B – Part of the solution!
August 27, 2020
Greetings, fellow Tigers!
Our students are into their second week of classes, and while this semester looks different from anything we’ve ever seen in higher education, I know our students, faculty and staff will rise to the occasion.
The University has taken several steps to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic – from the hiring freeze we instituted in the spring, to stopping non-essential travel, to curtailing operating expenses across every division at the University. Unfortunately, the financial strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on our University is still significant. Clemson University has made the difficult decision to begin a mandatory furlough program in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Human Resources. The furlough period begins Sept. 1 and continues through the end of the calendar year. A guiding principle in the University’s discussions around these actions has been to minimize the financial impact to our lower-paid employees. Therefore, employees earning less than $50,000, which comprise approximately half of Clemson’s 6,500 full-time employees statewide, will not be affected by these actions. You can read more here.
While educational institutions race to implement online learning solutions, Clemson University’s MBA Program remains ahead of the curve proving that a virtual learning experience does not mean a loss of personal connection. Professors are developing creative ways to not only engage students in online classes but also bring them together in outside discussions through virtual means. Some of these events have included Innovative Leadership Speaker Series seminars, podcasts, international negotiations workshops and Employer Spotlights, all connecting students across the globe. You can read more about how the Clemson MBA Program is embracing virtual learning experiences here.
It is not only an unusual and uncertain time for higher education but also for PreK-12 education. The Clemson University Alumni Association is saluting our alumni who work in this field – teachers, principals, school and district administrators, counselors, coaches and support staff. The Alumni Association’s Facebook page will feature these everyday heroes, and I invite you to celebrate these individuals with us.
B – Part of the solution!
Wear your mask and social distance – and be part of the solution! As our University continues to work toward welcoming students back next month, this is more important than ever.
Thank you for your continued support during these unprecedented times!
Go Tigers!
Brian O’Rourke