Good Afternoon:

Now that we’re in the third week of classes, I wanted to update you on the status of COVID-19 cases within the Wofford community.

Since August 20
28 students have tested positive.
91 students have quarantined at home or on campus because they were with individuals who were positive.

3 employees have tested positive.
14 employees have been in quarantine.

Because of limited quarantine space, students who test positive or who are going into quarantine will be asked to return home unless given special permission from the Division of Campus Life and Student Development Wellness Center staff. Reasons for remaining on campus include extended or complicated travel or compromised immune systems in the immediate household to which the student is returning. Students who are experiencing acute symptoms may also remain in one of the college’s isolation areas.

The good news is that college guidelines are working. Students, faculty and staff who are following Wofford.edu/WoffordTogether protocols and respecting our community pledge have remained healthy and are not spreading COVID-19. Most of the positives and quarantines can be tied to a few specific instances where people were lax or dropped their guard. We still have 8 weeks to go before we break for Thanksgiving. Staying the course and protecting our community is now more important than ever.

Because staying on campus is so important to so many, we are strictly enforcing the consequences of breaking the pledge. Please note that one of the consequences is residential suspension. Students who endanger others will be asked to return home and forfeit their housing fees. Students who lose on-campus housing privileges for the semester may still take classes remotely.

Initial guidelines remain in effect, with one exception. Roommates may now go mask-free with each other when in private rooms.

It is very important to everyone’s health and safety to follow the guidelines:

  • Wear a mask at all times unless you are eating, sleeping or in the room alone with your roommate. This includes when you are studying in the science center, the library or one of our fabulous coffee bars. This also applies to private residence hall rooms! When you have finished eating, put your mask back on, even while you are still sitting at the table. If you need a mask, pick up one at one of the many stations on campus.
  • Social distance. Stay at least 6 feet from everyone.
  • Keep the college’s chairs and tables where they are. They’re placed for physical distance, so respect that. This applies to dining areas as well as other common areas. Maintain distance when moving through dining or common spaces. You can move the Adirondack chairs that are located on our patios and lawns. Just keep them 6 feet apart.
  • No guests or visitors in rooms or apartments. The college will communicate if and when this guideline is relaxed. If there are no visitors, then there should be no parties in residence hall rooms or apartments.
  • No off-campus visitors (including commuting students) in residence halls.
  • Do not gather in large groups off campus or on campus. Please know that eating off campus without masks increases your exposure.
  • Follow posted guidelinesand/or occupancy limits posted around campus.
  • Practice good hygiene and wash hands regularly (for at least 20 seconds each time).
  • Do not share drinks, smoking devices, etc. We are a tobacco free campus now.

The South Carolina DHEC web site lists places you can get tested for COVID-19 at https://scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-testing-locations.

There is a *Free** Testing Site of Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System at the Old Dodge Dealership not far from campus.
1035 N Church St, Spartanburg S.C.
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

In the meantime, please let me know if you have any questions.

Stay safe and well,

Roberta Hurley Bigger
Dean of Students
Vice President
Division of Campus Life and Student Development
She/Her/Hers Why do pronouns matter?

Office: 864-597-4044; Fax: 864-597-4049
Email: biggerrh@wofford.edu