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Helping Trojans Thrive in College

It's here! The 2022-2023 Thrive Guide for USC students has articles, news, and guide to services for all USC students. Welcome to the new academic year!

8/2 COVID-19 Safety and Other Key Reminders

We are looking forward to a vibrant fall semester, and the arrival of our students for the beginning of the academic year. As we prepare to greet one another in person once again, we want to share important reminders with the community to continue to take precautions regarding COVID-19 in our campus communities. Currently, Los Angeles County is experiencing a slight decline from a high level of community transmission (7,009 new cases reported as of the week ending 7/28) that has trended throughout the summer months, driven by the BA.5 subvariant of Omicron. Some of the cases include reinfection in individuals who previously had COVID-19. We strongly recommend wearing medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95, KF94) when indoors around others to reduce transmission and risk of infection. Masking is most effective when there is both a good fit (no gaps, covering the nose, mouth, chin) and good filtration. Testing before arrival (1-2 days) to campus and testing upon arrival (3-5 days after) will help keep our campuses safer from transmission.

7/25 Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

Monkeypox, a disease caused by infection with monkeypox virus, is a rare disease and does not naturally occur naturally in the US. Cases of monkeypox have recently been identified in some countries where the virus is not typically found, including in the US, and appear to have spread through human-to-human contact. Monkeypox can spread when a person has close contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus (direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids; or respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex) or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) that are contaminated with the virus. The risk to the US population remains low. Those who experience symptoms consistent with monkeypox, such as characteristic rashes or lesions, should contact their health care provider for a risk assessment or call DPH at 2-1-1 for assistance if you do not have a regular provider. This includes anyone who traveled to countries where monkeypox cases have been reported or has had close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has a similar rash or received a diagnosis of suspected or confirmed monkeypox. Specific populations may be at increased risk for contracting monkeypox and are eligible for vaccination. As vaccines are currently in limited supply in LA County, individuals are encouraged to sign up for the LA County Monkeypox Newsletter to receive updates on vaccine availability.

Immuchella 2022 (for new International Students) Aug 15-19, 2022

International students are reminded to complete any immunizations that are incomplete; this may be completed during "Immuchella" with Student Health at the beginning of each semester. You can also have your required TB screening completed (if your country of origin is in the "high TB burden" category). Arrive ONLY on your assigned day based on your last name, during the week of Aug 15-19. The location is Pardee Lawn (in front of Pardee Tower). Arrival hours are from 7 AM - 2:30 PM. For Fall 2022 new students:

Last names A-D: plan to go on Monday, August 15
Last names E-K: plan to go on Tuesday, August 16
Last names L-O: plan to go on Wednesday, August 17
Last names P-V: plan to go on Thursday, August 18
Last names W-Z: plan to go on Friday, August 19

If you miss your scheduled day, you may come on any day during the "make-up" week, August 22-26, at the same location during the same hours (arrival from 7 AM - 2:30 PM).

7/13 Health Advisory regarding COVID-19 and update on Pop Testing

The recent data collected on COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles County and at USC points to a steady increase in test positivity and hospitalizations, a trend that is expected to continue over the next few weeks. We strongly recommend wearing medical-grade masks or respirator masks (including surgical, N95, KN95, KF94) when indoors around others to reduce transmission and risk of infection. Masking is most effective when there is both a good fit (no gaps, covering the nose, mouth, chin) and good filtration. If and when the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issues changes to the Public Health Officer order regarding indoor masking protocols, the university will align with required measures. Due to changes with our testing provider, after Friday, July 29, 2022, nasal swab testing will no longer be available through the Pop Testing program. The last day to schedule a nasal swab test will be Friday, July 29. After this date,saliva-based PCR tests will be the primary collection method used on-campus for students, staff, and faculty. You can pick up a take-home saliva collection kit from one of our campus testing locations (Jefferson Lot at UPC, Pappas Quad at HSC) and schedule a drop off of your sample through MySHR.

Regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Through a statement on social media from USC president Carol L. Folt, the university president confirmed that "When women's reproductive rights are not protected federally, it can lead to harmful disparities that impact women's health and wellbeing. In California, women will retain choice over the most private, personal, difficult decision of their lives, but that will not be true in many other states. As a leading educational institution with a major healthcare system, we must continue to champion safe access to women's reproductive healthcare through our advocacy, research and medical enterprise."

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