University Messages
Updates from USC to the university community
Latest University Updates
- Privacy and Medical RecordsInformation related to student and employee medical records, including test results and vaccination/booster status, are protected under federal privacy laws (HIPAA). Information that is collected is considered protected health information. It is not shared with other USC employees and is…
- Spring Semester and OmicronWe look forward to seeing our students back on our campuses. Although this beginning of 2022 coincides with a challenging phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are marshaling all our resources to make this a successful semester. Each of you — our students, faculty, and staff — has shown tremendous strength and resilience, and we are grateful to be part of a wonderful community rich in friendship and kindness. Given the distinct challenges of the Omicron variant, USC will add four additional days of remote learning, and we now plan to resume in-person instruction Monday, January 24. Our plan – similar to that of other universities in Southern California – is based on both the available resources and unique challenges here in Los Angeles.
- Updated Masking Guidance for Campus EnvironmentsPer these revised guidelines for workplaces, individuals on USC campus premises in locations where masking is required are now required to wear medical grade masks, which at minimum are surgical masks and may also include higher grade respirator masks (N95, KN95, or KF94). Campus premises where PPE is required include indoor common spaces, public areas, classrooms, libraries, offices, and laboratories (unless higher grade PPE is already specified). Faculty, staff, and students in clinical settings should follow guidance for health care settings as determined by the facility. If you are an employee who has been directed by USC Environmental Health and Safety to wear (and previously fit-tested for) a respirator mask as PPE for occupational safety, continue to wear this level of protection.
- Reminders—Testing for Spring 2022Peak access times for MySHR (to schedule testing) is expected to be highest on Monday, January 3 (and again on Monday, January 10 & Tuesday, January 18), from the morning through the afternoon. High access volume may result in system unavailability for some users. Accessing MySHR during the weekend, and evenings after 6 PM are recommended. If you have tested positive during Winter Break with results from outside of USC, please upload a photo or scan of the results into MySHR (in “upload documents”) and complete the contact tracing form. Uploading your positive result, or a photo of your home testing kit result, AND completing the contact tracing form will automatically exempt you from surveillance testing for 90 days once it is reviewed by our staff. This ensures your Trojan Check will permit you access to campus.
- Spring 2022 COVID-19 Health and Safety ProtocolsWe hope you are enjoying a restorative Winter Break. As we prepare for the new year and the 2022 Spring semester, we are sharing some specific details regarding health and safety campus protocols around COVID-19. The University is requiring booster doses for all students, faculty, and staff. The recent emergence of the Omicron variant further emphasizes the importance of vaccination, boosters, and prevention efforts needed to protect against COVID-19. See previous important messages regarding test positivity in the surge operations message of Dec 23, 2021 and the Spring semester update of Dec. 24, 2021. Pre-travel: Students are required to test for COVID-19 prior to leaving their Winter Break location, it is recommended that you test 48 hours prior to leaving. Upload your results into MySHR. If you test positive, you should remain in your current location and isolate for ten (10) days; complete the contact tracing form in MySHR.
- COVID-19 Surge Operations UpdateLos Angeles County is experiencing a growing surge of COVID-19 cases, which we are also seeing in the USC population. Current USC test positivity rates are at 10%. To adjust to the expected volume of positive cases over the next weeks during this surge, contact tracing is now largely automated through a MySHR secure message form.
- Clarification for Spring semester planning12/20—We are providing a clarification to Friday’s (12/17) health advisory on the Omicron variant. (https://we-are.usc.edu). We are closely monitoring changing conditions and preparing to adapt as needed. We have no plans to go online at this moment or having a remote Spring semester. We…
- Health Advisory — Omicron VariantAs we wrap up our Fall semester, we are sharing an update about the university’s plans for the Spring, in light of the increased spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. We are closely monitoring rising cases on…
- Winter Break Testing Schedule; Other AnnouncementsWinter Break schedule begins this weekend, with a closure of Saturday testing beginning DEC 18. Pardee Marks & Bookstore locations are closed this week, please see the attached schedule. Due to unexpected equipment maintenance, lab resulting times for SALIVA sample testing for COVID-19 is currently delayed; results are expected to return within 48-72 hours for this week. New appointments online for saliva drop-off are closed over the next three days; patients are directed to make appointments for NASAL SWAB.
- COVID-19 UpdateDec 6, 2021—A recent Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announcement identified the Omicron variant in a college student returning from recent domestic air travel. USC can confirm the individual is a USC student who is currently isolating and…
- Health and Campus Access Advisory
As you may have read, the omicron variant of COVID-19 is bringing uncertainty to the course of the pandemic. The CA Department of Public Health has produced an Omicron variant fact sheet about what we know at present, and how we can respond.
One way we can ensure high levels of immunity in our population is to receive a COVID-19 booster; or receive the vaccine if you have not yet done so.
If you have received a J&J vaccine more than 2 months ago, or Pfizer/Moderna vaccine more than 6 months ago, we strongly recommended receiving a COVID-19 booster to ensure continuity of your immune response. Both USC Pharmacies (please complete the pre-screening form) and the CA MyTurn website are available for finding an appointment.
Upload any updated vaccine information, including new booster records into MySHR (a photo of the paper card, or a digital card downloadable from the CA vaccine record system, https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov.) This information will help us keep accurate records of immunity levels in our community.
- CA Dept of Public Health releases Fact Sheet on the Omicron VariantNov. 28, 2021—Information from CA DPH— We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. Here is what we know: There are currently no cases in the United States; however, based on other variants, it is only a matter of time before Omicron is detected in the United States. New variants will continue to evolve as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. Additional information is available on the CADPH website.
- Health Advisory: Pre-Holiday GatheringsGetting a booster shot for COVID-19 is strongly recommended. With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, and more mingling among non-household members, California public health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to help prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases. Test before travel, and after you return. If you have symptoms, do not travel. See the CDC Safer Travel Guide for additional travel tips.
- Health Advisory — Prevention of Respiratory IllnessCurrent CDC data on COVID-19 has demonstrated that individuals who are unvaccinated have a six-times greater risk of illness than vaccinated counterparts; and have a 11-times greater risk of death. Within the USC community, unvaccinated individuals have a 2-4 times greater risk of infection. Unfortunately, since late October, positivity rates have increased each week in both LA County and in the campus populations. Last week, (week 10 since move-in) there were 69 positive cases, (0.21% positivity rate among students, 0.62% among faculty and staff).
- Vaccine Update for Campus— Influenza and COVID-19 Boosters
9/28—As we enter the influenza season, the University has renewed the decision to require influenza vaccines for all USC students, faculty, and staff for the 2021-2022 influenza season. The deadline for completion is November 1, 2021. As a reminder, please continue to use recommended hygiene practices: wash your hands, follow masking guidelines, and if you are sick, please stay home.
Recently, the FDA and CDC have also made key announcements on COVID-19 booster shots for the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine. Information for USC students in our campus communities about both these vaccines is outlined in this message..
- 8/23 Nasal Swab Testing; Other Testing Updates
As of this week, USC Student Health is re-introducing nasal swab as a method for collecting samples for COVID-19 testing. Nasal swab appointments are available through MySHR (Monday-Friday until 3:30 PM) at Jefferson Lot and Pardee Marks locations. Please refer to the Pop Testing Hours and Locations page for updated information.
Thank you to our community — 27,000 tests were administered this past week, and there was less than 0.5% positivity among students — much lower than in the general population (3.52% is the current positivity rate for Los Angeles County). Your participation in our vaccine program, reaching above 91% for fully vaccinated among students, faculty, and staff, has also made the opening of the fall semester safer for everyone.
- 8/20 New Extension Period (Friday 8/27 deadline) for Trojan Check RequirementsStudents are advised of an extension period for your COVID-19 surveillance test; and for completing the “Hygiene Health and Safety” learning module in Trojan Learn (https://trojanlearn.usc.edu). If you are vaccinated and your Trojan Check is showing as “noncompliant” for either of these two reasons; you have until Friday, August 27 at 12 midnight to complete these requirements.
- 8/19 COVID-19 Testing Reminders ahead of Start of Classes on August 23As you are preparing for the first week of the fall semester classes starting on August 23, please read the following reminders. FOR ALL STUDENTS: Your Trojan Check will require that you have completed a COVID-19 test within the past 7 days in order to enter campus.
- 8/12 Current COVID-19 Safety RequirementsInformation about pre-arrival testing; post-arrival testing, Immuchella, and more for students coming to the USC campuses.
- 8/2 – COVID-19 Safety Updates for In-Person ActivitiesThe university has launched a new version of our mandatory “Hygiene Health and Safety” training for students (HHS student edition, which includes information relevant to student employees) and for faculty and staff (HHS employee edition). Please take 10-15 minutes to complete this online module in Trojan Learn. Again, this is required for all students, faculty, and university staff. Beginning August 15, your Trojan Check compliance will require completion of this new course (even if you have previously taken an earlier version) in order to provide valid entry to campuses. Please complete this course before that date. Trojan Check is required every day you come to campus.
- 7/15 – Health Alert: Indoor Masking Required, Effective ImmediatelyIn alignment with the LA County Department of Public Health Public Health Officer Order announced today, USC is now requiring masking indoors for all individuals in campus facilities, including vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, to protect yourself and others from transmission.
- 6/29 – Masking Policy UpdatesJune 29, 2021 We are writing to give you an update on our masking policy. On Wednesday, we will begin teaching some classes in person during our second summer session and are continuing to plan for a full return to…
- 6/16 – Restart Update and Vaccine Policy UpdateJune 16, 2021 Dear Colleagues, As the state continues to relax pandemic restrictions, many of you have asked if there is a specific date when USC will return to normal operations. While we are ramping up in-person activities throughout the summer and…
- 5/19 – Delay in COVID-19 Test Results, Week of May 24Please be advised that COVID-19 testing results (through the Pop Testing program) will be delayed due to pre-scheduled system maintenance on Monday, May 24 and Tuesday, May 25. Test samples submitted on these days will return between Wednesday, May 26 through…
- 5/6 – Health Advisory on COVID-19 and Advancing into the Yellow TierMay 6, 2021 TO: USC Faculty and University Staff FR: Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health Division Chief of College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC Deona Willes, MPH, CLS, Executive…
- 4/27- Vaccination and Testing UpdateApril 27, 2021 Dear Trojans, I’m proud that our community is leading the way in vaccination efforts in Los Angeles. As of this week, USC has directly administered more than 67,000 COVID-19 vaccination doses to our patients, faculty, staff, and…
- 4/13 – Update on CDC/FDA-recommended pause on J&J/Janssen vaccineApril 13, 2021—Following the CDC/FDA announcement of April 13, the USC Student Health vaccinations scheduled at the Lyon Center for April 15 and 16 will now be switched from J&J/Janssen to Pfizer first doses. Patients are advised to prioritize their…
- 4/7- COVID-19 Early Spring UpdateApril 7, 2021 The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has recently updated its advisory regarding travel, in light of the County’s recent reclassification to the less restrictive Orange Tier in the State of California’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy: Travelers…
- 3/30 – COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility MilestonesAs Los Angeles County has moved into the Orange Tier—indicating “moderate” transmission of COVID- 19—and vaccination rates in Los Angeles continue to trend in the direction that take us further into broad re-openings, we are thankful to our community for…
- 3/24 – Campus Health Alert on COVID-19March 24, 2021 We are advising the community about a cluster of several dozen positive cases of COVID-19 in the USC community that can be traced back to recent international travel into California, including multiple cases confirmed to be variants.…
- 3/23 – An Important Update from Provost ZukoskiMarch 23, 2021 Dear Trojan Community, With the recent decline in COVID-19 cases in the Los Angeles area, the county has officially entered the red tier of California’s reopening framework. This change enables us to accelerate our efforts to return…
- 3/18 – Commencement update for 2020 and 2021 graduatesDear Trojan students and families, Commencement is one of the most cherished ceremonies in a student’s academic life. It’s the single time when we come together as a community to celebrate years of hard work by our graduates. Unfortunately, COVID-19…
- 3/18 – Reminder on COVID-19 Safety and Spring TravelMarch 18, 2021 To USC Students, Faculty and Staff: The current COVID-19 case rate continues to trend downward, and with Los Angeles County now in the less restrictive red tier, additional opportunities for in-person activities are now possible, in accordance…
- 3/11 – Appointment of Senior Vice President for Health AffairsMarch 11, 2021 Dear Trojan Community, It’s my pleasure to announce the appointment of Dr. Steven Shapiro to the newly created position of Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, effective May 15. In this new role, he will directly oversee Keck Medicine…
- 3/9 – COVID-19 Vaccine and Campus Planning UpdateMarch 9, 2021 TO: USC Faculty and University Staff CC: USC Students FR: Sarah Van Orman, Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health, Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC Felicia A. Washington, Senior Vice…
- 3/1 – COVID-19 Vaccine, Phase 1B, LA County Education Sector EligibilityMarch 1, 2021 To: USC Faculty and University Staff As of March 1, LA County has opened eligibility for all employment-based categories in Phase 1B, including education, childcare, emergency services, or food and agriculture sector employees, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.…
- 2/22- Campus Vaccine Distribution UpdateFebruary 22, 2021 TO: University Employees (Non-Keck Medicine) FR: Sarah Van Orman, MD, MMM, FACHA, Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health Division Chief for College Health, Keck School of Medicine of USC RE: Campus Vaccine Distribution Update As you…
- 2/19- An important update from President Carol FoltFebruary 19, 2021 Dear Trojan students and families, I am writing to update you on Spring and Fall plans, but first let me take a moment to recognize the hardships that so many of you are experiencing due to frigid…
- 2/10/21 — Vaccine prioritization strategy for USC campuses2/10 — As Los Angeles County authorizes progress into next tiers and phases, USC will continue distribution, guided by criteria for the phases as assessed by USC Environmental Health and Safety, Public Health Policy Advisory Working Group, and the COVID-19…
- 2/5/21 – COVID-19 Early Spring UpdateFebruary 5, 2021 USC Students, Faculty and University Staff: Recently, new case rates for COVID-19 and hospitalizations have continued to trend downward, after hitting a post-holidays peak. As we write this, the availability of ICU (intensive care unit) beds has increased to 13% capacity.…
- 1/21: Update on Campus Vaccinations for Individuals Aged 65 and OlderCharles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, announces that campus vaccination operations under USC Student Health will be opening COVID-19 vaccination appointments to faculty, emeriti, students, and staff ages 65 and older.
- 1/20: Reminder—Trojan Check Begins Friday, Jan. 22All USC on-site employees and students are reminded that beginning January 22 (this Friday) that Trojan Check, the daily symptom check and campus access platform, will allow campus access only if you have completed the appropriate “Health, Hygiene and Safety” online module, influenza compliance, and required COVID-19 testing.
- 1/15: COVID-19 Pop Testing 3.0 UpdateUSC Student Health shares updates regarding COVID-19 testing and Trojan Check clearance.
- 1/8: IMPORTANT Spring Testing Program (Pop Testing 3.0) and Campus Access UpdatesSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, provides updates for students, faculty and non-medical employees regarding COVID-19 testing and campus access.
- 1/5: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability for the Campus CommunitiesSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares updates regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
- 12/31: Extended Safer at Home Order and Travel Quarantine, Los Angeles CountyLos Angeles County extended the existing “Safer at Home” order and issued a new quarantine requirement for anyone traveling outside of LA County.
- 12/18: First COVID-19 Vaccines Administered to Frontline USC Hospital PersonnelKeck Medical Center of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital have received their first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- 12/14: Spring 2021 COVID-19 Screening Strategy UpdateSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, announces the university’s expanded COVID-19 testing capacity for Spring 2021.
- 12/3: COVID-19 Vaccine UpdateRod Hanners, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Keck Medicine of USC, will chair a COVID-19 vaccine working group that is principally engaged in developing an evidence-based strategy for the vaccination of USC staff, faculty, students, and patients.
- Safer at Home Order (11/30-12/20) and Return from Holiday ActivitiesPlease be advised that the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health has issued a Temporary Safer at Home Order beginning Monday, November 30. Given the current high rate of transmission of COVID-19 in LA County, coinciding with record levels of travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, we are advising all on-site campsus employees to test for COVID-19 prior to returning for on-site work in any on-campus facility.
- 11/20: Mandated Curfew for Los Angeles CountySarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, directs the USC community to follow the California Department of Public Health’s guidelines around the evening curfew, effective starting at 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21.
- 11/18: Spring COVID-19 Safety PlanningSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, and David Wright, Senior Vice President, Administration, share updates regarding the upcoming Spring 2021 semester.
- 11/16: COVID-19 Health Advisory—Widespread Transmission in Los AngelesSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, advises the USC community to follow Los Angeles County and State of California guidelines regarding health and travel protocols.
- 11/10: Thanksgiving Holidays/Winter Break Travel and SafetySarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, and Deona Willes, Director of Environmental Health and Safety, share travel guidelines for the upcoming winter break period.
- 11/6: COVID-19 Health AdvisorySarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, reminds the USC community to continue to follow health protocols and avoid gatherings in light of the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in both the student and employee populations.
- 10/26: Late Fall Community Health UpdateSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares health-related updates and reminds the USC community to avoid large gatherings.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (10/11/20-10/17/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Oct. 11 – 17, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (10/4/20-10/10/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Oct. 4 – 10, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (9/27/20-10/3/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Sept. 27 – Oct. 3, 2020.
- 10/6: Fall Community Health UpdateSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares updates with the USC community regarding COVID-19 and flu immunization.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (9/20/20-9/26/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Sept. 20 – 26, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (9/13/20-9/19/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Sept. 13 – 19, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (9/6/20-9/12/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Sept. 6 – 12, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (8/30/20-9/5/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Aug. 30 – Sept. 5, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (8/23/20-8/29/20)Beginning with this weekly period, totals released by USC Student Health will reflect testing numbers through the surveillance population testing program for asymptomatic individuals (Pop Testing provided through the Color company), and the PCR testing for exposed and symptomatic individuals.…
- Notice Issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public HealthUnder the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order, indoor and outdoor parties are prohibited.
- 9/3: Guidance for Upcoming Long WeekendSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, provides recommendations for safe activities to engage in during Labor Day weekend.
- 9/2: COVID-19 Community Update, September 2020Interim Senior Vice President of University Relations Samuel Garrison shares university updates with the community and details USC’s current health protocols.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (8/16/20-8/22/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Aug. 16 – 22, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (8/9/20-8/15/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Aug. 9 – 15, 2020.
- 8/24: Community Health Advisory – COVID-19 Cases in Off Campus ResidencesSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares recent COVID-19 case numbers and reminds students to follow health guidelines.
- 8/21: Community Health and Contact TracingSarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares important information regarding USC’s COVID-19 contact tracing process.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (8/2/20-8/8/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for Aug. 2 – 8, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (7/26/20-8/1/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for July 26 – Aug. 1, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (7/19/2020-7/25/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for July 19 – 25, 2020.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (7/12/20–7/18/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for July 12 – 18, 2020.
- 7/27: COVID-19 Screening, Symptom, and Exposure Reporting Process for Onsite EmployeesEmployees and supervisors should review the details about USC’s screening, symptom and exposure reporting process for employees who are working onsite.
- 7/27: Fall 2020: COVID-19 Testing Strategy and Health ProtocolsAs we prepare to begin the fall semester, we wanted to share our COVID-19 testing strategy and other established health protocols for students who plan to return to campus.
- 7/25: SEVP Issues Fall 2020 Guidance for F-1 StudentsThe Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently issued fall 2020 guidance for F-1 students.
- 7/23: Fall 2020 USC Student ExperiencePlease join USC President Carol Folt, Provost Charles Zukoski, VP for Student Affairs Winston Crisp, members of the faculty and university health experts for a special webinar for students and parents focused on plans for the 2020 fall semester.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (7/5/20 – 7/11/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for July 5 – 11, 2020.
- 7/18: Community Update Regarding Rosso’sWe recently received information about a confirmed case of COVID-19 from an Auxiliary Services employee who worked in the central kitchen area for McKay’s and Rosso’s. The last dates the individual worked shifts were July 13 and 14. Employees with possible exposure were contacted and received instructions for self-monitoring. Patrons, who based on our records, visited Rosso’s on July 13 and 14 are being notified.
- 7/16: COVID-19 Health AdvisoryIn the summer, our on-premise and near-premise campus population is much smaller than during the fall and spring semesters. However, we are seeing some worrisome trends emerge from this smaller population that our community should take into consideration. Over the last two weeks, the COVID-19 test positivity rate increased from 5% to 9% among students.
- 7/15: Important Information for New International StudentsThe U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that newly admitted F-1 international students who are currently outside the United States should not enter the country on a student visa, unless they are able to enroll in a full in-person academic program. If you have not already begun your journey to the United States, we recommend that you stay home and take your fall coursework online.
- 7/15: Update on Your Financial Aid Package (Incoming Students)USC’s Financial Aid Office shares an update with incoming students regarding financial aid packages and room and board costs.
- 7/14: Update on Your Financial Aid Package (Continuing Students)USC’s Financial Aid Office shares an update with continuing students regarding financial aid packages and room and board costs.
- 7/14: ICE Reverses Directive to Revoke International Student VisasWe were very pleased to learn that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security agreed to rescind its July 6 guidance. This would have, among other things, required our international students to take in-person classes in order to maintain their visa status.
- 7/13: USC and Coalition of Western Universities Sue the Federal GovernmentFollowing last week’s government directive requiring international students to take at least one in-person class to maintain their visa status, USC immediately began reaching out to bring together some of the leading research institutions, liberal arts colleges, and public universities in the western United States to block the directive from being enforced. Today, our powerful coalition of 20 schools filed its own lawsuit against the federal government.
- 7/9: COVID-19 Health AlertIn the past few days, a cluster of 15 positive cases of COVID-19 among houses located on 28th Street has been identified and is being evaluated. Patients with confirmed positive tests are in self-isolation at home or are in the process of being privately transported to isolation. We have seen a rapid acceleration in community spread in the last three weeks. The current positivity rate for L.A. County is 11%, which is up from 5% about three weeks ago.
- 7/8: Updates to Fall 2020 CoursesIn line with local and federal public health guidance, we have updated the delivery method for many fall courses to include hybrid, in-person and online learning. At your earliest convenience, please access Web Registration and check for changes to any of your fall semester courses.
- 7/8: University Message Regarding International StudentsWe are deeply troubled by the updated guidance that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released Monday requiring international students to take at least one in-person class to maintain their visa status. Given the broad range of courses being offered, both in person and online, we are optimistic we will be able to support our international students to study in person safely if they wish, but it may take a few days.
- 7/7: Mandatory “Health Hygiene and Safety for Students” Online module and Daily Symptom Check, “Trojan Check”The university is requiring all USC students who are living on campus or coming to campus to complete the ‘Health, Hygiene and Safety Training’ module in TrojanLearn (requires flash-compatible browser). In addition, students, employees and visitors are required to complete a daily symptom check prior to entering facilities on our campuses.
- COVID-19 Testing Numbers (6/28/20 – 7/4/20)View the testing numbers at USC Student Health (excluding other patients of Keck Medicine of USC) for June 28 – July 4, 2020.
- 7/2: Letter to Academic Year 2020/2021 Returning Residents and Pending ApplicantsUSC Housing and Residential Education share the increased health and safety guidelines that all USC Housing residents will be required to follow to ensure a safe and healthy community environment. We are hopeful that this information will allow you to make an informed decision on whether an on-campus living environment or an online experience from your permanent residence is the better choice for you to succeed academically and thrive as an individual during the fall semester.
- 7/1: Letter on Student Housing and Course SchedulesCharles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and David Wright, Senior Vice President for Administration, share an update on undergraduate classes for fall 2020, including scheduling, and on-campus housing.
- 6/30: COVID-19 Campus Health AdvisoryIn light of the rising COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles, we remind employees on campus to adhere to safe physical distancing and diligent face covering wearing when around co-workers and others on-campus.
- 6/29: Fall 2020 Semester on USC Campuses: Health, Safety and Well-beingOur decisions for the fall semester require that we remain nimble, especially as COVID-19 cases in Southern California continue to rise. Reducing on-campus density in buildings, outdoors and during activities will be needed to ensure your safety and to comply with L.A. County Department of Health guidelines.
- 6/26: Update on COVID-19 Training and Daily Wellness ChecksFelicia Washington, Senior Vice President of Human Resources, and Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, share an important update with faculty and staff on COVID-19 training and daily wellness checks.
- 6/24: Important Information for First-Year International StudentsAs we prepare for the start of USC’s fall semester, we address various topics that are pertinent to incoming undergraduate international students.
- 6/23: USC Student-Athletes to Begin Phased Return to Campus for Voluntary Workouts Starting June 24USC student-athletes will begin a phased return to campus for voluntary workouts beginning on June 24.