BREAKING: Students can return to campus this fall

By: Jordan Coll & Valentina Palm / PantherNOW Staff

The Florida Board of Governors approved FIU’s repopulation plan, known as the Panthers Protecting Panthers, on Tuesday. 

Last week, the plan was presented to the FIU Board of Trustees. Following their approval, the plan was presented to the Florida Board of Governors which oversees all public universities in the state. 

Students returning in the Fall are expected to follow the necessary measures laid out in the plan to help regulate the spread of the coronavirus. 

Students, faculty, and staff will be surveilled through the use of an online app called Panthers Protecting Panthers app or “P3.”

Using the app, students will be given a questionnaire asking if they have possibly been in close contact with anyone who has the virus. 

“This will help develop a better assessment of where the university stands with contact tracing of the virus,” said Provost Kenneth Furton.

University officials are hoping that the campaign will go beyond the walls of the campus. 

“The campaign Panthers Protecting Panthers will extend to local communities around FIU to make resources available for residents,” said Furton.

Anyone testing positive will be advised to quarantine themselves and dorm space will be put aside to isolate members of the university who test positive, according to Furton.

In a response to a question made regarding low-class capacity compared to other Florida public universities, “FIU has not extended class hours or offered Saturday classes as students have already registered for the Fall,” said Furton.