Breaking News: FIU Addresses its ‘Next Normal’ at In-Person Town Hall Meeting

Maya Washburn / Asst. News Director

The university’s return back to campus life without COVID-19 restrictions and the consequences of a $40 million donation directed the discussion at the university’s “Next Normal” town hall meeting five days before the start of Summer B.

FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg pointed out the resilience of the university in dealing with the challenges brought by the pandemic.

“[The] tragedy of COVID-19 has hit everybody very hard,” said Rosenberg. “We’ve had to reinvent and then reinvent again [and] find new strength every day despite the pain and uncertainty, but we push through as we always do.”

He announced the university has performed the best it ever had with performance funding metrics. 

He referenced the $40 million donation by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and attributed it to the university community’s perseverance. He said that the university never directly applied for the funds.

“We didn’t spend days, months and years on an agonizing application. Real life, what we did, what you accomplished, is what got us through that portal,” said Rosenberg. “That passion that you have…for our success, research and creative impact is what drove MacKenzie Scott to recognize [us.]”

Provost Kenneth Furton announced the university has achieved a performance metric score of 97 out of 100, compared to a score of 68 in 2014. He also mentioned that FIU is on track to reach a 60 percent four-year graduation rate.

“We thought that was impossible,” said Furton. “We’re now turning that into the inevitable.”

Furton showed a slide with an infographic showing the amount of courses offered in 2019 compared to 2021, and noted that an additional 300 in-person courses will be offered this fall.

Infographic shown at the town hall meeting showing course offering rates in 2019 versus 2021.

He encouraged students to reach out to faculty if there are courses needed that are not currently offered.

Elizabeth Bejar, senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs provided updates on reopened student services including the Panther Esports lounge, student programming council events and dining locations. She asked that students apply to work as a student employee because of the additional labor need that comes with reopening.

Bejar then announced that study abroad programs will open again for the upcoming fall semester to countries that have Department of State Travel Advisory levels of one or two.

El pagnier K. Hudson, senior Vice President of Human Resources and Vice Provost of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mentioned the change of the mask policy on campus. She encouraged that everyone be vaccinated and wear masks, but said to respect personal choice.

“If [we] see someone that wishes not to wear a mask, we’re not shaming people. We want everyone to feel that they belong here,” said Hudson.

Eneida Roldan, chief executive officer of FIU Health Care Network, emphasized that health is FIU’s top priority. She reminded everyone who visits campus to fill out the P3 app.

“Thank you to those of you that are wearing your mask. That’s the way it’s supposed to be,” said Roldan.

Roldan reminded attendees that the pandemic is not over. She urged members of the university community to get vaccinated.

In response to a question asking if FIU will require proof of vaccination from students, Bejar said that there will be no collection of vaccination information by the university.

“This is about personal responsibility and adhering to what you know and what you believe to be appropriate and responsible for you given your body. We honor and respect personal choice,” said Bejar.

Roldan said that she expects the COVID-19 vaccine to be included as part of the immunization plan in the future along with other vaccines in the future.

Rosenberg closed with a sentiment about space accessibility on campus.

“I’m really pleased to see that in the Recreation and Wellness Center, those horrible signs are coming off the treadmills, [such as signs that say,] ‘You can’t do that’ or ‘You can’t sit here.’ We can do all of those things now!”