CSU to finish spring semester online
March 24, 2020
After much prayerful consideration regarding the COVID-19 pandemic’s apparent course over the next few weeks, Charleston Southern University has decided to finish the spring semester online. Consistent with accreditation mandates, faculty are modifying certain experiential learning requirements when necessary, including those for student teachers and nursing students.
“We know our traditional students will be deeply disappointed, as are we, that our on-campus activities are ending much earlier than we hoped. But this move is the best option to protect our students, faculty, staff, and the greater community from the ill effects of the public health pandemic,” President Dondi Costin said.
Commencement
The May graduation ceremony is postponed and will be conducted on a future date to be determined. Degrees will be conferred on May 8 and placed in the mail for all seniors who complete their degree requirements. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with our graduates and their families in a meaningful way when it is considered safe to do so.
“Making this decision now also allows our students the opportunity to make plans in the best interests of themselves and their families,” Costin said. “Amid the difficulties we all face during this challenging season, Charleston Southern is committed to creating memorable experiences for our Bucs and recognizing their hard-earned accomplishments, including a future commencement event for the Class of 2020.”
University Operations
At present, only essential university employees are required to report to work on campus. All other employees should continue working remotely unless mission requirements or supervisor direction allow otherwise. For the safety of our staff and guests, all on-campus events are canceled until further notice.
Student Housing
Residence Life will launch an orderly two-week move-out process that will begin on April 1, 2020, a start date chosen to honor the federal government’s current 15-day stay-at-home recommendation. The move-out process will allow students to gather their belongings in a convenient, timely fashion while maintaining safe social distancing. Students will be given several options to return to campus to check out within a two-week period. In extenuating circumstances, other options may be provided on a case-by-case basis. More information, including details on the process and schedule, will be released to residential students in the next few days.
The university is researching possible housing and dining plan refunds and is conferring with federal and state officials to ensure all guidelines are met. The university will communicate details to affected parties as soon as university operations return to normal. We appreciate your patience as we evaluate all aspects of this developing situation.
Financial Aid
Registration for summer and fall 2020 will continue as scheduled. All holds have been removed for now to allow students the opportunity to register. The federal government requires prior-year balances to be paid in full before the fall semester begins. All charges incurred prior to the fall 2020 semester must be paid in full by August 1, 2020. For more information, please contact [email protected] or [email protected].
About Charleston Southern University
Founded in 1964, Charleston Southern University is a private, Christian liberal arts university. With an enrollment of 3,459 students, CSU is one of South Carolina’s largest accredited, independent universities and has been recognized as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges, America’s 100 Best College Buys, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs (#11 nationally in 2020), U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans (#8 nationally in 2020), Colleges of Distinction, VA Yellow Ribbon Program and a Military Friendly School. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, CSU offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Students can learn online or in the classroom. The university’s vision is to be a Christian university nationally recognized for integrating faith in learning, leading and serving.
