Faculty and Staff - May 20, 2021

Dear Campus Community,

As most of you are aware, last week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new COVID-19 guidance. Because of this new guidance, Winthrop has updated its COVID-19 protocols for indoor and outdoor spaces on campus. The following requirements and guidelines will apply to all members of campus – students, faculty, staff, contractors and visitors – and will go into effect immediately:

  • For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, masks will continue to be required in all indoor spaces unless working alone in a private office. Individuals who are not fully vaccinated will not be required to wear a mask outdoors if they are physically distanced, traveling alone on campus and not part of a group. 
  • For individuals who are fully vaccinated,masks and physical distancing are optional but not required in indoor and outdoor spaces on campus. In addition, individuals who are fully vaccinated may participate in meetings in person without the need for masks or physical distancing, provided that a virtual option is offered for those who are not able to participate in person. 
  • Please note that fully vaccinated is defined as two weeks after receiving the second of a two-dose series or two weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine.

I strongly encourage all members of the campus community to get vaccinated. Vaccines are available at the City Operations Center or at a provider of your choice. Please make an appointment to get your vaccine. Students may visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control website to find a vaccine distribution site. 

Please note that as in-person Maymester and summer courses get underway, the expectation is that masks will be worn and physical distancing will be observed inside these classrooms in order to fulfill any expectations the students/faculty members may have had when the course began.

Finally, I want to make you aware that building signage will now state that face coverings are strongly encouraged (versus required) inside Winthrop buildings. Building coordinators may contact Printing Services to request this new signage.

While the changes mentioned above are a positive sign that life is returning to a somewhat normal status, we all should continue to do our part in making sure it stays that way by following safety guidelines and staying home when not feeling well.

Thank you for all that you do for Winthrop.

Sincerely,

George

George W. Hynd
Interim President