Florida’s public university campuses set to reopen in the fall

State officials present guidelines to the BOG on May 28 and representatives of the 12 Florida universities will present individual plans based on the guidelines on June 23.

Under new regulations and guidelines, Florida’s public university campuses are set to reopen in the fall after an announcement made by the Board of Governors (BOG) on Monday.

The State University System Task Force is working on a framework for reopening campuses in the fall, according to the BOG news release. The State University System Chancellor Marshall Criser III is in charge of developing guidelines to present to the BOG on May 28.

Based on the guidelines, representatives of the 12 Florida universities, including USF, will present individual plans to the BOG on June 23.

After the announcement, USF President Steven Currall restated his intent to get back to in-person instruction by August.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms what I’ve said recently regarding our intention to resume some face-to-face courses, services and activities in the fall at USF,” Currall said in an email to The Oracle. “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.”

Informed by science and medical professionals, the guidelines will work to “enhance campus safety, as well as continue to meet the board’s rigorous academic performance and student success goals,” according to BOG Chairman Syd Kitson.

While the university plans on resuming face-to-face instruction and some activities during the fall, precautions will be taken as a way to ensure the health and safety of the community, including required use of face coverings, limits on gatherings, enhanced cleaning in facilities and the availability of testing and contact-tracing resources.

“When we begin to take these steps, there will be modifications and precautions in place to support a healthy environment,” Currall said. “We are working diligently to fully develop our plans for the fall and we look forward to updating our community very soon.”