April 7, 2020
Dear Gamecocks,
I hope this edition of Inside Carolina finds you and your family well and well. You are such an important part of our Gamecock family, and your unwavering support during this challenging time continues to inspire our campus community, as we work every day to create a sense of normalcy in this ever-changing environment. No matter how far away we may be from each other, our resilient spirit and genuine concern for others keep us determined and connected.
Nowhere has this resilient spirit been more present than in our faculty. From what we’ve seen so far, our talented and dedicated faculty has worked tirelessly to adapt their instruction to meaningful virtual experiences without sacrificing academic excellence. I couldn’t be more proud of our students, who have remained committed to their classes and are taking advantage of the various academic support services that have been adapted to the virtual environment by a talented and creative team.
Last week, after consulting public health experts on and off campus, we made the important decision to continue distance learning until the end of the summer sessions (August 1). Based on our own epidemiologists, who are modeling the virus on our own campus, and using models prepared for the state and the nation, it became clear that allowing students, teachers, staff and visitors to return to campus this summer proved unacceptable. Now we are focused on the fall and trying to understand what it will be like. As much as we look forward to having our students and teachers back on campus, we will only do this when there is an acceptable risk and when the conditions are safe to do so.
Many of you keep asking how you can help those in our community who need it most. A significant number of our students are facing financial difficulties because of job losses and other unforeseen challenges due to this pandemic. I sincerely thank all of you who contributed to UofSC’s COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, which assists students with rent, technology expenses, tuition fees and other critical needs.
As we are very close to reaching the original $ 100,000 target, I am pleased to report that we have increased the fund target to $ 200,000 in order to meet the growing number of requests for student assistance. As of this morning, we have responded to 122 students and have over 270 additional pending requests. Thank you for being with the students and for giving what you can to lighten your load.
There is no doubt that helping others has always been Gamecock’s way, and I am proud of the university for the many ways it is serving the community during this pandemic. You will be inspired by the story of this edition about the collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering and the Greenville School of Medicine with Prisma Health on a ventilation device. I know that many of you are involved in outreach efforts in your own cities and towns and that you are making a difference in your communities.
Thank you, Gamecock alumni, for your loyal devotion and boundless spirit. We are a team, working together for the health and well-being of this great university that we all love.
Here’s a Health Carolina, Forever to You,
Bob Caslen