University finalizing operational plans for fall semester
Florida A&M University (FAMU) will extend rules to allow most personnel to continue working remotely through at least June 15, as the University continues social distancing guidelines and finalizes operational plans for the fall semester.
“We want to ensure that things are in place for a smooth return of administrators and staff to campus,” said President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “These are challenging times, and the welfare of our constituents remains our highest priority as we operate during the COVID19 pandemic.”
Phase 1 will see low-risk employees from high priority areas return to campus on June 15. These include Financial Services and the Senior Leadership Team.
Essential employees will continue working pursuant to prior University guidance. A return to work on campus will happen in phases, said Rica Calhoun, chief Compliance and Ethics officer and co-chair of the Continuity of Operations Task Force.
The additional two weeks will give University staff and administration more time to implement the protocols and secure the resources to safeguard the health of faculty, staff and students as operations ramp up, Calhoun said.
“Members of the University community have worked hard and shown immense flexibility as we navigate these unprecedented times together,” she added.
The present arrangement was scheduled to expire on Monday, June 1. University staff has been working remotely since March 18.
The decision to extend remote operations comes as the University and the Florida Board of Governors discuss options for fall operations. The FAMU Board of Trustees is expected to review and approve the Continuity of Operations Taskforce’s plan for the fall at the June 4 meeting.
During the current period of extended remote operations, essential personnel are expected to continue to report to campus, unless otherwise authorized by their supervisor and vice president.
FAMU remains open and nonessential personnel are expected to work remotely during this period. Instruction for Summer School sessions A, B and C will be conducted remotely.
