Clemson online instruction through at least Sunday, April 5; all events suspended

President Jim Clements sent the following message to campus on March 15.

To the Clemson community:

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) throughout the state of South Carolina, the United States and around the world.

As part of the state of South Carolina’s effort to mitigate residents’ exposure to COVID-19, Gov. Henry McMaster this afternoon ordered the closure of all public schools – including colleges and universities – through March 31.

This declaration does allow Clemson to continue with its previously announced online instruction but will require adjustments to our campus operations and access.

In addition to the governor’s declaration today, I am announcing the following University actions, effective immediately:

• The online instruction period has been extended through at least Sunday, April 5. The University will offer no in-person classes during this period.
• All University events, programs and activities have been suspended through April 5. This includes the 2020 Spring Ring Ceremony, the annual spring football game and all campus tours.
• Those students who reside on campus should plan on not returning to campus housing until at least April 5 unless they have no other viable options. Exceptions will be granted on an individual basis and additional details will be coming from housing and residence life.
• University employees should not report to work on Monday, March 16, unless your presence on campus is deemed essential or otherwise necessary by your supervisor.  Necessary university work that can be performed remotely not on university property may be authorized by your supervisor.
• Further details on how the governor’s resolution will affect work schedules will be communicated to employees as soon as possible.
• All University-related travel is suspended until April 5. Exceptions may be granted only through the high-risk travel appeal process previously established.

I want to stress that the University remains committed to completing the academic semester. Minimizing the number of people on our campuses and limiting large group interactions are the best ways to achieve that goal.

In that spirit, I am encouraging all students across the state in the strongest possible terms to conduct their online instruction following spring break from home if at all possible. If you don’t absolutely need to be on campus during this period, please stay home.

These are unprecedented circumstances and as much as I would love to see all our students back on campus immediately following spring break, it’s just not possible at this time. Following the guidance being provided is the best way to ensure that we can complete the semester and allow our students to continue their path toward a Clemson degree without interruption.

As always, we are dedicated to providing ongoing, accurate information and will share necessary information as this situation changes and further details become available. We also will continue to provide regular communication updates via emails, our website and the University’s social media channels.

Thanks for your patience and understanding. Know that we are all working hard to keep the Clemson Family healthy and safe under these very challenging circumstances.

Sincerely,
Jim Clements

President