On the afternoon of Friday, Feb 12, President Chris Markwood sent an email to university employees announcing that they could be eligible to receive a $1,000 bonus. This bonus, which was authorized by USG Chancellor Steve Wrigley, will be awarded to full-time employees across the university system who earn less than $80,000 a year. 

This plan mirrors those from state lawmakers offering one-time bonuses to Georgia’s public school teachers. President Markwood referenced the “heavy lifting” by state educators during the pandemic as context for this relief. As of Monday, there were 15 active, self-reported cases of COVID-19 on campus. 

“I continue to be grateful to each of you for your commitment to our students, to each other, and to Columbus State University,” reads President Markwood’s email. “Thanks to each of you for making CSU a special place to learn and work. And thank you for what you do for our students, our community, and each other.”

CSU is currently awaiting guidance from USG on how these funds are to be fulfilled through payroll.