Dear BC Tigers,
Benedict College continues to actively monitor the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). While there have been no cases at Benedict College, there are 28 confirmed cases in the State of South Carolina. This afternoon, the Governor of South Carolina issued an order closing all public K-12 schools, colleges, universities and technical colleges through March 31, 2020. In response thereto, the College has made the following decisions:
Classes:
- The College will shift to a combination of Online and Virtual Course Instruction beginning on March 23, 2020 – following the extended Spring Break.
- All faculty will move courses to online delivery for an implementation date of Monday, March 23, 2020.
- After April 3
- Students that elect not to, or are not able to, return during the spring semester will be able to continue remote classwork online for the duration of the semester. Should you wish to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact Mr. James Winfield, in Academic Affairs james.winfield@benedict.edu, 803-705-4945 to notify him of your decision.
Residence Halls & Dining:
- To the extent possible, Benedict College students studying remotely will need to remove any perishable items and/or medication from your dorm rooms, if possible. While your belongings may remain in your rooms for the duration of the semester, students must remove all items from their rooms and check out of the residence halls on or before the end of the regular semester in May. You must go through the normal check out procedures and return all textbooks (now or in May) in order to avoid being charged for the same. Please be reminded that U-Haul has offered free storage for 30 days to assist College students during these uncertain times.
International Students:
- If you are an international student, residing on campus, and have been unable to travel home, please notify Dr. Emmanuel Lalande at emmanuel.lalande@benedict.edu to advise him of your plans to vacate the campus. If you require emergency travel assistance, please contact tanedra.washington@benedict.edu (803)705-4309.
Faculty/Staff:
- Faculty and staff are required to report to campus in the morning (March 16, 2020) to work through necessary protocols for virtual learning and to observe all safety precautions necessary to collect personal belongings, power down and disconnect computers, heaters etc., and to obtain any files or materials necessary to facilitate ongoing instruction. Some staff employees will begin to work from home and others may be excused from reporting due to the nature of their work during this time. Additional details will be provided through supervisors and Human Resources that may involve teleworking.
- Please stay abreast of campus and public health updates and, if you present any symptoms as outlined by the CDC and SCDHEC, please see your health care provider immediately.
Travel:
- Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use the same caution with your personal travel for the safety and well-being of the larger community. Please be mindful that national travel restrictions are changing every day www.cdc.gov
Events:
- All BC-sponsored events have been cancelled until further notice.
- The Founder’s Day Convocation and the Founder’s Day Rally has been rescheduled to September 3, 2020. The program and featured speakers and guests will remain the same as originally scheduled.
Emergency Preparedness & Prevention:
- If a widespread outbreak occurs in our region, we encourage students, faculty and staff to take emergency preparedness measures, and anticipate possible disruptions in supply chains. Plan to have medication, food, personal hygiene products available for a three-day period, at a minimum. Please follow CDC and SC DHEC, www.scdhec.gov , www.cdc.gov for recommendations to help prevent transmission of COVID-19 such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Keep in mind that the timeframes and protocols outlined above are subject to change due to the rapidly changing information.
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis
