March 27, 2020 Advisory
Starting 5 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020, the FAMU Office of Instructional Technology will be providing 24/7 live help desk support for students, faculty and staff.
By calling 850-599-3460, members of the University community can receive technology help on password changes, connecting with an instructor or figuring out Zoom and Blackboard. The help desk professionals work for a vendor retained by the University and have been trained to address FAMU-specific issues.
For the last few weeks, OIT have been providing help desk services for students, faculty and staff from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays.
Working with Library Services and the Department of Academic Affairs, OIT has provided laptops to loan to students to enable them to participate in online and remote instruction.
“The OIT is the frontline from a support and training standpoint for all faculty, students and staff,” said Robert Seniors, OIT associate director.
Sunday, March 22, 2020 Update
Remote Instruction Begins Monday
Remote Instruction Begins MondayOn Monday, Florida A&M University begins the first day of online and remote instruction, which will continue for the remainder of the spring semester.
“As FAMU transitions to online classes and alternative instructional delivery on Monday, March 23, I want to thank our faculty and staff who have worked tirelessly during this coronavirus pandemic to make sure our students are able to continue to succeed in their respective academic programs,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “We also encourage our students to take full advantage of this opportunity to pursue their academic goals.”
Students should visit the Instruction, Advisement, Student Success section on the FAMU.edu/coronavirus web page for information regarding online instruction.
In preparation for the transition, as of Friday, March 20, the University distributed 160 laptops to equip faculty for remote and online instruction. Another 40 computers will be distributed in the next few days. Resources have also been made available for students.
Faculty and staff have also increased their use of telecommuting tools to ensure core business operations are not disrupted.
As a precaution to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the University has instructed staff where possible to work remotely until April 6.
March 21, 2020 Update:
Recreation Center Closed, Food Services Provide Takeout Only
Governor Ron DeSantis on Friday, March 20, issued Executive Order 20-71, directing all restaurants and food establishments within the State of Florida to suspend on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers.
The establishments may operate their kitchens for the purpose of providing delivery or take-out services. Additionally, the Executive Order requires the closures of gymnasiums and fitness centers within the State of Florida.
The University has issued the following advisory:
Food Services
Metz food services will provide carryout services in the main dining hall and the Rattlers Nest until further notice.
Libraries
Libraries are closed to in-person services but are available online and staff can be contacted by email or telephone.
Recreation Center
The Hansel Tookes Recreation Center is closed until further notice.
Research Labs
As of 8 a.m., Monday, March 22, undergraduate and graduate researchers should not be in the research labs. They telecommute until further notice.Faculty supervisors shouldwork with student researchers to craft a telecommuting research plan that will potentially provide progress toward the research objectives and grant deliverables and at the same time provide effective social distancing.
Spring Commencement
Spring Commencement will be conducted remotely. Discussions are ongoing regarding holding a traditional ceremony at a later date.
Summer School
Registration for summer school has been rescheduled to begin March 30, 2020. Visit the Registrar’s Officewebpage for more details.
Summer Camps
Summer camps have been cancelled. Refunds will be provided. Parents are advised to contact their respective camp directors.
FAMU Cares
FAMU Cares has been established to support our students during times of crisis. Donations will allow us to provide relief in the areas of housing, food insecurity, instructional technology, equipment and other unforeseeable challenges. To give visit https://my.famu.edu/giving/famucares
FAMU DRS
FAMU DRSis providing daily breakfast and lunch bags to students.
6 p.m. March 18, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Friends:
The coronavirus (COVID-19) poses a unique and unprecedented threat to the Florida A&M University community and the world at large. In times like these, our commitment to “Excellence with Caring” and the “FAMUly” is being sorely tested. Yet, I know that we are up to the challenge.
To prevent the spread of coronavirus and safeguard the health of our community, we will be conducting online and alternative instructional modes for the remainder of the spring semester. The University is purchasing additional laptops and enhancing information technology resources and services to enable faculty and students to work remotely. The Office of Instructional Technology is offering training and resources for faculty to enhance their ability to conduct courses remotely.
Given the gravity of the situation, we are instructing non-essential employees to work remotely when possible. Our telecommuting policy requires employees to obtain the approval of their supervisor and vice president and sign appropriate documents before they begin to work remotely. The utilization of telecommuting will affect how we conduct day-to-day business, but our core operational functions will continue.
We have instructed academic deans and faculty to work closely with graduate assistants so that their course of study and fiscal wellbeing are not imperiled by these developments. Supervisors are asked to work with OPS employees so they can continue to perform their job functions. The U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines have cleared the way for us to address work-study students during these dire circumstances.
The residence halls and main dining hall are still open for students who need to remain on campus. However, all retail outlets, except the Rattler’s Nest, are closed. Parents and students can return to campus between 8 a.m. Monday, April 6 and 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2 to retrieve their belongings. To facilitate social distancing and an orderly process, please call the Office of Housing at (850) 599-3651 to schedule your arrival.
As you might expect, the disruptions will affect Spring Commencement. In consultation with the Board of Governors, we have decided to forego traditional spring commencement ceremonies. We are still working on the details regarding plans for some form of a virtual ceremony or rescheduling. We know how important this celebratory ritual is in the life of our community and will keep you abreast as plans develop.
In addition, we are finalizing plans for summer sessions A and C. Given the unfolding situation, we envision summer school instructions will be done remotely or online. Further details are forthcoming.
As a result of the global nature of this pandemic, FAMU has canceled all university-related international travel until further notice. All domestic travel must be pre-approved by a vice president. Everyone who has traveled internationally during this current coronavirus outbreak must self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus. All public, on-campus events and large gathering are canceled until further notice.
In conclusion, I want to remind you to carefully adhere to health protocols and advisories as you go about your daily lives. Please routinely check your email and visit FAMU.edu/coronavirus for updates from the “Hill.” Your health and wellbeing are my top priority.
Larry Robinson, Ph.D.
FAMU Will Transition To Temporary Remote Work For Most Employees Beginning Wednesday
Remote Instruction Extended to End of Spring Semester
March 17, 2020 Update:
As a precaution to stem the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Florida A&M University is encouraging most personnel to work remotely, effective Wednesday, March 18, through Sunday, April 5, 2020.
During this period, essential personnel are expected to report to campus, unless otherwise authorized by their supervisor and vice president. Employees who are unsure about their status as essential personnel must seek guidance from their supervisor. Nonessential personnel are expected to work remotely during this period.
“We encourage staff, where possible, to work from home or remotely to maintain central operations of the University,” said Robinson. “This is an unprecedented time, and we are counting on faculty and staff to do all they can to maintain the academic and fiscal integrity of our operations during this difficult period. Our students and their parents are counting on us.”
The latest changes will not disrupt central and normal business operations for the University.
“We are not closed,” Robinson said. “We are still open for business.”
Academic Instruction
Following advice from the Board of Governors, the University will extend remote and alternative methods of instruction until the end of the spring semester. With the suspension of traditional face-to-face instruction for the rest of the semester, students are being asked not to return to campus unless they have no other options.
Residence halls and dining accommodations will be open for those students who have no other housing and dining options and need to remain on campus.
The University urges students, faculty and staff to carefully adhere to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols regarding social distancing, hand washing and other safety measures.
For further updates, visit FAMU.edu/coronavirus.
President Robinson Declares FAMU State of Emergency
March 14, 2020 Update
Florida A&M University President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., signed a declaration of FAMU State of Emergency to address the threat of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Saturday, March 14.
President Robinson Declares FAMU State of Emergency
The declaration empowers various administrators and gives them the flexibility and the ability to respond to the evolving threat of the coronavirus.
As part of the declaration, President Robinson directs:
Section 1: that the FAMU Emergency Management Team and Incident Management Team take any actions necessary toprotect the public health, welfare, and safety. I further direct these teams to cooperate with federal, state, county, and municipal agencies on activities pertaining to this emergency and associated responses.
Section 2: All actions taken by the FAMU Emergency Management Team and Incident Management Team with respect to this emergency before the issuance of this declaration are ratified.
Section 3: that all essential employees make themselves available either in person or remotely to perform the duties necessary to respond to this emergency. Unless directed otherwise, individuals who are able to work are expected to report to work. If directed not to report to the workplace, employees should follow procedures outlined by their division, department or unit for maintaining communication and direction about assignments.
Section 4: that all University Employees follow all University policies and procedures unless guidance has been provided by the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President for Finance and Administration/CFO to alter, amend, or waive any such policies. Employees are further directed to follow all fiscal guidance in incurring, tracking and reporting costs associated with the response to this emergency.
Section 5: that the chief of staff for Finance and Administration – associate vice president for Human Resources establish guidelines or procedures and other human resources related activities as deemed necessary.
FAMU will conduct classes by online and other non-face-to-face instructional methods for at least two weeks following Spring Break, which runs March 16 – 20.
From Monday, March 23 through Saturday, April 4, classes will be taught using online or other alternative instructional methods. Students will receive further notification from their instructors.
Meanwhile, the University remains open for normal business operations. The library, the Black Archives, and the recreation center are open to faculty, students and staff but not the public.
FAMU Shifts To Remote Instruction For Two Weeks On March 23; Campus Remains Open For Business
For further information visit FAMU.edu
In-Person Classes Expected To Resume April 6
In accordance with guidance provided by the State University System (SUS) on the coronavirus (COVID-19), President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., provides the following message to students, faculty and staff.
Florida A&M University will conduct classes by online and other non-face-to-face instructional methods for at least two weeks following Spring Break.
- Spring Break is March 16 – 20, 2020.
- From Monday, March 23 through Saturday, April 4 classes will be taught using online or other alternative instructional methods. Students will receive further notification from their instructors.
- Students who depart campus during Spring Break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus before Saturday, April 4, 2020. However, the residence halls and food service will be available March 16 to April 3 for students who need to remain on campus.
- Students departing for Spring Break should take their books, computers, and other materials they will need to continue their coursework remotely.
- The University will reevaluate online and alternative instructional methods in the context of public health recommendations and circumstances on a daily basis.
- Students should continuously monitor FAMU.edu for advisories and updates.
During this period, the University will remain operational and open for business. The University anticipates a return to regular classroom instruction on Monday, April 6, 2020.
FAMU DRS Closed March 16-27.
FAMU DRS will be closed from March 16-27
The Chancellor of the Florida Department of Education announced that all school district adjust their Spring Break schedules due to the spread of COVID-19. As result, FAMU DRS will be closed from March 16-27.
During this period, FAMU DRS staff will conduct a deep cleaning process on campus.Superintendent Micheal Johnson directs that all individuals and school personnel to refrain from visiting the school facility and classrooms during this time.
FAMU Suspends All Athletic Activities Until Further Notice
March 13, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. | The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Athletics Department announced Thursday it is suspending all athletic activities, effective immediately due to concerns over the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
“Our number one concern is the health and safety of our student-athletes and campus community. The times are certainly unprecedented and we are moving to ensure the we keep our student-athletes and staff’s best interest in mind. We are following national trends and protocols to suspend all activities,” Athletic Director Kortne Gosha said. “Although we are greatly disappointed, this is the responsible choice and we will not compromise the health and safety of our student-athletes and campus community. We will continue to monitor and follow University, MEAC and NCAA protocols.”
The announcement comes one day after FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., announced that in accordance with guidance provided by the State University System (SUS) on the coronavirus that FAMU will conduct classes by online and other non-face-to-face instructional methods for at least two weeks following Spring Break.
#Follow The Rattlers
For complete coverage of Florida A&M athletics, please follow the Rattlers on social media at @FAMUAthletics (Twitter), /FAMUAth (Facebook), @famuathletics (Instagram) or visit the official home of Florida A&M Athletics at famuathletics.com.
Coronavirus: Frequently Asked Questions
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as SARS. COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people.
For CDC updates, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
For FAMU-related updates, continue to check FAMU.edu regularly.
What is the risk?
The immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered to be limited community transmission at this time, according to the CDC. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.
Stay up-to-date on coronavirus risk assessment at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms may be flu-like and appear within two to 14 days, ranging from mild to serious. Symptoms could include:
· Fever
· Cough
· Shortness of breath
What is FAMU doing to help mitigate transmission and/or spread of the coronavirus?
FAMU’s Emergency Management Team began meeting in January 2020 to plan and prepare the university to meet the challenges presented by the coronavirus. A sub-committee, the Coronavirus Incident Management Team, continues to meet regularly to address public health concerns and continuity of academic and business operations. FAMU has made a commitment to communicate regularly with members of the university community on the status of the coronavirus pandemic, its impact on FAMU, university mitigation and response efforts, and, most importantly, preventative measures and self-care information.
FAMU will continue to monitor the situation and will reassess these decisions based on information from WHO, CDC and International SOS.
Some of the steps we have taken that support public health include the following:
· Installation of additional hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus,
· Increased disinfection of high-touch areas: doorknobs, handrails, light switches, bathrooms, water fountains, etc.,
· Areas are being disinfected with products recommended by the EPA and the Center for Biocide Chemistries,
· A location has been identified for use in the event students who live on campus need to self-isolate, and
· Communicated the tips recommended from the CDC to Strike Out Coronavirus.
FAMU officials are asking students, faculty and staff to be vigilant in observing the following health protocols to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Stay home when you are sick.
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For further updates, visit FAMUnews.com.
If I travel internationally for spring break, does that mean I have to self-isolate?
Yes. FAMU requires that any student, faculty or staff who goes on any cruise or travels internationally self-isolate for two weeks. Do not go to work, classes, athletic or other social gatherings until 14 days after your return home. Students who self-isolate and need assistance should contact Tanya Tatum at StudentHealthCenter@famu.edu.
What should I do if I attended a conference where COVID-19 was present?
The CDC recommends self-isolation for individuals who were in close contact with a case of COVID-19. The CDC defines close contact as being within approximately six to eight feet of a COVID-19 case for a prolonged period of time; or having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on).
If you were in close contact with a case of COVID-19 or during the next 14 days feel sick with fever, a cough or have difficulty breathing, please seek medical advice and call ahead before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room. For additional information, call the Florida Health Department Hotline at 866-779-6121. Also, please avoid contact with others, do not travel while sick and avoid using public transportation.
Will classes be available online?
From Monday, March 23 through Saturday, April 4 classes will be taught using online or other alternative instructional methods. Students will receive further notification from their instructors.
Students who depart campus during Spring Break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus before Saturday, April 4, 2020. However, the residence halls and food service will be available for students who need to remain on campus.
Will my summer or fall program abroad be affected?
At this time the university has suspended all international travel for the foreseeable future. FAMU’s summer faculty-led programs have been canceled. The University will make decisions about fall 2020 fall study abroad programs based on CDC guidelines.
For more information about FAMU’s Office of International Education and Development, visit http://www.famu.edu/oied.
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
The virus causing COVID-19 is spreading from person-to-person, according to the CDC. Someone who is sick with the virus can spread the illness to others. The virus spreads through small droplets from the nose or mouth, including when an individual coughs or sneezes.
Will getting the flu shot help?
The flu shot will not prevent coronavirus; however, people with the flu are more susceptible to other illnesses, so a shot is still recommended.
Additional resources
