USC Aiken mask mandates and enforcement continues

USC Aiken has a low alert level, with only 9 new confirmed cases last week. The university’s mitigation plan states that during a low alert level, “Students are required to wear face coverings in classrooms and other designated areas.” How are students following this requirement and how is the administration enforcing it?

According to the USC of Aiken mitigation plan, instructors have the ability to ask a student without a mask to leave the classroom. If a student refuses to wear a mask or leave the classroom, they can be reported to the Office of Student Life for disciplinary action.

If a student spots another student without a mask in class or designated area, there are some options. The most simple option is to ask the person not wearing a mask to put one on. If this doesn’t work, one may contact the COVID-19 Helpline at (803) 641-3271 or COVID-Helpline@usca.edu

Ahmed Samaha, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, explained that while the administration has had to distribute a few fines to students not wearing masks, they are “pleased with students following all of our COVID-19 policies for the most part.”

Face coverings are still mandatory in the city of Aiken due to ordinance 11192020. This will be in effect until a resolution is issued by the Council of the City of Aiken declaring that COVID-19 is no longer a serious threat.