Students in face coverings
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Information for students, faculty, and staff

COVID-19

Spring 2022 Update

Florida Poly will remain as an in-person campus, and classes will start on time, as currently scheduled on Jan. 10. Move in starts on Jan. 7.

We do know that the combination of vaccines and masks are appropriate and effective tools against the spread of COVID; hence, we strongly encourage both for all members of our campus community.  

 

Updates and Communications

Dear students,

Welcome back to campus for the spring semester. As classes get started today, it’s good to see so many of you are wearing masks and taking the current surge of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus seriously.

As you know, Omicron is spreading swiftly throughout our state and our nation – it is airborne and far more transmissible than other variants we’ve seen. It is imperative that our entire campus community does everything we can to limit its spread on our campus to keep our students and employees well and our classes running smoothly.

Each one of you has a personal responsibility to do your part:

  • Wear a mask (N95, KN95, or similar if possible)
  • Get vaccinated and boosted
  • Stay home if you are sick

These simple actions can help us continue to operate with as little disruption as possible. Additionally, self-test kits are available, if you think you need to test, please reach out to CARE Services.   The BayCare bus is on campus through Thursday, January 13 and available to work with you on COVID testing, flu shots and general wellness conversations.

If you begin exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or are exposed to someone who is sick with the virus, please contact CARE Services immediately for guidance. Those sick with the virus should isolate off campus and stay away from campus until they are no longer contagious. Please visit Florida Poly’s coronavirus webpage for additional information and future updates.

I am looking forward to another great semester on campus.  Please, continue to do your part. I have confidence that you will.

Welcome back,

Randy

Dr. Randy K. Avent

All,

The start of a new semester is upon us, and I am excited to see you all back on campus. It has been energizing to see so many of you transitioning back this week, eager to welcome our students. 

As you know, classes start on Monday. To be clear, we will remain an in-person campus this semester and all classes will start on time as scheduled. As we hit the ground running, I want to be sure you have all the information you need to return as safely as possible and with confidence that our number one priority is keeping our campus community healthy. 

We are beginning this semester the same way we began the fall semester – in a COVID-19 surge. As you undoubtedly know, the Omicron variant is spreading quickly throughout our community and across the nation. Fortunately, we have the knowledge and tools we need to remain productive and cautious, and with a hopefully low spread of the virus on campus.

With this is mind, we will be adjusting our remote working allowances for nonstudent-facing employees and providing necessary and increased protective equipment for those employees on campus. If you are a nonstudent-facing employee with a legitimate concern and valid reason for not reporting to your work location – and your lifestyle reflects that, i.e., you are purposely limiting your outside activities to try and prevent infection – then please work with your supervisor to negotiate a continued remote work situation for the next couple of weeks while we get through this current surge. 

For student-facing employees, please report to your physical work site as instructed by your supervisor. The University will be providing increased, and additional, personal protective equipment (KN95 masks and optional testing kits) for those student-facing employees who want to take advantage of these added precautionary measures.  Please reach out to your supervisor if you would like either of these. 

It is up to each of us to do all we can to protect ourselves and others.

  • Masks are strongly recommended. As we contend with this surge, it is best to use an N95 or KN95 mask or other high-quality mask if you have those available.  
  • Vaccines and boosters are strongly recommended. These have been shown to reduce the chance of serious illness and hospitalization.
  • If you are sick with COVID-like symptoms, do not come to campus. Contact Human Resources and your immediate supervisor for guidance.
  • If you have tested positive for COVID, do not come to campus. Contact Human Resources and your immediate supervisor for guidance. 

Additional information is available on our coronavirus webpage. As has been the case throughout this pandemic, it will be updated as new information and guidance becomes available. 

I continue to be impressed with the professionalism and dedication each of you brings to your job every day. Your outstanding teamwork and attitude are what allow us to continue growing and providing a top-quality education to our students.

Happy New Year,

Randy

Dr. Randy K. Avent

President 

Dear students, faculty, and staff: 

The State University System has had a very successful fall semester, and we are looking forward to welcoming you back on campus for the spring. The key to this success has been two-fold. First, we worked together to implement new health and safety policies and procedures for preventing the transmission of COVID-19 on each campus. Second, and equally important, was the responsibility and ownership each of you took to create a safer environment for everyone on our campuses. Each of you who have accepted this shared responsibility deserve a lot of credit for making this a successful semester. 

Looking ahead to the spring semester, you can expect all 12 of our state universities to continue to offer a comprehensive array of academic classes and degree programs, and that facilities will be fully utilized based on the academic and extracurricular needs of each institution. 

However, it is clear the pandemic is not over, and as we prepare for the spring semester, we must also remain vigilant and follow the policies and protocols that are shown to limit the impacts of the virus. The best way to lessen the impact of COVID-19 on our campuses and our communities is to protect yourself, your family, and your friends every day by following the recommended precautions, including wearing masks, testing when necessary, and getting fully vaccinated, including a booster, if you are able to do so. 

With your steadfast commitment, we are confident we will have a successful spring semester, with our students continuing to receive the high-quality education they both expect and deserve. 

Sincerely, 

Syd Kitson, Chair, Florida Board of Governors

Marshall Criser, III, Chancellor,  State University System of Florida

Dear Florida Poly students: 

Welcome back to the spring 2022 semester. We trust you had a good winter break and we are all looking forward to a busy, strong, and highly productive spring semester.

We know you are all aware that we are amid yet another COVID surge. This brings all the challenges and questions with which we have become too familiar, and this communication is intended to answer at least some of the questions you may have.  

First, we will remain as an in-person campus, and classes will start on time, as currently scheduled on Jan. 10.  For those of you who live in the residence halls, as you know, move in starts on Jan. 7.  

We do know that the combination of vaccines and masks are appropriate and effective tools against the spread of COVID; hence, we strongly encourage both for all members of our campus community.  

As you finalize your plans for the spring semester, our guidance for students on illness remains as it was for the fall. This guidance is: 

  • Masks: Strongly recommended
  • Vaccines and Boosters: Strongly recommended
  • We are in-person
  • If you are sick:
    • Do not come to campus.
    • Please notify CARE (Care@Floridapoly.edu).
    • Inform your faculty members that you are ill (with a copy to CARE) by email. In this communication, ask them if there is anything that is not on the syllabus that will be covered in class, forecast when you think you can return to class (work with CARE on this), and ask how to handle assignments that may be late due to your illness.
    • In general, courses will NOT be available for remote viewing.   

To set a baseline for COVID on the campus, a limited number of the QuickVue SARS Antigen Tests will be available for the campus community. Any individual who tests positive is expected to isolate and work with CARE. We are using this test to identify early COVID cases and reduce transmission as much as possible.  

In closing, we are asking students to be thoughtful and careful in the coming several weeks. Avoiding infection with vaccines, masks, and careful management of interpersonal contact will help us get through the surge and back to some semblance of a normally operating campus.  

Best,

Ben Matthew Corpus, Vice Provost, Admissions and Financial Aid

Tom Dvorske, Vice Provost Academic Affairs

Kathryn Miller, Vice Provost Student Affairs

Terry Parker, Provost

Randy Avent, President

Dear students,

All of us at Florida Poly are looking forward to having you on campus and to the start of a great semester.  As you know, we are once-again operating in uncertain times given the ever-changing COVID-19 environment.  As such, we wanted to highlight a couple of important matters as they pertain to COVID and our efforts to keep our entire campus community as healthy as we possibly can.

Over the next few days and weeks, you will receive several communications from the University.  Please make sure you pay close attention to these as they will contain important information needed to successfully start your semester and better understand the services available to you at Florida Poly. These communications will be sent via email to your FloridaPoly.edu account and all COVID related communications will be posted to the website.

  • Vaccines:  Are strongly encouraged but not required.  The University does expect all of our campus community to have been vaccinated and will be providing on-campus vaccination events. The Florida Department of Health will be on campus to provide free vaccines on August 21 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccines also are readily available at most retail pharmacies. Find more vaccine providers here.
  • Masks: Are expected to be worn while indoors in public spaces.
  • Testing: A negative test is not required for you to come to campus. Those who are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus can be tested on and off campus. COVID-19 testing will be available in the Health Clinic during regular operating hours. For testing off campus, visit the Florida Department of Health website to find a provider.
  • Classes:  Will resume in-person this year.  We do not plan to have remote or online options and you will be expected to attend class.  A self-check health screening will be a part of our efforts to help keep the campus healthy and will be required prior to attending class.
  • Residence Hall Quarantine Rooms: Our on-campus housing is at capacity, and we will not have rooms in the campus residence halls designated for quarantine.  A student who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate off-campus and is responsible for their plan to do so.  Students may choose to return home or find an alternate isolation space off-campus. Please make sure you develop a plan prior to coming to campus.

We remain committed to you and your families, and we continuously strive to make sure your experience here at Florida Poly is outstanding.  If we all work together and do our part, we should be able to have a very successful semester.  For COVID-19 specific questions, please email Studentaffairs@FloridaPoly.edu.  And again, please make sure you stay in communication with us by checking your email and the Florida Poly website and social media channels.

 

Stay Healthy,
Randy Avent, President
Terry Parker, Executive Vice President & Provost
Kathryn Miller, Vice Provost, Student Affairs
Tom Dvorske, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs

Dear Florida Poly Community,

As we prepare for students return to campus for the fall semester on Aug. 24, it is critical that every student and employee at Florida Polytechnic University keeps pandemic precautions at the forefront of their actions. Each one of us has the crucial responsibility to take simple, effective steps to stop the transmission of the highly contagious virus on our campus and protect ourselves, our community, and our loved ones. Medical experts have clearly stated that getting vaccinated and wearing masks are the best ways to achieve this.

Last year, Florida Poly experienced minimal infections on campus thanks to our University community acting responsibly and working together to promote a healthy campus environment.  This year, we ask that the campus community continue to support each other and make wise choices.

The following health guidelines will be in place effective immediately and until further notice.

  1. Wear a mask. Every person on campus is expected to wear a mask while inside any Florida Poly facility in a public space. This applies to both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, following new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New data has shown that the Delta variant can be transmitted by people regardless of vaccination status, so it is important for everyone (students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors) to wear a mask to prevent the spread.
  2. Get vaccinated. If you have not already been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the time to do so is now! Everyone should be fully vaccinated before the start of classes. If you have already had COVID-19, it is still important to be vaccinated because protection provided by natural recovery from the virus is not as effective as that provided by the vaccines. The vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective against the COVID-19 virus, and even when vaccinated individuals get COVID, they exhibit far milder symptoms of the disease. The Florida Department of Health will be on campus to provide free vaccines on Aug. 21 and Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vaccines also are readily available at most retail pharmacies. Find more vaccine providers here.
  3. Get tested. Those who are symptomatic or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus should be tested.  On campus testing will be available in the Campus Health Clinic for symptomatic patients. For testing off campus, visit the Florida Department of Health website to find a provider.

The health and safety of our campus community remains Florida Poly’s highest priority.  We are working in close collaboration with the Florida Board of Governors and the other universities within the State University System as we continue to respond to the pandemic. Please stay in close communication with us by checking your email, the University website, and social media channels for forthcoming information.

The individual actions each one of us takes now and in the coming weeks are important for the success of the campus.

 

Stay healthy,  

Randy Avent, President

Terry Parker, Executive Vice President and Provost

Kathryn Miller, Vice Provost, Student Affairs

Tom Dvorske, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs

In order to continue to promote good health practices in our campus communities, and in our laboratory schools, the Board of Governors is emphasizing key health policy issues relating to the ongoing battle against the COVID-19 viruses. Following up to our June 21st Statement on preparations for the 2021-22 academic year, you can be assured that each university is continuing to work collaboratively with the state and local health departments so that all relevant  health and safety protocols remain in place that will meet the needs of its campus health environment.

To repeat a critical position in the June Statement, we believe that all university presidents, boards of trustees, administrators, faculty, and staff must “over-communicate” academic and student services policies to their students, particularly as they relate to the health and well-being of our 12 campus communities. As students prepare for the new academic year, their knowledge and understanding of these health policies will be paramount.

Vaccination Policies

With the increasing spread of the Delta variant of the COVID virus throughout the country, it is critical and urgent that unvaccinated people get vaccinated and continue to wear a mask until they are fully vaccinated.

 

  • We strongly recommend that state university faculty, staff, and students be vaccinated  for the COVID-19 virus.
  • If an individual is fully vaccinated, the chance of developing symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection and/or spreading it to others is markedly reduced and  the individual may not need to self-isolate following COVID-19exposure.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),individuals are  considered fully vaccinated:

  • 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or
  • 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

An individual who does not meet these requirements is not considered to be fully vaccinated  and should keep taking all precautions until fully vaccinated.
[Individuals who are immunocompromised, even if vaccinated, or with a pre-existing medical condition for which vaccination is not recommended, should follow the standard prevention measures of wearing a mask, maintain social distance, and frequent hand washing.]

  • We strongly recommend that members and potential members of campus organizations, clubs, and athletic teams be vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus to avoid a disruption of activity that may result from COVID-19 infection or exposure.
  • Depending on each institution’s health care facilities, staffing, and resources, universities  may offer vaccinations on campus and/or maintain an up-to-date list of vaccination sites in the surrounding community.

Testing Policies

As was recommended in the Board’s Blueprint for Reopening Campuses for Fall Semester 2020, each university established a COVID-19 testing plan during the 2020-21 academic year, developed in cooperation with the state and local departments of health and local hospitals and  health care systems.

  • It continues to be critically important for individuals experiencing symptoms of the COVID-19 virus to be tested for the virus. Primary symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches,gastrointestinal  symptoms, headache, or general fatigue.
  • Depending on each institution’s health care facilities, staffing, and resources, universities  should continue to offer COVID-19 testing to individuals and should maintain and make available an up-to-date list of testing sites in the surrounding community.

Mask Wearing

The CDC has updated its guidance for fully vaccinated individuals based on new evidence on the Delta variant as follows:

  • To maximize protection from the Delta variant and prevent possibly spreading it to others, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission.
  • Wearing a mask is most important if you have a weakened immune system or if,because of your age or an underlying medical condition, you are at increased risk for severe disease, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at  increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated. If this applies to you or your household, you might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission in your area.
  • In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.

In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded  outdoor settings and for activities with close contact to others who are not fully vaccinated.

Contact Tracing Policies

Contact tracing is important in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and helps to protect members of our campus communities from the virus.

  • Contact tracing for the COVID-19 virus is under the authority of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). Universities should continue to work with the FDOH and the local county health departments to determine how universities can assist the Department in contact tracing efforts for individuals testing positive.
  • During the FDOH contact tracing process, individuals identified as having been exposed  to the COVID-19 virus will be contacted by a FDOH representative.
    • Per the current CDC guidelines, vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or those with COVID-19 within the past 90 days and are asymptomatic for the virus will not need to self-isolate and stay away from others.  Vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus and are experiencing symptoms need to self-isolate and stay away from others.
    • Individuals who have not been fully vaccinated will be directed by the FDOH to quarantine after exposure from an infected individual. Primary elements of self- Isolation include staying away from others for at least seven days after one’s last contact with an infected individual and the personal monitoring of one’s health.
  • There is no expectation that universities provide separate on-campus housing for individuals who are directed by the Department of Health to quarantine because of  exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
  • Students who are directed to self-isolate should consult their university’s class policies and course syllabi for guidance during their period of isolation.
  • Campus organizations determined to have COVID-19 cases or exposures may be required to suspend any activity with members or potential members who are requested to self-isolate.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, a vast majority of our State University System students have responsibly faced the dangers of the COVID-19 virus, adapted, and kept moving forward. Students have continued to support the administrative health and safety protocols required to combat the virus even though these policies drastically changed how they take classes, study, socialize, and live on campus.

Our battle with the virus is not over, but we are confident that our students, faculty, and staff will continue to accept a shared responsibility by following a healthy and vigilant lifestyle for themselves and for all members of their campus community.

Let us all work together to encourage and support a 2021-22 academic year marked with good health, full engagement, and meaningful outcomes!

Syd Kitson
Chair, Florida Board of Governors

Marshall M. Criser III
Chancellor, State University System

State University System Students:

We are excited to welcome you to our campuses next month! To help us provide high-quality classes, student services, extracurricular activities, and athletic programs in a healthy environment, we strongly recommend that all students get vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus before arriving on campus.

Since the onset of the pandemic, our successes are a result of our campus communities accepting a shared responsibility for their health and well-being and practicing recommended precautions. Being vaccinated can protect your health and you are likely to avoid disruptions in your semester if you are exposed to COVID-19. Thank you for doing your part to help our campus communities prepare for a healthy fall semester.

Syd Kitson
Chair, Florida Board of Governors

Marshall M. Criser III
Chancellor, State University System

Dr. Larry Robinson 
President, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University 

Dr. John Kelly
President, Florida Atlantic University

Dr. Mike Martin
President, Florida Gulf Coast University

Dr. Mark B. Rosenberg
President, Florida International University

Dr. Randy Avent
President, Florida Polytechnic University

Mr. John Thrasher
President, Florida State University

Dr. Patricia Okker
President, New College of Florida

Dr. Alexander Cartwright
President, University of Central Florida

Dr. W. Kent Fuchs
President, University of Florida

Dr. David Syzmanski
President, University of North Florida

Dr. Steven Currall
President, University of South Florida

Dr. Martha D. Saunders
President, University of West Florida