Covid-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on Wednesday. The Dow Jones industrial average plunged by almost 1500 points into a bear market. And all Florida public universities were told to transition to remote instruction effective immediately, according to a statement issued by The State University System of Florida.
“State universities with students who have returned from spring break, which include Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida Polytechnic University, and the University of Florida, should implement a process to transition to remote instruction immediately and encourage students to return home for at least two weeks,” the statement said.
Other universities with students who aren’t on break or are about to be on break were told to direct their students not to return to campus for at least 2 weeks following the conclusion of the break. These include Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida State University, New College of Florida, the University of North Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, and the University of West Florida.
“Today, Florida’s State University System is transitioning to remote learning in response to the coronavirus pandemic,” wrote Florida International University President Mark Rosenberg. “ In an abundance of caution, and following the lead of Governor Ron DeSantis, at FIU we are responding by beginning remote learning this Thursday.”
Follow this thread for #coronavirus updates and visit our coronavirus FAQ at https://t.co/xJb5or5I73.
FIU is open and operational. The university is transitioning to remote learning beginning 3/12 to run through at least 4/4. All in-person classes will shift to remote learning.
— FIU (@FIU) March 11, 2020
Faculty and staff will report to work, Rosenberg added.
Universities will be providing further information to students and employees concerning adjustments specific to each institution’s transition.
FIU events scheduled through April 4 will all be canceled, according to Rosenberg, as will study abroad programs and non-essential travel.
Updates and additional information can be found on the FIU coronavirus web page and FIU students with concerns may contact FIU Student Health Services at 305-348-2401.
