COVID-19 Questions & Resources

While we may not have access to the most up-to-date information from administrators, we are striving to keep tabs open on questions that are arising from the student body and the answers we can collect from them.

University Updates

General Reminders and What To Do When You Test Positive

FAQ’s and Recent Updates

Contact the COVID-19 Hotline at covid19@usc.edu or 213-740-6291

If you have a pressing question, email Katelyn Lee, Chair of the COVID-19 and Return to Campus Taskforce at lee619@usc.edu

01. What should I do to prevent the spread of infection?

Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses are commonly spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. Covering your nose and mouth with your elbow when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of a virus. Hand-washing (with soap and water) for 20 seconds reduces risk of infection (tip: the Fight Song is the perfect amount of time). Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

02. How often do classrooms get santized?

Classrooms are santitized twice daily.

03. If a student misses their weekly test, can they access campus?

Yes, if you have a same-day appointment. However, students who repeatedly are out of compliance on Trojan Check will be monitored.

04. How many breakthrough cases (when a person tests positive for COVID-19 at least two weeks after becoming fully vaccinated) are there at USC?

Based on the first six weeks of the semester, students and employees who are fully vaccinated were 2-3x less likely to test positive for COVID.

05. What does an invalid or inconclusive test mean, and what do I do?

An “invalid” test result means that there was an issue with the sample submitted. An “inconclusive” test result means the machines were not able to detect the sample as a negative or positive result. In both cases, an individual must re-test and wait for a successful result before they resume normal/required activity. With a same-day appointment, students should still be able to access campus. Otherwise, students would have to quarantine until they can test again and receive a definitive test result. Once they receive a negative result, they would resume campus access and normal activity. In the case where an individual gets a 3rd “invalid” within 30 days, the protocol is that the individual would then message the advice nurse to report this and be switched to a different testing method.

06. Where can I report non-compliance with COVID policies?

Contact the COVID-19 Hotline at covid19@usc.edu or 213-740-6291 or the appropriate department head.

Or Katelyn Lee at lee619@usc.edu who will elevate the issues with administration.

07. What accommodations are instructors required to provide to students due to COVID-19?

Instructors are required to provide “continuity of education” which means that the faculty member has to ensure that any self-isolating or quarantining students are kept up to date with class and don’t fall behind as a result of protective health measures. This can certainly mean recordings of lectures, but it might also mean passing on lecture notes, slide decks, providing additional readings or problem sets, etc. While instructors may provide remote, hybrid or streaming options for their classes at their own discretion, they are not required to accommodate any student unless he/she/they has a written accommodation request from the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS). OSAS will work with faculty to determine the viability of offering online accommodations and not assume this is an option in all instances. For more info: can see the guidance for faculty here.

08. How do I get notifications of on-campus COVID-19 positive cases?

To get updates of on-campus COVID positive cases, click here.

Resources

If you have something to add to our growing list, or have a question about anything below, please email us at usg@usc.eduPlease be patient as we try to respond to your request and consolidate these answers.

Counseling and Mental Health 

Programs include individual therapy, group therapy, crisis support, psychiatric services and specialties for gender-based harm. A specialized team in Relationship and Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention Services works on relationship/sexual violence prevention education and client services.

Crisis support: Students are encouraged to walk-in for urgent matters at both Engemann and Eric Cohen Student Health Centers. If after closing hours, please call the 24/7 line, 213-740-9355 (WELL)

More information at studenthealth.usc.edu/counseling

Basic Needs Support

USC’s SEIP Centers and initiatives strive to meet basic student needs by creating spaces and opportunities that can favorably impact their everyday lives as a Trojan, including the Trojan Food Pantry, housing insecurity, financial resources, and other community resources.

More information at seip.usc.edu/studentbasicneeds

USC Campus and Support Intervention

More information at campussupport.usc.edu

Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS)

OSAS follows a thorough review process to verify a student’s disability and to determine whether or not requests are considered “reasonable accommodations.” All requests and decisions should go through OSAS. Additionally, OSAS is unable to support students who have concerns for COVID risks related to their family members as our services are designated for USC students with disabilities. It is recommended that schools or programs determine appropriate options such as a leave/health leave and direct students to the USC COVID Resource Center (COVID-19 hotline: 213-740-6291 Email: covid19@usc.edu).

For all USC students requesting online/remote class accommodations due to the student’s medical-related reasons, the first step is to register with the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS). OSAS will follow a standard review process in determining reasonable accommodations. For more information, please visit the OSAS When & How to Register webpage. Please know that accommodations are not guaranteed and determined on an individualized basis as it relates to the student’s disability. OSAS will work with the student and with the school/program as needed, to determine reasonable accommodations and to ensure they do not fundamentally alter the core nature of the course or program.

More information at osas.usc.edu