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.
Continue Reading 8/2 COVID-19 Safety and Other Key Reminders

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….Continue Reading 7/25 Monkeypox: What you should know in LA County

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.”…Continue Reading Regarding Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

Student Employment Opportunity, 2022-2023

Well-being and Health Outreach Ambassador (Student Health) Description is also listed in the ConnectSC jobs portal; On-Campus Non-work-study (student employment) ID: 272632 USC Student Health, Communications and Marketing is seeking Well-being and Health Outreach Ambassadors (WHOA’s) to manage in-person activations promoting 1) awareness of services and 2) awareness of preventive health through education, screening programs, other…Continue Reading Student Employment Opportunity, 2022-2023

Recorded Onboarding Sessions: Incoming New Students

Student Health presents a virtual overview of how to meet requirements, navigate services, and prepare for life at the university. New Undergraduate Students/Parents; Graduate and International students Thank you for attending! A PDF of the general slide presentation is available for downloading. Video and audio recordings of the presentations are also available for students and…Continue Reading Recorded Onboarding Sessions: Incoming New Students

Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19

May 11, 2022—As COVID-19 cases nationally and in Los Angeles County continue to steadily increase in recent weeks, we are sharing the following information as a special advisory for individuals who may be at higher risk of serious symptoms of COVID-19. The best protection is to be up to date on vaccinations, including boosters when…Continue Reading Health Advisory for Individuals at Higher Risk of Serious Cases of COVID-19

Contraception, including LARCs

There are many contraceptive options for people and partners who are looking to prevent pregnancy when having sexually active relationships. Long-term, reversible contraceptives (LARC) may be the right option for people and partners who do not plan a pregnancy in the near future. Is long acting reversible contraception (LARC) right for you? Whether you’re sexually…Continue Reading Contraception, including LARCs

Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19

4/15/22—Updated guidance from the LA County Dept. of Public Health removes the quarantine requirement for individuals who are asymptomatic after having had a close contact exposure to a positive case of COVID-19. Individuals who have had an exposure are required to wear a highly protective mask around others, especially indoors, for a total of 10…Continue Reading Update to Health Officer Order for the control of COVID-19

“Sexual Citizens” Discussion during Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Throughout April, we will demonstrate our heartfelt commitment to empower survivors with activities that support their resilience, hope, and healing, and we encourage our community to learn more about this topic to increase awareness, prevention, and knowledge.
As we begin Sexual Assault Awareness Month (#usc_saam), we are writing to invite you to a public discussion framed around the concept of “sexual citizens.” The idea comes out of the most comprehensive study to date of sexual assault on campus conducted by the Sexual Health Initiative to Foster Transformation (SHIFT) at Columbia University. Columbia professors and authors of the groundbreaking book, “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power and Assault on Campus,” Jennifer S. Hirsch and Shamus Khan will be on hand to share powerful insights from their work.