FIU Announces Remote Learning Through Summer, More Resources For Students

Cristina Gonzalez/ Assistant Entertainment Director

Remote learning at FIU will continue throughout the Summer semester, for Summer A and Summer C. 

In the latest Coronavirus update from the University, FIU announced that no in-person classes will be held for the Summer A and C term. 

This means that all scheduled face-to-face classes for the Summer A and C term will now be transitioned to online. 

No decision has been made for Summer B as of yet. 

The decision comes after Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order on Monday advising people to stay home through at least mid-April amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Florida. 

FIU is asking students to keep an eye out for any course changes in their schedules in the upcoming weeks. 

The University also announced that the Pass/Fail grading system that was implemented for the spring semester, will not be available for the summer term.

The Governor’s decision to extend the stay-at-home order for Floridians has also led FIU to extend remote work for faculty and staff until at least April 17, 2020.  

The University’s email also listed a number of ways FIU is assisting students, health care and hospitality workers and small businesses during this time.

Students who are in need of financial assistance during this time may fill out an aid request. Assistance is subject to availability of funds and student eligibility. Assistance offered through this process may also be in the form of referrals or non-financial assistance.

Assistance for things like  An unexpected car repair, lack of food resources, difficulty paying utility bills or rent or medical emergencies.

To aid workers during the shortage, FIU announced that in collaboration with Baptist Health South Florida, they will construct 1,000 3D-printed reusable face shields to protect healthcare workers.

The Florida Small Business Development Center at FIU, hosted by the College of Business, is offering free consults to business owners impacted by COVID-19. 

They are also hosting informational webinars on applying for loans and other useful resources. The University has set up an email list for businesses that would like to receive updates on these resources.

To enroll, businesses can send an email to sbdc@fiu.edu.

To provide some relief to hospitality workers, FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management has set up the SOBEWFF & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund 

to provide financial support to the employees of restaurants and bars impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The email also gave an update on when students will be receiving refunds on their commencement tickets, after the University announced that a virtual commencement will be held for spring graduates.

According to the email, those who purchased tickets should expect a refund in the next three to five business days.

Students who don’t receive their refund by April 10, are asked to reach out to Ahiza Fernandez at abeers01@fiu.edu. 

FIU stated that more information on virtual commencement will be coming in the next few days.