Florida Tech Announces Details for Safe Resumption of Classes
Attendance Caps, Single Student Housing
Among Components of Return-to-Learn Initiative
MELBOURNE, FLA. — Students will be provided face coverings, public access to campus will be limited, and employees will undergo health screenings as part of a comprehensive plan Florida Tech announced ahead of the resumption of face-to-face classes on Aug. 17.
These and other recommendations in the university’s return-to-learn plan, Florida Tech Safe, were developed over the last several months by Florida Tech’s Pandemic Response Committee, which worked collaboratively across campus units to facilitate the university’s safe and efficient return to campus-based living and learning in the fall.
Operations across campus – from the student experience to the work environment for faculty and staff – were evaluated for risk, assessed for opportunities and challenges, and modified to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
“I am pleased to report that the team has drafted a comprehensive plan that prioritizes student, faculty and staff health while also maintaining the flexibility that will be required to deal with evolving circumstances,” Florida Tech President Dwayne McCay said in a letter to the campus community announcing the plan.
Florida Tech Safe implements a one student/one bedroom policy for campus housing so students will have more privacy and more personal space and will not have to share a room, unless otherwise requested.
Additionally, all campus facilities will continue to undergo increased safety cleanings, and Plexiglass barriers will be installed in high-traffic areas.
In the classroom, attendance will be capped to ensure social distancing is possible – additional sections will be added, if necessary – and classrooms will be equipped to allow for remote attendance should that be needed.
The university’s traditional two-day fall break on Oct. 12-13 will be adjusted to avoid unnecessary travel, with classes being held on those days. Two additional study days will be added to the end of the term before finals. Furthermore, in order to better preserve the health and safety of the entire campus community, students choosing to leave campus for the Thanksgiving holiday will have the option of completing the remainder of the semester, including final exams, remotely. However, students are encouraged to stay, as appropriate.
Florida Tech Safe aligns with local orders and ordinances of the City of Melbourne and Brevard County, as well as the state of Florida’s phased reopening model. It also follows recommendations from the federal government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As knowledge and understanding of the COVID-19 virus continue to evolve, the university’s protocols and plans will be updated appropriately. The university’s Florida Tech Safe plan may be found here.
“We take the health and safety of all of our students, faculty and staff very seriously, and our plans will remain flexible, depending on the situation this fall,” McCay said. “Stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you in August.”
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