COVID-19 Update from the President

By President Dondi Costin | November 4, 2020

It is a blessing to write today as we have completed another successful week on campus with very minimal COVID-19 activity. This has consistently happened because of your willingness to love your neighbor as yourself. Thank you! In just 3 short weeks, the majority of our students will finish the fall semester in preparation for an extended winter break. You have more than earned the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge. We’re not home yet, but start getting ready to get ready to get excited!

I have just a few brief updates in addition to our COVID-19 numbers, which have dramatically improved due to a significant number of students being removed from quarantine this week. We intend to finish this semester stronger than we began it, so take full advantage of the world class Student Life activities we’ll have on campus the next few weeks as you complete your coursework. You absolutely do not want to miss Christmas at CSU and the OCC Packing Party! Learn more about these and other campus events on the BUCNation App.

Information about the spring semester is forthcoming, so please be on the lookout for an email detailing some of the academic changes in store for next semester. Our goal is to hold as many classes as possible on campus and in person while keeping our campus safe. Remember, we want to pick up next semester where we left off with activities and student life, not to start from scratch (unless something dramatic happens during the holidays regarding COVID-19 numbers in our community). We have demonstrated that we can make the most of this zany academic year, and we’re looking for more where that came from next semester, Lord willing.

Our Numbers

Here are our numbers as of November 4, 2020:

TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN ISOLATION: 8
Of these 8 students, 2 are confirmed positive.
Of these 8 students, 1 resides on campus, 7 reside off campus.
TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS IN QUARANTINE: 12
Of these 12 students, 3 reside on campus, 9 reside off campus.
TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN ISOLATION: 2 (0 confirmed positive)
TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES IN QUARANTINE: 4

As a reminder, ISOLATION is reserved for actively symptomatic or known positive cases, and QUARANTINE is reserved for those who have been identified as a close contact of someone who is positive or who has symptoms. People in QUARANTINE are NOT ill – we are simply watching them to ensure they do not become symptomatic.

DHEC Survey

DHEC launched a COVID-19 Community Survey in early July to support response initiatives across South Carolina and would like your input. Please consider participating in this survey to assist in their response to COVID-19 moving forward: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCCOVID-19.

Stay #BUCSAFE

Remember, you can always reach out to the University Pandemic Task Force with questions or concerns.  You can contact them directly by emailing covid19@csuniv.edu. This email address is monitored Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Any emails received after 5 p.m. on Friday will be addressed on Monday.

Stay safe, stay focused, stay healthy, and stay faithful to the Lord and His provision as we work together to continue enjoying a healthy CSU! And remember: Spread the Word, not the virus.