A Note from the Executive Team at Sherman College of Chiropractic
We hope summer quarter 2020 is going well for each of you! Thank you all for your continued patience and resiliency as we adapt to our current circumstances. We are committed to keeping you informed during this transition. Should you have any questions beyond those addressed here, please reach out to Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer Karen Canup. Here are the most important updates for the week beginning August 17, 2020.
Newest Updates for the Week of August 17
Fall Quarter: Up to 50 Percent of Classes in Person
Sherman College will be taking the first major step toward a return to normal operations in the fall by hosting up to 50 percent of class sessions in person. This decision is not being made lightly; however, this step is necessary due to our accreditation agencies not renewing special allowances to host online classes in 2021. Moving to 50 percent online in the fall will help to re-acclimate students and employees to being on campus while also allowing the college to identify and address obstacles before the emergency distance education waiver expires permanently on December 31.

To ensure the student learning and employee environments are safe, the college has developed a comprehensive plan for reopening the campus that will help us reduce exposure to and transmission of COVID-19, and complies with federal and state standards. The reopening procedures will provide important information for members of the Sherman community who may have special concerns. Our reopening director will distribute an updated version of the Reopening Guide soon. In addition, each department has been instructed to develop a specific plan for employees and students to safely return. You will receive more details from college leadership over the next few days, so please review your emails frequently.

I am committed to putting Sherman College students and employees first, and this is why I would like you to pay extra attention to the guidelines that will be implemented and maintain open lines of communication should issues arise. Your cooperation with these guidelines, and your feedback on your experiences, will be critical in identifying areas for improvement as we move toward the winter quarter. Along with your feedback, the College will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates and adjust these guidelines at regular intervals as the situation develops. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we work together through these procedures
Graduation for June/September to be Held Virtually
June and September graduates, we thank you for your cooperation as the college reviewed your feedback in response to plans for the September 2020 graduation program. After careful review of the information, the college has decided to uphold the decision to honor you through a virtual graduation ceremony. The college’s intention when planning for any graduation ceremony is to include all graduates who desire to be a part of the graduation ceremony. With respect to the current situation in which we all must operate, COVID-19 has produced unusual circumstances impacting participation and raising personal concerns from members of your collective groups. The most recent feedback included a range of responses that did not offer a clear solution warranting a change in plans.
 
No major decision made by the college during these times has been easy or taken lightly. We are disappointed too, that our normal and standard way of conducting business is on pause. We look forward to celebrating and presenting our new Sherman College Doctors of Chiropractic and invest a great deal of time in preparing to do so. Graduation is an important, capstone event for all graduates. Our primary desire is to find a way to honor and celebrate graduates tastefully, safely and equitable to all. A great amount of thought and effort was placed into this decision, and it was never intended to be offered as a less than fitting option.
 
Prior to opting for a virtual ceremony, the college considered best case scenarios for hosting an on campus celebration which included many of the recommendations students mentioned, such as multiple ceremonies, a drive-in style (outdoor ceremony), a ceremony with graduates and faculty only, or a ceremony with graduates and two guests. With social distancing, our capacity is severely limited in the Gelardi Auditorium, so the college explored larger local venues in the Spartanburg area, including Spartanburg Auditorium and other campuses; we were turned away due to COVID-19 changes.
 
In light of these considerations, coupled with the feedback from graduation surveys conducted in April and August, we are confident that a virtual ceremony will provide the greatest opportunity for participation for all graduates with respect to individual circumstances and safety. During this time of understandable upset and disappointment, we hope you will offer us grace. We hope you will answer the call to be an active part of your virtual graduation ceremony. We desire only the best for you and even during this pandemic, our best is what we are offering to you.
All CARES Act Student Emergency Grants Funds Have Been Awarded; Sherman Pride Funds Still Available to Students
On April 14, 2020, Sherman College of Chiropractic signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement required under Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”), to receive its allocation of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care).

Sherman College of Chiropractic’s total allocation under HEERF was $136,466. The college elected to make its full allocation of $136,466 available to students as Emergency Financial Aid Grants rather than limiting these grants to the required 50 percent of the allocation ($68,233). As of August 14, 2020, the College has awarded $136,466 to 128 students for an average award of $1,066.14, exhausting funds available under HEERF. The college has 377 students who are eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. Applications and accompanying documentation were reviewed by the college’s Emergency Loan Committee for award decisions. The Committee did not award more than $2,000 to any one student for technology needs and did not award more than $465 to any one student for food unless there was documentation of extenuating circumstances that demonstrated an extraordinary need.

While this funding has been exhausted, students with unmet financial need may still apply for funding from the college’s Sherman Pride Student Emergency Fund. Grants from the Sherman Pride Student Emergency Fund are limited to $500.

Please email financialaid@sherman.edu to:
  • request an application for the Sherman Pride Student Emergency Fund
  • submit completed application and accompanying documentation
  • submit any questions about the Sherman Pride Student Emergency Fund, the HEERF program or the college’s application process.

Sherman College is grateful to have this opportunity to support students during this global pandemic. We encourage students to apply and to follow guidelines provided to ensure a seamless process.
Important Reminders
Student Emergency Funds Available
The Offices of Institutional Advancement and Public Relations have established the Sherman Pride Student Emergency Fund (SPSEF) to assist students. The fund allows students to request up to $500 for urgent needs and will not require repayment. We are grateful to supporters for caring and giving during these challenging times. Together we have raised $30,477 and counting! Students, please email FInancial Aid to: request copy of the SPSEF application and submit completed forms and accompanying documentation. Please also reach out with any questions about the SPSEF or the application process. You can also contact Development Coordinator Mary Watts.
Campus Protocol Update: SC-DHEC Updates
As Sherman College diligently monitors state and local COVID-19 guidelines, we are continuously adapting our procedures to follow suggested guideline revisions. Published in July, the SC-DHEC COVID-19 Guidance for Colleges and Universities stated the following under the Screening section, 2(a): Routine temperature screening of all persons entering campus buildings is not recommended at this time.

In accordance with this revised recommendation, the Executive Team approved the revision, and now temperature screenings in the Olsen and Scallon Buildings will be performed randomly throughout the day by Dr. Janice Higgins-Fordree and designated appointees. If you are chosen for a random temperature screening, you must comply. The revised guideline began on Monday, August 10, 2020.

The Sherman College Health Center will continue using the previous established protocols.
The College continues to recommend all individuals to frequently wash their hands with soap and water and observe social distancing guidelines. As always, if you are sick, feel sick or think you may be sick, please do not come to campus. Please contact Dr. Janice Higgins-Fordree with any questions or concerns.
Campus Protocol Update: CDC Guidelines
Per updated CDC guidelines, Sherman College is making the following revisions to campus protocols:
  • If an individual tests positive for COVID-19, they are only required to self-quarantine for 10 days after symptom onset, are fever free for 24 hours and have improvement of symptoms. Exceptions to this would be someone who is immunocompromised and may require a longer quarantine time.
  • Due to the 14-day incubation period of COVID-19, if someone is exposed to COVID19, the individual is still required to self-quarantine 14 days to determine if they are infected and to keep from possibly spreading the virus. The 14 day self-quarantine would not apply if an individual is tested after exposure and receives a negative test result.
As before, if you think you are sick, feel sick or think there is a possibility of you becoming sick, please do not come to campus. If you have either of the above situations, please contact Dr. Janice Higgins-Fordree immediately; you may also contact her with any questions or concerns.
Health Center Accepting New Patients in August
We are pleased to announce that the Chiropractic Health Center began accepting new patients on August 10. The Health Center maintains careful procedures to provide the safest environment for patients, students and employees. The college evaluates the outcomes on a daily and weekly basis to ensure the mission of the college is served.

Health Center Hours are 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m., and the daily schedule for clinic levels is as follows:
  • Monday: Clinic Levels 730, 740
  • Tuesday: Clinic Levels 722, 750, 810
  • Wednesday: Clinic Levels 730, 740
  • Thursday: Clinic Levels 722, 750, 810
  • Friday: All Clinic Levels
Health Center Procedural Updates for Interns
Based on the increasing needs of patients, the desires of interns, and the efficiency of the Health Center staff and case doctors, the following procedures went into effect on July 27:

Interns no longer need to make patient appointments 24 hours in advance.

HC-11 (the computer room) will be open to interns to work on patient files from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
  • Appointments for a workstation are no longer necessary; socially distanced computers are on a first come first serve basis, so please be mindful of your fellow intern needs.
  • If the need arises due to patient volume we will consider providing an overflow computer workstation space
  • If you are not here to see patients, but only to work on patient files, you still need to have your temperature checked at the records room.
  • During the lunch hour from 12-1 p.m., please go to the Scallon Hall Atrium for your temperature check.
Increasing On-Campus Practical Sessions
Sherman College has now expanded the availability of on-campus sessions to all practical courses, and we have re-opened the anatomy lab.

These on-campus sessions are completely voluntary for students and all arrangements for on-campus sessions will be made through the course instructors. Please contact your instructors directly for scheduling information and class details.
Gelardi Student Center Event Space Usage
As we continue planning our phased return to campus, our highest priority remains the health, safety and security of our campus community. For these reasons and due to the ongoing requirement of social distancing, for the remainder of 2020, the college is restricting the use and function of the event space to accommodate events that support student success including graduation, the potential need for classroom space, and board reviews, Events granted permission to host in the event space this year will follow the same protocols as the Health Center and Scallon Hall. Ensuring the integrity of established health and safety protocols will be managed by our campus reopening director. The college’s leadership team will continue to monitor the evolving landscape relative to COVID-19 and use the remainder of 2020 to determine the future use and function of the event space.
Student Affairs Offers Support
The culmination of recent events associated with social injustice toward Black Americans and the global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has left many students and employees feeling an abundance of hurt, frustration, confusion, anger, sadness, helplessness, and more. We acknowledge that Sherman College does not have all the answers to your specific concerns, but we want you to know that you and your concerns matter. Because you matter, we are working towards building an even stronger campus community where everyone feels valued and supported.

There is a great social push encouraging us all to entertain difficult conversations and engage in personal reflection. Are you seeking answers to have a greater understanding of what recent events mean for your life? Are you questioning how you can help facilitate positive change? Are you struggling to process through your current feelings? Do you need a caring shoulder or safe space for support? If you can identify with any of these questions, please reach out for help to Student Affairs, Campus Counseling, or any other trusted resource. We are here for you. Let’s grow, let’s heal and let’s become stronger, together. Email us for assistance.
Sherman CE Summit: A One-Day Virtual Event
In response to many cancelled live continuing education events in the wake of COVID-19, we are bringing together speakers from around the globe for the Sherman CE Summit: A One-Day Virtual Event on Saturday, September 12. Up to 10 Hours of CE will be available for DCs in a live-streamed format (just like Lyceum 2020) and feature Drs. Heidi Haavik, Tamara MacIntyre, Matthew McCoy, and more! Registration for Sherman College faculty and students is complimentary. Register here.
Grow Your Future Profession: Admissions Updates
Our latest video shows what makes Sherman College different from other chiropractic schools. Here’s a quick hint: family atmosphere, confidence-building and support, and focus on principled chiropractic. Watch it here. The college created a virtual campus tour this spring. Check it out here. Enrollment Services is hosting virtual campus visits every Thursday at 11 am this summer. If you know of someone who may be interested, please share this link. In-person campus visits are also being held; capacity is very limited and social distancing measures are being implemented. In-person visits are being held on Tuesdays and Fridays; contact Kendra Strange.
Sherman College Reopening Guide Online
Phase 4 of the college’s reopening plan begins in fall quarter. Student success continues to be at the forefront of all college actions with regard to reopening, and the college is committed to the highest standards of health, safety and security. The college will closely monitor the state, local and national recommendations as it plans the fall quarter. Additionally, the college will continue to seek employee and student feedback on the effectiveness of the initial three phases to make informed plans for the fall. View the Reopening Guide.