Just one week ago, multiple tornados devastated many parts of the state and caused nine deaths. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are mourning the loss of loved ones. We realize that there are a number of you who have been affected in one way or another, and we want to ensure that you are able to get help. The University is providing support to tornado-affected faculty and staff and has provided an emergency resources page, and please be sure to reach out to your DEDs if there is something we can do to support you during this time.
As was stated last week, no in-person events may be held before June 1. As we move into day 33 of COVID-19 Modified Operating Procedure for Extension, we must reflect on what we have done well and empower ourselves and our team members to use that knowledge to create even greater impact. I am continuously impressed with how innovative you all have been in delivering programs through web-based teaching, YouTube, video conferencing, and some of you are still able to provide our stakeholders with in-person visits if needed. We have been forced into a ‘New Normal of Extension Programs” and you have accepted and, in most cases, exceeded the challenge. We cannot stop now. We must keep the creative ideas flowing and constantly improve our strategies for delivering information.
I have tasked your leadership team with developing procedures for safely reopening the Extension offices. They have been working hard to develop policies. While reopening offices is several weeks away, we must ensure our staff and stakeholders have a safe re-entry process. We hope to have these plans finalized by next week so we can share it with all of you. Our Governor has announced that he would like to begin opening our state back up by May 1. He has outlined a phase-in process, and we will also follow this process to re-open Extension.
The unknown is always scary, and the void of unbiased, researched-based information on COVID-19 makes this pandemic even scarier. However, this pandemic reinforces the reason why land-grant universities were established. We are the providers of unbiased, researched-based information. We are the ones who the public turns to for accurate information. Over the next few months, our Rural Health Agents will be asked to collect vital information for SCDHEC. We will gladly help with this project, and the information gained will help us determine how we will deliver programs in the future.
I can’t say thank you enough for what you all do every day to help continue to move our great state forward. You all are the best, and Clemson University is lucky to have each of you working to fulfill Thomas Green Clemson’s mission.
