Introduction: We Are in This Together
As a result of expert planning and preparation, along with the invaluable cooperation of Florida Southern students, faculty, and staff, transmission of COVID-19 on the FSC campus over the fall 2020 semester was well below reported cases at other institutions. We are proud of the way that our community came together to enact Florida Southern’s plan for mitigating virus transmission. That planning helped us navigate the pandemic, and the cooperation of every member of our community ensured that our mission continued despite the challenges of the pandemic.
The Spring 2021 Plan for Campus Safety, Health, and Success builds upon the key principles of the original plan, takes into account all that we learned in the fall semester, and draws upon the current state of knowledge among medical experts. While it represents an update to the fall plan, its overall purpose remains the same. The safety of all members of the FSC community continues to be the primary goal of the policies and procedures outlined in this document, and the most important principle continues to be that all members of the Florida Southern College community embrace a shared responsibility to reduce coronavirus transmission on campus and in our community.
Indeed, the College’s ability to meet the goals outlined in this plan depends on each member of the FSC community continuing to recognize that taking steps to reduce virus transmission is a shared responsibility. Students, faculty, and staff must make a personal and collective commitment to ensure that each element of this plan is faithfully executed. This means that many activities that have been taken for granted in years past will be changed. It also will mean that new habits and ways of relating to one another will be consciously cultivated and new traditions born.
How to Use This Plan
This plan contains Florida Southern’s policies and procedures for a healthy and safe campus environment, key actions that the College is taking, and details that support those actions. Some sections contain information for the entire College community; others are intended specifically for students, parents, faculty, and/or staff.
The College is committed to following the procedures described in this document to ensure the safest living-learning environment for our community. Doing so will allow FSC to achieve its vitally important mission: helping students make positive and consequential impacts on society through excellent academic preparation.
It is important that all members of the FSC community read this plan carefully and refer to it frequently throughout the semester. It is organized so that you can find information quickly and take appropriate action based on that information.
Updates
As conditions could continue to change, the College is ready to adapt. FSC’s executive leadership team meets weekly to review campus conditions, consider the latest medical and scientific advice, and assess operations. This plan will be updated regularly to reflect changes in local, state, and national conditions.
Questions?
The College has created a special email address to answer your COVID-19 questions. Please email FSCares@flsouthern.edu and a staff member will respond within 24 hours.