Dear Clemson Family:
As we complete the first week of online instruction, I’m pleased and proud to be able to share that our faculty, staff and students have really risen to the challenge.
I am more convinced than ever we will deliver on our commitment to students that their academic progress will not be hindered as result of the unprecedented situation in which we all find ourselves.
These are extraordinary times, and I wanted to get into the habit of touching base with the entire Clemson family to provide regular updates – and just to check-in on everyone.
Throughout my 30 years in higher education, I’ve never seen anything close to the disruption this pandemic has caused. And, to be honest, we’re likely to be feeling the effects for a while.
Even as I say that, however, I’m optimistic about the future for Clemson and our ability to weather this extended storm. We have the people and plans in place that we need to come out of this strong and in a position to resume the upward trajectory of this great university.
I want to offer a few updates on our progress and address some of the important issues that have been raised by members of our community.
Community health and well-being: We just received word yesterday of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 for an individual affiliated with the University. The individual does not live on campus and has not been in any University buildings in the past two weeks.
We have closed our residence halls to all but those students with a demonstrated need to remain – about 450 out of 11,000. Those students have access to limited dining services on campus and other essential services. We have some students who returned to their off-campus residences in the area and we have been messaging to them about social distancing and proper hygiene practices. Many students took our advice and returned home to be with their families.
Our governor issued an order last week requiring all state employees who can work remotely to do so and limiting on-premises work to essential employees only. As result, many of our employees are adjusting to a temporary new normal as well as can be expected.
And in keeping with the Clemson Family spirit, a number of employee-led initiatives are being explored to assist those families hardest hit by the pandemic. Also, a comprehensive list of resources for our students and employees can be found here on our COVID-19 web site.
Student and employee emergency funds established: We realize the pandemic is causing financial strain for some among our family, so to help those in need during this time Clemson University has created two relief funds – one for Clemson students and one for our employees. If you would like to make a gift to support either our students or our faculty and staff who are struggling due to the effects of COVID-19, click here. We are so thankful for the generosity of the Clemson Family during such unprecedented times.
Online instruction: As mentioned, the first week went well aside from a few bumps that were to be expected. Our faculty have proven extremely resourceful in delivering content online, and our students have reported few problems accessing the content. Our IT organization is working closely with the academic side to address issues as they arise, and also has provided wireless “hot spots” and routers to three dozen students, free of charge, who have no or poor internet connectivity.
Student housing and dining costs: We have, understandably, received a number of questions from students and parents about whether Clemson plans to issue refunds for unused housing and dining services. We are exploring options, including being actively engaged with the South Carolina Commission for Higher Education and the legislature about how best to protect our students’ investments. We hope to be able to share details soon.
Commencement: As you all may know, we have postponed our May graduation ceremonies.
We are working on ways to ensure that our graduates are recognized in a meaningful way, even if it has to happen later in the year. More details to come as we have them.
This situation has provided us all with a severe test, and I fear that it is far from over. It’s also, not surprisingly brought out the best in the Clemson family
I am beyond grateful to our staff and faculty – many of whom have worked for more than a month without a day off – for their efforts to safeguard the well-being of our community, ensure the academic progress of our students and prepare the University to emerge from the crisis strong.
I’m also in awe of our students, especially those preparing to graduate this spring. Their spirit and determination are an inspiration, and they are the reason we all get up every day and do what we do.
And to all our parents, alumni, donors and friends of the University, know this: Our success is not possible without your passion and support. We are eternally grateful.
Please, take care of yourselves and those you love. I promise to provide another update soon.
Go Tigers!
Jim Clements
President
