UofSC Aiken to Resume Classes on Campus in the Fall

Aiken, SC (05/26/2020) — The University of South Carolina Aiken announced that it would resume face-to-face classes for the Fall 2020 semester.

Classes will begin as planned on Aug. 20, with an accelerated academic timeline and no fall break. Students will return home during the Thanksgiving break and stay there, completing the semester with remote instruction until the end of the Fall 2020 semester. Election Day will be a virtual instruction day. The final three days of class and final exams will be conducted remotely.

"We take pride in knowing that UofSC Aiken will deliver the same excellent education to you this fall. We are recognized by U.S. News & World Report for providing elite, award-winning educational experiences. Small class sizes and outstanding undergraduate research opportunities make us unparalleled," Ahmed Samaha, vice chancellor for student affairs, wrote to students in an email.

The university made this decision with insightful input from healthcare professionals, city and county officials, faculty, staff, and students. UofSC Aiken has implemented several new safety measures and protocols to prepare for students' return.

"With new safety measures in place, we will continue to provide a quality education and engaging experiences to assist your pursuit of a secure and fulfilling future. The university will provide you options for a safe and fulfilling experience for the 2020 fall semester," Samaha told the student body.

"Our historically small class sizes naturally afford us much greater opportunities to physically distance -- unlike big auditorium-sized classes at mega-universities."

Face coverings will be worn during face-to-face classes or when a six-foot distance cannot be maintained. Enhanced sanitation regimens are in place for every building. Directional signage will regulate the ingress and egress to buildings, and plexiglass barriers will minimize physical contact in highly trafficked areas.

Fall 2020 Academic Schedule

Aug. 20: First day of face-to-face classes

Sept. 7: Labor day (holiday - no classes)

Nov. 24: Last day of face-to-face classes

Nov. 25 - Nov. 29: Thanksgiving Break

Nov. 30 - Dec. 2: Remote Instruction

December 7-11: Remote Finals

Beginning July 6, a few Summer II classes will be delivered through face-to-face instruction. The annual Summer Scholars Institute, an undergraduate research program, begins that day as well.

"Allowing smaller cohorts of students to return to campus while continuing safety protocols is an important step to a full return to campus in the fall," Samaha wrote in the email.

"We are all looking forward to seeing you in the fall, and we look forward to getting back to the UofSC Aiken campus."