Pictured Above: As a public university, USF St. Petersburg is set to re-open in the fall as per the Florida Board of Governors, which oversees the state public university system.
Devin Rodriguez | The Crow’s Nest
By Sophie Ojdanic
The Florida Board of Governors announced Monday that state public universities will reopen in the fall.
USF System President Steven Currall emphasized health and safety leading into USF reopening.
“The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff will remain our top priority as we make decisions about how and when to gradually phase in more on-campus operations, “ Currall said.
“When we begin to take these steps, there will be modifications and precautions in place to support a healthy environment.We are working diligently to fully develop our plans for the fall and we look forward to updating our community very soon.”
The State University System Task Force will present guidelines to the Board of Governors on May 28. The meeting will be available to the public.
Individual universities are slated to present specialized plans based on approved guidelines on June 23.
“The task force is focusing on developing guidelines that will prioritize the health and well-being of students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors as our institutions continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” Board of Governors chair Syd Kitson said in a press release.
“Our measured and thoughtful approach will be informed by science and medical professionals, and we are working hard to develop sound guidelines that enhance campus safety, as well as continue to meet the Board’s rigorous academic performance and student success goals.”
State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser III was tasked with developing the guidelines to be presented in the meeting on May 28.
“As we move forward with a framework for the fall, we will be mindful that a healthy campus environment and academic rigor remain paramount.” Criser said.
Carrie O’Brion, USF St. Petersburg’s director of marketing and communications, told Crow’s Nest reporters that the university holds health and safety as its highest priority. The decisions of the university will be guided by health care professionals on the state and federal levels.
“We plan to continue supporting and encouraging high quality academic instruction, student success and health and safety.” O’Brion said.
This story is developing. Stay with crowsneststpete.com for updates.
Editor’s Note
This article was updated on May 18, 2020, to provide a quote from System President Currall.
Masks better be required and checked at the door for each and every class.