HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The State University System of Florida Board of Governors is meeting on Thursday to provide a blueprint for reopening campuses for the fall 2020 semester.
The blueprint identifies critical elements and is intended to guide the 12 state universities as they each develop individual plans.
Every plan needs to prioritize the health and well being of students, faculty, staff, vendors, volunteers and visitors.
There will be new policies, procedures and oversight.
Social distancing guidelines, the use of face coverings and hand sanitizers will be addressed in each university’s plan.
Leaders are urging universities to find new and creative ways to use technology to deliver classes to students.
The plan suggests using alternative instructional formats and a mix of face-to-face interactions with online courses.
Class sizes will have to be reevaluated, and schools will need to consider using outdoor and non-traditional spaces to accommodate classroom density restrictions.
The board is also encouraging state universities to consider a variety of course scheduling and calendar options.
As for extracurricular activities, state university leaders want each university to require specific protocols and protections for athletics.
The blueprint says students, staff and spectators will need to comply with CDC guidelines and state policies.
There will need to be a gradual and measured approval of student actives, including greek organizations, clubs and intramural sports.
Due to how contagious COVID-19 is, the handbook says each state university will need to be prepared to disinfect all university facilities regularly.
The meeting starts at 2:15 p.m.
