Academic Plans Fall 2021

With the encouraging and continued decline in new COVID-19 cases and the availability of effective vaccines, MUSC is pleased to report that our plan is to return to on-campus teaching and in person activities for Fall semester 2021. This document contains some of the key features of our Fall plan. We will be closely monitoring the data and may modify these plans if our local area experiences another significant surge in positive cases that might put our faculty, staff, and students at risk.

Vaccinations

We strongly encourage MUSC students, staff, and faculty to be vaccinated. Appointments to receive the vaccine can be made here. We are unable at this time to require students or university employees to be vaccinated. As a public institution of higher education, MUSC as a university must adhere to the guidance provided by the governor, state legislature, and the Commission on Higher Education; mandated vaccinations are not authorized for state-supported institutions. However, students should be aware that any clinical and other experiential placements that may be needed as part of their academic program, including those at MUSC Health, may require that all participants show evidence of vaccination status or have an approved exception for receiving the vaccination.

Mask wearing

Masks are not required for individuals who have been vaccinated, either indoors or outdoors. Exceptions to this are in clinical spaces where mask wearing is usually required by the policy of the health facility. Also, those who are not vaccinated are strongly encouraged to wear masks for their own protection and to reduce the spread of infection.

Social distancing

Social distancing practices will not be required, though social distancing is encouraged for unvaccinated individuals. Classroom and other meeting spaces will operate at full capacity in Fall 2021.

Classroom-based Instruction

Notwithstanding the reduced number of classrooms available due to ongoing construction on campus in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, where classrooms are available, courses will return to being held in person, if that is the standard method of instruction for the course.

Travel and Other information

Information about domestic and international university-related travel and other updates will be published in the University Directives for Staying Safe, and all university employees and students are encouraged to review that site regularly for updates.

Conclusion

As we look forward to reinstating the vibrant, energetic campus community we all now appreciate more than ever, I wish to convey my deep appreciation and respect for how MUSC students, staff, and faculty handled this unprecedented crisis with creative problem solving, effective communication, grace, and grit.