Dear USF community,
There is nothing more important than the health and wellness of our community as we work to respond to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It is this belief that guides our every decision, utilizing the latest guidance of our governmental and health leaders.
Today, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Board of Governors directed our state universities, including the University of South Florida, to continue providing remote instruction for the duration of the spring semester. This means that, if able, students should make plans to remain off campus until at least May 7. USF employees (faculty, staff and OPS) who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until at least April 6, however USF leadership will continue to monitor the situation to provide updated guidance, as needed.
Student Health Services and USF Health clinical operations will continue as usual, unless otherwise noted
Residential students will receive separate guidance shortly.
Commencement is a vital element of our university community and an important milestone in the lives of our students and their families. Per Board of Governors direction, the spring 2020 commencement scheduled for May is postponed until further notice. We understand this is very disappointing to our graduates and their families. This is not a decision we take lightly, and we are working diligently with student leaders to develop creative alternative solutions to give our graduates the recognition they have rightly earned, including the possibility of expanding August ceremonies to include spring graduates. More details will be provided as soon as possible.
USF is dedicated to the success of our students. We are also committed to the availability of high-quality online course delivery throughout the summer to ensure academic continuity.
Remote instructional resources
All classes and necessary support functions will continue remotely through the spring semester. USF has developed a myriad of tools, technologies, training and other resources to assist in this transition.
We have now updated both our USF Toolkit for Instructional Continuity for faculty and our 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.
Importantly, beginning next week, all students will have access to Microsoft Teams and Office 365, providing an additional resource for collaboration with faculty and student peers. A separate communication will follow shortly with more details from USF IT.
Campus events and social gatherings
Per federal guidance, individuals should limit any gatherings of more than 10 people for at least the next two weeks. This means that all face-to-face meetings, organizational gatherings or other social events of this size should be canceled or conducted virtually.
All events on campus, at other USF instructional sites or off campus are postponed or canceled until further notice.
USF Libraries will also be closed to all visitors (USF faculty, staff, students and the general public) until further notice. Virtual library services will continue for students and faculty.
USF employee guidance
Per guidance provided March 15, any USF employees (faculty, staff and OPS) who can work remotely should do so until at least April 6. USF leadership will continue to monitor the situation to provide updated guidance, as needed.
Employees must work with their supervisors to develop a plan that allows them to meet deliverables and maintain communication, productivity and efficiency.
Employees whose job duties do not allow for remote work or who do not have necessary IT resources should talk to their supervisors about designing on- or off-campus work arrangements that will still fulfill their obligations without exposing undue risks to their own health and safety or that of the campus community.
Healthcare-delivery employees, including USF Health clinical staff and Student Health Services staff, are expected to report to work as usual unless they receive separate guidance from their supervisors.
For guidance with IT resources visit www.usf.edu/it-remote-resources.
Please contact USF Human Resources at 813-974-2970 or Employee-Relations@usf.edu with additional questions.
Faculty and staff who are concerned about their health should contact Dr. Lynette Menezes in USF Health at assesscovid@usf.edu.
Health guidance
Please continue to practice social distancing and 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.
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 this rapidly evolving pandemic.
Thank you,
Steve Currall
President and Professor