USC to require employees to return to campus, ending remote work. Here’s how many
The University of South Carolina will require all employees to return to campus this summer, ending remote work for more than 700 staffers who only worked virtually or had a hybrid schedule.
With an “emphasis on a vibrant and healthy campus culture that supports our students and our customers,” the university will require employees to report to work in-person beginning July 1, 2025, according to an email sent to staff and obtained by The State.
“This ensures we provide the highest level of support and engagement for our students, faculty and staff,” the email read. “Being physically present also enhances collaboration, communication and the overall sense of greater campus community.”
The new directive applies to all part-time and full-time positions, including faculty, staff and administrators.
USC spokesman Jeff Stensland said the university felt “something was lost” in allowing employees to work remotely.
“In many ways, it gets us back to where we were before COVID,” Stensland said.
Like many universities, USC closed its doors in 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, sending students home and moving classes online. But the school resumed in-person classes for students and faculty the following fall. However, some employees still maintained a remote or hybrid status.
Of the university’s 5,496 temporary and full-time employees, 733 are either remote or hybrid workers, Stensland said.
“Individual units are preparing for the return of remote and hybrid workers to the campus, especially those employees who directly interact with customers and conduct business best completed in the office,” an email read.
Stensland said the university is preparing parking options and office space to accommodate the influx of in-person workers. He said USC doesn’t anticipate any problems doing so.
USC’s Division of Human Resources developed new guidelines outlining critieria for “telecommuting.”
Those provided accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act will not be affected. Emergency remote work will also been considered due to extreme bad weather, natural disasters, a pandemic health crisis or other needs.
“To ensure a smooth transition, we encourage you to begin engaging in preliminary discussions with your supervisor about a return to campus if you work remotely or hybrid,” the email read. “The overall goal of returning to campus is to provide a stronger USC community.”
