- 1/22: Mindful USC
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Varun Soni, Vice Provost for Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention and Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, share details about Mindful USC, a university-wide mindfulness initiative focused on positive health outcomes and learning experiences.
- 1/21: Update on Campus Vaccinations for Individuals Aged 65 and Older
Charles 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. 22
All 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.
- 1/16: Letter from Provost Zukoski and Vice President Crisp
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Winston Crisp, Vice President for Student Affairs, remind students to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines this Spring semester.
- 1/15: COVID-19 Pop Testing 3.0 Update
USC 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 Updates
Sarah 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.
- 1/7: Message to the USC Community from President Folt
President Carol Folt shares a message with the USC community in light of recent events.
- 1/5: COVID-19 Vaccine Availability for the Campus Communities
Sarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares updates regarding COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
- 1/1: Message from President Folt
President Carol Folt reminds the USC community to comply with public health measures going into the new year.
- 12/31: Extended Safer at Home Order and Travel Quarantine, Los Angeles County
Los 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 Personnel
Keck Medical Center of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital have received their first shipments of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- 12/17: Spring Semester Update
President Carol Folt looks ahead to the upcoming Spring semester.
- 12/16: A Holiday Message from President Folt and USC
President Carol Folt shares a holiday message with the USC community.
- 12/14: Spring 2021 COVID-19 Screening Strategy Update
Sarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, announces the university’s expanded COVID-19 testing capacity for Spring 2021.
- 12/10: A Winter Recess Update from President Folt
President Carol Folt announces that this year’s winter recess has been extended by one week and will begin on Monday, December 21, and end on Sunday, January 3.
- 12/3: COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Rod 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.
- 11/30: Update on the 2021 Retirement Pause
We have decided to not institute the full 10% pause on University contributions to USC’s 403b Retirement Savings Program, as previously communicated on June 8, 2020. Effective January 1, 2021, the University will continue the 5% match program, matching the pre-tax and/or Roth contributions of our employees, up to 5% of eligible earnings.
- 11/24: Los Angeles Times Digital Subscription
As announced by President Folt in her video today, we are pleased to extend an offer to students, faculty, and staff for a complimentary one-year subscription to the Los Angeles Times Digital Edition thanks to our sponsorship with the Los Angeles Times for the annual Festival of Books.
- 11/24: A Message of Thanksgiving from President Folt
President Carol Folt shares a message of thanks at the end of the fall semester.
- 11/20: Mandated Curfew for Los Angeles County
Sarah 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 Planning
Sarah 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 Angeles
Sarah 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.
- 11/13: Looking Forward to Spring 2021
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, announces that the Spring 2021 semester will likely begin with remote instruction.
- 11/10: Thanksgiving Holidays/Winter Break Travel and Safety
Sarah 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.
- 11/9: Spring 2021 – Wellness Days and Grading Options
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, announces the spring semester’s Wellness Days schedule and shares details about grading options.
- 11/6: COVID-19 Health Advisory
Sarah 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.
- 11/2: President Folt’s Election Message
President Carol Folt shares a message about the 2020 general election.
- 10/30: Election Resources from Provost Zukoski and Vice President Crisp
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Winston Crisp, Vice President for Student Affairs, provide the USC community with information and resources regarding Election Day.
- 10/26: Late Fall Community Health Update
Sarah 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.
- 10/19: Changes to the H-1B Visa Program
President Carol Folt announces that USC is joining a group of leading research, educational, and economic institutions in a federal lawsuit challenging the new H-1B visa guidelines.
- 10/14: Important Updates for Fall and Spring Semesters
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Kedra Ishop, Vice President for Enrollment Management, share important updates regarding the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.
- 10/14: Planning Ahead for Spring 2021
President Carol Folt shares updates regarding the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.
- 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 Update
Sarah 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.
- 9/30: Flu Immunization Requirement for On-site Faculty and Staff
The University is providing free flu vaccinations through USC Pharmacies for faculty and staff working on-site at any USC location and is requiring on-site employees to receive the seasonal flu vaccine by November 1, 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.
- 9/22: A Message from the Chief Information Security Officer
USC’s Chief Information Security Officer Gus Anagnos provides students with cybersecurity resources and tools.
- 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.
- 9/16: Annual Immunization Requirement for Students
All USC students taking in-person classes or living in university-owned residences in Fall 2020 are required to complete immunization for influenza by November 1.
- 9/14: Fall Semester Update
The university will proceed with online only instruction through the end of the fall semester.
- 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.
- 9/9: Dependent Care Options for Employees
Senior Vice President of Human Resources Felicia Washington shares information about dependent care options for USC employees.
- 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 Health
Under the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order, indoor and outdoor parties are prohibited.
- 9/3: Guidance for Upcoming Long Weekend
Sarah 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 2020
Interim 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.
- 8/28: New Scholarship Opportunity
Executive Vice Provost Elizabeth Graddy shares details about a new scholarship opportunity.
- 8/26: Mindful USC
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Varun Soni, Vice Provost for Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention and Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, share details about Mindful USC, a university-wide mindfulness initiative focused on positive health outcomes and learning experiences.
- 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: A Message to USC Students from Winston Crisp and Varun Soni
Winston Crisp, Vice President for Student Affairs, and Varun Soni, Vice Provost for Campus Wellness and Crisis Intervention and Dean of Religious and Spiritual Life, remind students of USC’s position on issues regarding online harassment, discrimination and free speech.
- 8/24: Community Health Advisory – COVID-19 Cases in Off Campus Residences
Sarah Van Orman, USC’s Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, shares recent COVID-19 case numbers and reminds students to follow health guidelines.
- 8/19: Letter from Provost Zukoski and Vice President Crisp
USC’s Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Charles Zukoski and Vice President for Student Affairs Winston Crisp remind students that large in-person gatherings are not permitted in the university community. Individuals and organizations violating this protocol will be held accountable through disciplinary action.
- 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.
- 8/17: Transportation Announcement for Fall 2020
Effective immediately, parking will remain free for all USC faculty, staff and students through Dec. 31, 2020.
- 8/14: Residential Dining Update
We will switch dining operations from the USC Village Dining Hall to Everybody’s Kitchen (EVK) starting on Monday, Aug. 17. The last day of operation for the USC Village Dining Hall will be Sunday, Aug. 16.
- 8/14: We Are SC: A Message to the Trojan Community from President Folt
As we begin fall 2020 — a semester like no other — USC welcomes over 40,000 students from all over the world. President Carol Folt shares words of welcome along with academic and activity highlights, health care updates, community and student aid information, and much more.
- 8/11: Return to Campus Accountability
All faculty and staff must follow the COVID-19 safety protocols and requirements issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), L.A. County Department of Public Health and other health authorities.
- 8/11: Important Information on Fall Housing Policies
USC Residential Education shares additional fall housing policies and procedures that were established to maintain community safety and health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 8/11: Pac-12 Presidents and Chancellors Vote to Postpone Athletic Competitions Through End of 2020
Today, the Pac-12 presidents and chancellors unanimously voted to postpone athletic competitions until the end of the calendar year.
- 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.
- 8/7: CA Department of Public Health Releases Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education
The California Department of Public Health released its Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education on Aug. 7, 2020. USC is currently reviewing and analyzing this guidance and will collaborate with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and other authorities to determine its impact on our plans to repopulate our campuses.
- 8/7: Behavioral Expectations for Students
USC’s Vice President for Student Affairs Winston Crisp shares behavioral expectations for students living on or near campus this fall.
- 8/7: Follow Up to USC’s 8/5/2020 Message About Fall Semester
USC’s Office of International Services shares an update with incoming and continuing international students regarding the fall semester.
- 8/7: Access to University Park Campus/Health Requirements
USC is proud to be an open and publicly accessible campus. However, due to the unprecedented COVID-19 public health situation, we are currently limiting access.
- 8/7: Policy and Guidelines for Asynchronous Learning
Charles Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, shares guidelines for asynchronous learning for the Fall 2020 semester.
- 8/5: Fall Semester Update from Provost Zukoski and David Wright
We do not yet have clearance from the state or county to move forward with classroom instruction. Given the delay in receiving the required permission, we have made the difficult decision to begin the fall semester with fully remote instruction with limited exceptions for clinical education.
- 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.
- 7/31: Fall Update for Students
Provost Charles Zukoski shares an update for the fall semester regarding student fees, student testing and student workers.
- 7/31: USC Welcome Experience!
Vice President for Student Affairs Winston Crisp shares important information with new students about the fall 2020 Welcome Experience.
- 7/31: Update on Fall 2020 Tuition Invoice – Student Health Insurance Plan Billing
View an update related to the charges for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) that will be reflected in students’ fall 2020 tuition statements.
- 7/30: Student Health Announces “Pop Testing” for COVID-19
USC Student Health is initiating population testing (“Pop. Testing”) of COVID-19 with the external company, Color, to begin the week of Aug. 3, 2020. The ongoing testing is part of the university’s overall testing strategy to identify, isolate, contact trace and contain new infections.
- 7/28: Update on Off-Campus Non-University Housing
Many of you have questions about off-campus student housing and leases you have signed with third party providers. We understand this is an area of great concern, and that it’s been extraordinarily difficult to plan for the fall semester and finalize your housing decisions. We want to provide an update on what we know, and answer some general questions you may have.
- 7/28: Fall 2020 Travel Guidance for International Students Currently Outside the US
USC’s Office of International Services shares an update regarding travel to the United States for new and continuing international students.
- 7/28: Student Fee Reduction for Fall 2020
For the fall semester, USC will reduce combined central student fees — including health and activities fees — from approximately $500 to $100 for undergraduates, and from approximately $450 to $100 for graduate students.
- 7/28: USC Hospitality Shares Fall Semester Meal Plan Options
USC Hospitality shares updated fall semester meal plan options.
- 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 Employees
Employees 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 Protocols
As 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 Students
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently issued fall 2020 guidance for F-1 students.
- 7/23: Fall 2020 USC Student Experience
Please 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.
- 7/18: Community Update Regarding Rosso’s
We 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 Advisory
In 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: 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 Visas
We 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.
- 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.
- 7/13: USC and Coalition of Western Universities Sue the Federal Government
Following 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.
- 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.
- 7/9: COVID-19 Health Alert
In 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 Courses
In 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 Students
We 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.
- 7/2: Letter to Academic Year 2020/2021 Returning Residents and Pending Applicants
USC 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 Schedules
Charles 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 Advisory
In 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-being
Our 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.