In this newsletter:
• Fall welcome messages from Dr. Chris Miller and Chief Greg Mullen
• Upcoming changes to testing location and hours
• Behavioral expectations of students
• Celebrating a successful Welcome Week
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A NOTE FROM DR. MILLER
Students,
I want to take this opportunity to commend you for a great first day of classes. I know it has not been easy to navigate the curveballs seemingly thrown in your direction at every turn. But I am inspired by your willingness to continually adapt, no matter the circumstances.
Two days ago, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled higher education institutions could implement a universal mask mandate. The University acted quickly to mandate masks inside of our facilities for a three-week period to help mitigate spread of the dangerous COVID-19 Delta variant. Even on short notice, you stepped up to the plate. We heard very few reports of non-compliance when it came to masks Wednesday, and I want to thank you for the consideration you showed your classmates, teachers and the entire campus community. Please note, however, instances of non-compliance may result in referral to the Office of Community and Ethical Standards (OCES) as potential Code of Conduct violations.
The measures the University has put in place to protect your health, safety and well-being are thoughtful and deliberate. The in-person educational experience — both in the classroom and through activities outside of it — make the college experience. We know it is important for you to be in-person, and we are doing everything we can to deliver that experience while keeping you healthy and safe.
Make no mistake, we have high expectations as it relates to behavior and this concept of living in community. The respect and care you show one another is a critical component in starting the academic term off smoothly. I know you will do your part to help us embrace a culture grounded in our core values of honesty, integrity and respect.
CHANGES AHEAD FOR TESTING LOCATION AND HOURS
As a reminder, testing is required on a weekly basis (within seven days of your most recent test) for all students accessing main campus facilities. You will receive a notification from me if you are overdue for a test, so please ensure you make time in your busy schedule to drop by the testing site to complete the requirement. Thank you for helping keep Clemson healthy and safe as we start the new year.
Beginning Sunday, Aug. 22, COVID-19 testing will move from the gymnasium at Fike to Littlejohn Coliseum through at least Sunday, Aug. 29. Testing will be conducted in the southeast corner, closest to Memorial Stadium. Registration is required, and detailed information and instructions for obtaining QR codes are available here. Ensure you are using a University-issued QR code, rather than one linked to the Clemson community site. Please also view the adjusted hours of operation.
In addition, I wanted to share the following:
- Students interested in receiving a vaccine are encouraged to visit the Vax Clinic site adjacent to the testing area in Fike through 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21. The clinic offers first and second doses of Moderna and Pfizer and third doses to immunocompromised individuals.
- Masks are currently available at the testing site for students who need them, while supplies last.
- First-year students should have received a complimentary mask in their Orientation check-in packet.
CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL WELCOME WEEK
Many of you have taken advantage of several extracurricular activities designed to enhance your start to the 2021-22 academic year. While we had to cancel and postpone traditional events such as the Campus Recreation welcome rally and the freshman class photo, respectively — due to inclement weather — we still delivered a number of opportunities available to you over the past nine days.
I want to thank our Orientation team for putting together outstanding events for both students and families in Littlejohn Coliseum. The same can be said of our late-night programming staff, who worked tirelessly to ensure successful crafts and games at the Barnes Center, bowling at the Union Underground and much more. Finally, I trust many of you were able to attend Tiger Prowl in the concourse of Memorial Stadium to visit with representatives from various clubs and organizations. These groups are often the initial touchpoints for students looking to get involved in the Clemson experience. As we go through the next few weeks, you will be introduced to even more opportunities to find your niche here at Clemson.
As we move forward into the Fall semester, I wish you nothing but the best inside and outside of the classroom. Look out for not only your own health and safety, but also those around you. Go Tigers!
Sincerely,
