Update on Latest Plans
Seems like finding the right update in this unusual time is tricky. I don’t think I have ever used the word unprecedented as much as I have since this pandemic began. Actually, I don’t believe I ever used the word pandemic much either. However; it is real and regardless of what these unprecedented times have brought to you and your family, the fall semester will begin before we know it and it is important that we stay up to date on the latest update and procedures at FSU. At present, FSU will remain online throughout the rest of the summer while administrators are communicating with government officials about necessary safety measures and health protocols for the return to campus. Updates change, well, frankly, like the wind, but here are some important parts.
On-campus COVID-19 testing is available and encouraged. Students can sign up for COVID testing and their results online. Students may also be asked to take a COVID-19 test as part of FSU’s Sentinel Surveillance program, which aims to test a percentage of students monthly to detect when community spread may be increasing. For those students that test positive, Rogers Hall and several other smaller facilities will be used only for the 14-day quarantining of residential students who have tested positive for the virus. Off-campus students will isolate themselves in their apartments/houses.
FSU is starting a COVID-19 Random Testing Program. This is going to consist of students getting randomly chosen to get COVID tested. The testing is not required, but extremely encouraged. Participants will be chosen based on weekly reviews of on-campus activity at FSU. Students living on Florida state campus, students living off-campus in Tallahassee, and faculty and staff can get chosen. COVID testing for this program will be conducted at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center.
General COVID questions can be sent to COVID-19@flhealth.org. The following numbers may be useful as well:
- Department of Health COVID Call Center: 866-404-6300, available 8 am to 5 pm
- Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center: 866-779-6121
- Additional community resources
And then there is the face mask part. Just wear it and encourage others to wear it too so we can just get to the end of this thing. FSU is requiring all students to help by wearing masks and will provide masks to those that do not have one when coming to campus. There are specific directions about mask requirements and sanitizing on page 6 of the COVID 19 Guidelines. We think that if your face covering is a bit more fashionable, it might not feel so awkward, so get a washable and fun one.
There is no doubt that the fall semester will look different starting with the new safety measures FSU has put in place. Students will still be able to participate in organizations, clubs, events, and activities –most virtually and others in-person, and probably outdoors, using proper social distancing. Indoor fitness will be limited in capacity, but there will be virtual fitness options offered as well. As for football and tailgating…. well, it isn’t looking very good, but no decisions have been made yet.
Housing has reduced occupancy, implemented space and amenity restrictions, and increased cleaning and disinfecting. Fall courses are a mix of in-classroom, hybrid and online; select courses and labs, and experiential courses will be face-to-face; however, no face-to-face classes will take place after Thanksgiving. Any classes that do take place in classrooms will only have 25-50% capacity to limit the number of students, faculty, and assistants at any given time. International programs will not be offered this fall. Entry to buildings will be regulated and monitored. The FSUCard is required for entry to all buildings.
Academic advising and support services for students will be available both face-to-face and remotely; intercollegiate athletics, including practices and competitions, will continue and follow NCAA and ACC requirements; and services such as parking, student recreation, student health, and student activities will be available. Fraternity and sorority life will be quite different, but it will still exist. Recruitment will still happen, with some parts done virtually and others with the option to be in person.
You can find or a more detailed look at COVID 19 Guidelines but don’t hesitate to reach out to any of the resources above with any questions. This is too important and we all want to remain safe and healthy and make this a success so we can put the U and P words in our past. You may want to check out some of our other blogs to help get you through these unprecedented times. Yup, there’s that word again.
- How to Succeed in Online and Virtual Classes
- Online Test Taking
- Should my Student Go Back to School This Fall?
- Want to Get Back the Security Deposit
- Dealing With Uncertainty
- Creating Work and Study Home Space
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