The university reported 17 active cases this week as COVID-19 numbers remain at a "new normal" alert level.
4,801 cases have been reported to the university since Jan. 1, according to data USC released on Tuesday. Of the 17 active cases, 15 are students and two are faculty and staff.
This is an increase of 13 cases since last week's total of four active cases. However, compared to last week, 2,586 more people were tested.
At a 0.7% positivity rate for students, about one in 140 students who got tested from March 13 to March 19 tested positive.
There are currently 1,014 new cases in South Carolina, according to data the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported on March 1.
USC announced that masks are optional in classrooms and most on-campus spaces through an email on March 17.
"Thanks to all of you who have taken steps to protect yourselves and your community from COVID-19 over the past two years. Your continued diligence has made it possible for us to return to a more traditional campus experience," Interim Provost Stephen Cutler and Interim Chief Health Officer Jason Stacy said in the email.
The university said they would continue monitoring data and SAFE testing. Masks will still be required in medical buildings, the school of medicine, testing sites and on public transportation.
Approximately 72% of students, 68% of staff and 83% of faculty are vaccinated, the university reported.
USC students, faculty and staff can get tested and vaccinated on campus. Monthly student testing is still required.
USC's COVID-19 dashboard calculates an alert level based on 11 factors including campus testing, isolation capacity and campus case burden. The current alert level is set at new normal.
USC updates its COVID-19 dashboard every Tuesday.