August 18, 2021

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff: 

Today’s South Carolina Supreme Court ruling clears the way for the university to require face coverings on our campus. 

On July 23, we were the first institution in the state to mandate face coverings. I will require the use of face coverings in our buildings, effective immediately, as an effective strategy in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of all members of our Gamecock community to help protect ourselves and others by adopting sound public health practices as we continue our efforts to safeguard our campus against this still-evolving health concern. 

Harris Pastides