Nicole Heller/ Staff Writer
More than 1,000 students joined a virtual town hall meeting hosted by FIU to discuss what coming to school in the fall will look like for students.
“We want to ensure that your needs are met and that your return to the fall is smooth and productive,” president Mark B. Rosenberg said during his opening statement. He assures all the students that students’ success is their priority and they are working hard to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Rosenberg brought up the Panthers Protecting Panthers program or P3 which aims to ensure that students are kept up to date with the latest information on the virus.
The initiative outlines five important elements which include wearing a face cover, washing your hands, practicing social distancing, staying home if you feel ill, and cleaning surfaces.
Student faculty and staff will be asked to follow up with the university student code of conduct.
“Students who show noncompliance will be in direct violation of the university policy,” said Breny Garcia Associate VP Student Health & Wellness Center.
Alexander Casas, FIU Chief of Police, said that wearing a face cover will be mandatory for every person who is on campus. If a person is not wearing a mask, they would be asked to leave the campus. “Students will receive one face covering at no charge,” he said.
“Student shuttles will be running in the fall,” said Javier Marques, Vice President for Operations and Safety. However, the capacity will be reduced by 50% but there will be additional buses to address the capacity.
Moreover, Provost Kenneth Furton spoke about the four teaching methods which will be available for the upcoming semester: all in person, Certified Hybrid, Approved Synchronous Remote, and Quality Designed Fully Online.
Charlie Andrews introduced “Ask Charlie” which is a site where students can access more information on the layout for the fall semester and can ask questions regarding scheduling. It will also provide a separate section open to answer general questions students may have on how they will go about with remote learning.
“FIU Housing and Bayview dorms will be open this upcoming fall and will be taking precautions as we come closer to the semester,” said Andrew Naylor, Senior Director of Housing and Residential Life.
According to Furton, the library will reopen in the fall but there will be changes and certain limitations as students enter the campus. “It will be based on student priorities,” he said.
Finally, Eduardo Monteiro spoke about the Panthers Protecting Panthers application which students will use the Safety Screening Checklist to answer a series of questions that will determine if the student should go to classes, stay at home, or schedule an appointment to get tested for COVID-19.
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