Following the recent announcement of a confirmed case of measles of an individual affiliated with the University, the Division of Academic Affairs is sending the below information to help answer any questions you may have about what would happen to you as an instructor if you or someone in your class is impacted by this outbreak.
National public health guidance indicates an individual is contagious from four days before the onset of the rash until four days after it appears. Anyone who has been in contact with an infected individual — or who was in a shared space within two hours of that person — and who cannot demonstrate immunity may be required to quarantine for up to 21 days.
Given the length of this quarantine period and the potential disruption it may cause, we ask for your compassion, understanding, and flexibility with students, faculty, or staff who provide Department of Public Health documentation confirming either a positive test or verified exposure. These individuals are following public health guidance to protect our broader community.
For standard lecture courses, flexibility might include allowing students to attend class via Zoom (available in all centrally scheduled classrooms) or providing alternative assignments to help them stay engaged and current with course material. Your willingness to adapt can make a meaningful difference for those navigating an already stressful situation.
For faculty who may need to quarantine, many shared during the Academic Continuity e-learning day this fall that they were able to successfully pivot to online instruction when needed. Clemson Online maintains a website with resources to support a temporary shift to an e-learning environment. In cases where a faculty member becomes ill and is unable to teach, please work collaboratively within your department to identify ways instruction can continue with minimal disruption to students.
We recognize that this situation may create uncertainty and additional strain, and we deeply appreciate your care for one another and for our students. Your flexibility and empathy are essential to maintaining a healthy, supportive academic community.
Thank you for your continued commitment to Clemson and to each other.
Sincerely,
J. Cole Smith, Ph.D.
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
