Child/adult participants should not attend class if either is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or other signs of illness.
These policies apply to School of Music Community Activities and Programs at all of our facilities and event locations, including the Music Building, String Project Building, Koger Center for the Arts, the Copenhaver Band Hall facility and other facilities as utilized by our programs.
By enrolling in events, classes and lessons, students, parents and guardians agree to abide by the policies below and other specific policies, where applicable. See individual program and event pages for additional policies.
Parking
Metered city parking is available on the streets around the School of Music. Hourly parking is also available in the Discovery Parking Garage (corner of College and Park Streets) and other campus garages. The School of Music circle and String Project parking lane is for drop-off and pick-up only. Parking spaces in the School of Music circle require UofSC tags. Do not park illegally, as towing does occur. Do not double park in loading areas, such as the School of Music circle, School of Music loading dock, and String Project curb. The UofSC School of Music, its programs, and its events, do not have authority to waive UofSC or City of Columbia parking tickets.
Note that special events (Koger Center for the Arts, Carolina Coliseum, and Colonial Life Arena) will affect parking availability in metered spaces, garages and lots.
Parental Supervision
Participants under the age of 18 should not be left unsupervised within the School of Music building or outside grounds for any reason at any time. The UofSC or the UofSC School of Music, its staff and instructors, will NOT assume responsibility for participants should an accident or incident occur while they are unattended.
Many programs offer unique learning experiences within the School of Music. Consequently, students may be in an instructional setting with the instructor being the only adult present in the classroom.
*For minor students of driving age, a special form is available to give parental permission for the student to attend program activities independently.
UofSC Schedule and Closures
If and when the UofSC campus or the School of Music is closed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, all in-person activities for the community are cancelled. Activities may be moved to an online format as necessary or appropriate, as determined by the program director(s). Cancelled activities are not subject to a guaranteed make-up, as determined by the director(s), due to factors of facility availability and scheduling. Program participants can refer to the Campus Alerts page and COVID-19 information for active and recent alerts.
When campus is closed for official holidays, recurring lessons and classes cannot occur due to security and safety concerns. When UofSC classes are cancelled but campus remains open (such as Fall and Spring break), events and lessons can occur in the School of Music.
Consent, Waiver and Photo Release
All participants (minors and adults) must have signed documents (consent, waiver, photo release) on file with each program or event. These documents include emergency contacts and pick-up lists. Signed documents are needed for each minor child and adult (i.e. each family member) enrolled in the program.
Release of minors from program activities
Instructors/staff may only release students under the age of 18 from events, lessons and classes to the individuals listed on the most recent waiver. If the individual picking up the minor is not known by the instructor/staff, but is listed on the waiver, this individual must provide proof of identity (valid ID). Under no circumstances can a minor be released to an individual not on the waiver. If there are changes to this information mid-year, parents/guardians must notify program administration, and provide a new waiver with updated information.
Emergency Contact and Procedures
If a life-threatening emergency occurs, program staff/instructors will care for the participant, call 911 immediately, call the parent/guardian (if applicable) or emergency contact, and alert program administration. If a non-life-threatening emergency occurs, staff/instructors will immediately contact parents (if applicable) or an emergency contact, and alert program administration. First aid kits are available on site if and when needed.
If faced with a potentially dangerous situation or potential criminal activity, program staff and instructors will remove participants and immediately call law enforcement (911 or campus dispatch 803-777-4215), call the parent/guardian (if applicable) or emergency contact, and alert program administration.
Rules of Engagement and Student Discipline
In many cases, School of Music Community Activities and Programs are also teacher education laboratories. If a parent has any concerns regarding student engagement, they should contact the director of the program. General policies and procedures are outlined below.
Participants are asked to:
- Treat staff, instructors, participants, facilities and classroom materials with respect.
- Participate fully in program activities.
- Use appropriate etiquette, which includes hand raising, speaking quietly and managing personal space.
- Not bring food or drink (except water) in classrooms.
In situations where behavioral issues occur, the following step-by-step procedure is in place:
- The participant is given a verbal warning outlining the behavior and the expectation.
- The participant is given a second verbal warning. This will be followed by communication to the parent/guardian regarding the behavioral concern and the potential removal from the activity or the program.
- If the disruption continues, the participant will be removed from the current activity and placed temporarily with other program staff. In cases of severe behavioral issues of a minor participant, parents/guardians may be asked to intervene and/or pick-up the minor. Alternatively, parents/guardians may be required to attend subsequent classes or private lessons.
- If behaviors are severe or recurring, the participant may be removed permanently from program, at the discretion of the program director; refunds are not guaranteed.
Other forms of punitive discipline are not allowed in our programs.
University-wide Policies for Program Activities
- The possession or use of alcohol and other drugs, fireworks, guns and other weapons is prohibited.
- No use of tobacco products will be tolerated.
- No theft of property, regardless of owner, will be tolerated.
- Bullying including verbal, physical, and cyber bullying is prohibited. Hazing of any kind is prohibited.
- No violence, including sexual abuse or harassment, will be tolerated.
- The parking of participant vehicles must be in accordance with University and School of Music parking regulations.
- The operation of a University or personal motor vehicle by minors is prohibited during program hours, unless parental permission is obtained. Permission form available upon request.
- The inappropriate use of cameras, imagine, and digital devices is prohibited, including the use of such devices in restrooms or other areas where privacy is expected.