The following message regarding COVID event and student travel guidelines was shared with the College of Charleston community on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021:
Dear Campus Community,
In follow-up to President Hsuโs message from earlier today, we would like to share further details regarding indoor gatherings and student travel. ย As we monitor the spread of COVID in our surrounding community, we feel it necessary for the safety of our community to put these guidelines in place.
These policies remain in effect until it is safe for us to make modifications. For any events that are already scheduled, please alter your plans to meet these criteria or request an exception using the form below. ย You may also find this information on our Back on the Bricks site https://cofc.edu/back-on-the-bricks/frequently-asked-questions/fall-2021-plan.php).
On and Off Campus Events – COVID-19 Guidelines โ Effective Friday, August 20, 2021
Note:ย These policies do not apply to scheduled academic classes.
Indoor College-Sponsored Gatherings On or Off Campus:
- For indoor gatherings, the maximum attendance is 50 people or the capacity of the space, whichever is less.ย
- Face coverings and a distance of 6 feet are strongly encouraged whenever possible. Please include this messaging in your publicity, event invitations, and signage.
- A non-student employee of the College needs to be present (in person or virtually) to help manage the event.
- Eating and drinking should be very limited. Food should be pre-packaged, and we encourage providing food and drink in a โto-goโ format as guests are leaving the event.
- When possible, events/gatherings should not include mingling or reception activities to minimize direct contacts.
- Please maintain a list of attendees in case follow-up is needed for contact-tracing purposes.
- Sottile Theater and Athletics competition events are exempt from this policy and will follow their established COVID safety protocols.
Outdoor College-Sponsored Gatherings On or Off Campus:
- For outdoor gatherings, attendance should be such that the space allows participants to spread out. Please consult with those who reserve the space for guidance on capacity. There are no specific limits on attendance at outdoor events.
- Face coverings and a distance of 6 feet are strongly encouraged. Please include this messaging in your publicity, event invitations, and signage.
- A non-student employee of the College needs to be present (virtually or in person) to manage the event.
- Eating and drinking should be very limited. Food should be pre-packaged, and we encourage providing food and drink in a โto-goโ format as guests are leaving the event.
- When possible, events/gatherings should not include mingling or reception activities to minimize direct contacts.
- Please maintain a list of attendees in case follow-up is needed for contact-tracing purposes.
Requesting Exceptions to COVID-19 Gathering Policies:
- Exceptions may be granted on a limited basis.
- Exceptions are requested using this form:ย https://forms.office.com/r/PLX2wnLHmh
- In consultation with the appropriate EVP or VP,ย review of exemption requests will be completed by Alicia Caudill, EVP for Student Affairs and Bridget McLernon Sykes, COVID-19 Lead.
- Those who approve space requests should not approve any exemptions to these policies without notification from Bridget McLernon Sykes or Alicia Caudill.
Student Travel/Student Affiliated Group Travel – Effective Friday, August 20, 2021
ย Students may participate in student organization travel as well as athletic competition and/or practices as part of Campus Recreational Services provided the travel is within a 50 -mile radius of the College of Charleston (66 George Street, Charleston, SCย 29424).ย ย Overnight stays are not permitted.ย All travel to and from must occur within the same day.
- The College of Charleston recommends that when social distancing cannot be maintained in vehicular travel, masks should be worn by all participants and windows remain open in the vehicle to reduce transmission of COVID-19.ย When using buses or public transportation, face coverings are required in accordance with CDC and SC DHEC guidance.
- Team captains and student organization leaders are required to keep a roster of College of Charleston students that are participating in travel related to events, practices, scrimmages or matches/games. These lists should be maintained for EVERY event affiliated with the College including student organizations as well as practices/scrimmages/games and be ready to be given to Student Health Services at a momentโs notice should contact tracing be necessary.
- If travel participant rosters are not kept per event, all unvaccinated students exposed to positive cases as part of the travelling event will be required to quarantine per CDC, SC DHEC and CofC guidance.
- Exceptions may be requested using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/PLX2wnLHmh
Student Organization Travel Guidelines are outlined in The Compass: A Guide for Student Organizations on pages 30-34. All travel by student organizations must comply with the travel procedures and funding policies as outlined in guidelines. For more information student organizations may contact LaVerne Cordes, Student Involvement Business Manager (cordeslg@cofc.edu) , or Kim McKale, Student Involvement Travel Coordinator(mckalekm@cofc.edu).
Sport Clubs Travel Guidelinesย are detailed inย the Sport Clubs Handbook, https://campusrec.cofc.edu/sport-clubs/forms.php.ย ย All travel by sport clubs must be approved by the university.ย Information about the guidelines in the handbook should be directed to Eugene Sessoms, Director of Campus Recreation Services, sessomse@cofc.edu.
If you have questions or need further information, please let us know. We appreciate your partnership in helping to keep our campus community safe.
Sincerely,
Bridget McLernon Sykes, COVID Lead
and
Alicia Caudill, Executive Vice President for Student Affairs
