Revised January 2022
The University is making a limited number of COVID-19 self testing kits available to students and employees on campus. Students living in the residence halls will be asked to take a test as they move in for the spring semester. By identifying cases early, we hope to lessen the spread of the virus on campus.
The CDC has said vaccinations and boosters offer our best protection and the best chance we have to maintain a campus with minimal cases of COVID-19. The Board of Governors and Florida Poly strongly urge every person on campus to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to protect themselves and our entire University community. We urge those who are vaccinated to receive a booster shot if eligible.
Those who are vaccinated and have received a booster shot report less severe illness and have a lower chance of being hospitalized due to the virus. Vaccines and boosters are free and widely available at retail pharmacies throughout the state.
Every person on campus is expected to wear a mask at all times while inside any Florida Poly facility. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The mask expectation applies to all students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors. Wearing a mask is especially important if you have a weakened immune system or if you or someone in your household is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
In-person meetings and events are allowed on campus. Participants in all events are expected to adhere to CDC recommendations, including the use of face coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Classrooms will be set up to accommodate full occupancy. Indoor mask wearing by all individuals regardless of vaccination status is expected as it can help minimize the spread of COVID-19 on campus.
We ask that all students continue to closely monitor their health and watch for potential COVID-19 symptoms daily. Students who test positive should fill out the Florida Poly COVID-19 notification form.
COVID-19 testing will be available for symptomatic patients in the Health Clinic during regular operating hours (Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m.). For testing off campus, visit the Florida Department of Health website to find a provider.
Regardless of vaccination status, if you get sick, do not feel like yourself, have had close contact with someone who has tested positive, or if you test positive for COVID-19, please stay put and contact CARE Services at via email or call 863-874-8599 immediately. If you live on campus in the residence halls, please do not leave your residence hall unit/room. If you are a commuter student, then please remain off campus and do not come to campus.
If you feel sick, please call the campus Health Clinic at (863) 603-6505. Depending on your symptoms, a telehealth visit will be scheduled. You will be given directions on what to do next. You may be given an appointment time to be seen at the campus respiratory clinic (located next to the Student Development Center pool).
The Campus Health Clinic is open Monday-Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. If you do not feel well and it is a weekend day or evening, please contact your medical provider of choice, or the Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care provider at 863-284-6800.
Telehealth visits made to a Lakeland Regional Health Urgent Care provider (863-284-6800) are not covered by the University. Personal health insurance can be used.
If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, contact CARE Services at via email or call 863-874-8599 for guidance.
*Exposure is defined as being within six feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period.
Yes. The University’s respiratory clinic, located next to the Student Development Center pool, is available to students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms as identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have symptoms, contact the Health Clinic at 863-603-6505 to schedule a telehealth visit. If the provider recommends a test for COVID-19, you will be scheduled for an appointment at the respiratory clinic. Those with an appointment will be directed to bypass the building’s entrance and meet the healthcare provider at an appropriately distanced location.
Members of the Florida Poly community are asked to report a positive test result by completing and submitting the COVID-19 Notification Form.
Students with a positive test result will be asked to isolate. All students should have a plan for how they will personally handle an isolation situation. Students living in the campus residence halls will work with their RA and suitemates to develop and understand each person’s individual plan.
Again, students needing to isolate should begin with the COVID-19 Notification Form. CARE Services is available to help all students in their individual COVID-19 considerations and plans.
Yes. The Florida Poly community will continue to have access to the dozens of hand sanitizer stations installed across campus and within the residence halls. Additional hand sanitizer dispensers are located inside every classroom for easy access during instruction time. Here’s guidance on how to effectively use hand sanitizers when soap and water are not readily accessible.
Yes. Water fountains and water bottle filling stations are open and available on campus.
Yes, Florida Poly will continue to conduct enhanced cleaning and disinfecting throughout campus, and particularly in high-traffic areas.
Yes. Dining services and the Wellness Center have returned to a pre-COVID-19 style of operations.
Yes. All available space in the residence halls has been leased for the 2021-2022 academic year.
CARE Services, Florida Poly’s health and wellness program, can connect students with resources to help them address mental health, financial, and personal concerns. Our counselors are working to meet the needs of students who reach out for support by offering sessions by phone, in person, or through virtual sessions. To make an appointment, call 863-874-8599 or email the Care Team. Other support resources available include:
For questions regarding COVID-19 related matters, please contact:
