USC has extended online learning until Aug. 1, with no in-person classes or labs happening on campus through the summer II session.
In an email to students, President Bob Caslen said the university expects all classes that are usually offered in the summer to be available in an online format “[w]ith some exceptions.”
“After consulting with experts at the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), our Student Health Center and the Arnold School of Public Health, it was clear that allowing students, faculty, staff and visitors to return to campus this summer could be dangerous,” Caslen said in the email.
According to senior associate director of integrated communications Peggy Binette, "no reduction is anticipated" in tuition for summer classes.
Commencement is still tentatively planned for Aug. 7 and 8, according to the email.
Students will be allowed to return to residence halls to get their remaining belongings “[w]hen it is determined by state health officials that it is safe to do so.” The university is also considering options for students who might not be able to get back to campus to get their things.
The email also said there would be new online classes for this summer that have not been offered before.
“These new offerings, coupled with the experience we’re gaining right now in online instruction, will help us provide an exceptional educational experience for our students during the summer months,” Caslen said.
This article was updated at 7:19 p.m. April 2 with comment from Binette.