Administrators at Clemson University announced, in an email to students, the university is planning for an almost-regular academic semester for fall 2021.
Officials thanked students for their diligence in the face of the pandemic before explaining their reasoning for pushing for more in-person activity on campus next academic year.
“There are some trends that give us hope we can succeed,” the email read, noting that COVID-19 rates are decreasing across the U.S. and at Clemson. “It is predicted all instructional faculty and possibly a substantial proportion of students and the broader community will be vaccinated by fall.”
The officials cautioned that mechanisms must be in place in case rates increase, variants of the coronavirus appear on campus or fewer people are able to receive the vaccine.
On April 12, students will be able to register for in-person courses. According to officials, changes that are made over the summer to those courses — that is, if the courses need to switch to online — will be sent directly to the student. Students will have a chance later in the summer to rearrange their courses.
Additionally, students and faculty may request online-only courses for the fall.
Health safeguards like mask-wearing, testing, sanitizing often and observing social distancing will continue into the fall.
The email was signed by Bob Jones, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost; Chris Miller, interim vice president for student affairs and dean of students; John Griffin, senior associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies; and John Lopes, associate provost and dean of graduate studies.
