Dear USF community,
In light of the continuing concerns about COVID-19 (coronavirus), I wish to share with you some important updates for our university community. These decisions have been informed by official directive from state leaders as we work to maintain the health and wellness of our campus and our communities within the state of Florida.
Remote instruction for courses
As directed by the Florida Board of Governors, we will begin transitioning all of our classes to remote instruction for two weeks following spring break, March 23 through at least April 5. Students traveling for spring break next week should plan to not return to campus for at least two weeks following. Students who had not been planning to travel for spring break should make plans to return home, if possible. Although students are encouraged to remain off campus during this time, residential students who wish to remain in their residence halls may do so. If you have questions or need to make other arrangements, contact Housing and Residential Education at 813-974-0001 or housing@usf.edu. International students and foreign exchange students will receive further guidance from USF World.
All classes and necessary support functions will continue remotely. USF has developed a myriad of tools, technologies, training and other resources to assist in this transition. Earlier this week, we rolled out a USF Toolkit for Instructional Continuity for faculty to assist with remote delivery preparations. We have also assembled a USF Toolkit for Continuity of Student Support to facilitate remote student access to important resources and services, such as counseling, advising, tutoring and other needs.
While classes are moving to remote delivery, many normal university operations will continue, including Student Health Services, USF Health clinical operations and university administration and staff functions. If you have specific questions about your unit, contact your supervisor.
Campus or university-sponsored events
At this time, all university-sponsored events on campus, at other USF instructional sites or off campus scheduled in the next 30 days must be postponed or canceled. Questions about a particular event should be directed to the appropriate vice president. Athletics events will be addressed in the near future.
If you are considering live-streaming or recording events in lieu of offering them in person, please contact IT Services to determine feasibility and costs. Questions on financial impacts resulting from cancellation should be directed to BUSFIN-SRD@usf.edu. Questions on any legal matters can be directed to Gerard Solis at gsolis@usf.edu.
These recommendations will be reevaluated on an ongoing basis and new guidance provided as needed.
USF employee guidance
At this point, all healthy USF employees are expected to maintain normal work operations, although some adjustments may need to be made on a case-by-case basis.
If an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is directed to self-isolate by a medical professional or public health official, the employee should notify their supervisor and follow official guidance for the duration of the isolation period. If anyone in self-isolation can and would like to continue working remotely, they may, with approval of their supervisor.
Employees choosing to self-isolate out of concern for their health or the health of others must follow normal work rules, which cover sick leave, vacation or other leave policies. Leave should be requested from their supervisor.
In the event that more extensive university closures are required, additional procedures may be developed to cover employees’ time off.
Please contact USF Human Resources at 813-974-2970 or Employee-Relations@usf.edu with additional questions.
Health guidance
Please continue to sanitize your workstations and personal spaces and continue to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are sick.
Faculty and staff who are concerned about their health should contact Dr. Lynette Menezes in USF Health at assesscovid@usf.edu.
Students who need guidance or medical assistance should contact Student Health Services:
- Tampa Student Health Services (SHS100) at 813-974-2331
- St Petersburg Wellness Center (SLC 2200) at 727-873-4422
- Sarasota-Manatee Counseling and Wellness Center (5805 Bay Shore Rd.) at 941-487-4254
The health and wellness of the USF community is always our first priority. We deeply appreciate your adaptability as we work to respond to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic.
We will continue to monitor this situation, using guidance from our partners at the state and national levels, and provide additional updates as they are available. Please continue to refer to this website for the latest information and resources.
Thank you,
Steve Currall
President and Professor