, cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze, stay away from others if you feel sick with headache, fever and/or have difficulty breathing).
And please know that we are doing everything we can to protect you and our entire campus community and we will do everything we can to preserve the rest of our spring semester.
Sincerely,
Andrew
Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D.