Breaking News: Masks become fully optional on campus

Beginning today, March 28, USC Aiken is making masks optional in all areas on campus except for the Student Health Center. This change was based on continuous discussion with the USC system officials, health professionals and guidelines from the CDC and DHEC.

A campus-wide email was sent out by Chancellor Dr. Dan Heimmermann outlining the details of this change Friday,. He also provided a link that can be used to view Aiken County’s current low-risk level.

This semester has already seen one adjustment. The spring semester began with masks being mandatory but it was made so that masks weren’t required anywhere except for in instructional and research spaces as well as in the Student Health Center on March 22.

According Dr. Daniel Heimmermann’s email, “This change also responds to a significant decline in COVID-19 infections on our campus and surrounding communities in South Carolina and Georgia, all of which are maintaining a ‘low community level.’”

Despite this change, students do not have to stop wearing masks if they would prefer to keep wearing them. Students are able to do whatever they feel is best for their needs, health and safety.

Additional changes will be made when and if they are necessary. The data regarding our campus and Aiken County’s risk level will continue to be monitored.