Students Welcomed with Innovative Check-In Process

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech is welcoming students back to campus with the same innovative, comprehensive approach to safety highlighted by the university’s Florida Tech Safe: Return to Learn plan. This weekend, that approach ushered in a new system for Florida Tech and helped make the traditional student check-in process a seamless, smooth and, thankfully given the temperatures, more air-conditioned process.

This safety-first approach as students return to campus produced a first in the university’s nearly 62-year history: drive-through check-in.

Held Saturday and Sunday, this allowed more than 640 first-year and transfer students, many arriving with their families, to get processed upon their arrival to campus without leaving their vehicles. Student temperatures were taken and they were provided masks and other Florida Tech swag as they entered the queue on County Club Road. If their student ID photo had already been uploaded, they would drive through various stations to get their completed student ID, housing keys, parking pass and orientation booklet, and then check in with Admissions – all without exiting their vehicle.

There was music playing and water and snacks provided by Dining Services.

“The process was a major success,” said Greg Connell, assistant vice president of housing and campus services. “It allowed students and parents to stay in their air-conditioned cars, and as an added benefit, it gave parents a chance to hear the information being provided to the students. In the past, when this was at the Clemente Center, only students went through the process.”

Connell added, “From a social distancing standpoint, it allowed the students and our staff to still create an opportunity for a personal interaction while creating an environment that encouraged social distancing.”

After the check-in process, students proceeded to their residence halls to move in.

As Florida Tech President Dwayne McCay noted in a message to campus on Friday, the new check-in process is part of the university’s holistic focus on safety:

“The realities of the COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated a range of adjustments and accommodations to maximize safety and instructional flexibility. Our entire university community—faculty, staff, students, and parents—have pulled together to meet this “new normal” with an attitude of collaboration and a spirit of partnership, keeping safety as the highest priority. I’m confident we’re well-prepared for face-to-face instruction to resume Aug. 17.”