College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu shared the following message with the campus community on Friday, July 31, 2020: 

Dear Campus Community:

I am writing with a few updates related to the College’s COVID-19 response and ongoing planning for the fall. As you know, we are taking these steps together as an institution and as a greater campus community to help us be ready for in-person instruction.

  • Delaying in-person instruction: As announced earlier this week, the College is delaying its in-person instruction until Monday, September 14. Classes will begin on Tuesday, August 25 in an online environment.
  • Extending the Suspension of In-person Campus Events: Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Charleston County and across South Carolina, the College of Charleston is extending its moratorium on campus events through August 31. 
  • Next Round of Virtual Town Hall Meetings: We will host our next round of virtual town hall meetings for faculty/staff and for students/families on Wednesday, August 5.
  • Updates to the Student Code of Conduct: The Division of Student Affairs has updated the Student Code of Conduct in compliance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The driving philosophy behind these additions to the code is a “matter of trust” over a “matter of must,” meaning we expect members of our campus community to act in a way that respects and protects the greater campus community. You may read in full the special addendum to the student handbook related to COVID-19 pandemic here. To report a COVID-19–related health and safety concern, you may access the form here. As outlined in the addendum, please note the following:
    • In a classroom setting: All faculty members have authority to deny entry to any student who does not have and/or refuses to put on a face covering.
    • In a social setting: Do not host or attend parties or social gatherings with more than 10 people, including the hosts. If you do, you will face consequences as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

As I have stated in previous messages, my sincere hope is that we can make these small sacrifices now to see big changes for slowing down and eliminating the spread and transmission of COVID-19 this fall. Please remember, the steps we take today have very real consequences for tomorrow. By doing all of this together, we can and we will diminish the risk to our collective health and safety.

Sincerely,

Andrew

Andrew T. Hsu, Ph.D.
President
College of Charleston