Coastal Carolina University is ‘bleeding cash’ as fall semester uncertainties loom
Coastal Carolina University is “bleeding cash” but is waiting on directions from the state on how it can proceed with plans for sports, the student experience and academics.
CCU’s President David DeCenzo said the university submitted a plan to the state that includes cost-saving measures like furloughs and early retirements, but hasn’t received authority to move forward.
South Carolina’s legislature ended its session earlier this month without approving next steps for the state’s public universities, DeCenzo said.
“It is our hope to get permission to start before the General Assembly proceeds,” DeCenzo said. “We certainly hope that the state’s HR will give us permission to begin dealing with the issues we are facing.”
DeCenzo asked Board of Trustee members Friday to reach out to their state representatives to take action on issues facing universities. Currently, Gov. Henry McMaster asked the General Assembly to meet again after cases peak but before June 30
The Sun News requested a copy of the report, but the request was denied. University Spokesperson Martha Hunn said when the state responds to the plan, the university wants employees to know specific information before its becomes public.
CCU’s Board of Trustees met remotely to discuss the financial situation of the university. It could receive another update on May 1 with the hope of having more direction from the state.
The university also is working on refunds of some money to students. The money is gradually becoming available, and as soon as the university has it, students can expect to see their refunds, the president said.
The 2020 fall semester may be held on campus, but the decision has not yet been made. It could be made mid-June, with the alternative being all online courses.
In the worst-case scenario, CCU could lose 15 to 20 percent of its enrollment, which DeCenzo said would be devastating for the university.
The search for DeCenzo’s replacement due to his retirement will be delayed temporarily and candidates for the job have been notified. This could result in DeCenzo delaying his retirement.
If campus does re-open, DeCenzo said widespread testing would be needed and anyone found with the virus would need to be immediately quarantined.
“There are some concerns if we do open up there will be a need for social distancing. What that means for our residence halls, our community and our student activities is not yet known,” DeCenzo said.
In addition, DeCenzo said the Sun Belt Conference could start the fall sports season late with only conference games and limited travel. All athletes will need to be tested and fans may not be allowed to attend.
“We may play some teams in our conference twice and others not at all,” DeCenzo said. “We are really up in the air for what happens in the fall.”
This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 3:53 PM.
