In her first State of the University address, President Carol Folt delivered hopeful words over Zoom to faculty and students amid the uncertain times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I want to talk about the obvious. COVID-19 has hit us hard,” she said at the outset of the address, which replaced the in-person appearances she had planned for April 8, 9, 16 and 17.
In the 30-minute address, Folt detailed steps of the university’s ongoing response to the novel coronavirus pandemic and introduced the administration’s plans for the upcoming semesters: Project Restart. These plans include considering a delayed start date for the fall semester, potentially employing a hybrid in-person and online course model, and preparing facilities for social distancing so that students may resume in-person classes as soon as safely possible.
Folt admitted that interacting with students in online sessions was not the same as seeing them in person, but she was nevertheless impressed with all of the work that they have produced.
“I see Trojans stepping up in this crisis every single day under very difficult circumstances,” she said. “Your strength is a beacon of hope.”
As a result of the pandemic, Folt said that the university has taken a $300-500 million economic hit, and is facing a downfall that is projected to last between 12 and 18 months. While she acknowledges that this "will cause pain," Folt is confident that the university will make a strong recovery as greater Los Angeles’ leading private employer.
“Please know, we want to keep our people working," she assured.
Staff who cannot perform their jobs in person or remotely will receive full-paid administrative leave until June 1 and the financial aid office is dispensing the $19 million that the university received from the CARES Act, Folt said.
Even with budget cuts, Folt and her administration plan to, “prioritize safety, wellbeing and support, excellence and continuity of programs, and positioning USC for recovery and long term success.”
Folt said that she could not yet guarantee the university would reopen for fall semester, but that a team of leading public health professionals would advise her on a decision within the next two months.
Despite future circumstances that may arise, Folt is optimistic that the university will remain fully operational.
For the summer semester, Folt assured that courses will continue as planned and that the university will continue to offer housing to those who are unable to return home.
In a message directly addressing graduating seniors, Folt promised them a “grand, in-person commencement,” once safe.
After her comments on the university’s future, Folt went on to commend students for their continued academic prowess.
She emphasized her desire for USC to remain a top university, despite the unprecedented circumstances. Regardless of the recent events, USC continues to be a leading research university; USC’s Viterbi and Marshall schools now lead the nation in gender parity; USC Keck School of Medicine ascended as a top 20 hospital.
“Past scandals tarnished our reputation… [but we] maintain [the] highest ethical standards in everything we do as a university. If you’ve heard about it, someone at USC has done it,” she said.
Especially given today's polarized political atmosphere, Folt ensured that students and faculty would continue to have the university’s support.
She thanked professors for swinging into action in such a tight turnaround, changing the course plan of over 6,000 classes, and continued to open the university's arms to families through the USC Family Caregiver Support Center.
Folt directly addressed concerns from students and faculty about “hateful comments and behavior” directed toward USC’s Asian community. Although she did not linger on the subject, Folt made it clear that neither she nor the university condones such actions.
“I know that we all share in the pain that comes from this type of racial prejudice,” Folt said. “[And] I know that as Trojans we simply will not stand for it.”
In regards to the endowment, Folt clarified that $19 million used for students and their financial needs would come from the CARES Act.
In the face of these unprecedented circumstances, Folt said she looks forward to seeing students in the future, and praises them for their continued commitment.
With a heavy exhale, she concluded with “Thank you, and Fight On!”